Life in Type

Scenes Following a Flood

2011-11-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

From Instant Upload

Watching Football

2011-10-28T16:18:00.001-07:00

posted from Bloggeroid

Almost There

2011-10-26T12:19:00.001-07:00

posted from Bloggeroid

Intro to Star Wars

2011-10-22T17:41:00.003-07:00

First viewing with pizza.

posted from Bloggeroid

2011-10-22T17:41:00.001-07:00

posted from Bloggeroid

Big Milestone Coming Soon

2011-10-21T09:09:00.001-07:00

303 miles to go. The car got a new transmission last month, so in some ways its not really an old car anymore. Still this 7 year old vehicle has come a long way.

posted from Bloggeroid

Baker

2011-10-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

Norah had a big idea yesterday. It came to her when most big ideas come, after bedtime. It was the first thing she talked about this morning. Her big idea was that she wanted to bake a cake, a chocolate cake, and she wanted to do it ALL. BY. MYSELF!!

She baked her cake after we took Avery to school. She did it almost all by herself. I think she secretly wanted to bake a cake so she could lick the bowl all by herself.

From Instant Upload

Visiting the Pet Store

2011-10-13T12:16:00.001-07:00

posted from Bloggeroid

Library Helpers

2011-10-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

It was worth taking pictures of this scene of peaceful cooperation. I'll use it to prove to them someday that it is a possibility.

Avery and Norah Checking Out of Library Books

From Instant Upload

Haircut

2011-10-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hair Today

From Instant Upload

Gone Tomorrow

From Instant Upload

Football Season

2011-10-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

After patiently waiting for 6 years, Avery is finally old enough to play on a flag football team. He loves it! Here are some pictures from his first game.

The Coin Toss

From Sports

The Fan

From Sports

"A-Train" in Blue Care Bear Socks

From Sports

Center

From Sports

On the Sideline

From Sports

A Huddle

From Sports

Completion

From Sports

On the Run

From Sports

Another Fan

From Sports

Game in a Drizzle

From Sports

A Fan Undercover

From Sports

Center Hiking the Ball to the Wrong Team

From Sports

QB, He threw for a touhdown

From Sports

Equipment Timeout for Shoelace Tying

From Sports

WIth the Children Away...

2011-09-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

WIth the children away, the Mommies do play! This morning after dropping the kids off at school Melissa and I snuck out of town for a hike up Mount Si. It was 4 miles and about 3700 feet of elevation change to the top. We made it up and back and were back just in time to pick up Norah.

A View from the Top

From Instant Upload

GIrl in a Bubble

2011-09-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

From Instant Upload

Curtains

2011-09-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

Curtains can make good hammocks for tired teddy bears.

From Instant Upload

Painting

2011-09-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

Norah's preschool sold off some furniture recently. We bought one of the cubbies to use for our ever-growing dress-up collection. Norah helped paint the cubbie.

From Instant Upload

First Day of First Grade

2011-09-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

Avery went back to school today. He's excited and proud to be a first grader. He's most excited about having 3 recesses.

Scootering in for the First Day

From Instant Upload

Norah Wants to be in First Grade Too

From Instant Upload

Never Dull

2011-08-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

Norah sees the whole house, every nook, cranny and closet as her playground. I shouldn't have been as surprised as I was to find a babydoll nesting in the pantry.

From Instant Upload

In the Box

2011-08-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

It's normally a home for the Legos. Norah finds she just fits.

From Instant Upload

*Not to worry. The lid wasn't fully closed.

Chilly

2011-07-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

Norah was cold after running through the sprinkler. It has been a cold summer.

From Instant Upload

Velodrome

2011-07-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

We went to watch world-class and Olympic bikers at the local velodrome this evening.

From Instant Upload

Playdate with Nana

2011-07-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

Norah and Nana live 2,832 miles apart. This doesn't stop them from having a playdate now and then. They call each other on the phone and off they go. They play dollhouse and babies and restaurant. Norah sometimes drops the phone and then asks, "Nana, are you okay? I dwopped you!"

Often Norah clips the phone to her shirt for ease of playing.

From Instant Upload

Ballerina

2011-05-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

Norah really enjoys the ballet class she took this spring. The class was a giggly, active and very imaginative group of 3.5 and 4 year olds and a very patient teacher. Today was their last class and they had a sharing for friends and family.

Ready for Class

From 2011.1

Warming Up by Running About

From 2011.1

Dancers and Their Fans

From 2011.1

Ballerinas walk tall and strong to keep the frogs from falling off their heads.

From 2011.1

Norah as Sheepdog (She policed the class about staying in line.)

From 2011.1

Getting Ready to Spin

From 2011.1

Spin!

From 2011.1

Ballerina Down

2011-05-19T16:24:00.001-07:00

A baseball accidentally hit her in the face. There was lots of blood. Avery and a playmate worried she would die. She did not. The blood was from her nose. Nothing seems broken. With some ice, tylenol and rest she will dance again.

posted from Bloggeroid

At the Baseball Game

2011-05-14T13:04:00.001-07:00

She's an avid fan.

posted from Bloggeroid

Skate Park Debut

2011-05-09T15:54:00.001-07:00

posted from Bloggeroid

Bowling

2011-05-06T10:09:00.001-07:00

It's a school holiday for Avery today. We dropped Norah off at school and headed to the bowling alley. It's an interesting lot that bowl before 10am.

posted from Bloggeroid

Celebrating the Royal Wedding

2011-05-03T20:35:00.001-07:00

Norah's class celebrated the royal wedding with a tea and crowns.

posted from Bloggeroid

Miss Crafty

2011-05-03T14:19:00.001-07:00

After breakfast she's ready to start her morning crafting.

posted from Bloggeroid

Shopping with Superman

2011-04-28T16:08:00.001-07:00

posted from Bloggeroid

2011-04-28T13:17:00.001-07:00

posted from Bloggeroid

Seattle Spring

2011-04-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a very cold(one on of the coldest on record, in fact) and a wet spring. We've had 2 days (TWO!) see temperatures over 55 degrees since February. Despite the cold and wet, we do live in a beautiful place. This picture shows the beauty of a spring rain. Look to the right and you can see the promise of a sun break.

Cooking Through the Cookie Book

2011-04-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

Because she knows my love for cookies and perhaps because she lives down the street and saw cookies in her future, Melissa gave me a copy of Martha Stewart's cookie recipe book. Since December I've been working my way through it. As a family we take turns picking out the next cookie. This weekend Norah chose a chocolate sugar cookie. Previously Avery chose oatmeal raisin. Nash chose a macaroon sandwich cookie with coconut cream filling. I have the next pick. It's been fun...and tasty!

Tee-Ball Season

2011-04-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

While the weather may not be a strong indicator of the arrival of spring, the ringing of a bat hitting a ball on nearby fields is a sure sign that spring is here. Youthful enthusiasm for the game sustains us through cold, wet practices and games. A few teams endured snow this past week. But today, Avery's team's opener was dry, sunny and somewhat warm.

Avery's playing for the Kirkland National Diamondbacks this year. It's a team of young rookies. Avery is the only one who has played before. They have some wonderful coaches and just a few weeks in, they've made noticeable improvements.

Avery's playing various positions in the field. He's successfully getting some outs. He's hitting the ball much stronger this year and is faster moving between the bases.

Back on Field #2

From 2011.1

The D-Backs started in the field.

From 2011.1

Avery takes fielding to a new aerobic level.

From 2011.1

Norah and her friend Malia climbed the bleachers.

From 2011.1

The Batting Line-Up

From 2011.1

Avery's friend and classmate Eli is also on the team.

From 2011.1

At Bat

From 2011.1

I looked across to field #1 and saw this kid...

From 2011.1

Hey, that's Bekka!

From 2011.1

It was fun to watch her game and Avery's and take pictures with Mindy.

From 2011.1

Ready to Run Home

From 2011.1

First Dance Class

2011-04-07T14:34:00.001-07:00

She's been ready and dressed up for days. Finally the day of her first class is here!

posted from Bloggeroid

It Wasn't for Naught

2011-04-05T15:39:00.001-07:00

My theatre degree that is. I'm coordinating the costumes for the kindergarten musical, "Bugz!"

posted from Bloggeroid

Barista in Training

2011-03-31T10:50:00.001-07:00

"This is Daddy's cappuccino."

posted from Bloggeroid

Snacking al Fresco

2011-03-23T15:00:00.001-07:00

Hopefully this is the first of many nice spring days.

posted from Bloggeroid

Avery's Restaurant

2011-03-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

I don't remember how it came up, but somehow at dinner yesterday Avery started talking about his desire to cook dinner. I remembered how Mindy introduced her kids to the kitchen and how now her kids argue about who's going to make dinner and the fact that Mindy almost never makes dinner anymore. That future sounds wonderful to me! I decided to support Avery in his interest.

He came up with a menu.

From 2010.4

(Side note: I remember Kim telling me how when young children learn new rules of grammar or spelling they often over-use what they've learned. It's true! Avery is learning about punctuation and that "ea" make the "ee" sound in words like meat and treat. There are lots of periods and "ea"s in his writing this week. I wonder what will happen when the focus is on "ph" making an "f" sound?)

Avery was very specific in his thinking about what he can and cannot yet do unassisted in the kitchen. He very much wanted to cook dinner without assistance. He planned out which stool he would use and how he would reach the bread on top of the fridge, with a stool and by climbing on the counter.

His interest in preparing a meal didn't fade over night. He reminded Norah and I throughout the day that he would be making dinner. He was so excited!

When it came time for dinner, he had us all sit down and he passed around the menu. Three of us chose nutbutter and jam sandwiches and Avery chose a bagel with cream cheese and jam. It turned out that Avery did need some help. He set aside his pride and collaborated with Nash.

From 2010.4

Norah seemed to have interpreted hanging out in the kitchen in a very literal way.

From 2010.4

After several weeks of waiting on everyone since has been laid up with a broken foot, I loved sitting in my seat and waiting for dinner to arrive!

While excited to finally have food in front of her, Norah was not pleased I wanted to take her picture.

From 2010.4

She turned out to be a rather demanding diner. She had Avery make her a bowl of cereal and then later fetch her an apple.

From 2010.4

Kudos to the chef!

From 2010.4

Sickies

2011-03-17T09:36:00.001-07:00

Nash with broken foot and Norah with a fever.

posted from Bloggeroid

Notes

2011-03-16T14:25:00.001-07:00

Literacy can be demanding.

posted from Bloggeroid

Hairdo

2011-03-15T10:27:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling proud of my improved skill fixing Norah's hair.

posted from Bloggeroid

Errand Boy

2011-03-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

Avery likes to run neighborhood errands for me. He delivers food, miscellaneous household items and notes. He feels so proud to be helpful and independent. He often chooses to go in costume.

From 2011.1

When he's done he hurries home.

From 2011.1

Shower Girl

2011-03-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

Fresh out of the shower Norah wasn't pleased to see the hallway paparazzi.

From 2011.1

She changed her mind when I asked her if she wanted to show off her fancy towel turban.

From 2011.1

Birthday Cake

2011-02-27T16:54:00.001-08:00

Chocolatey, chocolate!

posted from Bloggeroid

Happy Birthday, Avery

2011-02-27T08:00:00.001-08:00

posted from Bloggeroid

Spare Fridge

2011-02-24T16:45:00.001-08:00

I enjoy using the porch off my kitchen as a spare fridge during winter.

posted from Bloggeroid

100th Day

2011-02-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

Avery celebrated his 100th day of kindergarten today. They've been counting out the days since the first day and learning about what 100 looks like and how many different ways there are to count to 100.

Here Avery shows off his 100th day glittery mask and his 100th day snack mix (it contains 10 different sets of 10).

From 2011.1

Cooking

2011-02-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

"And now Avery's cooking in the kitchen!", cheered Avery after I sent him off to prepare a bowl of instant oatmeal for himself. He was so proud and proved to be a resourceful and tidy cook.

From 2011.1

Norah and Swimming

2011-02-08T23:15:00.000-08:00

Norah loves being in the water, always has. Despite that her entry into formal swimming lessons hasn't been easy. While she plays happily in the pool before class, she cries and argues about swimming when it's time to go with her teacher. Once the class starts she stays in the pool and participates, but grudgingly.

From 2011.1

Afterward she gleefully returns to play in the wading pool.

To help her get over this hump, she and I agreed to setting a goal that if she succeeded in going to 4 classes with a good attitude and no crying, then we would go out for ice cream. She helped me create a chart to track her progress and we hung it in the kitchen. Avery became Norah's most impassioned cheerleader when I told him we could all have ice cream when Norah met her goal.

Today she did it! And after swimming we celebrated with ice cream.

From 2011.1

Primroses

2011-02-08T22:19:00.001-08:00

It's midwinter and the primroses are in bloom. Their colors are a hopeful sign of spring.

Avery and Norah helped pick some plants and steer them through the store.

posted from Bloggeroid

New Tricks

2011-01-27T22:22:00.000-08:00

I learned how to fry an egg. I don't like eating fried eggs so I never wanted to know how. Nash likes them and makes them for the kids, who have also come to like them. In fact a fried egg is one of the few things Norah will reliably eat for breakfast. Nash isn't always available to make breakfast so I learned. The kids cheer me on!

From 2011.1

Sunshine

2011-01-26T22:28:00.000-08:00

It's been weeks and weeks since the cloud cover broke to reveal blue sky and sunshine. It made us all giddy today.

From 2011.1

As soon as Norah got home from school we set off for the playground.

From 2011.1

Otis came too.

From 2011.1

Sunny Day

2011-01-26T08:03:00.000-08:00

We laid in the driveway after avery got off the school bus to bask in the sun!

posted from Bloggeroid

January Clouds

2011-01-24T22:44:00.000-08:00

They are persistent and unbreaking. I'm wilting.

From 2011.1

Super Kids!

2011-01-24T22:41:00.000-08:00

Avery and Norah are interested in super heroes. Batman is a recent favorite. Driving home this afternoon Avery asked if we could make Batman masks. I wracked my craft-challenged brain to figure out how to do it. We came up with something that pleased everyone.

Batman

From 2011.1

Norah's Take on Robin

From 2011.1

Lunch with Avery

2011-01-21T22:45:00.000-08:00

Winter fatigue has set in for me. It's been so grey. It's draining. Today I couldn't bear to make another meal. Avery and I went out to lunch. I chose a nearby pho shop for its colorful and flavorful food. We were not disappointed.

From 2011.1

Mmmm....pho!

From 2011.1

Avery got a lollipop on the way out. It was blueberry flavored.

From 2011.1

Tired

2011-01-20T22:56:00.000-08:00

Norah was very tired after her swimming lesson this afternoon. She came upstairs to ask me something while I was working on the computer at the dining table. She didn't like what I had to say and started throwing a fit. After a few minutes I asked her if she needed a hug. She tearfully nodded yes and climbed up into my lap. She was asleep in seconds.

From 2011.1

Little Mommy

2011-01-20T22:49:00.000-08:00

Norah had to run errands this morning with her baby in tow.

From 2011.1

Oh...That's where it went!

2011-01-07T22:51:00.000-08:00

I've been in physical therapy for a problem with my hips. I have some exercises that I do at home, usually in the kitchen in the in-between moments of cooking dinner. A few days ago a stretchy band I use for resistance disappeared. Today it reappeared...

From 2011.1

Snowshoeing

2011-01-02T23:08:00.000-08:00

I tried out snowshoeing today with Melissa and Tabitha. It was a beautiful day and the snowshoes made for easy trekking.

Adventures 1/2/11 5:13 PM

Sledding in Snowy Land

2010-12-30T23:04:00.000-08:00

The kids got sleds for Christmas. This afternoon we drove up to a snow park in the mountains to try them out. The kids call the park Snowy Land.

From 2010.4

The outing and the sleds were a success!

Fashionista?

2010-12-28T23:00:00.000-08:00

Not all of her outfit choices please me.

From 2011.1

Prepping for the Playoffs

2010-12-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

Nash and Avery filled in a chart for the upcoming NFL playoffs.

From 2010.4

Perspective

2010-11-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

I pulled out some preemie clothes to see what might fit Norah's dolls. This outfit was one of my favorites. It's been on her doll for a few days and I still keep staring at it and am so surprised to remember how small she was.

From 2010.3

Norah, 3 weeks old

From Cow Clothes 06142007

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T20:32:00.000-07:00

Meet Fancy Nancy and Zombie Football Player

From 2010.3

Nancy and Zombie enjoyed wearing their costumes several times during the season. They went to a bingo night fundraiser at the elementary school on Thursday. Avery wore his costume for his class party on Friday. On Saturday Nancy and Zombie survived a crowded and chaotic family fun night at the gym. Finally it was Halloween! And we enjoyed celebrating with Finn and his family at their house. Celina and Sandy joined us for trick-or-treating. The kids ate some candy, showered and went to bed. Until next year!

Homework

2010-10-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

There's not much homework in kindergarten. Still we've made time and space for it in our day.

From 2010.3

Sometimes it helps to wear a wizard's hat.

From 2010.3

Norah likes to do her "homework" too.

From 2010.3

Football Sunday

2010-10-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

Football season is here! West coast football is fun because it starts early in the day and is over before 10pm. Nash and the kids usually make breakfast while I enjoy the gym with Melissa.

This week was special, Bears vs Seahawks.

From 2010.3

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

The kids and I drove up to Craven Farm this morning to enjoy a local pumpkin patch and Halloween kitsch.

From 2010.3

It was a cold morning the fog became quite dense as we got closer to the Snohomish River. We loaded Norah into a wagon and headed out to the fields.

From 2010.3

Avery stopped at the first pumpkin we saw, proclaimed it perfect, tackled it and was ready to load it in the wagon. Norah and I convinced him to take in some other pumpkins before he decided.

From 2010.3

Deadlifting large squash.

From 2010.3

From href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kmfoster/20103?authkey=Gv1sRgCK6n_te69aaL1gE&feat=embedwebsite">2010.3

Still looking.

From 2010.3

Avery was chief in charge of pumpkin transportation and worked hard to pull the wagon through the muddy field.

From 2010.3

After we picked out our pumpkins and loaded them into the van, we headed back to enjoy the decorations, pumpkin hurling and tractor ride.

From 2010.3

No outing would be complete without a game of run, chase and tackle.

From 2010.3

We had as much fun today as we did two years ago.

Triker

2010-10-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

Norah's got the hang of pedaling.

From 2010.3

She totes our playground supplies like cowboy hats and footballs.

From 2010.3

Now she needs to work on her steering.

A Rare Shot

2010-10-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

Where both are looking at the camera.

From 2010.3

Mommy Craft Day

2010-10-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

What she said!

Super Norah

2010-10-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

Norah invented a super hero this morning. I don't know what her name was. I do know that the purple pom poms on the headband were weapons.

A super hero prepares.

From 2010.3

Then she sword fights with her shadow.

From 2010.3

A Run in the Sun

2010-10-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

It was a sunny afternoon. The kids and I went to a nearby cul de sac to run and scooter.

From 2010.3

A Runner Takes Her Mark

From 2010.3

She's Off

From 2010.3

The Final Turn

From 2010.3

Sunbathing Otis

2010-09-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

September has had some beautiful days. We're enjoying the sunshine and try to get out in it as much as possible. Otis too...

From 2010.3

Playing School

2010-09-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

Norah goes to preschool 3 days each week. She loves it! She loves it so much that she plays school almost exclusively at home and has been for over 6 months. Her "class" meets all over the house and we often find students napping underfoot. Today's class met in the kitchen.

From 2010.3

Norah took attendance with the blue dot stickers and was leading her class in song.

From 2010.3

What are they doing now?

2010-09-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

The kids are often up to something. Usually I find out about it when I hear one or both screaming. Oh the bickering! Today was different. Today I heard squeals of delight and an unexpected skating sound down the hall. Before I investigated I grabbed the camera and then sneaked up on the kids.

Gottcha!

From 2010.3

Avery was taking Norah shopping at a fast pace up and down the hallway.

From 2010.3

Carkeek Park with Nana

2010-08-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

The running joke in the family is that Mom doesn't believe there are really mountain ranges nearby. It seems whenever she comes to visit the clouds roll in and mask what can be stunning views of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. Today there was not a cloud in the sky and the air was crystal clear. We headed to Carkeek Park to take in the view of the sound and the mountains, to bask in the sun on the beach and to play on the salmon slide.

The salmon slide is a much larger than life concrete salmon with a child-size hole running down the middle.

From 2010.3

There is also a cave for plotting your next adventure.

From 2010.3

The challenge of family portraits. 2/3 of the family looking at the camera.

From 2010.3

Another 2/3 of the family.

From 2010.3

Beachcombing.

From 2010.3

Mom and Me

From 2010.3

Getting Fancy with Nana

2010-08-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

From 2010.3

Golfing at Suncadia

2010-07-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

We spent a weekend at the Lodge at Suncadia. It's about 90 miles from home in the Cascades and along the Cle Elum river. We stayed in a one bedroom apartment. The kids slept on a pull-out in the living room. We enjoyed having a full kitchen and all of the amenities of being in a hotel. The view from the room was beautiful. The series of pictures below were taken from the porch. What they don't capture is how windy it was and the sound of rustling trees and grasses.

From 2010.3

We spent one day on the golf course. It was my first ever round. We all had a good time. We brought a bag of toys to entertain Norah, but she found plenty to do on her own in and out of the cart.

From 2010.3

The view from the 10th tee. The pin is way down below and so very far away.

From 2010.3

Nash's tee shot on 10.

From 2010.3

Avery waiting for his turn.

From 2010.3

Looking back up at the tee from near the pin. Avery and Nash are on the fairway.

From 2010.3

Norah helped keep score.

From 2010.3

Avery hunting for his ball in the very rough, rough.

From 2010.3

Happy Golfers

From 2010.3

Cartoon Kids

2010-07-30T22:03:00.000-07:00

On vacation we introduced the kids to Saturday morning cartoons.

From 2010.3

Our Evening in Cicely, Alaska

2010-07-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

I liked watching the television program Northern Exposure. It was on on Monday nights after I got home from youth symphony. My dad and I often watched it together. The setting for the program was the fictional town of Cicely, Alaska. It turns out the exterior set for Cicely was the very real Roslyn, Washington. Roslyn is just around the corner from the Suncadia Lodge. After golf on Saturday we drove over to enjoy a bit of Northern Exposure nostalgia and pizza for dinner.

From 2010.3

A guy from France pulled over when he saw us taking pictures and offered to take a picture of all of us.

From 2010.3

Here is a video of the opening credits for Northern Exposure. I read that they borrowed the moose from a zoo, cordoned off a few blocks of the town and used food to bait the moose to walk around.

Girlie Girl

2010-07-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

Norah is a girlie girl. She's very attracted to things that are pink and fancy. She took an interest in her wardrobe around the time she was 2. We are grateful to received so many nice hand-me-downs from our friends Allyson and Caitlyn. Norah whiled away an hour trying things on and loading up her chest of drawers. She picked out some new pajamas at bedtime and pointed out to everyone how "day match!!"

From 2010.3

"See here? Da kitty matches on da pants!!"

From 2010.3

Norah's Drawings

2010-07-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Norah likes to draw. She seeks out pens, crayons and pencils and pieces and scraps of paper. Anytime is a good time for drawing.

Drawing in the Morning Before Breakfast

From 2010.3

Hiking with Melissa

2010-05-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

As a birthday gift to ourselves Melissa and I planned some day hikes. We may be celebrating our birthdays all year long because we're having so much fun!

Today we hiked the Lake Serene Trail. Even with a lot of foot-traffic, this was a beautiful trek.

One of the Bridal Veil falls. The sound of the water was tremendous. We got very wet standing at this viewpoint. Hard to believe, but this fall is a mere trickle by late summer after most of the snow has melted.

From 2010.1

Another one of the Bridal Veil Falls.

From 2010.1

And another.

From 2010.1

Lake Serene at the summit of the climb. Across the lake is the craggy rise of Mount Index. There are many waterfalls from the mountain face. We heard the resonating booms of a few avalanches. My camera work hardly does justice to the expanse of the view.

From 2010.1

Can't wait to find out where the next hike might take us!

Avery the Photographer

2010-05-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

Avery wanted to take some pictures on our hike at Farrel-McWhirter Park. Here is his perspective...

From 2010.1

Avery wins the prize for best photo of Norah!

From 2010.1

Farrel-McWhirter Park

2010-05-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

The local mom's club made a trip to Farrel-McWhirter Park today. We had a tour of the farm. Afterward the kids and I ate a picnic lunch and explored the hiking trails.

Listening to the rules of the farm. Avery is in the yellow fleece and yellow boots. Norah is next to him in the pink fleece and yellow boots.

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Petting a young chick.

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Waiting to feed the sheep.

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Meeting a young goat.

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Daisy the calf having a snack. She's an orphan and is learning the ways of the pasture from the goats.

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On the trails behind the farm.

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"On your mark!"

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Three Year Stats

2010-05-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

Norah had her 3 year old check up with the pediatrician today. It was an easy visit. Norah answered the doctor's questions and happily complied with requests to jump, spin, balance and run. She was not so happy about receiving a vaccination, but cheered up with the promise of a sparkly bandage and stickers.

Stats
Weight: 24.6 lbs (<5%)
Height: 35.75" (25%)

Norah is catching up in height. Her low weight seems to reflect the work her body is putting into growing taller.

A Morning at the Park

2010-05-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went to a nearby park this morning. We played ball, enjoyed the swings and hiked through a garden of blooming rhododendrons.

From 2010.1

This is what typically happens when I try to get a photo of the 2 of them.

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If Norah looks at the camera, it's like this.

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There's lots of playing with toes or the ground.

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Finally I tell them to make monster faces.

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Flower Girl in Training

2010-05-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

Norah is going to be a flower girl in a friend's wedding soon. The bride to-be came over today to bring some gifts. Norah got a book about being a flower girl and a necklace to wear on the wedding day. Norah tried on her dress. The bride to-be read the flower girl book to the kids.

From 2010.1

A Girl and Her Wand

2010-05-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

Norah got a fancy wand and tiara today. She had them with her all day, including while she watched a video.

From 2010.1

Rain Out

2010-04-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

Avery's t-ball game was rained out this afternoon. We came home early and discovered that Celina and Norah had played beauty salon. Celina painted Norah's nails and did her hair. Norah painted Celina's nails and did her hair. Avery didn't want to be left out. Celina painted his nails. Then we made cookies.

From 2010.1

Windy Day

2010-04-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today was very windy. Avery's t-ball team had a game in the afternoon at Juanita Beach. Across from the field kiteboarders took to the water and skies.

Here are some amazing pictures.

Chicken Medicine

2010-04-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

Because of the shape of the mask, we call Norah's nebulizer treatments "chicken medicine". Most colds make her wheezy. This cold season she's been on daily dose of an inhaled steroid to fortify Norah's lungs against colds. It's really worked well. While she still gets wheezy, colds don't seem to escalate or last as long as they did last year.

Norah is very patient with her treatments. She likes to watch episodes of Sesame Street's "Word on the Street".

From 2010.1

Kitchen Remodel

2010-03-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

The remodel of the kitchen has begun. It's been a project in the making since we bought the house. We knew the kitchen needed a face-lift and would benefit from a reorganization of cabinets when we first bid on the house. Soon after moving in, within weeks, the cabinet doors starting falling off. The hardware snapped at the hinges. The cabinets and hardware were old and replacement parts we not available. I stashed the useless doors and got very comfortable with the mish-mash of cabinets with and without doors. Last month a critical door broke off and I could no longer put off the remodeling project.

I found a contractor I like, drew upon all of the know-how and research done by friends and family and wrote a check for work to start this week.

Here is the album where you can find daily picture updates.
I'll take pictures from the same angles each day.

Kitchen Remodel 2010

While the work is going on upstairs, we've set up a temporary kitchen and dining room in the basement. It's a good set up as the basement already has an entertaining kitchen with a full sized fridge, sink and microwave. The kids and I enjoyed our first basement kitchen dinner tonight of grilled cheese, soup and salad.

A Half-Assed St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

This entire month the kids and I have celebrated and learned about St. Patrick's day. We put out St. Patrick's Day-themed decorations on the seasonal shelf. We pretended to be leprechauns and played the game How-I-Would-Trick-a-Leprechaun-into-Showing-Me-His-Gold. (Avery says he would pretend to be a goat and in being a goat and not a boy, the leprechaun would be fooled. Norah says she would be a rainbow and get to the gold that way.) We also talked at length about the colors, shape and beginnings and ends of rainbows. Thanks to some gifts from Grandma Claudia we read stories about St. Patrick's Day and got to see a 4-leaf clover she picked many years ago. I share all of this as a form of mea culpa for what happened today, St. Patrick's Day.

The children wore no green clothing. Norah had 2 outfits featuring green to choose from. She opted for a non-existent choice #3 consisting of blue pants and a red shirt. She could not be swayed to wear anything else. Poor Avery did not even have a choice of wearing an outfit with green. I let Avery wear his only green shirt on Monday and had not washed it.

Amid the school morning rush of getting dressed, fed and out the door, I found a solution to my children's lack of green... stickers! We pulled out the sticker box and found stickers with green on them. It had been my intention that they might each choose one sticker. Norah quickly chose 5 and plastered them on her shirt front. Avery chose a collage of green leaf and ladybugs. Norah then wanted ladybugs too. She wore hers on her back. Nash saved himself from having to wear stickers by pulling out a green fleece. I had a green shirt and work a Cookie Monster sticker as an act of solidarity.

From 2010.1

Mindy and Kelly Go to the ER... Again

2010-03-11T21:43:00.000-08:00

This seems to have become an annual event. Last year it was when Norah broke her arm. This time it was because Norah fell off a swing and cut her forehead. Mindy and I stood in the bathroom soothing Norah and trying to clean her up to better see the cut. Once we got the blood off, Mindy and I looked at each other and agreed Norah needed to see a doctor. Off we went in separate ways to get ready. I called the pediatrician, they have an in office ER, and soothed Norah. Mindy made tea in travel mugs and collected toys in a bag. We called our respective husbands, made plans for the other kids and set out.

Mindy and Bekka helped entertain and soothe Norah and I. After the cut was cleaned out, the doctor took a look and called for stitches. The cut was on the right side of her forehead, about halfway between her eyebrow and hairline. The nurse applied a topical anesthetic and we waited 10 minutes for it to take effect. Norah cried while the doctor stitched her up. He put in 3 stitches. When he was done he put a bandage on Norah and a bandage on her mouse.

We were home 1.5 hours later. Jon had made a wonderful pizza dinner. We ate, decompressed and celebrated having good friends and neighbors in good times and bad.

Norah cleaned up and waiting to see the doctor.

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Me holding the anesthetic on Norah and updating Daddy via text.

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Trying to distract Norah.

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All smiles with Bekka.

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Chuck E Cheese Birthday

2010-03-06T22:01:00.000-08:00

Norah helped Melanie celebrate her 3rd birthday at Chuck E Cheese. I think the last time I was in a Chuck E Cheese was when I was 12. Chuck and I have changed since we last met. The toys in his house are smaller than I remember. The food is much worse and Chuck's look and music choice have stayed with the times.

Eating with the Birthday Girl (in hair bows)

From Drop Box

Norah liked riding the rides.

From Drop Box

Norah enjoyed dancing with Chuck and his friends.

From Drop Box

When we were ready to leave Norah cashed in her tickets (mostly won from dancing with the mouse and my skee ball skills) for a lollipop and a rubber snake.

First T-Ball Practice

2010-03-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

In so many ways Avery has prepared for this day since the day he was born. He loves sports and balls and motion. Having just turned 5, he just made the age cutoff for the local little league t-ball team. They had their first practice today. Avery was so excited. Nash and I are so excited for him.

Avery is the youngest player on the 10 member team. The kids introduced themselves and said what school they go to and what grade they are in. When it was Avery's turn he enthusiastically shouted, "I'm in PRESCHOOL!!!" One of the coaches shot me a dubious look.

From 2010.1

That coach told the team that Avery was the youngest one on the team and that they should watch out for him. They hadn't yet seen Avery throw a ball.

Avery quickly proved himself as a competent team member. When they coaches huddled up the team to clarify in what order you run the bases, Avery was quick to answer and demonstrate. He said, "Here I'll show you!" and he took off running the diamond and narrating as he ran.

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For the most part of the 2 hour practice the kids played throwing and catching games. Each got a turn playing catcher.

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At the end each kid had a turn at bat while the rest of the team played in the field. Avery chose to cover 3rd base.

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Hey, Mindy! That's one of Jon's old mitts that Avery's using. He is so proud to play with it.

Avery at bat.

From 2010.1

Watching 5-7 year olds play t-ball is very entertaining. Some kids forgot to run around the bases and instead took off into the adjacent ball field when pursued by another kid holding the ball. None of the kids thought to throw the ball to another teammate closest to a base. Instead they would run with it, usually joined by a few other kids. Avery is so intent on getting to the ball that he routinely failed to cover 3rd base. He'd run as far as 1st to get the ball and then there would be no one at 3rd to tag out the running batter. Most kids on their first or second swing at bat got spun around by the weight of the bat.

Avery can't wait for the next practice and the next and the next and the next...

5 Year Stats

2010-03-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Avery had his annual checkup today. He is a very healthy kid and he's meeting all of his milestones.

Measurements
weight = 44.4 lbs (75%)
height = 44.5 inches (80%)

I told Avery on the way to the doctor's office that he would get 2 vaccinations after his checkup. Then we played the game "What Hurts Worse?". There are so many things that hurt worse then the stick of a vaccination. One thing that came up frequently as something that hurts worse is having Irene (one of his classmates) step on his face. This was a recent accident at school.

He got the vaccinations. He cried. And Norah cried. They both cheered up with stickers. Until next time...

Measuring Growth

2010-03-01T20:31:00.000-08:00

Norah still likes to sit in her doll crib. While she used to like to pretend she was a baby, now she likes the crib as a place to curl up with a good book.

Then (21 months)

From 2009.2

Now (33 months)

From 2010.1

Last year she could sit in the bed with her legs fully outstretched. This year she has to bend her knees a bit.