Under the Weather

The dragon roller coaster
Their most favorite ride, of course

Luke rang the boat's totally obnoxious buzzer/horn the whole ride

We are battling our first cold of the season, compliments of the kindergartener who resides among us. Since we've been under the weather, there hasn't been much picture taking recently. Here are a few shots from our trip to the Puyallup fair a couple of weekends ago. Andy was tall enough to ride more of the rides this year, the sunshine was wonderful and we left just before everyone was completely worn out. A good time was had by all.

Andy's Third Birthday

He begged and begged for a cupcake and was totally delighted when everyone sang to him. He's got this birthday thing all figured out.
He's also discovered the joys of consuming anything chocolate. He is so my kid.

Trying to open his presents without any assistance. It was a battle keeping the brother away from the new treasures. Sibling rivalry is alive and well, even at birthday parties.

Enjoying the puppets purchased with Grammie McCahan's birthday money.

Thanks for the birthday money, Grammie McCahan! We chose 4 hand puppets from Costco and they are a huge hit!

Happy birthday, sweet boy! We can't believe you are three already.

First Day of Kindergarten

thought there would be much weeping and gnashing of teeth at this point...but he surprised me by getting right on the bus without hesitation. I think it helped tremendously that our neighbor, a first grader, took him by the hand and showed him exactly what to do.
Our friend offered to take our picture and she kept telling Luke, "whatever you do, don't smile"

I told him I needed a "first day of school" picture for my scrapbook. He thought that was a reasonable request, I guess and even decided to smile. These gynormous bus tags make me laugh. I suppose it keeps him from getting lost but it was totally annoying him and we moved it to the back of his shirt before we left the house.

It's funny how a day that once seemed so far away just sort of sneaks up on you. Heather sent her last kid to first grade today. She was home alone for the first time in 11.5 years. Wow!

So Long, Summer

It wouldn't be Labor Day weekend around here if it wasn't pouring down rain. Nothing like a very clear reminder that summer is over. Steve and I loaded the boys in the car at 8am on Saturday and hauled them off to the Bouncy Place. It's a giant warehouse full of inflatable houses, slides, ladders...the perfect destination for little boys on a rainy day.

He stopped bouncing long enough to let me take his picture. Occasionally he still takes orders from me.

If Andy could tell you the highlight of his summer, I think he would say it his recent discovery of cheese. Oh, the wonderful combination of processed cheese dip and a salty cracker. He is definitely my kid.

In an effort to squeeze every last drop out of our summer, the boys and I have galavanted just a little bit in recent weeks. Some friends from Luke's preschool class met at Mud Mountain Dam to play in the fountain and enjoy the gynormous playground. We didn't see mud, mountains or the dam, but managed to stay and play until we were all totally exhausted. The whole day was a comedy of errors for me: getting lost, Andy's horrible blow out diaper, not packing enough drinks, blah, blah, blah. I'm glad I didn't give up and go home because I got to visit with friends and the boys had a blast.

The water was freezing cold. I was surprised they got in repeatedly. Perhaps it was the peer pressure or maybe the blazing hot sun...

We have definitely enjoyed our summer vacation. Luke is off to kindergarten in just a couple of days. I can't believe it. I'm excited for him but a little sad that it's already time for him to dive into the great big world of going to school every day.