I've Bloomed!

Brooke and her Pre-K class performed their spring music program titled "I've Bloomed". It was an absolute joy to watch! They did a GREAT job. Brooke was very excited to perform in front of such a large audience. She sure knew the words and signs... and this is very serious business ya know!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Creature Swap

Like many kids, Brooke has been asking for another pet. Maybe a ferret, a hamster, gerbil or just a horse! Apparently the goldfish and dog we have are not nearly enough. Finally, we agreed to getting stick bugs. (Thanks, teacher friend, Alice) Stick bugs are unique and about the easiest pet you can have. Still, Brooke really wants a hamster! So I was telling my friend Diana about this and we came up with a solution. A creature swap! We did a one week trade of her son's hamster for our walking sticks. Aren't we brilliant? Brooke thoroughly enjoyed babysitting Hander the hamster until it went potty on her and she said "maybe I don't want one of these!" Need I say more? Mission accomplished! However, Hander is soooo cute she may need that incident to occur again to be truly convinced she doesn't need one. At the same time, Ryan enjoyed learning about the stick bugs and holding them. Both kids seem to have a new appreciation for their pets now that they are back home too. Brooke is now looking for a turtle trade!

Two proud pet owners

Hander the adorable teddy bear hamster

the ever photogenic stick bugs

Shoes

Brooke and I were at Bob's work recently. Like any golf shop, he has the clothing, golf equipment and shoes neatly displayed. Brooke was paying close attention to how the pairs of shoes were situated with one shoe leaning on the other. When we got home, Brooke called me up to her room and said "Look, Mom! My shoes are just like Daddy's shop!" She was so sincere about it. I could tell cracking up was not the response she was looking for so I did my best to hide my laughter!

Mother's Day Weekend

Mother's day weekend was so nice. It started on Saturday with lunch and shopping in Olde Burien with the girls. My Mom, sisters and nieces came. A highlight was when mom received a gift from Dad. It was a ring with birthstones of the kids. What a thoughtful surprise!

On Sunday morning the weather was absolutely beautiful. I went for a bike ride and enjoyed the morning stillness while Bob and Brooke made my favorite breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, orange slices and coffee. For a Mother's Day gift Bob built a much needed shelf in the laundry room. I know, not exactly exciting for anyone but it sure is for me! The weather began to turn and it was a perfect afternoon for kite flying. Hours were spent with Brooke running around in delight. Bob and Brooke topped off the day by making a delicious dinner complete with creme brule! We were able to enjoy that with my folks. What a perfect Mother's day. I am so blessed!

Mom opens her gift

The Olde Burien Feed Store was perfect for animal lovers

The baby chicks were adorable

Morgan and Cathy

A shelf - hooray!

Perfect wind for kite flying!

March of Dimes

Brooke and I completed the March of Dimes. It was an awesome experience and so great to support our friends, the McCann family, as well as the many other babies in need.

You never really know how a 5 year old will do walking the distance but thanks to her motivation to deliver a ballon to Megan it worked out. She was certain Megan was ahead of us and so she ran nearly the entire race! I just tried to keep up, zig zagging between people with a backpack bouncing on my back and two balloons tangled. I didn't have the heart to tell her we must have passed Megan a long time ago.

New Friends

Our neighbors came over for a BBQ on one of those glorious hot spring days. So nice to meet really fun people and be on the same parenting page. The kids get along so well. We can picture Brooke and Ryan going to a high school dance some day. Thanks for the friendship, Diana, Jeff and boys!

Landscape 101

Our backyard is lookin' good but it doesn't take much to improve a blank slate! Here are Brooke and Bob planting our new trees. Brooke's favorite is the apple tree.