Aloha!

We've arrived in Maui and are enjoying the warm weather and relaxation. I can't figure out how to attach my iPad pictures to my blog???? But I will do pictures when we return. The trip down was soooooooo easy and I'm thankful for my kids...and not my babies or toddlers...but KID'S who sat quietly for the entire flight...no meltdowns despite our 5am wake up call. Last week, as I was packing I was talking aloud to myself "The kids will wear their tennis shoes to save space in our suitcases...I will wear sandals..." blah blah blah. Husband says he will also wear his running shoes to save suitcase space. I told him to wear flip flops..or thongs as I still inappropriately call them...and he asked why and I reminded him it's just easier at TSA check..to which opened a GIANT can of worms for Beau. Sadly I made the mistake of saying a few choice words which included..shoes..and bombs. I know...I know....but it just happened as I was telling him how TSA inspects us to keep the planes and people safe. Anywhoos...as we were quickly passing through TSA check (love the Family Line..reason enought to have children) Beau announced loudly that they were checking to make sure "No one has bombs in their shoes!" yeah....not the best thing to say to those folks. Beau also managed to bellow across to me during the flight.."I hope we don't crash and die!". Yes Beau...me too. Good grief. The only reason no one cared is that a family of 6 was sitting in the two rows behind us and 2 of their 4 children cried, whined, or screamed for the entire flight. Made my family look golden!

A Lovely Evening!

Last night I enjoyed a great night at book club.  My friend Bethany hosted and not only had she selected a great book for us to read and discuss, but she prepared a delicous meal complete with yummy blueberry lemon bars.

The book was Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See and it was a fabulous story about Chinese women during the 19th century.  Their experiences with footbinding (CRINGE), their role as daughters/mothers/wives,and most importantly their friendships with other women.  I love historical fiction, especially about cultures and countries I'm unfamiliar with.  We were all really hung up on the footbinding part of the story, but beyond that it was a great read! 

I can't wait to get the recipe for these delicious treats!  They were very pretty and very scrumptious! 

Off To A Busy Start...

We are 11 days into summer and have been on the go almost everyday!  Usually we leave for Cannon Beach right away after I get done with school, however this year because of our Maui trip we didn't go to the beach.  The idea of having a relaxing last day of school sounded so nice because usually I'm burning the pavement to get out of town...while Husband is usually also trying to get his team to football camp.  So I was relishing in the idea of an easy going last day and a relaxing weekend...until we decided to go camping with friends.  It was a really fun weekend and we always enjoy our friends, but I ended up rushing to shop, organize, and pack for a camping trip...not so relaxing. 

Last week all three kid's went to art camp each day and this week TJ is at basketball camp, while Beau and Finley are going to VBS for a few hours each morning.  It's been nice to have them busy while I've been trying to get ready for our vacation.  When you live 4hrs from the airport, traveling must be a bit more planned than simply hopping in the car and driving to the airport, especiallly when you have an early morning flight (which we do).   So off to Seattle we go Thursday afternoon to stay overnight and we fly out bright and early Friday morning!  Mahalo.

 Finley read to ride!  They rode bikes for hours all over the campground!

 Relaxing after the last day of 4th grade!

 There are wild animals in our tent!

 Finely and Brayden making the loop

 What's going on in here?  Two kindergarten graduates!

 Sweet girl!

Camping is exhausting!

 Omak Lake...smooth as glass! Though it was a bit chilly, we couldn't resist this awesome water!

 The first ski of the season! It felt great!

 We were the only boat on the lake

Sissy was the only one with us as the boys were golfing

Picking My Battles

Husband and I are both big believers in picking our battles when it comes to our children and parenting.  Some issues are just not worth the effort, nagging, and possible tears they bring when our kid's don't want to do something or don't like something.  One such issue in our household is getting dressed/picking clothes.  I would say that 95% of the time our children get to pick out and wear whatever they want.  The boys both dress themselves without our help, while Finley has started to do the same.  We have a few rules that guide this process, such as 1.  Tennis shoes with socks to school (don't want to fall at recess) 2.  You may NOT wear the clothes you slept in to school...Beau and TJ have both tried 3. You must wear a shirt with a collar to church.

Besides that we really just let them wear whatever they want and despite the fact that I sometimes cringe at their choices, it is what it is and I don't really sweat it.  I'd much rather focus my efforts on more important issues, while also not instilling in my kiddo's the idea that clothes and material things are important.  My kid's wear tons of hand me downs, Wal-Mart and Target specials, and loads of Pioneer t-shirts we've collected over the years.  I've honestly questioned whether or not TJ was color blind based on the choices he makes periodically with his shirt and pants/shorts, however I just really love the fact that none of them seem to care a whole lot about what they wear and thus far, it hasn't been an issue with teasing or self consciousness at school.  I'd put money on Finley being the one who ends up being more concerned with her clothes than the boys, but at this point she really just ends up looking like this most of the time.....

On her way to art camp this morning.  I tried to persuade her to change her shirt...

Me: It's going to be warm, how about a t-shirt

Finley: Mommy look outside, it's raining!

Me: You're so smart Finny!

Summer's Here!

Today's the day vacation starts, it's going to be so great!
We'll swim and play, laugh all day, toss balls and roller skate!
Ride bikes and run, have lots of fun, and get to stay up late!
And just in time, before we tire of all this summer fun,
The day will come for mom to yell,
"WAKE UP, SCHOOL'S JUST BEGUN!"

This is one of my favorite end of the year poems that my class memorizes every school year.  Today was the last day and I'm so ready for vacation. I loved my group of 4th graders and will miss them, but I'm ready for a much needed break. 

We are off for a weekend camping trip and then Maui is just 11 short days away....I can smell the Hawaiian air, feel the sand in my toes, and taste a delicious Mai Tai! 

Thank You flowers from one of my sweet kiddo's!

LeBron James!

 Husband has clearly rubbed off on the boys because there isn't really a sport they don't like...or follow.  So obviously right now it is the NBA Finals....Beau is slightly obsessed with LeBron James...he runs around the house flexing his muscles singing, "LeBron....LeBron James is GOOOOOOD..LeBron!"  Last night TJ was screaming for the Celtics and Beau was cheering for the Heat, while I was wondering..."How did this happen?"  After the Celtics beat the Heat in overtime, the boys proceeded to have one of their Kip and Napoleon conversations...I call it that because these two often have the most ridiculous conversations that remind me of the two brothers on Napoleon Dynamite...
Beau: The Heat is the best, toughest team on the planet
TJ: That's not even something you can measure...jeeez
Beau: Yes it is..they are the best!
TJ: They just lost...they aren't the best. The Heat is terrible (tone of exasperation)
Beau: No they aren't, they have LeBron JAMES! 
TJ: LeBron James is terrible Beau! Rajon Rando is waaaay better!
Beau: LeBron James has won way more games!!!!!  LeBron JAAAAAMES!
TJ: Shut up! (exasperation tone and sigh)

Anyway, after school today I brought a basket of clothes out to fold, while I caught up on my DVR'd, "Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding" and I found the following note laying on the couch.  It appears Beau spent his morning off from Montessori writing a fan letter to his favorite LeBron James. Sigh.  Clearly he plans on solving the "How Many Games Have You Won?" debate by going straight to the source.

I especially like the proper use of the Question Mark...and the fact that he signed his actual name and not Bob.  For a few weeks there he was putting, "Bob" or "Beau Bob" on everything he was writing...also...notice his "Yellow Silk" in the corner of the picture!  The kid will likely go to college with that thing tucked in his bag.