Morning Conversations

This was my conversation with Jack at breakfast today:
Jack: When I grow up I want to be a teacher.
Me: Oh, just like mom and dad?
Jack- Uh-huh!
(Quiet thinking.)
Jack: What do you want to be when you grow up, Mommy?
Me: I still haven't decided yet, Jack.
Jack: You can be a fire-fighter, or maybe a painter!
Me: Those are good ideas.
Jack: And Daddy can be a football player!

And later in the car with Monica, who was drawing on her magic-board:
Monica: Ugh! This is so hard!
Me: What are you doing? Trying to trace your hand with the pen?
Monica: Yeah. Are you tracing your hand too Mommy?
Me: No I'm driving the car, remember?
Monica: Oh yeah, right.

Almost a Brownie

Monica and her Girl Scout troop are only one month away from "bridging" to Brownies. The requirements for this transition include completing one Brownie badge, among other things. On Monday she and her friends earned the "Scout Ways" badge, which included sewing this sit-upon to be used in the outdoors. The bridging ceremony is scheduled for the end of May!

Dinner with Coach J

Last night we had the privilege of eating dinner with UW women's basketball coach Tia Jackson. Even better, the meal was home-cooked by her mother. My dad bought the event at the women's basketball auction. We had a great time and as you can tell, Coach J loves kids!

Scott & Kristine's After Party

Monica fell asleep on the way back to camp Saturday night. After they were both tucked into their beds in Queets, we got to hang out with camp friends for a while before getting some rest ourselves. Sunday we enjoyed the beautiful weather on Hood Canal before finally heading home. Scott and Kristine flew off to Hawaii this morning. When they get home we'll be helping Kristine move out of her apartment and look forward to hearing about the wedding events from their point of view. Kristine and Scott have been dear friends of ours for a long time now and we were honored to be intimately involved in their wedding. We wish them all the best. Hyas Kloshe!

Scott & Kristine's Reception

Here are several photos from the reception, including square dancing, Anton's toast, and finally the other visitor who also made an appearance...

Scott & Kristine's Wedding

I have so many photos from Saturday and the ceremony, I wasn't sure what to actually post. The day started with a hike around camp (always the best way to start a day) followed by a hair appt for Monica who wanted her hair CURLY! Anton was a groomsmen, Monica was the flowergirl, and Anton's brother Chris officiated. Many of our camp brothers were there, including McNellis, McEdwards, the Jaingas, A. Bode, Greg King, and the Perkows. Our friends the Carters and Martins were in attendance as well.

Scott & Kristine's Rehearsal

Friday afternoon we headed to the peninsula for Scott and Kristine's big wedding event. Monica, Jack, and Maria were instantly drawn to the horses at the wedding site: The Farm Kichen.

We proceded to rehearse both inside and outside in case of rain, followed by dinner at an Italian restaurant in downtown Poulsbo. After dinner the kids all went next door with babysitters to paint pottery and eat ice cream. We pulled into camp late to stay for the night. We were greeted by a chipper McNellis and sidekick James Boyle. We knew it was going to be a fun weekend...

Sneak Peek

It was a fun, fabulous, and full weekend. End result: Scott and Kristine are indeed married. More to follow later...

Big Feet, Little Feet

I thought this comparison was cute, plus I could show off my pedicure from last Saturday. :)

Eagle Landing Park

Sunday after church we headed to Eagle Landing Park right here in Burien. It's a wonderful little gem with a trail, staircase, and beachfront. Monica counted 295 stairs... no wonder my calves are sore!

Scott and Kristine's Excellent Bachelor/Bachelorette Adventure

Saturday we launched a day of fun for Scott and Kristine to celebrate their last week as single people. The day started early for the boys. Scott, Anton, Mike, Greg, and Tim hiked Rattlesnake Ridge and apparently had a great time. Tim managed to get a few photos:

Meanwhile, Kristine and I and her two sisters headed to lunch at Cactus and then an afternoon at Frenchy's day spa. Kristine got the full bridal pampering. The rest of us just opted for nails.

Finally, everyone came together at our place for a BBQ dinner. We were a little cramped inside due to rain, but the sun came out after dinner just long enough for the kids to run outside.

The decorations, food, and good campany all made for a great time.

Now it's time to gear up for the wedding extravaganza ahead next weekend!

Canticle of the Sun

Friday I attended the all-school mass at Monica's school because her class was acting out the "Canticle of the Sun" by St. Francis as part of the homily. Monica and another student were "snowflakes."

I was sitting near Kyle who flashed me a shy smile:

Preparation Stage

All week we had been shopping, cleaning, crafting, and sleuthing in preparation for Scott and Kristine's bachelor/bachlorette BBQ at our house. The decorations were particularly ingenius if I do say so myself. In addition to balloons and the lovely yellow door, we traced Jack to create bride and groom models of Scott and Kristine. They were definitey the hit of the night.

Little Moments