The Beach House

It wasn't until I looked back at our blog that I realized we never even mentioned the best vacation of our lives that we went on this summer. Needless to say, I'm having an affair . . . with the Oregon Coast. It's so beautiful, and woodsy, and beachy, and . . . perfect. The kids had a blast. They were always busy having fun, and I don't think I ever heard anyone say, "I'm bored, there's nothing to do.
Back in December I found a beach house on VRBO.com, and then we found some friends who were interested in going to split the cost with us, and then at the end of July, off we went. And really, can you go wrong with a huge beach house four blocks from the beach, hot tub, pool table, Foosball table, fire pit, amazing food and great friends? Ya, did I mention we had fun? Here are some pics from our adventure.

Don't worry, it's a marshmallow on his lips. Should I mention that it was 10:30 in the am when we were already roasting marshmallows?

I think the crab survived his encounter with Brooke.

Luke enjoying the beach.

Josh loved the wake board, sadly though he never actually did more than stand on it and let the waves come to him.

The First Days of School

It's funny to finally be posting Brooke and Josh's "First Day of School" pictures since I know of several places where school isn't just starting, they're well into their second month. But out here in good ol' Bonney Lake, we milk summer for all it's worth, and we don't start until the Tuesday after Labor Day.
In reaching that oh so exciting first day of school, and for Brooke her first day of kindergarten, as a mother I have also hit a milestone, the beginning of packing a school lunch. The first night while Brooke and I sat smearing PB&J across bread, I felt like that car insurance commercial, "I am so there".

(anxiously awaiting the school bus)

(Brooke's already going up the stairs)

The first day of Kindergarten for Brooke was a hit. She was so excited because on the first day they didn't do any numbers or letters. She is also really enjoying music class and all the new friends she gets to play with. However, I think she's taken back a bit by the "rules of the playground". Mostly by the rule that says, "even though we're friends at home, that doesn't mean we play together at school. I have my friends and you have yours, but when we get home again, let's hang out." What is the deal with that rule? I guess I kind of get it, but Brooke is all sorts of confused by it. Fortunately, she does have "her" friends that she can hang out with during recess, so she's handling it very well.

Josh is also had his first last day of preschool. For two years now we've taken our kids to Ms. Shauna's for preschool, and the kids just love her. She does an amazing job, and like every good teacher is so underpaid. Josh loves her, and we love her, and he's so excited to go and learn.

Josh and Ms. Shauna