Eagle Creek and Multnomah Falls

Reed's parents came to spend the week with us. We were so excited to see them and show them around. Tuesday morning they left with Ms A and Reed to check out Reed's favorite hike, Eagle Creek. The scenery was beautiful, but the water was a little too cold to play in for an extended amount of time.

They also stopped off at Multnomah Falls for some quick pictures and chocolate ice cream (Ms A's favorite part of the day).

Kindergarten Graduation

Ms A completed Kindergarten with a singing program on Friday (Aunt Sara came to see her sing a pleasant surprise for Ms A). Her classmates were adorable as they sang the some of songs they have learned this past year. After the program, we looked through her projects and workbooks and ate cake. She said her goodbyes to her friends with the promise of playdates this summer.
She was so sad to say goodbye to her teacher, friends, helpers and bus driver. We made cards for her teacher and bus driver. Her teacher sprinkled each of the kids with "First Grade Dust" to help them get ready for the new year. A wonderful idea, since she's a little tentative about being a first grader (and the homework). :)

We thought it would be fun to have her picture taken in the same clothes she wore the first day of school. Can you see a difference?!? I think she's grown a couple of inches.

September 8th, 2010

Of course, she loves to pose for the camera and we had a time before the bus came, so we had a little fun. To finish the exciting day, Grandma Gayla and Grandpa Allen surprised her when she came home on the bus.

Summer has *FINALLY* Arrived!

We have had a few days with no rain, so I think summer may make an appearance. Ms A and I enjoyed a sunny day looking at our pretty flowers. It felt wonderful to feel the sun and breathe some fresh air.

I love the layers of petals on my clematis plant.

What a beautiful little girl (who loves posing).

So delicate.

The next day it warmed up enough to play at our local water fountain. Ms A could NOT get ENOUGH time in the water.

I hope you have a fabulous summer.

How Do You Eat Your Pretzels?

Ms A loves to eat pretzels. She also loves guessing games and she's very creative. For the past few weeks she's combined these to loves. When I checked on her, I discovered her making shapes and letters out of her pretzel knots.
For those not versed in Pretzels shapes and letters they are as follows (left to right):
"f", half a heart, "a", "B" and "G" or "6". If I'd given her more, she would have spelled out her name. She likes to make fishes as well.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

I remember when I was younger, my family went on a pie crusade. We tried out all sorts of fruit (Fresh Raspberry with fresh mint was my favorite), pudding and pumpkin pies. Sara made and still makes a killer pie crust and her pies are fabulous! One of the favorites was Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie. Unfortunately it didn't quite cook all the way through. So sad!!! Fast forward to this morning and my discovery of this gem. It was so simple and I had all ready made crust in the fridge. It was as delicious as it looked.

Thanks Cindy Lou of Skip to My Lou!!

Congratulations Sara!!

My sister, Sara, recently finished three years of Law School as a single mom of two **active** children. We have been so proud of her perserverance and how well she has done! In honor of Sara and her fabulous accomplishment, Ms A and I made cupcakes for her visit this weekend.

When she arrived, Ms A (very excitedly) led Aunt Sara to the sign she made and the cupcakes we made {jumping and smiling}.