Birthday Ballet

Since Kerry's arrival on the scene, we've done some thinking about how we wanted to celebrate the girl's birthdays. Because the dates are so close, and for the moment, they are close enough in age to like the same things, we've done "combined" birthday celebrations with friends. (It also helps that Kerry doesn't really have her own "friends" yet...). We've done picnics, horseback riding, and then this year we decided to try taking some friends to the ballet.

As you can see, we decided to get just a little gussied up. :) Funny, but this particular event brought back memories of my sister and I having to dress up for different events as kids. I don't remember smiling all that much. (Patent leathers too tight, maybe). Anyway, the girls were very excited and naturally, it was another gorgeous day.

All in all we took six friends and their moms to "Aladdin" in Mount Vernon.

It was pretty difficult to get everyone's attention... they were all keyed up at this point. However, once the ballet began, they settled down and I think really enjoyed themselves. The last 15 minutes were the most difficult for everyone, but luckily the ballet ended with lots of dancers and action on stage. When it was all over, we even received a compliment from a nice older woman sitting behind us who mentioned she thought all the kids did "wonderfully" and were "very well behaved." (Yea!)

And of course, we couldn't just leave it at that. Jenica had specifically asked "when were (her)friends going to sing Happy Birthday" to her? So we went out for ice cream after the show, for some refreshments and a bit of singing.

Lovely.

Well, it was a good day. Makes me wonder: what are we going to do NEXT year?

:)

Birthday Girl the Second

May is full of celebrations for us -- our second birthday bash was held on May 16th in honor of Kerry May's third year (even though Miss Kerry wasn't born until the 17th, we had other plans for that day to be featured in a later blog post).

It was a beautiful day... and weekend, for that matter. In May, you just never know, but so far, all our May birthdays have been delightful. (Looks like she is contemplating all the new responsibilities that come with being three -- like using the potty on a regular basis).

Waiting for birthday dinner...

Ready for cake!

Happy to be 3!

Big sister, can't help but be "helpful." (above and below)

Presents galore. (Thank you everyone!!)

And when I look back, it takes my breath away. My memory is so vague...

But it was just yesterday.... I swear....


...my little Swiss Banker.

XOXOX

Mother's Day: Tramping in the Woods

I have to admit: things must be getting easier. This was the first Mother's Day that I actually wanted to spend with my family. The last three or so Mother's Days I've gotten in the car and driven away -- alone -- with no plans to return any time soon. I felt I just had to get OUT and get a break. So, this year, I think everyone (most especially Stefan) was quite surprised when I declared that I would be gracing them with my presence this Mother's Day. :) And, not only that, I wanted to go for hike.

And, as it turns out, it was a great day. We managed TWO hikes and got to see first hand the damage from last Fall's storm season; the Nooksack River had to have been raging through some of these woods to create the mess left behind. In this way, we are continually reminded of Nature's power. It's something else...

Here they are: getting ready. And... then, they're off...

Here's just an idea of the destruction -- this used to be a road:

I think Kerry might be saying, "look out for the big hole!"

But, it's still pretty. This is (was) a road to Diversion Dam -- Bellingham's water supply. The place is pretty well destroyed.

But, there was some interesting wildlife -- lots of birds, an eagle, a lizard, and this friendly toad.

Then, we were off for Racehorse Falls.

Above: This was a trail at one time.

Such a great day. Here's to getting back in the woods!

Walk-a-Thon? Run-a-Thon!

Every year Jenica's school, Whatcom Day Academy, hosts a Walk-a-Thon to raise money for programs at the school. There is always a great turn out and the kids get a chance to be outside, get some exercise, and most importantly, have loads of fun.

This year was particularly fun because Kerry May got to participate too! Here they are at the starting gate:

With Jenica's heart as it is, I figured this year would be a bit more subdued. I was wrong. She RAN most of the time -- and completed a total of 41 laps! Wow! How's that for only have 21% capacity on one lung? :)

Calls for a prize, I say. This was one of many prizes that Jenica picked up. Good times.

Birthday Girl -- Then and Now

How the time has flown by; it's so hard to believe that Jenica is five. It seemed like a good time to get nostalgic...

Jenica's first birthday. We had to wake her up in order for her to have cake with the rest of us. :)

This was from our trip back to Fribourg when J. was 11 mos. Good fun. Gruyeres... one of the favorites.

Other shots from the early days:

And then.... poof! Like something out of Cinderella... FIVE!

Good times. And, we've been "thanked" by the Princess herself no less than five or six times for a "great day." That's enough to put a smile on my face for weeks. :)

Picture Day

OK, so for the last few years I've taken the girls to Sears for "portrait" style photos. Most of the time they are quite cute and the girls "play along." Not this year! We attempted a photo shoot today of the two "birthday girls," but, honestly, they were just not interested. They did think being all "gussied up" (sp?) was fun, but the actual photo shoot ... nah....not so much.

After the "group shots" Kerry decided the whole affair was too "scary" and sat out the rest of the time playing with props, while Jenica over-posed for the next 10 photos.

Good Lord.

What a ridiculous way to spend the morning.

Oh well, some of them are good. Some are just down right funny.

I'm going to attach a link if you are interested. (Not sure it will work...)

To view these pictures, copy and paste this link https://www.searsphotos.com/?shareid=S206836455l3K5796U38S > into the address line of your Web browser.

Oh and for the record -- I'm going with a private photographer next time. Heck -- we could just be outside somewhere. While they might be informal, we may actually get a shot worth keeping!

Spring, Sun, Flowers and Field Trips

What a day!! Perfect in every way. We decided that during the week might be the best time to visit the tulip fields down in Mount Vernon.

This is such an amazing location for pictures, I took about 100, but I will NOT bore you with all of them. :)

Later, we went to LaConner, a small town nearby, for dinner. Such a great spot-- great scenery and quirky shops (and good food!)

All in all, the most amazing of Spring days...ahhhh.... bring it on.