Busy Fall Day

So, what a big day!  We started off with a Halloween "party" at the local toy store.  There were stories, rhymes, crafts and lots of friends to visit with.

The kids got some balance bikes (no pedals) and they love them!  They really get cruising, pick up their feet and love the feeling of balancing on the two wheels.

We are trying to get outside on bikes everyday before the snow and colder temperatures come.  Today we enjoyed mid 50's, blue sky and the beautiful changing leaves at the Wenatchee Riverfront Park.

We headed north to Chelan for Brooke's monthly group lesson for Suzuki violin.  On the way we stopped by Orondo Cider Works for a bathroom break and some fun!

Seattle Trip and Potty Training

We made a weekend trip over to Seattle.  The kids LOVED Auntie's apartment.  The elevator was a HUGE hit.  Oliver squealed every single time we entered or exited and they had to both take turns getting to push the buttons.  Brooke asked a lot of questions about the apartment, "Do we have to pay to stay there (like a hotel)?"  Oliver requested to sleep with Auntie in her bed because "she's so snugly".  So because of lack of beds, we let him start there and then we sneaked him into sharing a bed with Brooke on the floor.  Well, our plan didn't work too well.  Mom and Caitlin were sharing the bed and had a visitor every night around 4am (pillow, teddy and Oliver).  Oliver asked, "Gramma, why you in my bed?"  So, they didn't get the best sleep, but it was still pretty cute.

The washing machine was almost as cool as the elevator and the garbage shoot.  We were doing pretty well with potty training for Oliver, he had been going outside in our backyard for quite a few days... but not inside yet.  I told him that in the city, boys go on the potty.  I wasn't sure what his reaction would be because he was terrified of it for months previously.  Then, all of a sudden we hear the door shut to the bathroom... and then a flush!  It was that easy!

The kids HAD to start the day at McDonalds.  We shared a small ice cream and then we decided it must be time for lunch, so they got a happy meal.  This is a very special event for them!  Oliver got a batman that entertained him for the entire weekend (and more).  Oliver even went into the bathroom stall at McDonalds all by himself.  He doesn't like attention or praise for going potty... he just does it!

We stopped to visit the troll under the bridge.  Brooke was nervous because she thought it was real!

Oliver spotted this cool car which was sitting (not moving) at Gas Works Park.  As he approached it, it came alive!  He had the best time with it!  We never saw the operator, what a funny occurrence!

It was a nice sunny day, we were so lucky.  It was supposed to be a rainy yucky day.

Now back in Cashmere we are doing well with potty training.  Only a few accidents and #2 hasn't quite made it to the potty but I'm sure it'll be there soon.  Oliver wants to wear all his undies backwards so he can see the designs more clearly.  Too funny!

Brooke is still super creative/spontaneous.  Tonight it was, "I want to make a kite!"  She disappeared and came back with this project created all by herself.

She was getting tired and a little silly.  She pretended to be quite sad when it wasn't windy outside.

Summer Update

Here are some photos from our recent vacation bible school program and or backyard.  I've been pretty bad at keeping the blog updated, sorry!

The western theme of VBS was great fun!

Corn and veggies from our church garden are amazing this year!

Our garage has been so full with tools, bikes, etc. that we decided to build a structure for storage.  Kent is looking forward to fitting the truck in the garage this winter!  He has been working very hard the last few days to construct a solid addition!

The area on the left will be open and the rest will be covered with white lattice.  We'll replace the roof on the garage and have the new roof cover the entire thing.

Kent used the bricks from our old chimney to make a path from the house to the garage.

We have a few more plans for the rest of these bricks.

I'm working on getting rid of an "ugly" bush in our backyard.  It opened up a nice view above our fence.  We are thinking it might be nice to add more grapes back here!

Pumpkin growing in our compost!

I can't believe how many apples are growing on our little tree!

Parade Day

Saturday morning the kids got to read a few stories with Kent before he took off to the Manson Parade.  Gotta love Brooke's bed head!

I was busy holding an umbrella to keep the kids out of the sun, so I didn't get many photos.  Here are Cashmere's drill team and below is a crazy motorcycle stunt team.

I couldn't resist pairing this photo with that quote.  IT'S SO OLIVER!

Brooke and her friend Riley!  Riley has a new baby sister, so we have spent a little time with this great friend to give her Mom and Dad a little rest!

These girls had the best time playing water fight with me.  My clothes got soaking wet, but it was so much fun!

Bees and Flowers

In early May there were tons of honey bees and a few of these big bumble bees in our garden.

Grass in with the flowers.  That's what a garden looks like when you have young kids. 

Lincoln Rock State Park

It was a beautiful night and we just had to get out of the house!  So we headed up to Lincoln Rock State Park for a picnic and playground time.  What a gorgeous night it was!