Lake Sammamish State Park

Our last family hike took us to Lake Sammamish State Park.  It's close to our house and right on the lake so it was due time we check it out. 

Neither of us were that impressed with the swim area, but we'll give it another shot when the weather is a bit warmer.  We happened to pick the one and only rainy day we've had in Seattle in a long time to visit.

The walking trail was very meadow-like and beautiful.  It was so peaceful to walk along and listen to the birds, when they weren't being drowned out by Kendall's whining that is.

Checking out the snail in the tree.

Kendall plopped down here and was not moving.  Her legs were too tired.

My sweet girl can be feisty when she wants to be.

These reminded me of Minnesota. 

Goofy Girl

The Big Catch

David and Ryan ventured to Alaska last week.  Ryan spent the 5 days with Auntie Jenny and crew while David and "the boys" fished.

Ryan had so much fun!  He hasn't been too interested in fishing, but they finally got him out on their last day and he caught his first salmon!  It was 18 pounds, and his second was 26 pounds!  Way to go, Ryan!

Chillin'

While the boys were away in Sitka, us girls hung out and enjoyed a much more laid back environment without Ryan around!  The girls had their squabbles, of course, but the energy level in the house was definitely down about 10 notches from where it is when Ryan is around.  

Since I became a mom almost 7 years ago I've wondered how my mom survived having me and my sisters so close together.  But after Kendall arrived, it became clear; girls are so much more mellow than boys.  Natalie is Natalie of course, and rattled that cage a little but she is still more laid back when she doesn't have her brother's energy to feed off of.

It was so fun to watch them play and giggle together.  They were so content, on this particular day, filling cups of water on the deck nearly naked.

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!