Play Ball!

Seems like ages ago that Alexander and Mommy drove to a ball field to watch Lorelli play baseball.

Seems like ages ago that Alexander and Mommy were spending summer days together.

Seems like ages ago since I updated this blog.

In the middle of August, we went to watch Li-Li play softball.

Kim and I kept saying how strange it felt to watch one of our children playing ball, rather than watching each other playing ball.

Kim and I grew up playing softball and have a deep love for the game.

Lorelli seems to share that same love.

I happen to think this little guy would make a really cute ball player!

May you always listen when Auntie encourages you to climb new heights.

Even when Mommy wishes your feet to remain firmly planted on the ground.

all good things must come to an end

As promised, I have one last post for Mary.

Mary and David left today, after a 19 day adventure in the PNW. The weather was pretty agreeable for a local but to a couple of kids used to Illinois, it was down-right chilly at times. They don't exactly enjoy plane flights but they were pretty excited to get home to warmer weather.

What wasn't so chilly was the three of these kiddos playing together. Oh, the fun!

For us, the evenings they spent at our house were the highlights of the trip. Eric would start a blazing fire for us to roast marshmellows and make smores.

Mr. Picky-Eater doesn't like smores but he does like graham crackers and marshmellows so he made do.

Mary and David, on the other hand, are expert marshmellow roasters. Light 'em on fire and serve 'em up!


Once the sugar rush hit, the kids would play in the dirt/mud, play a game of chase, or start screaming "Guybrush" at the top of their lungs (big thank you to the neighbor who responded, carrying our cat home to us) for at least a good hour or so.


Our last grand adventure was a trip to Coulon beach yesterday. We had lunch at Kidd Valley, played on the playground and dug trenches in the sand.




Alexander was very sad when he found out it was Mary and David's last day.

Ok, he was actually sad about leaving the beach but he didn't like learning his cousins were leaving.

We want to thank both Mary and David for being so good with Alexander and his four-years old antics. We love you very much and look forward to the next visit!

P.S.
Auntie Chelle is looking forward to the next Pink Poodle Parfait!

A great day for a ferry boat ride

We haven't had very nice weather this summer. When we saw the forecast included a few sunny days, we decided to take Alexander on his first ferry boat ride. Imagine our excitement to find out Umma and Big Papa were planning the same trip for Mary and David! Needless to say, we immediately invited ourselves along.

After swim lessons, we packed two cars and headed to Edmonds. Once upon a time, Eric and I spent our afternoons in Edmonds (years ago, I lived up there) so it was fun to bring Alexander to one of our favorite spots.

The kids played on the beach while we waited for the ferry boat to arrive.



Once it arrived, Alexander lead the way.

All Aboard!


Naturally, I took advantage of the opportunity to take family photos.


The kids loved the ride over and the adults loved soaking up the Vitamin D.
The ferry took us to Kingston. And another beach!
Oh, how the kids loved playing in the sand.




It was the best family adventure!

The Three Amigo Adventures continue

Once the great weekend sleepover ended (three days, two nights and NO naps), the entire family came over to celebrate Big Papa's birthday.

Alexander introduced David to his Geo-Trax train set. David instantly fell in love. Imagine Alexander's delight to have a fellow train conductor in the house! They were both super stars when it came to sharing and the two of them had the best of time. David even declared he was done with Legos and moving on to Geo-Trax. Good luck packing all that up in the next big move, Auntie Liz!

In the meantime, Mary was loving on our kitty. Guybrush was loving the attention.
I was loving the sound of all the kid voices in our house.


With a little help from helping hands, Papa opened his gifts.


The evening ended with promises that they could return to play Geo-trax and dig in the giant dirt pile outside.

On Monday, we filled two cars and headed to the Point Defiance Zoo. It was a gorgeous day (although cooler than what our east coast family members are used to) and just right for a visit from these three little monkeys.


I tried to take a family picture but Alexander insisted on being in it.
Amazing what the crop tool can do...

Alexander lead the way (as he does on most adventures) with map in hand so we wouldn't get lost.

The best part of this zoo is that it is just the right amount of walking distance for little kids. And the aquarium is awesome - with local fish and sharks from the Puget Sound. If you live in the PNW and you haven't been to this zoo, we highly recommend it.

Our favorite part is the fish/shark tank and we saved it until the end.
Mary, Alexander and I plopped ourselves down in front of the shark tank as we waited for the rest of the family to find us.

We had a grand adventure at the zoo!

Next up...a ferry boat ride!