Conversations between sisters...

Kyla was asked to unload the dishwasher yesterday and thought she needed some assistance so she asked Jill to help. Here is what I overheard:

Kyla: Hey Jill-come and help me do my chores.
Jill: What are you doing Kyla?
Kyla: Putting away the spoons and forks. Come help me. I'll pay you.
Jill: But Kyla...what are you going to give me?
Kyla: Well... I can't give you my money. It is too special but I have my chewed up gum. (She pulls it out of her mouth to show Jill.)
Jill: But Kyla...Ok-I'll have it. (Every sentence begins with But...for Jill)

Last days of summer vacation....

Tomorrow is our last day of summer vacation as Kyla starts kindergarten next week. We are all very excited. To be truthful, Kyla and everyone else is excited. I, however, am having a very hard time letting go. I truly enjoy hanging out with Kyla and spending my days with her and Jill. I know Jill is really going to have a hard time adjusting as well. I know this is a part of parenting and I will put on my brave face and sunglasses as I walk her to the bus stop next week. I am hoping it will be sunny and I can wear my shades so no one, especially Kyla, will see my tears. I am thinking about all my mom friends from our playgroup that we started 5 years ago. Wishing you and the kids a great first day!!!!

Craft Puppets...

Today the girls and I made some craft puppets with some extra art supplies that Grandma gave us. We had a ton of fun especially using the tiny pom-poms.

A visit from friends...

Today the Johnson Family came to visit us. It had been way too long since we had seen them. The kids had a great time reconnecting and playing. Thanks Amie for driving all the way up here to spend the day with us! We look forward to seeing you guys again soon!!

The soccer season has begun...

Since when did cleats and shin guards become such a fashion statement?

The Purple Pirates!

Ready for practice.

Kyla had her first soccer practice yesterday. While she is very excited, she also is a bit hesitant. For those of you who know Kyla you know she is very much a rule follower. She is having some difficulty with the fact that you do not have to be called on before you are able to chase after the ball. The game is going on and Kyla is patiently waiting on the field for someone to tell her it is her turn to kick and chase the ball. This should be a very entertaining season. :)

Introducing...

Brady Leland Davis! Weighing in at a whopping 9 lbs 3 oz. Good work people! I had the opportunity to drive down to Kirkland to see them last night. The fam is doing great! Best wishes for a great sleeper!! We love you guys!

Mount Baker

We headed up to Mount Baker today to get out of the house and hike a bit. When we got there it was pouring. We got out anyways and hiked around a bit in the rain. We also had to air out from Jill's car sickness episode. She almost made it. She got sick 1.5 miles from the top. Poor thing. This one was a doozy! She is always fine after her episode so the ride home was a bit easier.

Ted cleaning the car seat on the side of the road.





We also want to send our thoughts to the Davis family who are at the hospital having baby boy Davis as I type away. Best wishes for a quick, pain free, healthy delivery and baby. We love you!

Kyla and Sierra

Jill and Kai riding around

fresh veges for lunch from the garden

Last Tuesday we went and spent the day with the Altendorfs. We had a great time playing and hanging out. Hopefully we will be able to spend some time with you guys next weekend at Birch Bay!

new favorite book

Today we stopped by the library before the concert and picked out a few books and cds. We found a great book called Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson and illustrated by our all time favorite, Fumi Kosaka. The book is about one young girl's good deed that is multiplied as it is passed on by those who have been touched by kindess of others. A kind of pay it forward type of story. Great message for kids and adults. We also got a Justin Robert cd which is fantastic! Hope everyone has a great weekend. We are looking forward to seeing Ted tomorrow when he returns home from a week in DC. We have missed him!

Funny things...

So like all kids, my girls keep me laughing all day long with some of the crazy stuff they say. Today the girls were playing library (their new favorite game) and Kyla told Jill her library was open and to please come on in. Jill's reply was "Sorry Kyla. I can't come to your library today because my to do list is much too long." Ok-so how long can a 2 1/2 year olds to do list be? Too funny!

sneaking cookies

We tried out the new range the other day and made some yummy cookies. It was so great to bake 3 cookie sheets at one time. I love our new appliances! The girls helped with the baking and thoroughly enjoyed the clean-up.


I then found them hiding behind the island sneaking cookies.

People used to tell me how much the girls look alike. I had forgotten because when Jill wears her glasses she has her own unique look. It was fun to see them side by side without her glasses. I definitely see the resemblance in this shot.

Happy Anniversary

Yesterday Ted and I celebrated our 9th Wedding Anniversary! Grandma Jeanie came up to spend the night with the girls so we could enjoy a night out. We had dinner and then walked along the waterfront to watch the sunset at Taylor Dock. It was picture perfect. Thank you Ted for 9 amazing years. You are the greatest guy I know. An incredible friend, husband and most of all father. Heres to many more years!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAY-TAY!

Happy Birthday Taylor! We hope you have a fantastic day! Check your mom's email in the am for your gift! We love you and are so proud of you!

One of those days....

So today was one of those days. We were stuck at home waiting for the appliances to be delivered and installed and also without a car. I was dreading it a little. I am used to being able to pack up and go whenever it suits us. But not today. Though much to my surprise we had a full and exciting day. The girls spent the ENTIRE day playing together without one incidence. No arguing, fighting, whining. I could not believe it. I am sure tomorrow will be a bear but I have the memories of today to cherish.

The girls started the day with art projects, played librarian, moved outside to build their fairy kingdom with the rocks we painted last week, ate lunch, rested, played package and delivery (a new game they created where they box up goodies and deliver them to people, found 2 flashlights and played "camping" in our master closet for almost 2 hours and by that time Dad was home and lots of soccer and runs in the backyard. Now it is bath time and books and off to bed. Ted and I will stay up way too late again and watch the Olympics. What a glorious day! Go team USA!!!!

Shannon Falls, BC...

On the way home from Whistler after Jill participated in her traditional vacation car sickness episode we stopped at Shannon Falls for some much needed fresh air and to hike around and stretch our legs. It would not be a rode trip with our family without Jill getting sick in the car. Thankfully we have the clean-up process down to a science. We were pleasantly surprised with the beauty of the falls and park. The pictures do not do it justice. This was a great way to end our vacation!

Whistler...

We just returned from a trip to Whistler BC. We had a great time! There was so much to do as a family. We only scratched the surface. Ted and I has gone a number of times prior to having the girls but this was our first time as a family. The road up to Whistler is a major constuction site as they try to get ready for the 2010 Winter Olympics. It took an extra 2 hours to get there but it was worth it! The weather was amazing and the girls did great. We walked around the village, shopped, took a gondola ride up to the top of the mountain, hiked around, explored the river and created some priceless family memories. My favorite part of the trip was waking up to the sound of the girls giggling up in the loft and telling each other crazy stories.

Gondola Ride, Whistler cont...

The girl's favorite part of the trip was the gondola ride up to the top of Whistler. The entire ride up the girl's were in awe. They loved it. When we reached the top we hiked around, had lunched and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

Whistler activities...

Kyla showed her adventurous spirit once again and wanted to try everything available! She did the trampoline with bungee harness, the luge and wanted to do the zip line but it was closed. I love that she is always willing to try new and scary things. She is such a good sport. Ted was pretty proud too!

Poor Jill. She would have loved these activities too but the girl was tuckered after our hike. We made her walked most of the way and it was pretty steep. She handled it like a champ but was exhausted.