Another Alumni Game!

This was the year of the alumni games! After hosting and playing in both the Stanfield and Ephrata games this summer, Bryan closed out the season with the UW alumni game this weekend at the new ballpark.

Here he and Tila watch BP at the Diamond on Montlake. This is a pretty impressive facility!

Some of the guys from his era.

Bryan played some 1st, 3rd and short for the winning gold team.

It was fun to watch - and as per usual - I was cold by game's end.
Go Dawgs!

Mud Monsters

A final farewell to summer from a pair of crazed mud monsters!

Mitchell's Art

Mitch has gotten quite focused when he draws. The following pictures are only parts of a whole, but I had trouble scanning it in its entirety. 

This is a self portrait. In the complete picture, Mitchell is standing beside a roaring campfire with a rainbow, an apple tree, a sunshine, and lots of green grass. He wants me to note that he drew eyebrows!

Mitch loves colors and makes rainbows on almost all his pictures. We love watching him develop!

Ride On!

The kids have been enjoying lots of evening bike riding lately. Often Mitch and Bryan go for a ride, and Shannon and I go for another at a slower pace. Then I ride the scooter so I can adjust my speed for hers. Tonight, Mitch did some scootering, and he's getting steady and confident! He's a rock star on his bike so it's fun to see him transfer that confidence.

Shannon has progressed so much this summer! She can now cruise along with her feet up, completely balanced. She turns corners, goes downhill, and will be riding a peddle bike next summer for sure!

A great way to burn last vestiges of energy!

Happy Helpers

What better way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon than a car wash?

Also a good way to honor Papa Allstot - Happy Birthday!!!

Preschool Day 1, Year 2

Mitchell started his second year of preschool this morning and he was ready!

We had our special chocolate milk and a doughnut date before and then I walked him to school.

He's a big 5-year-old this year and will likely be the oldest and tallest in his class. However, Bryan and I are certain in our decision to do this second year. He will not have to rush into full-day kindergarten now, will have more time to play, and we think it will be a good choice for his future years in school.

We think of this as his "redshirt year" and he is super excited to begin!

In the classroom, he sat right down and started working on his letters. Good little student! My throat was a bit tight as I left him this year - there was no Avery or Quinn to play with and he'll be making all new friends. However, he was brave and told me I could go. My sweet boy.

Lake House 2014

We spent Labor Day Weekend at Lake Pierre again this year with the Johnsons. The weather was beautiful and a good time was had by all.

There was lots of fishing and time on the dock. The kids dutifully wore their life jackets and the adults were able to resist quite as much worry.

Haylee is a VERY enthusiastic fishergal. She slayed 'em!

Mitch and Jack caught lots of little frogs, which they gave names like Mr. Stays Put or Mr. Jumpy.

Meals were energetic, to say the least.

Mitchell loved the water and was in it from immediately following breakfast until his final hot tub of the evening. He was a fish!

We had the trampoline, boats, paddle boats, floaties and a kayak. Suffice to say, water sports were taken care of!

This is when Mitch caught the first turtle. It was lovely with orange markings on the underside of its shell. There were several caught, and all carefully released. Only 2 fish didn't make it overall.

This was a rowdy ride. Grandpa Dave was a slave driver and his minions got wilder and wilder!

Rachel's first fish!

Scamp eyes shining brightly!

Who understands the antics of 2-year-olds? These two were happy and crazy together.

"Banopoly" was a hit this year.

SJ loved having her nails painted by a patient auntie.

Sibs

Sisters

We'll be back!