Super Kendall

Last Day Of Kindergarten

Ryan had his last day of Kindergarten on June 17th.  His teacher, Mrs. Kardong, invited the families to attend a "Rock Ceremony" to commemorate the last day.  I wasn't sure if we were going to be rocking out to some music, or if it actually involved rocks.  It was the latter.

It was a very special ceremony.  I was balling within the first 2 minutes.  Why did I not think about bringing tissues?

Mrs. Kardong had each of the kids pick a special rock from a huge pile after reading this letter:

My Dear Kindergartner:
          I want to share a story with you about a magical lake in a secret forest that only kindergarten teachers know about.  A kindergarten teacher, who led the way, first took me to this lake 10 years ago.  She taught me how to find the magical rocks that you are about to receive.  What magic do the possess, you might ask?  These special rocks have a magical power of memory.  When rubbed by your own hands, they fill you with memories of our time together in kindergarten.  Does the magic ever fade? No, it will not, as long as you give it a rub every once in a while.
          So, take this rock, close your eyes, and give it a soft rub.  You will begin remembers the friends you made, the field trips we went on, the songs we sang, the stories we read, and much, much more!
          Please keep this rock in a special place.  Over the years, give the rock a rub, and see what memories come to mind.  I will always remember you because you have touched my heart this year.  Now, you will be able to remember me, and our time together forever! Enjoy!

Love, 
Mrs. Kardong

So sweet.  Just like Mrs. Kardong.  She was an amazing teacher and we are so thankful Ryan ended up with her.  And we will try our hardest to make sure the girls get her too!

Michael, Jenn and Aubrey were also able to attend the ceremony with us which made it even more special. 

Last Day. 6.17.13.

Passage to 1st Grade!

The Family.

Ryan and Mrs. Kardong

By The Water

One of the things I miss most about living in our Seattle house is how close we were to so many amazing parks and beaches.  On a whim we could be at the beach in less than 15 minutes.  My kids love water as much as their Mama and being at the water with them is one of my favorite outings.  Mostly, because it's easy!  I can sit back and just watch them throw rocks or explore the tides or search for sea glass myself.

A few weeks ago we happened upon this great park / beach near our new house.  While it isn't the ocean, it still had water, sand and rocks and the kids were in heaven.  It wasn't a warm day by any means, but wasn't freezing and the kids thought taking a dip sounded like fun...clothes and all!  Life is so much better by the water.

I love how this picture captures how much energy my children have!

McNamee Visit

The countdown had been on for weeks!  The kids were so excited that their cousins were coming to visit their new house.  The first thing Ryan said to me the week prior was, "Jack, Luke and Grace will be here in 6 days".  There was no "Good Morning", he had only his cousins on the brain!

They were so happy to see each other and had so much playing for the 2 short days they were here.  We got to visit Ryan's school, celebrate Natalie's birthday, visit the Issaquah McNamee's (Bonnie, Pete, Ben and Sophie), meet baby Aubrey, and play lots of baseball! 

It was really, really great to have them here and so nice to have extra space to fit us all!  We can't wait to see them again when they pass back through in August. 

Luke, Kendall, Grace, Natalie, Jack and Ryan

Father's Day 2013

We hosted a Father's Day weekend of activities!  Jen and kids stopped in, Michael and Jenn stayed the weekend, the Wokich family visited and the Boehms came up for Father's Day, too!  It was a weekend of fun!  As always, it's so much fun to watch the kids play and interact with their cousins.  They all adore Baby Aubrey so much, and sometimes can't leave her alone!  I wonder if they will still be calling her "Baby Aubrey" when she is 15.   

We had a wonderful weekend with everyone celebrating the amazing Dad's in our lives.  I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing men.

Adoring Aubrey.

Gearing up for the scavenger hunt Aunt Jenn set up!

The Crew!

Cousin Love.

The Wokich Family + Kendall.

Happy 1st Father's Day Michael!  So fun to see you as a dad.

Not sure what to title this picture, but it just cracks me up!

The Boehm Family.

Sweet Baby Aubrey.

Ready for the scavenger hunt.

Natalie was scavenging for rocks.  No wonder her "pack pack" was too heavy for her to carry herself.

A birthday celebration for Miss Natalie.

She had lots of help opening her gifts, let me tell you.

A super awesome tunnel!

The Last Hurrah

Ryan had his last baseball game on June 8th.  Grandma Karen and Grandpa Bill came up to watch, which was so nice of them since it was a horribly played, long game.

We will miss our weekly games, none the less.  We have loved watching out boy play, and making news friends along the way.

The coaches got trophies for all the kids.  It was really fun to hear what they said about each of the kids and to watch them all beam with pride as they received their trophy.  Such a fun season! 

Go Nationals!

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The Big 2

I really can't believe this girl is 2.  Although the past 2 years have seemed more like 3...now that I think about it!  Natalie has definitely given us a run for our money.  It's no wonder when you ask her how old she is she replies, "Free".  She even thinks she is three!

She woke up the morning of her birthday and saw the gifts on the table then said to Auntie Jenny, "my stuff".  She already knows what this birthday stuff is all about!  She was quite possessive of her gifts, too.  Jack only touched one of the packages and she pulled it away from him and said, "MINE".  Ha!  Love this girl.  She is so full of it. 

We all had so much fun watching her open her gifts and celebrating with her in the evening.  Her excitement was contagious.  It was so wonderful to have cousins here to celebrate, and Issaquah McNamee's too! 

Mmmmm....cupcakes!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Natalie!

Dear Natalie,

Whoa!  This has been a crazy year!  You've taken us on one wild roller coaster ride the past two years.  We've probably said, "It's a good thing you are cute!" over 1 million times.  You can be so frustrating.  You definitely know what you want, and won't take NO for an answer.  And if we do tell you NO you find a way to get it yourself.  You are so quick and mischievous.  We call you our little "Curious George" - a good little monkey but always very curious.

We can't imagine our lives without your endless smile and vibrant personality, though.  You bring so much joy to our lives.

Kendall and Ryan think you're hilarious...and you think you're pretty hilarious, too.  You've started acting like the class clown already, and fit that role so nicely.  You have us laughing everyday with your silly tactics.

You vocabulary is off the charts, in my opinion.  You talk in full sentences and comprehend everything.  Your Daddy asked you what you were doing this morning and you responded, "I'm climbing up to get my water".  I am always surprised when things come out of your mouth because I think such a small person should not be able to say so much.  A few of the things you say that always make me smile are: "I carry you" when you want me to pick you up, "No like your kisses" anytime I kiss you because you think it's funny, "My turn", "I Spy...ummm" when we're playing I Spy at the dinner table.  You can not be left out!  You've also started to ask the one question that will make me crazy for sure, "Why?".  

Music.  You love music.  You are always singing or humming.  You pick up a tune so quickly.  It makes my heart smile to hear you sing in your sweet voice.  I love when you sing along with me while I'm singing to you at bedtime.  Your songs of choice these days are: "Byo, Byo" (I'm so sick of singing that song to you!), "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", "Baa Baa Blacksheep", "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Jesus Loves Me".  It always cracks me up when you ask for "Baa Baa Blacksheep".  You say, "Baa baa bwacksheep have you any wool yes sir yes sir free bags full one for master one for dame".  Every time.  You never just say, "Baa Baa Blacksheep". 

Books.  You love books just as much as your brother and sister.  I love this.  When you are quiet for too long I always expect the worst, but then I find you sitting quietly reading books.  You've been doing more and more of this lately.  You even read out loud like your sister.  I often find the two of you sitting next to each other covered up with a blanket reading together.

Trouble.  You are always getting into something.  The usual places we can find you are in the bathroom "washing your hands", digging in any bag left on the floor, or up on a stool in the kitchen getting into whatever your heart desires.  Gum, the iPad and lotion are your favorites.  Just the other night when I thought you were sound asleep, I found you playing with the diaper cream in your bed.  It was everywhere!  You definitely find trouble wherever trouble can be found.  Which means there is never a dull moment at our house. 

You've always been a climber and are so sure on your feet just like your siblings.  You move at lightening speed, I swear.  You are so quick.  It's scary.  You love to play tag with Ryan, and love when he gets you and tickles you!  I adore watching you play together.  You climb stairs as no two year old should.  Your favorite way to come down the stairs are headfirst on your tummy.  You have just a little crazy mixed into your sweet being, for sure. 

And the thing  you love most of all is treats.  You take one bite of your dinner, push your plate away and say "treat".  After breakfast you ask for treats, too.  You think any hour is treat hour!  You definitely got your mom's sweet tooth. 

There are so, so many things I love about you but my absolute favorite thing about you is your smile.  You are always smiling.  When I am so mad at you for whatever you have just done to frustrate the heck out me, your sweet smile always makes it better.  Always. You add so much life and energy to our family, Miss Natalie.  I love you so much!


Mommy



 

His Bat And Ball

This what Ryan could round up for a ball and bat last night.

An onion and a rolling pin.

Kindergarten Musical

Ryan performed at his Kindergarten Musical on June 4th.  Natalie and I went to watch during the day, and the entire family plus Grandpa Bill, Grandma Karen and Aunt Melanie attended the evening performance.  So fun to see him and all the other little kindergarteners in action.

The boy had some rhythm!

He did spend quite a bit of time wiggling his loose tooth, much to my dismay.

I'm thinking no one was excited to have their picture taken.  :)