Family Vacation to Canada

We had the best time on our trip to Canada. We enjoyed every minute of our trip. We even didn't mind the long car rides. Our first stop was at my sister Lisa's house in Corvallis, OR. We had fun visiting cousins and thanks Lisa for introducing us to that French Pastry Place. It may have been some of my favorite food the whole trip!

Next we went to Seattle. Here are the boys looking out our hotel room. They liked being up high and looking down on the city.




The next day we went to the Seattle Science Center. We all had fun there. Here is Brenden sitting at a giant table.

Noah and Brenden on a giant caterpillar.

Brenden and Connor blasting off into space in the rocket. They loved pushing the real button and switches.

This cracked me up. They were looking at a giant, moving T-Rex. I love their faces.

Here are my boys looking out at the Puget Sound.

Then were were off for Vancouver City. We went to Stanley Park to the Aquarium. It was amazing. We had a lot of fun. We loved Stanley Park. I could have spent our whole vacation there.

Noah's first time in the Ocean!

We went to Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is 450 feet long and 230 feet above the river below. Because it is a suspension bridge it swings and bounces as you walk on it. It was really a strange feeling. We loved it and the boys weren't scared at all, well I mean my little boys (ha, ha.)

Next we went to Whistler. I fell in love with Whistler. It was beautiful. I can't wait to see it again this winter for the Olympics. We took a gondola from the Peak of Whistler to the peak of Blackcomb. It was amazing. We were 1,430 feet above the ground and there were 9,921 feet of unsupported span. It was pretty crazy how high up were were. They even had gondolas that had a glass bottom so you could look down and see how high up you were. We didn't ride on one of those, per request of Gary. Noah even climbed up to the window and looked down and looked at me and said, "Whoa." We all laughed. It was really amazing. We hiked while we were on Blackcomb mountain. It was gorgeous.

We had a wonderful trip. It was so fun to be together.

First Day of Preschool

Connor's first day of preschool was September 9th. He was so excited to go. I just can't believe that Connor is starting preschool. I feel like it was a couple of months ago that Brenden started.

Connor wasn't scared, or sad to leave me. He was just ready to be there. He has really enjoyed himself so far. I'm proud of what a big boy he is becoming.

First "Official" Day of School

Brenden started Kindergarten today. It was a melancholy day for me. I am excited for Brenden to learn and grow, sad that our life is now forever changed. Every other year the first day of school has been just another day for us. Today, was not just another day.

Brenden did awesome today. I think it was harder on Connor and I than Brenden. We got to the school and we took this picture:

which I might have to retake later because it looks blurry. Anyway, we got to the playground just as they were lining up to go into class. Brenden lined right up and didn't even look back to say bye. He was just excited to go start school at the "big school."

Here he is lined up with Sam.

When Brenden left and went into the school, Connor burst out crying. "Why can't I go with Brenden?" This happened last year when Brenden started Preschool. So as we walked to the car with Connor sobbing, my own eyes filled up with tears. Connor and I talked about how we were going to miss Brenden so much.

So what did we do to console ourselves? We went to the park. We had fun swinging, sliding, and chasing each other around on the grass. We felt much better. I'm just sad I only got a picture of Noah at the park. What was I thinking?

Brenden had a wonderful day. He told me all about what he did today, and how much he loved his teacher. That made me happy. I think it's going to be a good year. Change can be good, right?

Smiley Face Day

Yesterday was wear a smiley face sticker on your head day. What? You don't believe me. Ask:

BRENDEN, who started all of the fun.

or CONNOR, who loved his smiley face, hated getting his picture taken. (yes, that is Noah in the background crying)

You could even ask NOAH, he may have even been the most decorated.

It was fun, you all should try it.

For Real

My real Anniversary gift from Gary. They're gorgeous and they make me happy every time I see them. Thank you hun for the past 7 years. I feel no itch, just love.

Happy Anniversary to ME!

I bought myself an Anniversary present. I am so nice to myself. New running shoes. Aren't they beautiful? I'm pretty happy with them. So thank you Gary, thank you 100 mile man, and you're welcome from me. Oh and by the way, those aren't $4 - 5 dollar insterts.

Brenden's 5!!!

I can't believe my little boy is 5! Time has flown so quickly. We had a great day celebrating with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. It was great to spend the special day with people we love.





We started the day making Brenden pancakes with strawberries and whipping cream (a family specialty.) Then we decorated Brenden's cake. He was so excited to help, he ended up mostly helping by eating the left-over candies we didn't use. We had a lot of fun. Brenden decided on a crocodile themed party. So we made his cake out of cupcakes. It turned out pretty cute- if I may say so myself.







We went to a spray park in Meridian, we had a picnic lunch with croquet and games and then we played in the water. We all had a blast! And I had so much fun taking pictures.










If we could see past the goggles, we'd be laughing at your hair! (love you Connor!)



Gross, I know. But come on, you all drank out of the hose too when you were a kid!










Then we headed back to my parents for a pinata and the cake. We had some pretty heavy hitters, but the crocodile held out long enough for everyone to have a turn!


Great form Brenden! Looks like being left handed is really going to pay come baseball season!

(Come on Grandma White, this is a party, you look bored!)

Brenden we love you so much! I don't know what I would do without you, you are my big helper and such a wonderful big brother! You are growing into a wonderful little person and I am so proud of you. Thanks for being such an obedient little boy!

You are my little SUPER-MAN!