Our First Trip to Seabrook

We had the good fortune of being able to spend time at our friends' cabin in Seabrook for a couple of nights at the end of May.  It was our first trip to Seabrook and we thought it was great.  The cabin, The Roosevelt, was so darn cute and we would stay there again in a heartbeat.  It was in a place called Beach Camp where there were other cabins all around a fire circle in the middle.  Super cute.

We arrived around 8:30 on Wednesday evening as we picked Chris up at work and headed straight to the ocean.  As soon as we found out where the cabin was, we ran down to the beach so we could get some ocean into our day and let Oliver see it for the first time.  It was cold and windy down there, but we were only down there for about ten minutes before we came back and settled in for sleep.

The next morning the kids rode their bikes while we walked down to the bakery, had coffee and pastries, and then biked back to the cabin.  We headed down to the beach and spent over two hours building sandcastles, flying the kite, and running in and out of the waves.  The kids were in heaven!  Zoë was waist-deep in the water and soaked but she was having the time of her life.  She eventually fell face-first into the water and popped up sputtering "It tastes SO BAD!".  After that she was not happy, but that was near the end of our beach outing.

We went back to the cabin, had hot dogs for lunch and then the kids and I headed out to explore the town while Chris went on a training bike ride for a couple of hours.  We went and played at the playground, went and explored the big stump, and ended at the candy shop and a cute store with all sorts of adorable things for pets when Chris met back up with us.




The pool called our name, so we hit that up (there was no one else there!) and then went to the pizza restaurant in town.  Oliver was SO tired he actually fell asleep at the dinner table (couldn't even get a piece of pizza into his mouth), so we headed home for a nice quiet night and early bedtime.

We LOVED it there and would definitely stay again.  It was the perfect combination of time on the beach and time in a cutesy town with lots of charm.  It would be a great place to go for a rainy/stormy fall or winter weekend away.

Spring, School and Swimming

The kids have had pictures and a dress rehearsal for their ballet recital this year.  They're in different classes so they have different costumes and they are adorable!  When Oliver first tried his on his pants went up to his shoulders, so they had to have the seamstress do some serious hemming and magic to make them fit.  She also promised him some sparklies on his white shirt and sure enough, she delivered!  He's got some blue sparkly buttons on the sleeves and he LOVES them.  Z knows her entire routine by heart.  She has been practicing it over and over again and I'm so proud of her.  I'm toying with enrolling her in the "mini company" dance group next year and she'd have FOUR HOURS of dance a week.  We'll see.  She decided she REALLY wants to do gymnastics again so she's going to do that through November and then we'll see how much ballet she wants to do and can handle with full time kindergarten.

Little Alice

Mini Cakes!

Zoë had her last day of school on the 24th and I was very teary all day.  I cannot express how much she (and I) LOVED her nature preschool and how very much she learned and grew all year long.  The program was absolutely amazing and her teachers were the perfect mix of challenging the kids at their own pace and teaching them SO much about science (seriously, they covered most of my former 6th grade science curriculum with 4 and 5 year olds...and Z's grasped it better than some of my students).  They had a family picnic at the end of the year with all of the families and teachers and it was so much fun!  The kids sang their Nature Preschool song (Z was in the back and wheedled her way to the front so "she could see us"...I could not have been more proud!) and we picnicked while the kids ran and played for a couple of hours.  We will miss it but I'm thrilled Oliver will get to have TWO years at the school and experience the same amazing stuff.  I will also miss having a couple of mornings a week alone with Oliver.  We have had a great time running errands and goofing around just the two of us while Z is in school!  I know I'll have LOTS of alone time with him this fall, though, when Z starts Kindergarten.

 We have been venturing into piano lessons with Zoë and she is loving them (and so am I!).  I was going to teach her with the same methods I learned and taught my own students back when I was in high school because I know how to do it but was a little skeptical because a) she can't read anything yet...) and b) I'm her mom.  And let's be honest, kids listen better to other people than Mom.  So I found this super cool program called the Hoffman Academy with a teacher (Mr. Hoffman) who does video lessons that are short (most are just over eight minutes long), have musical theory pages to print out, and has practice sessions to follow along with.  It is fantastic!  He teaches in a totally different method I ever would have so I appreciate it even more.  Zoë can play Hot Cross Buns with both hands, and eyes closed, while singing the lyrics OR the solfege.  She can say the musical alphabet starting on any letter forwards and is working on learning it backwards.  She can identify C, D, and E on the piano correctly.  All in one month!  While the videos are free to anyone, I decided spending $18 a month to get the practice sessions and theory pages was totally worth it and way less than I'd spend on an actual piano teacher. 

The kids have been taking swim lessons (Oliver's first set).  Zoë has really been floating on her front and back solidly and has been working on gliding.  Oliver is, surprisingly, a bit timid in the pool but he's having a good time.  Working on his floats but he hasn't gotten far.  He has a lot of time to be in the tot classes though (can't start in the classes Z is in until he's 5), so he has lots of time to master floating.  He IS a very good listener and for that I am very greatful.

Chris is still continuing to train for his half ironman in July (in Chelan) and I hurt my ankle somehow during my April and May races, so I'm trying to lie low which is killing me.  I had a race this coming weekend but I'm going to have to skip it and let my ankle rest some more.  Ugh. 

The pool is ordered and on its way so it'll be here in about a month and then Chris will REALLY start going at it in the backyard!  He finished building the retaining wall this weekend and it looks amazing.  It's going to be so much work to put in this pool but I know it'll look great when he's done, like most projects he puts his mind to. 

SPRING!

Zoë has taken a recent interest in all things cooking.  Chris and I started watching MasterChef Junior and determined that Z might like it.  After the first episode she was hooked!  We started off with some tricky dishes (a chicken and sun dried tomato pasta where the timing was tough) and having her help me with dinners we had planned before I found a super cool cookbook at the library on a whim.  It's called "Cooking Class" by Deanna Cook and the recipes and entire book is perfect for her age.  So far she has accomplished making a cinnamon sugar mixture (and learned how to make toast in the toaster oven with butter and the cinnamon sugar), hand squeezed orange juice (with the help of the KitchenAid mixer), homemade peanut butter, and berry smoothies.  She knows where to find the measuring cups and spoons, the food processesor, the Magic Bullet, and immersion blender.  She chopped a banana for our smoothies like a pro. The recipes are so kid friendly with awesome pictures and step by step instruction.  She's obsessed and adorable when she cooks.

We are winding down her school year (just five more weeks) and I will be so sad when she is done with preschool at the Nature Center.  She has learned SO much as well as been pushed out of her comfort zone with a lot of the things they've done at school.  She is SUCH a good student and I know she'll have great success in Kindergarten in the fall.  I can't believe I'm actually saying that she's starting KINDERGARTEN IN THE FALL.   I teared up today during ballet class watching her work so hard at a new skill she had never done before.  She had such determination and resolve to get it and I was on the edge of my seat both chomping my nails with worry that she would break down and cry and beaming with pride.








It seemed like the moment Oliver turned three last week that he stopped calling his sister Za-Zoe and has now been calling her by her full name.  It is both adorable and heartbreaking because I loved that he had a nickname for his sister.  He has become even more mischievous and sneaky trying to get away with anything he can.  The way he can negotiate with his words, now, is impressive, too.  His tantrums/whining/discontent are at an all-time high.  He trips over his feet/bangs his shins with such regularity that he is black and blue up and down both legs.  My my.  I forgot how much I *love* having a three year old...

Oliver had his three year doctor's appointment today.  He is 39.25 inches high (90th percentile) and weighs 38.2 pounds (95th percentile) which is more than his 75/80 percentile he was for his two year checkup.  Crazy!  The kids\ has been HUNGEEEEEEEE non-stop lately and while he DOES use it as a stall tactic at night, he definitely has been eating more food and more often the past couple of weeks.  As soon as he hits that 40 pound mark I'll turn his carseat to forward facing in the car, but I'm determined for him to wait until then, partially, I think, out of guilt from turning Z too soon (it was after the two year mark, but she was/is such a peanut she should have been rear facing much longer).









We had quite a packed weekend with a trip to the Tulip Festival on Friday, followed by lunch the Bradley Family on Saturday and a BBQ with the Seamans.  On Sunday we headed to the Spring Fair for the day and went back to celebrate Fiona's 8th birthday.

The Tulip Festival was fun, as always.  We left bright and early to make sure we avoided the crowds on the first sunny Friday for weeks.  We arrived at 9:30 am and by the time we left at 10:45 it was packed.  Oliver REALLY enjoyed all of the mud up there that was a product of two weeks or REALLY rainy weather.  Z enjoyed posing for pictures and smelling all of the (fragrance free) flowers, as usual.

We left Tulip Town and headed over to the Skagit Wildlife Area for a two mile hike along the tidal wetland.  We saw a couple of beautiful blue herons, an eagle, and lots of smaller birds.  It was beautiful!  We took the pocket kite out of the trunk (probably the first time since we bought it three years ago and stored it in the car with the intention of having it on hand when we needed it...) and both kids were giddy watching it flap in the wind.

Scones at the Spring Fair

The Spring Fair was fun, but also packed by the time we left at 1:30pm and with a meltdown from Oliver that started because I didn't buy him cotton candy on a STICK (I bought the giant bag instead) and didn't finish until we were nearly home we were glad to get back home and relax for the afternoon and evening.

Happy 3rd Birthday Oliver Finn!

My dear, sweet, charming, mischievous, baby boy.  You are certainly NOT a baby anymore.  Lover of Cars (still), running, Sarah and Duck, your sister,  jumping off of anything ONTO anything, being outside, and eating 'nacks.  You are my best snuggler, best hugger (to the point of strangling sometimes) and best comforter when I'm feeling sad or crummy.















This year you:
-camped and hiked like a pro, keeping up with sister no problem
-went to DISNEYLAND!
-started taking ballet class
-learned to ride your balance bike
-continued with gymnastics class
-moved into a big boy bed, no more crib
-learned how to use the potty
-started ski lessons with Daddy

Funny things you say:
"neck-ey" (naked)
"Za-Zoe" (Zoë)
"Those are mine cars (toys, clothes, stickers, etc)"
"Ah ha ha" in a very Count Dracula voice while you play with Miss Fritter (or any villain)
-"pianyo" (piano)



Your favorite things to play with are your cars (ALL OF THEM ALL THE TIME).  You tote them around in your "lightning 'a-keen" suitcase and then line them up in various places all over the house.  Assistance is needed from sister or mom or dad to tote them up or down the stairs because there are so many (and STILL so many in the closet yet to be gifted!).  You have SO many but definitely know when one is missing.  You request Cars whenever it's your turn to pick a movie; "Miss Fritter One!".

You can ride your balance bike like a pro!  It's amazing how fast you can get going on that thing and you absolutely love it.  I see a new bike in your future for Christmas from Santa...maybe at this rate you'll even skip the training wheels!  Overall, you treat your body like it's a Formula 1 race car and don't care what it takes out or hits in your path.  Your full-speed attitude serves you well in gymnastics as you literally run from one side of the room to the next and leap off of the beam, air mat, and wedge or throw yourself at the rings to fall flat on your back with a quick release.  It's a challenge, though, when you get to ballet since the movements there need to be much more calculated and graceful.  You are an expert frog leaper in the class, though!  I'm impressed you've done such a nice job listening to the teacher and you seem to really love it.  I can't wait to see you on stage during the spring recital.  Two days before your birthday you fell outside into the rock wall off of the deck.  A trip to Seattle Children's Urgent Care resulted in two stitches above your eyebrow.  Geez, kid.





At bedtime we read a book together in Zoë's room and then you get a story with either Mom or Dad in your room.  Your current favorites are "Count the Monkeys" and "Love Monster and the Scary Something" (you jump every time we get to the "BANG!" page and it's hilarious).  You share taking turns choosing the stories (if Mama is doing your bedtime, you get to pick the joint book) and you ALWAYS demand the "flower song" from me, "the WHOLE thing" (which I always shorten because geez, kid, it's so long AND you always start chattering halfway through it so it's hard to sing.  About three words into the song you'll always whisper and grab my arm and say "and snuggle with me, two minutes".  Always.  As if I don't do it every. single. night.  Recently, once your two minutes of snuggling is up, you've started to wrap your arms around my neck and beg, "stay here forever" which melts my heart.


You are naughty and mischievous and charming all in one.  It is SO hard to keep a straight face when you so matter-of-factly make a statement with your hands thrown in the air, your head cocked to one side, and that little wiggle you make with your shoulders.  You do NOT like being told what to do.  If it's your idea, you're fine with it.  This has applied to nearly everything in our house from using the potty to picking up toys (just last week you had all of your Cars taken away because you wouldn't help sister pick up) to getting ready for bed.  Your negotiation skills are amazing; "maybe I just have fie M&Ms?" when you were offered three.








I love to watch all of the independence you are claiming on a daily basis.  You love to take your pull-up off after nap time or in the morning and can put your undies and pants on correctly 90% of the time.  You are pretty great at washing hands and going potty by yourself, getting your shoes, opening up the back door to let Fiona in or out (your job) or attempting to put dishes on the table (a risky venture).

Within the past few weeks you are HUN-GEY!!! ALL. THE. TIME.  I started to think it was a stall tactic, but you seem to be genuinely hungry often.  And it's not like you get Z Bars or Bunny Crackers ALL the time.  We offer fruit or veggies and you gobble them like you don't know when you'll see your next meal.  We think you're pretty tall and your weight seems to be on par with your sister who is two years older than you.  I guess we'll find out at your doctor's appointment in a few weeks.

It is SO wonderful to see you with your sister.  You loooooooooove her.  I'm pretty sure she is your favorite person and playmate.  You share with her (mostly) and love to do JUST what she is doing with a little more added force and speed.  Recently, you realized that your Cars were a great way to wield power over her because you will randomly announce "I play with my cars by mySELF Za-Zoe" which sends her into a tizzy and usually ends in tears.  Eventually you ALWAYS invite her back in, though, graciously sharing whichever cars she requests.   You beg to sleep with her most every night and it's adorable to see you grab her face and ask "I sleep in yours bed tonight, Za Zoe?"  You are crushed when she tells you "she just wants a few nights alone" (I feel ya' there, sister).  But when you do sleep in her bed it takes you longer to fall asleep and if I come back to check on you sometimes you've got the light back on (or not) reading a few books while she is passed out next to you.  By the time I close her door when I'm heading to bed you are practically on top of her while you sleep.  I'm not sure how we're going to fill our time without her when she heads to kindergarten in the fall, but we'll have to figure it out and be sad together.

I am SO glad to have a loud, rambunctious three year old boy to round out our family and can't imagine anyone else filling that role.  Oliver, you are a marvel: a fast, energy sucking, snuggly, loving, sticky, loud, charming, mischievous boy who is growing far too fast for your mama who wants to hold onto your grinning cheeks forever.  Happy Birthday, monkey, I LOVE YOU!

Happy Easter!

We had such a great Easter brunch with our family on Sunday.  The kids woke up SO early and I heard them talking to each other and peering out the window in the playroom at the backyard and trying to figure out if the Easter Bunny left any eggs for them.  It was so fun to lay in bed and listen to them talk about what may or may not have happened.  I decided to tone down the cooking and went with some easy dishes I made ahead of time.  That combined with the dishes brought by our families made for an easy EASY morning!  About half an hour before everyone was set to arrive, Chris took the kids to Starbucks so that the Easter Bunny could hide eggs all over the house.  I was sad not to let them hunt outside like last year but the weather was not great (and it was freezing), so inside would have to do.  While they were gone, everyone else arrived so that when they returned it was time to give quick hugs and get on the run looking for eggs.  They are so darn cute running around swooping up as many eggs as they can fit in their baskets.  Surprisingly enough, they stayed away from each other and didn't pay much attention to how many eggs the other person had which meant it was a whine-free event.

The kids cracked open their eggs with the help of Uncle Connor and Stephanie which left me free to finish getting food on the counter.  We ate in our family room this year because Vicki had knee replacement surgery just a week and a half prior to Easter.  We made sure she was comfy on the couch and we all dug in and enjoyed Bananas Foster French Toast, Cheesy Hash Browns, bacon and eggs, fruit, deviled eggs, and Nutella macaroon nests.  Yum.  We also made a yummy grapefruit cocktail and killed a bottle of our odd liquor in the cabinet (yippee!).


Overall, a really fun day with our family!  Happy Easter and spring!

Hurry Spring!

Zoë had her five year checkup after we returned from Disneyland and she is growing perfectly normally.  50th percentile for weight (39 pounds) and 49th percentile for height (42 inches).  It's hard to believe that she started out in the 3rd percentile!  I knew there weren't any vaccinations this time but we were surprised by blood work so she freaked out about her finger poke.  Coffee and a treat afterwards fixed it NO problem, though.  I was so proud of her that she said hello and goodbye to Dr. Moore by name when he came in and left the room and had a normal conversation with him.  For our shy-around-strangers girl, that was pretty impressive. 

She is learning so much at school, recently talking about omnivores, herbivores and carnivores and animal adaptations (one of my favorite things to teach).  We are both really excited that the weather is not as cold (lots of rain still though) so she can have a few less layers on when she heads out each week for school.  She can recognize and sound out about half of her letters which, for not doing any formal teaching at home, I'm pretty happy about.  She tries to sound out the first letters of words on her own which makes me so happy to hear her do!  She LOVES to write her own messages on cards and pictures for family and friends and her drawings are becoming more and more sophisticated.  We recently discovered a YouTube channel for drawing that she absolutely loves to do on her own during nap time.  We recently spent two afternoons pumping up balloons with the bicycle pump to see how much air each one could hold.  She did a great job with predictions and loved the POP of each balloon!  I see more science afternoons in our future.

Zoë is working on skipping (a skill that has alluded her so far) but mastered pumping her legs on our swing set in the backyard last week!  She is thrilled to be able to swing by herself (me too, since I have told her that I'm allergic to pushing kids on swings for the past two years).  I've been noticing that her ballet skills are improving, too, and she looks more like a skilled dancer rather than an adorably uncoordinated toddler. 

Sadly, Oliver looks as if he's transitioning out of his nap.  :(  We're at about a 50% napping rate and I am much more rigid about it now that I think a day without it just adds to the possibility of it being gone forever.  Luckily, he really isn't much of a mess without it, but when he does nap he HATES to be woken up from it at 3:30 when we have deemed it the LATEST HE CAN SLEEP BEFORE HE HAS PROBLEMS GOING TO BED AT 7PM.  He is still difficult and scream-y in general but has gotten MUCH better over the past month and is much LESS likely to have a raging tantrum over every little thing.   He is also very sneaky and mischievous which at times completely gets on my nerves.  A lot of the time he can grin his way out of things (with me at least). 

He is loving ballet and is doing a great job listening to his teacher, Miss Kaeli.  I'm impressed he can focus the way he does though when it was parent observation day he did get several reminders to remain on task.  :)  He is much better at leap frogging than any slow deliberate movement but he tries and is SO cute as the only boy in the class.  The Little Gym is still one of his favorite things (mostly the air mat) and I am so proud to say that he stays with the group listening to his teacher about 95% of the time.  Every once and a while he'll point to the other kids running wildly around the gym and I'll say, "No, listen to Miss Brooke" and HE ACTUALLY LISTENS TO ME.  Shocking.  He practically runs across the balance beam and dives at his favorite ball when it rolls out of the bucket at ball time.  I canNOT believe his third birthday is right around the corner.  My babies are no longer babies. 

We are anxiously awaiting spring so that we can enjoy more sunshine and outdoor adventures (who am I kidding, the rain doesn't stop us!).  We're looking forward to Easter, Oliver's Birthday, a trip to the Tulip Festival within the next month.  Yay spring!