Lake Sammamish Beach

On Monday we decided to take the girls to the local beach so they could play. We don't go there enough at all given that it is only about 7mins. away. The weather was beautiful so away we went. It was especially fun to watch A.&A. enjoying the waves and the sand.


Busy girls making a mote


Big sisters


Our little Audrey bear sportin' her cute little toddler belly


Our little Alyssa bug


Our awesome 4-some!

Memorial Day Weekend Fun

On Saturday we went to my parents house to celebrate my Grandma's birthday and spend some time with them at their house (way over due!). On the way home we took the ferry and all enjoyed that. Thanks for the fun day Grandma and Grandpa and the yummy food.

Dad and Grandpa working hard to put up a zip line. The kids had a blast on it!


Peek-a-boo Alyssa!


A family game of croquet


Audrey and Great Grandpa having a little bonding time


It's just a little windy on the ferry--yikes my hair looks lovely!


Am I seeing double!?

Spring Ballet Recital

Madison had her end-of-year ballet recital last Saturday. She did an amazing job for her very involved dance. She continues to love ballet and in fact, will be in 2 dance classes starting in Sept. She is VERY excited about that.


Madison's dance group. She has been dancing with most of these girls for the last 3 years.


Madison and Teacher Jessica

Seattle Fun!

The water fountain at the Seattle Center is the best for kids! We had to go downtown last week to get our "enhanced" drivers license so Eric and I can get back into WA from Canada when we adventure on our anniversary trip there in a few weeks (a new law starting June 1). Afterwards, we went to the Seattle Center and got some lunch, ate some Seattle Fudge (of course!), and let them run around in the fountain. They loved it, but it was raining that day and a bit cold. Nevertheless, fun. I mean, we live in WA where it rains, so whats a little more water right?!

Mothers Day

Our Sunday was already busy with other events, so we celebrated Mothers Day on Saturday after the twins and I got back from a birthday party for a friend. I wanted to do my hike with the family (a tradition we started about 4 years ago), so we headed up to Franklin Falls (a beautiful easy hike with little ones). As we were driving in on the road towards the trail head here, this what we encountered!


Wow...in May!

So, after some laughter and disbelief we turned around, headed back down the mountain, and went here instead.



We had a great time hiking down and the weather was beautiful! God's beautiful creation and 2 rainbows to boot in the company of my wonderful kiddos and amazing hubby! Can't get much better!!!


Here we are just before heading down the trail. Alyssa (Madison is trying to hold her hands) just wants to go.


We are down. Madison and Katelyn were in heaven climbing all the huge rocks.


Until next time....Katelyn said she was glad the other trail was closed b/c "this one is even better!"

School Music Concert Time

As we are nearing the end of the school year, both Madison and Katelyn had their class music concerts.

Madison's was on Friday with all of the second graders and was performed in front of all the parents/teachers of 2nd graders in their lunch room. There are five 2nd grade classes!


Madison singing one of their many songs. She is on the top right side. Sorry for the not so great video--I am still learning how to use the video setting on my camera and now realize that one should n't zoom while recording.:>(

I wish I could put the other video up too of her playing on a musical instrument, but I did a terrible job recording that because I used the zoom feature even more!


Katelyn's concert was today and was done by each individual class rather than all of the classes combined.


Katelyn with her class singing one of the songs. She is in the skirt and leggings on the right side.



Here is Katelyn singing a solo! Yes, she was asked by her teacher if she would like to sing a solo and didn't even tell us about it until about a week before the show! Silly girl!! She was very embarrassed about it so that was why. Not embarrassed to sing, but embarrassed about the words to the song. Listen and you'll see.:>) So cute and innocent though! We are SO proud of her and she was the only one in her class to get to do this. Go K.!

What's Wrong with this Picture?

I'll let you be the judge.

School Art Show

Last night was the girls annual school Art Show. I am the Art Docent for both girls class this year. I do it solo for Katelyn's class and share it with two other moms for Madison's class. As the art docent we are responsible for teaching an art lesson for a different artist each month and then doing one "special" piece for the art show itself. So, last night was a big night. They had a raffle, refreshments and family craft activities. Here's a peek!


Standing in front of our classes art display. I lucked out and got to have both girls class art displayed on the same wall!



This is Katelyn's class art--Popsicle Portraits.


This is Madison's class.


Making tiles during craft time at the show.

Marriage Conference

This last weekend, Eric and I went to a 2-day marriage conference called "Love and Respect". We haven't been to a marriage conference since right after getting married, so it was 14 years overdue! We learned a lot, laughed a lot, cried, and I can even say that we learned new things about each other and ourselves. I would HIGHLY recommend this conference to all of you when it comes to your area. It is a husband/wife team that speak (Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs) and there is a book out that he wrote titled, Love and Respect.

Here is a little video excerpt if you are interested. You can read more about it and his books here too as well as download some videos.

Thank you Grandma B. for watching the girls for us both days so we could be at this!