Little Si of Relief

Saturday was beautiful here in Maple Valley. We have been wanting to go on a hike for, well, really all summer and it was finally time. I bought a Kelty carrier for Isla from Craigslist that morning - score! - then we finished some odds and ends here around the house, had lunch and then outta here. On our way to Little Si in North Bend. 2.2 miles one way and we had been told it was medium-easy. . . we'll see.

So we started out full of energy and excitement. At least the majority of us. Uh maybe middle matilda had some good whines and gripes about the family activity. oh well. keep moving. The oldest child was there to excel and that she did. Always ahead of the group telling us to hurry up. The Feeza was a champ! Amazing. She fell often and only cried when she was completely flattened after tripping on a root. Luckily, her face was saved. We brushed her off, the quicker the better, and kept moving. She was having fun for sure. Brian and I were glad we were there while Isla hung on the back of Bri - too cute. The middle of the hike up was good but someone wanted to turn around. Majority wins and we kept moving. End of the way up was tiring. We wanted to be at the top and it was dragging. BUT we made it! Sigh.

So nice at the top. But I'm sure I'm not the first to say that. :)

Peaceful, yes, even with 4 crazies trying to get as close to the edge as they can and me trying to keep them as far from the edge as I can. ha - kinda sounds like parenthood.

I was proud of us. It is nice to complete something that I wasn't sure we could do.

The way down was great - took us about half the time. Still a couple spills but nothing big. We stopped at a local burger joint/frosty freezy place there in North Bend and that was ok. The best part was dessert. We will have to remember the lime slushy and a soft serve vanilla cone.

Enjoy the pics. I love the people in them. They are the best.

First Day of School

So the girls have made it (almost) through their first week of school. Technically it will be tomorrow and tada the first week is over. Then next week. . . school again but I guess you could say "the honeymoon is over". At least that is how I feel. So much excitement and jitters and nerves and stomach aches for the first day of school and we need to have a new outfit (in our house just a shirt will do) for every single day of the first week of school. Then the weekend comes and Monday rolls around and it is school again but it could be the middle of January for all I care the first week is over - no more nerves no special pancakes like on the first day of school, Dad isn't staying home to walk with us to the bus, the girls are lucky if they have a juice box with their pb and j. Don't ask about the chips and treat. Fi would say "that's not fair" but I say "that's life, move on". So we have made it through the first week of school and actually I think I might make some bread tomorrow for lunches come Monday, maybe even cookies. :) I love these girls! They are wonderful and they keep me loving what I am doing at this point in my life. Happy first week of school to all!

First Birthday and First PB&J

Isla Jane turned 1 on June 14 and we had a fun little family party for her. She is wonderful! She opened her first present which was a baby doll and was good with that. She didn't want to open anything else. So we moved on to the cake. We sang and it was time for her to blow out her candle and I realized she didn't know how to blow it out! I forgot to teach her for her big day. sad. oh well, we have moved on. In fact we moved on to PB & J hooray! She thought that was one tasty sandwich - thank goodness. Isn't that the best smile EVER?!!

Summer lovin'

Fiona really wanted to help Brian mow. I am sure he is hoping she still wants to in about 12 years.

How cute is this?! Fiona was telling Isla all about her scratch on her elbow. I think Isla really cares!
I caught this picture of Fiona sharin the love. One of my favorites.
The 4 ragamuffins.

Someone's been sitting in my chair. . .

Goldilocks found Fiona's rocking chair the other day. . . so cute.

Dancing Queen

Fiona has had a lot of fun with her dance class and she ended the season with a recital. She was darling that night and her sisters were all very excited for her. Below is her in action at dress rehearsal. Next is her the night of the recital before the performance and last is all 4 crazies after Fi's performance. It was a really long night and I have to be honest, she is all signed up and ready for swim class in the fall. . . sorry Dance Expressions.

Birthday girl!

Camilla Margaret turned 7 on May 19 and it was a good week of celebrating for her. She took lollipops and pencils to the kids in her class at school and then we celebrated at home that night with her family party. This picture she is making one of my favorite faces - sort of. I will try to get a better one of her doing it cuz it is hilarious when she does it right. Then on Saturday she had her friends over for lunch, games, a pinata (she was born in LA so she knows how to party) and cake and ice cream. That was a fun afternoon with some pretty silly little girls. Camilla is way funny now days. She is really getting in touch with her sense of humor. I love it. She still has forgiveness issues but we are trying to teach her how to accept an apology when they are meaningful (ta heck with the rest) - she does however know how to imitate the fat lady from Nacho Libre PERFECTLY when she says "I forgive you". . . go figure.