We had another busy weekend...

Aunt Susie and Uncle Denny arrived from Bend yesterday. Grandma is also here from Boise this weekend... so to celebrate Mother's Day and Mom's 60th Birthday all of the ladies (and Sam) went out for tea. Lizzie and Sam were too cute all dressed up and had a ball wandering around the shop and playing together. Poor Ben woke up with a fever so he stayed home with Brian.

Last night we had a BBQ at Ellen's to celebrate Brian, Mom and Sam's birthday's. The kids had a great time playing outside...blowing bubbles, chasing each other etc. It was perfect weather... Ben was feeling better and spent a lot of time on the swings.

We opened a few presents...

Sang Happy Birthday a few times - our family tradition...

Now who doesn't need a "pocket" volcano? Aunt Susie gave this to Sam and he was up at 7:30 this morning, ready to find out what happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar...

We got calls this morning that Ellen and Mom both have the stomach flu. Today is mom's special day - not only Mother's Day but her birthday! Grandma, the Fees, Dad, Colin and the kids all came over for brunch. We had a great time but missed my mom and sis. Happy Mother's Day to all of my friends and family out there with little ones!

Celebration

Last night we had Sam's party - 6 of his little friends along with their younger siblings and parents... joined us for pizza and play time at Papa's Pizza.

The kids played and ate and played some more... There were a few tears when it was time go home. I am happy to report that for the first time in 3 years - Sam didn't cry at his birthday party! He had an absolute blast!

It is such a great feeling to see your child having so much fun! What a little man - 5 years old already - wow!

Busy day for the birthday boy...

Last night we had Kindergarten round-up. Sam got to check out the classrooms, meet the teachers, play on the playground and take a bus ride. He looked so little getting off of that big bus!

So serious...

He came home from preschool with a a birthday crown... Had to take this photo because this kid hates having his clothes off! A rare moment here...

My baby is 5!

It seems like yesterday that Sam was born. Five weeks early he weighed in at 5 lbs 1 oz - tiny but healthy! I can't believe my baby is five today - just crazy how fast the time goes. I never thought he would be running, climbing, swimming, reading and so curious about the world.

Tonight we have his kindergarten orientation - meet the teachers, take a bus ride etc. Tomorrow night we are celebrating with a few of his friends and family. Every day I am amazed at the questions he asks, the new things he learns, and at what a sweet boy and great big brother he is. Happy Birthday Sam!

The boys missed their dad this weekend...

He was at the beach with his friends... playing golf and poker, drinking beer, building bonfires and just hanging out doing whatever it is guys do. We kept busy here...the boys played with their cousins, helped Caden celebrate his 1st birthday, had swimming lessons and played outside. We had a huge storm Saturday - lightening, wind, rain...trees were down, power was out etc. Yesterday Brian got home and spent the afternoon at the UP graduation. Both of my softball games were rained out - ARG! I had our end of year MOPS steering dinner and the boys went to the park, rode bikes and played in the water table. Another busy week this week - Sam, Brian and Mom all have birthdays! Sam is counting down the days...

Where one goes the other one follows...

We met Jennah, Griffin and Sabine at the park after soccer class today.

The kids ran and climbed all over the playground...

played soccer, had a picnic, tried to climb a few trees and enjoyed the sun!

A couple of random pix...

I haven't been great about taking photos lately but Brian has been snapping a few here and there. The kids camped out in the living room earlier this week and love dragging toys and books into their tent.

This evening they spent 20 minutes giggling in the pantry with the light off. Goofy kids! So glad they have such a good time together.

Trying to catch up...

It has been too long since I have had time to post anything new! We have been crazy busy the last couple of weeks. We have had something almost every night lately which is fun but tiring. Last week Sam had school, swimming lessons, soccer and a few playdates. I was busy shuttling the kids around, volunteering at the Caddies 4 Cure concert, playing softball, hosting friends for dinner, and helping with our end of the year MOPS brunch. I had two Silpada shows which were a lot of fun as well.

Last night we had dinner with friends. The kids had fun running around and playing crispee (frisbee)... not sure where Sam came up with that one! They have a 1st grader so he was excited to play with a BIG boy.

This was going to be a quiet week, but our schedule is filling up with playdates, coffee and dinner out with friends, 3 softball games, and hopefully some time to relax. Brian is headed to the coast on Friday for his annual guy's weekend. The boys and I will be going to cousin Caden's birthday party on Saturday - the party season has begun!

In May we celebrate Sam, Mom, Brian, cousins Kelly, Caden and Zoe, Uncle Lee, Aunt Lisa, and Gail along with a few friends! I can't believe Sam turns 5 next week! I registered him for Kindergarten today!

Another 80 degree day in Portland

The boys and I drove over to our old neighborhood to play at Commonwealth Lake Park. Ben loves to watch the ducks and they have 2 playgrounds that the kids love. We did A LOT of swinging...

sliding...

throwing the ball for Aunt Lisa's dog...
Maddox even got to ride in the big boy swing...
After a picnic we walked around the park checking out the different kinds of ducks, birds and butterflies...All are tired and ready for a LONG nap!

Ben really wants to take swimming lessons with Sam...

he isn't old enough yet so last night he had to settle for this...

More fun in the sun...

Outside Fun

It is going to be a gorgeous, sunny weekend - they are predicting 80 degrees by Monday! We are going to spend as much time outside as possible!

Easter 2009

We had a good Easter morning - the kids woke up way too early and were excited to see if the Easter Bunny had come. Every time Sam found an egg he would yell "Egg!" and run off to look for another one.

Sorting through the goods...

Another egg...

Waiting for everyone to arrive for brunch... We had a great spread! Eggs, blueberry coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, sausage, fruit salad, hashbrowns and mimosas.

I was trying to get them to sit together for a photo but this is the best we could do...

Attempt at a family photo...
Busy boy...

The little boys playing with Papa...

Sam and Lizzie had a great time searching for eggs... We also had a dance party and made cards for Aunt Susie, Papa-Mimi and Grandma Sheila.

So proud of his chocolate bunny!

We had 3 other families over for dinner last night and the kids got to bed late and up early today - they were exhausted when everyone left and are both taking much needed power naps. The Easter Bunny is tired too!