Sleep Issues

We've been trying to find a good sleep schedule for Natalie lately.  If she naps, she won't go to bed.  And I mean that.  She gets out of her bed 4 times - minimum - for water, to go potty, because she had a bad dream, etc.  It makes us crazy.

This summer we decided to stop giving her naps, and while she completely falls apart about 7PM she goes to bed without issue.  Our little system was working well.

Then we started a new school, and they have rest time at 1PM.  While they don't force the kids to sleep, Natalie is so exhausted she ends up napping.

We seem to be back to square one, and we are still trying to figure out a new routine with her.  Sometimes she goes to bed without trouble, but most nights she is getting up 3 or 4 times with "issues".

David and I are becoming so annoyed with this routine, so we will put her in our bed to read books on her own.  This is a win/win for all parties involved.  She likes reading her books, and David and I don't have to deal with her "issues".

This is how we found her the other night:

Sound asleep and entangled in a pile of books.

A Boat For Me

I spotted this on my way out of my Rotary meeting last week.  If only it was really for me.  That would be awesome.

Mountainside School

This September brought big changes for us.

We decided it was time to enroll the girls in a full-day preschool.  We think it will be a good way to transition Kendall into Kindergarten next year.  There is no substitute for being around peers, in our opinion.  We found a great school, with help from our friends, that is just down the road from us.  The girls attend Mountainside School on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.  These are also the days I work, which means David has to get all 3 kids ready and out the door by 8:15.  He is Super Dad, no doubt.

It's been a big transition for us all.  The biggest change has been that our beloved nanny, Miss Hanni, is no longer coming on a regular basis.  We miss her terribly, but do still see her on occasion.

Kendall has struggled the most, but seems to be settling into the new schedule more and more every day.  She was really nervous about doing Show and Tell, but came home with a big smile on her face.  She said she LOVED doing show and tell!  Whew.  She also had her first day of ballet class that day, which she will have every Monday, so think that contributed to such a great day.

Both girls get a music class on Tuesdays and gymnastics on Thursdays.  They are loving both, and making new friends.  I think it's going to be a good change, and a good year!

The thing I love most about our new schedule is that the days I am off, we have no commitments.  The girls and I can spend our days however we want to which means trips to local parks, trips to the library or our favorite thing -  playing at home.

Work Road Trip

I headed to Eastern Washington this week to visit with some donors.  It was a long drive - 3.5 hours there and 3.5 hours back - but a good trip.  The scenery was spectacular, and getting out of the office was even more amazing!

Football is Back

Bill, Michael, David and I attended the Kick-off to the NFL season on Thursday - Seahawks vs. Packers.  Thank you, Bill!  It was awesome!  I love football, and was thrilled to be there to see the season get underway.  I was also thrilled to watch the unveiling of the Championship banner.  It's good to be a 12th Man!  Go Hawks!

Second Grade

Ryan began Second Grade today.

He was really excited to get back to school, and had no nerves about getting on the bus this morning.

We met his teacher, Mrs. Sanford, yesterday morning and we have no doubt it's going to be a fantastic year!

Fun with Jeannie and Charlie

Jeannie and Charlie came to the rescue my last few days in Minnesota.

They came to watch the kids so I could visit my friend Rachel and her little boy who were at Children's Hospital.  I was beyond grateful.

They arrived just after the kids and I had some time at the pool, and the kids were ready for some rest time.  Jeannie snapped these photos to prove it!

This is a pretend rest!

After everyone was rested the games began!

And then they came back early the next morning to bring us to the airport.  Again, I was beyond grateful. 

The best part of it all was that we got to spend more quality time with them.  Love you guys!