Oh heck no!

Before...




After...







Ahhhhhh...happy mama.

How long do you think it will stay this way?

A to the K
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Halloween 2012

Watch out for our Storm Trooper, Darth Vader(ette) and Friendly (or is she?) Wizard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Day of School!!

I'm a little behind, but oh well.  We're about to start week 8 of the bathroom remodel (almost done!), and I've had lots of PTA stuff to do at the girls' school.  Phew!  We're recouping today in this beautiful sunshine:  Me, a 10 mi. run in Leschi along Lake Washington with my buddy Ward; Brett, with 9 holes of golf practice before his big round tomorrow; the kids (and me), at the new church playground, followed up by Slurpees.  Boo yah!

Charlotte is quite thrilled for 4th grade.  She's now at the top of the totem pole and enjoying every minute and privilege associated with being BMOC.  Her teacher is Mrs. Swanson, whom she'd been hoping for.

First grade Jane is PUMPED to have Mrs. Bacon this year.  Charlotte had Mrs. Bacon for 1st AND 2nd grade and we LOVE us some Mrs. Bacon!  Both girls have at least one BFF in their class, so needless to say, NO DRAMA (yet).

Of course Sam thought HE was going to school too, but alas, he doesn't start until the 10th.  He's pretty pumped to begin preschool, so stay tuned for this weeks pics.

Crescent Bar 2012

We truly had a wonderful week away in Crescent Bar last week.  The weather was SO HOT!  I mean, 93-100 degrees everyday!  We had tons of pool, canal, ice cream and playground time.  The kids had a blast on golf cart rides, putting on the Slip 'N Slide Olympics, knocking around the golf ball and spending time with Grandma & Grandpa Kiehl. We're thankful for a fun family week away enjoying a really beautiful part of our state.  Enjoy photos of the chaos family fun!

Pool time shenanigans

 

Sunset

The kids had SO much fun playing in "the lake" (canal).

We sent the kids on a playground treasure hunt.  Here they are on the beach digging up their treasure.

Hamming it up during the "Slip 'n Slide Olympics".  Stay tuned for videos...

Sam loved showing us his farmer tan muscles all week.

Surf 'n Slide Water Park in Moses Lake

Charlotte had a ball!

Jane could have done this ALL DAY.

Off the high dive.  This was awesome!  I think somebody was inspired by the Olympics.

Gorgeous girl at sunset

I just love sitting in my pj's, drinking coffee and reading my book as the sun comes up on these cliffs each morning.
One of the special vacation moments I look forward to.

Sweet, sweet Janey

The Kiehl Family in Crescent Bar, WA

Donut Thursday

Because we're spontaneous and stuff...


A to the K
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Fircrest Family Float Night

We've never participated in this event before, but since it was July, Friday-the-13th...SAM'S 4TH BIRTHDAY!!...we gave him the choice.  It was so fun!  Lots of friends and cousins were there, and we had blast.  Even when the thunder and lightening came through and we had to clear the pool deck at the beginning (ate dinner in the car), we made it fun.  Our car was backed up to our friends', the Ledesmas, and the kids had a ball laughing and dancing together.

Of course our kid is the stunt man trying to launch off the back.

Can't you just see her as a teenager, lounging around the pool?  Me too.  I hate it. :)

Sassy and fun.  Did you really expect any less?

Thank you, once again, to our awesome lifeguards who plan and execute these fun kid/family nights.  They also participate with the kids and further add to their future memories!

Swim lessons 2012

We can't say enough about the wonderful swim instructors/lifeguards at Fircrest Golf Course.  This was Sam's first eligible year, and he's had a blast.  Jane was in the same level as her cousin Luke, while Sam was in the same level as his cousin Maria Grace.  Charlotte is swimming on the swim team this year, so you won't see her in action in this post.  We'll get her next time.

Vacation Bible School

Our church's VBS is thebomb.com







Thank you to the staff and members of UPPC for putting on such an incredible week. Our kids LOVED it! This year, 7 of the 8 cousins in our extended family participated (well Sam was in the nursery, which almost counts). We are a blessed family to be part of such a remarkable church and community.

Blessings all,
Brett & Annie

Sunglasses at Night

Still shot from their coreographed routine.

A to the K

Mr. Marker is the best!

Our beloved neighbor, Mr. Marker - cruising Curran Lane

Arizona Videos

Vacation Miscellany

Family Time Fun In Arizona

February, 2012

These are decorative statues in the backyard.  Bet no one thought they'd double for a play structure someday. 
The kids bathe the horses, ride them, go on make-believe trips with them.  Hilarious.

The girls made a finish line for Uncle Ward and Mom when we returned from our nine mile run alive.

Mom & Charlotte  (See?  I was actually on the trip.)

Grandpa Kiehl & Janey

Grandma Kiehl & Janey

Janey and her daddy

Uncle Ward & Charlotte

Children's Museum of Phoenix

Museum Family Fun In Arizona

February, 2012

We were fortunate enough to visit the Children's Museum of Phoenix last year, and the kids couldn't WAIT to go again this year.  "The Climber" is a three story amazing structure that the kids spent tons of time exploring.  This picture shows you "the angel", as Sam called it, but if you click on the link you can see photos on their website.  It's pretty incredible.

Sam was thankful his Biggest Sissy took him around the climber.

The only one I can get to pose for me.  But what a charmer!

What do you think happened next?

Checking out.

Grandma Kiehl & Charlotte

Guido, making pizza in the "texture cafe".

Riding trikes through the car wash.

She needs a red nose and big, red shoes.

This is just mesmerizing to Sam.

See what I mean?

Sam climbed up here so he could put balls on the "track" and watch them follow the switchbacks dinging bells, keys,
wind chimes, etc.

Whoa.

Mom ventures into the climber.

"Yes, Mommy!"