Mom-Daughter Shopping Trip

Mom & I got away for the weekend for some shopping! A little trip planned for my birthday! We had lots of fun together. We ate some yummy food, had wine, shopped and relaxed. The best part was sleeping in! 

Shopping!

Braden is getting easier to shop with! A few months ago, I would have NEVER let him pull a little cart around the store and help me but these days, he actually follows some directions! We had fun shopping for Teacher Appreciation Day at Madeleine's school...thanks to Braden for all his help :)

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

We've had quite the downpour of rain this last week. Fall has definitely arrived here in the Northwest. The kids love it though...they splash in the puddles and run around in the rain!

BCC Mommy/Toddler Class!

Braden had his first "school" day today! He was SO EXCITED...beyond excited! He misses Madeleine while she is at school and is a bit jealous too I think. Finally today he got his chance and had a blast! This is the same class I did with Madeleine for two years (little B only gets 1) and I just love this class so much. We had so much fun!

The 1st Day of School shot...

He got to play with playdoh, paint, do puzzles, have snack with friends, circle time, and play outside. What a great day!

Here are a few extra pictures from the week...Braden & Madeleine good buds on the way to soccer. We love that soccer is literally a 2-minute walk up the street!

Madeleine had homework! She needed to create a doll that looked just like her. :)

Picture Day! Braden slept in and was still in pj's when sissy went off to school for her picture day. Check out those new, shiny boots!

1st Day of KINDERGARTEN!!!

Madeleine had her first day of Kindergarten! I can't believe how BIG my little girl is!

The week before was very stressful. The teachers and the district could not come to an agreement and were threatening to strike. Normally this would not have bothered me the anticipation of her starting or not starting just about made me crazy. Finally we got the word that school was a go so we got ready!

Madeleine woke up and was very excited! We found this note on our front door from an older neighbor...wishing her luck on her first day! So sweet!

No make-up for me...I knew I would cry it all off!

Daddy had the morning off to see Madeleine off to school!

Braden was jealous he didn't get to ride the bus!

Another older neighbor walked Madeleine to the bus stop! When the bus turned the corner, she cried and said "mama, drive me". BROKE MY HEART! I almost started to cry but knew I couldn't. I helped her get on and we were both happy to see another kindergarten friend already on the bus (we thought she rode a different bus). Jeff, Braden & I ran to the car and drove straight to the school, trying to beat the bus so we could see her get off. I cried the entire way, worrying about Madeleine. Thank goodness Jeff was with me to calm me down and distract Braden.

 I had no reason to worry because Madeleine got off the bus smiling! 

Here she is, ready to go in to school!

Getting settled in her new classroom! When she arrived home on the bus, I asked about her day and she said, "I LOVED IT" - happy child = happy mama!

While Madeleine was at school, Braden & I joined some other mom friends with little ones for coffee. It was a great way to pass the morning. Now that I know she loves going, I am not worried anymore :)

Braden and friend Molly stuff a donut in their mouth!

And to end the great day, Madeleine had her first soccer game and SCORED! So proud of my little girl!

Happy Birthday...to me! :)

I had a wonderful birthday with my family! Jeff & the kids made my day extra special! Jeff took a few days off and I was able to have some time to myself and even meet my dad for lunch! I get some more time to myself in a few weeks to head out of town with my mom! 

I woke up in the morning to a yummy latte, some very nice cards and a special gift from Jeff! We had a relaxing day and then took the kids to a saltwater pool in West Seattle. The pool sit right on the Puget Sound so you can literally see ferry boats coming in and out while you swim. One of my favorite places on EARTH!

Saturday we headed to Bainbridge Island...just the two of us! We explored the entire Island, did some wine tasting and ate a delicious lunch out. We had a great day!!!