Goodbye babies...

We've been talking forever with Mia that it would be time to give up her babies (blankets) by her 4th birthday. She only sucks her thumb when she has them and she is only allowed to have them at bedtime. Well, we were at the dentist this week and he told her if she stopped she would get to pick out a prize from him. This apparently was enough ammunition to get rid of the blankets. She came home and told David about it. So they went and gathered her blankets up and put them in a bag. I was shocked she was still going for it. Bed time came and she cried a bit and went fast asleep. The next night no tears & off to sleep. It's only been 2 nights but she hasn't asked about them and says she's a big girl now. I'm so impressed!!!

Here's a drawing Mia did at school for Father's Day. Can you tell that the two of them have been talking a lot about the babies?



Don't worry we didn't give them away. I told her I was going to keep them safe for her to give to her kids one day...she thought that was so funny!

Maui

The girls and I were so excited to join David in Hawaii. David was in Kona for 10 days at a training camp. I kept saying I'd switch places with him but he liked to remind me that 500 miles on the bike, running at least 30 miles and swimming wasn't exactly relaxing. So, we flew to Maui and he met us there. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed our getaway.

Olivia's favorite thing to do at the pool...whew hoo!


Mia's favorite thing to do at the pool just float with her goggles on her head.




Morning walk along the beach.


Trying to keep her balance.


David & Olivia snorkeling in front of our hotel.


Heading to Molokini...


As you can see Mia enjoyed the boat ride and Olivia not so much. She was good to go after throwing up over the side of the boat.


David & Olivia snorkeling at Molokini. Mia and I didn't last too long it was a little rough for us.


Hey a turtle...


I love this picture of sisters.


We ate dinner outside almost every night and were able to enjoy the sunsets.


Visiting the Banyan Tree.

To our favorite dog...Kira

It's been a hard couple weeks since we found out that Kira had bone cancer. It was even more difficult to make the decision to put her down. However, we know that now she is in a better place.

We've had Kira since she was 6 weeks old. From early on she was attached to David. It wasn't until I stayed at home with the girls that she became my buddy. Kira loved to cuddle, enjoyed most small dogs, and her favorite was to play in the snow. The neighborhood kids called her Carl after the Carl books. Of course we have the Carl books and have to change the name to Kira. We will miss her & will remember all the great memories she gave us.

Kira in her younger years...


Olivia & Kira


Our girls...


Give me a kiss...

Mother's Day Tea---

Touchstone Preschool always does a really great Mother's day celebration. Last year was one of my favorites because of Olivia's performance...hilarious. Well, this year was great because it was Mia's first year and she's been telling me all week about the jewelry box she made for me and then would immediately say "oops it's a surprise". First each child introduced their mom then Miss Wendy was telling us about how they've been learning rhythm & to carry a beat. They began to sing watch the boy next to Mia. He was so cute & proud of himself!



Mia & Sydney looking cute. Nichole's husband dressed Sydney this morning and Nichole was dying when we arrived at school and Sydney was wearing christmas tights and a dress she wore yesterday. Greg's response was the dress was still clean so why not...gotta love dads!


Here she is giving me my jewelry box. I asked her if I could hold it and she said she didn't want anyone to touch it and she should probably hold on to it. I guess it's really a present for her.



It was a fun morning!

My birthday...

A little delayed on the posting. My birthday was a fun day. The kids made me cards and David organized a dinner at Sel Gris with the Berglers. When we showed up the table was set for 5...weird. However, after being there for 15 minutes in walked Allison straight from Japan. It was quite a surprise! She had a wedding to attend on Saturday (which she had told me she wasn't attending) and said she couldn't miss my birthday celebration. It was a great night with excellent food and even better friends!

I of course forgot my camera but Allison posted pictures on their blog A Night to Remember.

Happy Birthday Olivia!

On Olivia's birthday we told her we were taking her to Family Fun Center in Wilsonville. The day was very rainy so we didn't get to experience any of their outside activities.

The girls were very excited especially when they saw there was a ride. This is the before picture.


After...Olivia loved it and Mia not so much. I wish I could have captured her face but I think it's safe to say she won't be going on Space Mountain at Disneyland anytime soon.


Ice cream break...


Finishing the day off at Red Robin...Olivia's favorite place!

Happy "fake" Birthday Olivia!

Olivia had her class birthday party after school on Friday. Her birthday isn't until the 28th but it falls on Spring break. She said this was her fake birthday. There were a few of her classmates having parties this weekend so Nichole and I decided to have both Lauren & Olivia's at the same time. It took a little negotiating with the girls but they agreed it would be fun. All the parents in the class were thrilled to knock out two parties in one shot. The theme also had to be Tinkerbell...each girl was a fairy and could come dressed up.

Now, it came to entertaining 20 children (15 classmates & siblings). Lauren's grandparents graciously offered their home for the party...I'm sure they'll be reconsidering that offer next year. The girls wanted face painting, nail painting, tattoos, hair station and games. So, the husbands were in charge of keeping the boys entertained but to our surprise the boys were very excited to have their hair done, nails done (some dads were thrilled with this), tattoos, and then running like crazy! It was fun and a little chaotic at times.

Overall it was a success. Thanks Mike & Barbara for opening up your home! Here's some photos...



Lauren & Caitlin working on some tattoos.


Jakob's parents were so proud of this look.


The craft table...


Anxiously awaiting for the pinata to be set up.


Olivia excited about cake time!


Make a wish...