First and Last

Let's pretend this blog post was penned June 13.  That's when the pictures below were taken in honor of Ella's first true last day of pre-school.  And let me tell you, capturing this moment was not easy.  It involved some phrases like, "Just one more," and  "Smile wide and show me your teeth, but put your hands down away from your mouth," and  "PLEASE, Mommy really NEEDS to take a good one."  Okay, to be honest with you, it involved a lot more pleading.  34 pictures later, there were a few of decent ones.  

Goodness, they look so much alike here!

Such a lovely smile.  

A sweet and silly picture, but not what I had in mind. 

If you click HERE you will see Ella's first day of school pictures 2012, and the recap of her 2011 first day.  You will notice that Ella has matured a bit in appearance; her face thinned a bit, her hair grew longer, and she needs a bang trim.   Its Abby's appearance that stunned me.  She went from a baby to a toddler.  Amazing!

Summer Bucket List 2

Last year I was more on it with the blog, and I don't know how that is possible since I had a full time job.  I often wonder how that could be, but I am sure that it has to do with cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, and the gym.  I was lucky enough to not really have to worry about cleaning last year. We had a cleaning lady and we weren't home much, and then Ryan and I split cooking and grocery duties.

Anyways, I have wanted to create our Summer Bucket List for sometime (along with about 5 other posts), but better late than never! For reference, HERE is my 2010 Summer To-Do List.

1.  Play, play, play!  Play outside.  Play inside.  Play at the park.  Play at the Children's museum.
2.  Park Crawl.  How fun would that be?
3. Visit the Fruit Loop in Hood River.
4.  Berry picking.
5. Picnic on Mt. Hood.
6. Fish with the girlies.
7. Weekly Farmer's Market trips.
8. Utilize the library.  They have awesome activities on Tuesdays and drop in crafts on Thursdays and Fridays.
9. Summer Reading.
10.  Visit the vineyard.
11. Organize a random pot luck with old friends, new friends, and acquaintances.
12. Bike ride.  I imagine E will be without training wheels by the end of the summer.
13. Spur of the moment getaway with the kids. Seattle? Ashland? Downtown?
14. Concert in the Park ~ One time with kids, one time without.
15. Visit the beach.
16. Fly Kites.
17. Bake with the girlies.
18. Eat outside.
19. Visit Street of Dreams.
20. Water Balloons.
21. Hike at least 3 trails.
22. Walk the waterfront with the girls.
23. Spend a lot of time at the pool.
24. Boat and water ski.
25. Weekly crafts.

My last post was a bit anxiety filled regarding our summer.  I didn't feel we had enough to do and that we would be bored and home bound.  Truth is, there isn''t enough time to accomplish all I want to do everyday.  Our schedule seems to be filling up unintentionally so it doesn't feel like the lazy days of summer around here.  It's going to be an action-packed summer!

Just Around the Corner ... Summer

Summer vacation starts in just two days for Miss Ella.  That means I have two more mornings before our routine is thrown into chaos.  Obviously, I am looking forward to spending summer vacation with the girlies, but I also know that summertime is no break for me.  In fact, it might be my "busy season", as the hubs is usually busy with work, and the girls are home full time. As a result, I have been prepping my summertime to- do list.  It includes pin after pin after pin of arts, crafts,  pre-school skills, and an entire list of toddler excursions in the area.

Our summer isn't jam-packed, but we do have a few things going on.  I wanted to make sure we would have plenty of family time, biking riding, outside adventures, days lounging at the pool, and time chillaxing at home.

Gymnastics lessons.  We will see how that goes, but I have a feeling E's gymnastics career will be short lived. Neither Ryan nor I have the gymnastics gene, and I am sure that it is genetic trait. At least it promises to wear her out.

We will resume swim lessons.   I am hoping E will warm right up to her old swim teacher.  After all, we tried group lessons and that was a major fail. She refused to even consider swimming with another instructor other than Teacher Jessi, and Teacher Jessi's mom.  Lord knows, the only reason she worked with Teacher Jessi's mom is because she had some street credit. Crossing fingers she hops right back into the groove.

Also, we have Vacation Bible School for a week.  E is dragging her feet about it already and I will be one of her teachers!  At least it will get us all out of the house for a few mornings, provide some socialization oppurtunities, and root us deeper within our church.  I know I will enjoy getting back into a classroom type situation even if it is pre-schoolers.

Lastly, E will be attending a short camp at our local club.  I don't know much about it, but I am sure Abby will appreciate the opportunity to have some one on one momma time.

We might not have a daily routine set in place like we do during the school year, but I know this summer will be a blast.  I am also sure I will be ready for school to start in September. ; )

Lazy days of summer are almost here!