Happy Birthday, Aiden!!!

Yet another birthday is upon us...Aiden turned 6 today! And what an amazing 6-year-old he is...kind, patient, easy-going, smart, funny, and so so so loving. You are a very special young man, and the world is a better place with you in it. Happy birthday...I love you!

1 year old Aiden

6 year old Aiden

Riding his new bike

Summer Swimming, Session #1

Aiden and Mason finished their first session of swimming lessons today. We couldn't have asked for better weather...it's been so hot, an afternoon dip in the pool couldn't have felt better (I wish I could've joined them!). They are both doing great - Aiden is suddenly able to do the back stroke, and Mason can float on her back unassisted. Session #2 starts next week, so the fun continues...

Aiden falling, I mean "diving," into the deep end!

Whew - he made it back to the surface!

Splish splash!

Down the tunnel slide she goes!

(Patrick, her instructor, waits to catch her)

Happy 4th Birthday, Mason!!!

Happy birthday to my beautiful, funny, smart, clever, determined, charming little (oops, I mean BIG) daughter! I love you, Macy!!!

Mason, 1 day old

Mason, 4 years old

Girl's Weekend #2

I was lucky enough to enjoy another girl's weekend, this time with my friends Stacy Shearer, Cynthia Fritch, Rachel Brown Peck, and Kali Leggett. Our destination - Kali's beautiful lake house on Spencer Lake (northwest of Olympia, Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula). We spent two relaxing days playing on the lake, enjoying the warm sun, spoiling ourselves at a spa, and eating lots of yummy food. Thanks for a wonderful weekend, ladies!

Leggett Lake House

strawberries from the garden

Kali, Rachel, Stacy, Cynthia, and your's truly!

Life Lessons by Erik

Conversation that occurred between Erik and Aiden tonight on our front porch, as Erik was leaving to return to work after his dinner break:

Aiden: "Dad, why do you always have to go to work?"
Erik: "Aiden, who do you think pays for all the fun things you get to do, like Nature Camp?"
Aiden points his finger toward the inside of the house, indicating his mom.
Erik: "No, son, I go to work to make the money so your mom can spend it!"

Gross!

Aiden attended his first day of Nature Camp at Hoyt Arboretum today. He had a great time hiking around the trails, searching for fairies, and making wizard sticks. He came home full of excitement and energy about his day. His socks, however, didn't fare as well...they're full of dirt, dirt, and dirt topped by sweaty boy feet funkiness! As you can see by his expression, he was less than enthused to display them for a picture - they're really that gross!

Weekend Recap

Friday night: Playtime and dinner at Jill's house (both of our husbands were M.I.A.). Pizza, parfaits, lots of dress-up, and a wonderful violin recital by our very own Madison.

Mr. Ladybug; Cinderella; Captain Underpants; DJ Jazzy-Pey

Saturday: Aiden so exhausted after dinner that he went outside, plopped down on some pillows, and fell asleep (yes, in broad daylight, in the FRONT yard!)

Sunday: a visit to the Peninsula Park rose garden, which is in full bloom and incredibly beautiful!

Mason's picture of her favorite flowers