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!!!

The Bus!

School is only a few short weeks away. Madeleine & friend Audrey took a tour of the bus and learned all the rules. Braden had a blast running around! Madeleine seems excited to ride the bus to school!

Vashon Island

We visited Vashon Island for four peaceful days and loved it! Our good friends live there and let us stay at their house while they were away on vacation. We tried to repay them by taking good care of their kitty cats and watering their beautiful garden.

We stopped in West Seattle at Bakery Noveau for a delicious treat on our way over. We caught the ferry with five minutes to spare. The ferry ride is quick...about fifteen minutes. 

We had a great time. We played in the backyard, went to the pool, explored every playground, went to the Farmers Market and even had a babysitter come over so we could have a date night. Nothing on the Island opens until 8am each day so it forces you to relax. We did! Jeff did some crabbing and caught enough for a yummy dinner on our last night. We had a fun family get-away!

Sporty Sportster!

Miss Madeleine is playing lots of sports right now - t-ball & soccer! She hit 3 balls without the tee last week! She has fun playing because daddy is her coach!

We also started soccer! The two sports only overlap for a month. She loves soccer! 

Camping Trip #2

We headed out on camping trip #2 to Cle Elum with Jeff's dad & Suzette. Another fun filled weekend of sun and exploring!

A very nice lady outside Owen's Meats let the kids try out her harley - so cool!

 This is a must on your way to Eastern Washington! Owen's Meats has the best beef jerky and pepperoni sticks! I used to stop here with my parents when I was little and I have the exact same picture with Madeleine on her first camping trip!

Chillin' at Suncadia, doing some wine tasting - kid & dog friendly!

School Supplies

We headed out to Target for our school supplies because Madeleine is off to kindergarten next year!!!

It was kind of stressful! I couldn't find some of the stuff on the list...our school seems to ask for more and different items then the other schools in the district. But, Madeleine was so excited to pick her monkey lunch box (she will eat lunch at school twice a month), pick her pink pencil box, special folder, and I even let her get a little "journal" :) She is VERY EXCITED!