February Sun in Seattle

Today was a beautiful sunny day and we didn't have to work so we headed to Seattle. We went to the Olympic Sculpture Park and Pike Street Market and had a great time. The weather was warm and the waterfront was so pretty. I enjoyed looking at all the sculptures some which made sense and others that well.....didn't. There were ships and ferries out in the sound and trains running, too. Clare loved it all and enjoyed throwing rocks in the water at "the beach." The market was crowded, but very fun. It was the girls' first time and they both were fascinated by the people, the music, the smells and the wares. Molly didn't make a sound she just looked all around. Of course when we got in the car to drive home (in Friday afternoon traffic) she had lots to say. She didn't stop talking the whole drive home. Thankfully Clare slept through it all. We all needed her to get a little nap after a very busy day.

Chloe Visits for a Volleyball Tournament

Last weekend Chloe came to stay with us while she played in a volleyball tournament. Lucky for us the games were at Meridian, which is a school I used to work at and only 5 minutes from our house. It was fun to have her here and to watch her play volleyball. Clare and Molly loved it. Clare followed her around, asked her thousands of questions, and cheered her on at the games. I did manage a couple of pictures at the house before we left for the game (12 year olds aren't huge fans of their aunt taking pictures at the game:) Chloe also pleased Clare when she agreed to take a picture with silly faces. Chloe's team won the bronze division championship and posed for a team picture on the bleachers. I got this silly one of 12 year olds being 12 year olds. We all had fun and can't wait to watch the team again at the Memorial Day tournament at UW!

Valentine's Day Preparations

This Sunday we worked on our Valentine's. Clare and Molly each had a list of the kids in their class and we wrote on cards for them. Clare wrote most of the names herself and signed most of her Valentines. I was so proud of her. Most of her letters were well formed and a good size. However, she was writing on Fun Dip packages so she poked a few holes with the tip of her Sharpie. I helped Molly by writing the names on hers. She provided good supervision while I worked. We also made cupcakes and goodie boxes for teachers, friends, and cousins.

Molly wants to do all the things Clare and I do and will grab at supplies and try to make her own project. She does surprisingly well for a 15 month old. We visited while we worked and every so often Clare would say, "Good job Molly" like she was such a big girl and Molly just a baby. I suppose it is kind of true, but it sure makes me smile every time. It was a fun project for all of us. Having the girls makes holidays so much more fun.

Little Gym Show Week

This fall Clare has been going to gymnastics class at the Little Gym. She has had a great experience and sure enjoys going each week. Her favorite activities are running on the mat, swinging on the bars and walking on the high beam. During the final class of this session they had a parent show. We got to go in the gym with them and take pictures, etc. Molly had the most fun....after 20 weeks of watching through the window she finally got to climb on the beam and jump on the mats.

Beat the crowds at the zoo....Go in January!

After a few days at home nursing Tad back to health after his wisdom teeth surgery we all needed to get out of the house. It was chilly outside, but very sunny, so we headed to Woodland Park Zoo. It turned out to be a great day. The animals were all out and we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. Some our favorites were the giraffes, elephants and the flamingos...they are adding an exhibit of penguins this summer so I am sure we will return. I would definitely recommend a winter visit to the zoo. We all had fun!