Swim Lessons

The kids had swim lessons this summer during session 3 at the Hamilton Lowe Aquatic Center. I scheduled them for 7:15 in order for Bryan to be able to go after work and watch them swim. (Next year, I'm trying the 11:00 am sessions... 7:15 was way too close to bedtime!) Anyway, the lessons went well and H's instructors were quite surprised that he was only going into 1st grade. He passed with flying colors onto Frogs while Kennedy did a good job, she was the youngest in her Tadpole class and will do that for at least one more summer! Her male instructor frightened the bejesus out of her!!!! She only wanted to work with the "girl teachers!"

School Haircuts Photo Shoot....

Take one....

Take two....

Kennedy said something to Hayden that ticked him off....

Therefore, brother wants to wring sister's neck! LOL!

It's been long overdue since I've posted here. I took the kids downtown to our hair stylist so she can give them an updated "do" for school. Kennedy had at least 2 inches taken off, and Hayden just needed a trim around the ears. (And she still charged me full price, I was kind of irritated.) Anyway, they are ready for school! Aside from getting H's school supplies and getting mentally ready for both to start this fall, we'll rarin' and ready to go.

Lemonade 4 Sale!

K and H waiting for their first customer! It was a hot day - luckily we found

this camper to give us some shade on the corner!

Frustrated that not everyone was stopping to buy some!

Last Thursday Hayden had his very first lemonade sale! It was quite a sight to see him get all geared up for this. He made the lemonade sign, had the idea for it and wanted to even charge for water! (Is this a future entrepreneur?) Anyhow, daddy and I helped him make his lemonade and take his stand down to the neighborhood corner. He made over $4.00!!! It was very sweet and something we will probably do in the near future before school starts. Makes me realize that I need to stop at every lemonade or kool aid stand I see! (On a side note - we sold completely out of lemonade) Although, Kennedy helped herself to a glass and poured out a good 1/4 of the pitcher on the table before anyone even showed up! LOL!

My Lil' Cook

Flour, everywhere - that nose just must have gotten in the way of her putting the flour in the bowl!

Today was a day to bake some chocolate chip cookies. Kennedy is always wanting to help. When I looked over, she basically had flour everywhere. Luckily, the cookies turned out delish!

Geese!!!

Notice how close K was standing to mom! There was a gosling we were feeding, right side of the pic.
They followed us up on the road...

Yesterday mom took us down to Lewiston to finally pick up the kids' pictures that were taken last month. (Our car is on the fritz). So, we picked the pictures up which turned out great, hit Zany's for lunch and then walked through Ross to shop a bit. After all of that, we grabbed our loaves of bread and headed to feed the ducks and geese. Boy, were they ready! I can't believe how close they came to us... Kennedy and Hayden were both a bit nervous. I was even a bit on the nervous side. One goose took a piece of bread out of Hayden's hand, even! The ducks are fine, but when geese come up to me, it freaks me out a bit. I took the kids finally up above where the trail is and they followed us there. Here are a couple of pictures of yesterday's goose adventure!

Day Lily....

Two posts in one day but I couldn't resist. Bry and I just redid a little landscaping project - and it was mini - but we finished it. Well, mostly I did. But, day lily's were planted and I'm so excited about the color that I picked... it's beautiful and it's finally blooming!

An outing to Red Barn Farms...

This afternoon after playing in the pool all morning long, mom and I took the kids to Red Barn Farms. I've talked of this place before. It's a beautiful farm out by Colton, Washington. I love to take the kids there to pick their pumpkins for the fall. Anyway, they had a bunch of great antique vendors there and stuff for the kids to do. A jumping castle, Kids Korner (which gave me a grand idea to make something for the kids - hopefully more to follow) and then of course, music. The musician was a friend of mine from high school. The one and only, Douglas Cameron. He was touched that we made it and his music sounded great! We had a great time while enjoying a hay ride that took us around the farm and we even fed their fish in their pond. Perfect.

Let's Swim!

H and K gearing up for the good picture....

H and K - the good picture! Happy Swimming!

Yesterday started the beginning of H and K's two week swim lesson session. We signed up for the 7:15 pm slot so that Bry could attend and help out. Luckily, their classes are close by each other so I can walk on the catwalk there and see both kids learn from their teachers! I honestly think K is the youngest one in her class, but one of her teachers told me she's just fine. She even did a back float all by herself! YEAH!



Hayden is so much more comfortable in the water this year. He's also doing a good job and it's so fun to watch them learn from another individual. We just need to get H to straighten his legs a bit more when he kicks. Right now he looks like a flopping dolphin! LOL! Here are a couple of pictures before we headed off to the pool last night!

Girls Weekend '08!

Barb and I on the boat....

At the Boathouse.....

Each year a group of us girlfriends from high school get together for a weekend filled with good times, many laughs and a lot of fun! We had our weekend up at Hayden Lake at Jamie's cabin. What a beautiful place! We had so much fun getting together and laughing at one another's antics! It's always so great to be able to pick up where we left off. This weekend we rode "Maebelle" and the "Red Shark," had drinks at The Boathouse and enjoyed a good time. It definitely went by too quickly but it is so good to have such great friends in my life!

Happy 4th of July!

Grandpa Dave, Hayden and Kennedy before the Sole Survivor.

The Thompson Family attempting the 3-legged race. Kennedy and mommy came in last.

The golf cart Grandpa Dave rented - Hayden drove.....

Hayden, Kennedy and Gram!

Hayden and Kennedy before Sole Survivor @ the Elks!

Our July 4th was a fantastic one. We celebrated by going out to the Elks golf course and partook (is that a word?) in the kids games before the actual golf tournament started at 2. Dad ended up renting a golf cart which was one brilliant idea. We managed to keep the kids quiet til about the 3rd hole when Kennedy decided she didn't want to whisper anymore and pulled her "independent card" on me. About the fourth hole, we decided to pack up and get ready for our bbq. It was such a good time from the relay races to mommy entering the longest drive competition. What was I thinking? I haven't hit a golf club in over a year... a few swings and misses.... and some public humiliation, but at least I kept it on the green.

Mom came over for a bbq and we hung out on our deck while enjoying one another's company. It was a fantastic holiday and one that we're sure to never forget. Happy 4th!

Grandpa Dave and Meredith come to town.....

Dad and Meredith at Patty's Kitchen

Kennedy... peek a boo!
Hayden - say cheese!

The hot weather hits Moscow as Dad and Meredith pull into town. They arrived Sunday (early, I might add - the kids and I were still at the pool). It's been fun and relaxing having them here. We went to a local favorite last night, Patty's Kitchen. It was a beautiful evening and we enjoyed the nice weather in their outside patio/dining area. I love that the kids can walk around and hang out while waiting for their meal to arrive.

We managed to take in the pool yesterday and dad had so much fun, he wants to go back for more today. Although, a side note, Hayden is now tall enough for the "big" slides which puts this mom at a bit of an uncomfort level. For instance, yesterday, he wasn't in sight, I started to wander around looking for him, only to see his hawaiian blue shorts up on top with the other big kids waiting his turn for the slides. Great. I've created a slide monster. I had to remind him to let me know when he decides to go up to the slides....

Dad even went down the tube slide with Hayden and he swears he won't do it again today, saying he's too sore. We'll see what the day brings!

Farmer's Market

Kennedy on the play structure....

Daddy and Kennedy!

Hayden, waiting his turn on the bar.

Yeah! The weather finally cooperated for us to hit the farmer's market. It was such a beautiful day, the four of us decided to take full advantage of it. Actually, it's a habit of mine to visit Cottonwood Creek flowers to get a fresh bouquet to put in the house - and THEN we can hit the play structure. :-) Now it's become tradition to hit up Hodgins toy store after the market... and Hayden wants to get a new train every time! Sorry, honey. Not a chance. Anyway, I'm hoping the weather will stay this way for the rest of the summer. I'm ready to get that tan I have lost from our Arizona trip!

A trip to Boise

One of my best friends, Jamie and I flew down to Boise to see the girls from college, and to attend a wedding while we were there. Needless to say, we had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs! We laughed so hard til our stomachs hurt! It was great to see everyone but we were ready to get back home to be "mom" again on Sunday. Here are a few pics from the trip!

Toenails and Nail polish....

Well, this is what I get. This is what I get for thinking that my daughter was doing what she was supposed to be doing. It was awfully quiet in the house and I was busy putting clothes away. Hayden was playing, when it dawned on me, I hadn't heard Kennedy's voice for a while. Well, out I walk into the living room, only to see Kennedy busy painting her toes. Oh boy, did she do a good job! Thankfully, it didn't land on the carpet, only her feet and her face. Here are two pictures of her first experience painting her nails. One of her beautiful foot, the other of her "sad face" that she made when she got into trouble. (She's making this on her own. I took a pic of her foot and then she said, "take one of my sad face mommy sicne I was in trouble.) Oh boy, just wait til she's a teenager!

My Goddaughter, Isabella

Recently we went to Arizona and got to see one of my best friends from college, Char. She recently had a baby girl on February 9 (One month from my birthday!) and I finally got to meet this little one. I've seen picture after picture but never got to hold her in person. After dinner, Isabella gave me a gift. I was snuggling with this little one and trying to take in every moment while I could. Of course, I had no idea what it was, but started to open it and saw it was a picture of her on each card she gave me. In each picture she was holding a sign, "Will, You, Be, My, Godmother?!" I, of course, starting crying after about the word YOU.

I was touched, and very honored to be asked to be this little one's godmother. What an honor! She's so precious and little miss Kennedy adored her and wanted to hold her at all times!!! She even sang songs to her!

Bloomsday - it came and went....

(I'm sure I'm in this picture somewhere!!!)

Well, we did it! We beat our time by 7 minutes from last year (we weren't trying and were TOTALLY out of shape!) but it was a definite good time! Bloomsday is such a fun event, I believe this is our 7th or 8th year... maybe 9th? I took a couple of years off after having Hayden and Kennedy - go figure. But, overall, we've always had a good time and a lot of laughs!

This year we stayed downtown at the Doubletree. What a treat! It was so nice to be right there downtown among the action and not have to worry about finding a parking spot and then walking at least a mile before the big race! Maybe next year I'll actually start training for it....oh, that's what I say every year! LOL!

Sunshine, swimming pools and good times...

Our pool.... luckily our room was pool side! :-)

At the zoo - and we did rent that stroller!

Well, we made it safely there and back to sunny Arizona! Aside from a car sick child (ooh boy, good thing it was a rental car!) all went well. We even were on the flight from Spokane to Vegas with DEF LEOPARD! (Pour some sugar on me!) Anyway, the Kellogg family reunion was fabulous and the weather was even better! It was so nice to see cousins, aunts and uncles that we hadn't seen in a long time. In fact, Bryan and the kids hadn't met some of these people. It was also nice to be able to hang out with my dad, who we don't get to see enough. Grandpa Dave got a good fill of his grandchildren, and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. One of my favorite things we did was go to the Reid Park Zoo. What a great little zoo that is! After the zoo, we headed back to the pool and swam, swam, and swam! Hayden did a great job of jumping in the pool all by himself and was pretty much self-sufficient. It was a major break through from last summer! Kennedy enjoyed the hot tub (not sure why?) but she did get a bit cold in the somewhat warm pool! Needless to say, we had a great time, but are happy to be back at home... where it is sadly only 33 degrees as I write this. And tomorrow is May 1st!

On to Arizona....

Tomorrow's the big day! We take off in the airplane and fly into Phoenix for the Kellogg family reunion. It's taking place down in Tucson, but we get to see one of my very best friends, Charlene and her family. Including her new baby, Isabella! I can't wait to get my hands on that baby! Anyway, the kids are excited and ready to fly on a plane. I should be finishing up my packing, but instead, writing this. Keep your fingers crossed that there's no turbulence and we are "air-sick free!" It's supposed to be in the 90's the entire time we are there. YEAH!!!

A Dora Birthday Party

Her #3 birthday cake. She wanted it to be purple and green - I tried my best!
Can you say, "Cheese?!"
Notice her hand - she's got three fingers up!

Well, it's said and done. Kennedy's birthday party was a success and fun was had by all. She got so many great things and it was a bit overwhelming how thoughtful everyone was. She's a big girl now - even has been in big girl panties for quite some time and the last few days she's gone 100% in the potty! YAHOO! Here are a few pictures for you all to enjoy! Happy 3rd Birthday, Kennedy! (in two days!)

Sir Elton John

Talk about unbelievable! It all started back in January when the tickets were about to go on sale at the box office for his Pullman performance. Mom and about 10 of her friends were going to go to this and mom offered to take me. At first I denied her, and then reality hit me... am I insane to pass this up?! So, after months of anticipation... we all went last night. We gathered at the Ralson's household for wine and appetizers, then piled in two cars to make the trek over. (I made Jim drive by the airport so we could see his jets!) He puts on a FANTASTIC performance and stayed on the stage from 8:00 til about 10:40. Here are just a few pics that I took from last night's event. It was memorable, to say the least! Go Rocket Man!

The Friend Party...

Hayden's friend party was a huge success. Bryan and I were definitely tired after the big shin-dig, but everyone had fun! Now on to writing thank you notes and gearing up for Kennedy's 3rd birthday - in which she wants to do Dora for her theme. Funny, as she seems to like Backyardigans a whole lot more than Dora, but oh well! Dora it is!

Hayden and his friends had a great time and Hayden seems to be embracing this age 6 thing with no problems! On to first grade next year, hard to believe!

WHAT?! Another Snow Day?!

Well, Jack Frost hit us again last night, and seriously, I woke up to a good 4 new inches of snow on the ground. Well, I got out of bed, started to get ready, only to receive that phone call about ten till 6 (I'm already mostly ready at that point.) It's our McDonald School phone tree - starting up. My reaction, "You've got to be kidding me!" Seriously, it's been 8 snow days this season. Never have I seen it like this before. I guess the roads were drifting terribly and since we have a lot of students who ride buses, we had better keep them safe. So, hot chocolate for me and the kids this morning, a brief trip into school and then playing with one another all day. It's March 27, will it ever get warm!?

Hayden turns 6!

Ok, this was a hard one for me to gulp down. My little boy turned 6 on March 25. I was so busy with his family party and Easter last weekend that the moment that 3/25 rolled around, I literally got teary. He, of course, was on overload. Could barely go to sleep the night before, didn't sleep well and woke up really early that morning! Needless to say, he was about falling asleep on my lap at dinner that evening! We went to one of his favorite places - Wingers - because they serve popcorn on the tables! Anyway, he had a fantastic time and is looking forward to his "friend" party tomorrow afternoon!