Erika's first day of school

Today was Erika's first day of school. She was not very excited to go and I had to sweet talk her into taking pictures. In fact she so didn't want to go that she suggested that she could take a nap this afternoon as she was tired out from playing with her friends. But alas, to school we go.

We drove as Mommy was running a bit late. We found where she is to go and line up. Miss Cheryl, the assistant teacher, takes them from the playground to the classroom. As the kids were leaving, I heard a little voice ask "Mommy, come in with me?" So all four of us marched inside.

After a few minutes Erika found her seat and started settling in. So a kiss goodbye and we left.

I think I confused the parent helpers in room. This one really nice lady kept asking me if I had any questions, did I want a cup of juice, was I worried about anything. I kept thinking, "I just want to see Erika settled and then I'll leave. This is cutting into my free time, you know." Then I realized that the parent helpers were there to get the teary-eyed parents out of the room. :-)

Afterward, Erin and I walked to school together to pick up Erika and Carter.


Welcome to the system kiddo.

Är vi i Sverige eller Seattle? Du avgör.

Erika went with her pal Megan to the zoo. Megan's Mom took this picture of the girls in the playground area. Are we in Sweden or Seattle? You decide.

I want to push you around

Erika, Catie and Miranda have begun playing together. It started when Miranda convinced Erika to push her on the dolly stroller. (or was that Erika convinced Miranda?)


Oh the joy of pushing your big sister around.


Miranda waits as Erika hides out in the bathroom.


And Catie enjoys the show with her lollipop and bling.

Miranda: Giver of Sausage Bites

This whole scene seems a little Lord of the Flies to me.
Miranda is clearly in charge of the sausage bites as she wields the bamboo cocktail fork.
As for the blue marks, it's all about stamping and self-decoration these days.

ohio visit 2010

Back at the sandy river

We went to the sandy beach again this week. Here, Catie practices being a tiger.



Miranda ponders deep thoughts.


And Erika gets in the water up to her armpits all by herself!

Blueberry picking

Today we went blueberry picking. Erika decided to be a cat for the day. Note how she is saying meow in this picture.



Miranda take blueberry picking very seriously.


Catie also helps the cause. We wound up with over 2 lbs of berries. That is a record with everyone's 'help' and constant need for quality control tasting.


The farm where we picked.

Pool Pictures

Even when it is chilly in the morning, the girls want to play in the kiddie pool. When I, Mommy, refuse to let them put water in their pool in 60 degree weather, the girls play in an empty pool


Catie enjoys her pool time, even without water.


Erika and her cute smile. Miranda is investigating something interesting in the backgroud


Miranda and her special clogs. Don't leave home without them.

River Park

Erika's friend, Takara, lives near a river park with sand.

Miranda has fun with the shovel.


Erika finally gets some good sand. Most of the NW beaches are rocky so this is a real treat.


"Hey! That guy is swimming. I want to swim." Catie is ready for some water action, impatiently waiting for Mommy to start the wading.

Fourth of July 2010

These photos are actually from our drive back from Orcas Island. The rest area has these amazing historical artifacts called Phone Booths.



Erika is still not a fan of loud noises. She wants me (Jason) to set off the fireworks while she "hunkers in the bunker."
This must be some Mythbusters saying, since I don't recognize it from our usual conversations.

Jason and Erika take fireworks very seriously.

Taking the Ferry to orcas island

Seattle Aquarium Visit

Since Daddy had the day off, what better use of time than to spend it with the starfish at the Aquarium?



Erika prefers face painting.


Octopus!

Erika does a fish impression.

Dragon Park - Part IV

A see-saw made for twins.

What is this thing?

Even dragon tummies need kisses too.

Catie made it though while Miranda looks on the other side.

Also, you may note that Catie and Miranda have more pictures than Erika. I tried to take Erika's picture several times, but was spurned. If she had a bodyguard, she would have send him or her over to explain that Erika was not interested having her picture taken. So we have had to resort to sneaky pictures such as this one to capture her fifth year.

Dragon Park - Part III

Catie enjoying the sunshine.


Mirand sings "I gotta be me".


Miranda explores the Dragon's belly as Catie climbs farther back in the tail section.


Erika is always ready for her close-up.