Soccer Camp

Last year Garrett and all his buddies went to soccer 'camp' through our local Parks and Rec. It was less than fabulous and we were all dreading doing it again. Lucky us though- one of the dad's offered to do a soccer camp of our own for the little kids, and the big kids (Maddy and her compadres) could 'help.' Before we left, Maddy helped Garrett get all his gear on. She insisted on him wearing soccer socks, shin guards, and her old cleats. (He is 4...they fit her in kindergarten at 5 and 1/2!) He was HOT, but HAPPY!

It was a gorgeous, sunny evening, and the kids had a GREAT time. They were so happy and cute, and "Coach John" was just great with them. Carter was wishing he was 4 instead of 1, but other than that it was SO fabulous!




Carter wants to play too!


Garrett and Grayson...best friends since birth. They are simply inseperable.


We had to stop for icecream afterwards!

Tea Party

A few weeks ago I told Madeline we could have her friends and their American Girl dolls over for a tea party. She thought it was a great idea...and didn't let me forget about it. Today was the big day. It turned out fabulous...it really was! All morning Maddy and Zelma helped me prepare- frosted cupcakes, picked blueberries, made name tags for each girl and her doll!

When 1:00 rolled around, the excitement built. The girls arrived and I talked funny and called each of the girls madame, or ma'am. At one point I heard one girl, I think it was Laura, say to Maddy, "Your mom is WEIRD!" I could tell she had a huge smile on her face as she said it. I nearly died laughing. The girls wore old hats, (ok, I did too!), and Maddy's costume jewelry. We played pass the button and made Victorian paper fans. I think all the girls (dolls included) had a lovely time...I know I did!











Maddy working hard on her Victorian Fan.


"Button, Button! Who's got the button?"


They all made fans for themselves...then asked me if I had any smaller paper for dolls fans too. Of course I did!

Tilikum...part II

Sweet Annie posted an amazing blog about our families getting together last night. Recently, she used the term 'kindred spirit' to describe our relationship, and I hope she knows I feel the same way!

Also, here are a couple pics from 'back in the day.' Waaaay back. :)

Miss Madeline and I- she was about 2 months old here, maybe 3, and I was 23.


Sunshine and Fletcher in 1999.

Family Night

Tonight was Family Night for Maddy's camp. She just awes me- so confident, so brave, so....grown up. Our first stop was the 'Big Swing.' Maddy went on it for the 3rd time today, yet I am positive I was 10 before I got brave enough to try it once. Garrett got all geared up for it, but once he got up to the (very high) platform, he chose to wait another year. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go on it- it was my favorite thing as a little kid and as a college kid. And I think I screamed as loud as ever! Maddy told me she screamed really loud too, but just kept her scream inside her head. I love that girl!




It was a gorgeous evening- the rain broke for a bit, and mom went with us. We met Annie and Kevin and their precious boys out there. (You can see her blog to on the list to the right!) Annie is one of my most beautiful friends- inside and out and I just love her so much. We became great friends when we worked at camp together in 1999, and have stayed close ever since. Her husband Kevin and Joel were roommates in college, and he was one of our groomsmen in our wedding. We always have fun getting together with them. Cade and Garrett are great buddies, and we just know Carter and Callum will be one day soon. For now, Carter loves kissing Callum and sharing snacks.








We also headed up to the Tree House for a bit.



My brave girl on the bridge.



Future camper, Cade, had to try the bridge too! He is super brave and did a great job!



Couldn't help it!

She couldn't help it either, see why we are friends???


Maddy and her Staff Member...'Ogo Pogo.' I have no clue- don't ask! She loved him and we could tell he really enjoyed her group.

Rainy Day

It has been so rainy and dark this week. Of course- for Maddy's first week at camp. She has had a great attitude anyway and is just loving it. She always comes home singing at the top of her lungs and Garrett has loved learning some new songs! We have had to get pretty creative around here for Garrett this week- he is so sad with his Sissy gone on a big adventure without him. So yesterday Annie emailed me and said they were heading to the Portland Children's Museum for a sing-a-long with a local musician. I took a look at the pouring rain and decided that would be a great way to spend a rainy Wednesday! The concert ended up being cancelled, but our boys had a great time anyway at the museum, and Annie and I got to visit a teeny bit between chasing down runaways. ;)


My boys loved playing in the water. Carter was over the moon for that rubber fish.



Cade and Garrett just chillin'.



Parallel play at it's finest.



Face paint is always a big hit!





Saying goodbye is never fun. Annie and I were just laughing because both she and I take a million pictures- all the time- of our kids. Yet STILL, when we break out the camera they both act like they don't know how to pose! Hellooo! So cute and funny.


Garrett insisted that I include this one. He is such a funny boy!

Conversations.

Part I: Garrett

Garrett: Mom, will there be potties in heaven? Because what if I have to go potty when I am there?

Sarri: I am sure if you need to go when you get there, you'll be able to find one. Now put on your shoes.


Part II: Madeline

Sarri: You might get rained on today at camp, Sis.

Maddy, shrugs: Welp. Sometimes you get wet at camp, Mom!


Part III: Carter

Carter (In a growly voice): Ball! Ball! Ball!

Sarri: Yes, Carter, that blueberry looks like a ball.

Carter (In a growly voice): Ball! Ball! Ball!

Sarri: Yes, Carter, that grape looks like a ball.

Carter (In a growly voice): Ball! Ball! Ball!

Sarri: Yes, Carter, that light looks like a ball.

Carter (In a growly voice): Ball! Ball! Ball!

Sarri: Yes, Carter, those socks wadded up look like a ball.

He is a big fan of anything circular.

Camp!

Next week Maddy will be attending Day Camp- for the first time ever! This is an especially sentimental step for me, as I attending this camp as a little girl, I worked there in college, and I got engaged there almost 8 years ago! Tonight we headed out there for Family Night to give Maddy a taste of what next week will be like. We had a great time and it was such a gorgeous evening. We hiked around the lake to revist where Joel proposed to me. I was all sentimental and silly, as usual. :)



"Smile!"


"Now move your heads together!" BONK!


Hiking around the lake.


(Photo by MJG) This is where we got engaged...almost 8 years later. On the drive out Joel said, "Did you ever think that 8 years later we'd be coming out here with 3 little monkeys?"


(Photo by MJG) Ooooh la la!


Carter loved camp.


Sunset.

A Little More Beach...

We had such a great time and I can't resist a few more of the kids!

On the walk to the beach Garrett needed to stop and blow the dandelions. There were a lot, but he just had to get 'em.


Carter loved the long walk to the beach because he got to ride in the wagon! (And yes, he does keep the hat on. "Not for babies, Carter!")


Garrett and Sweet Laney on the way to the beach. I wish I could have recorded their sweet little conversations about spider webs, dogs, and flowers.


Garrett really needed to warn Laney about this 'Family of Stickers' (his words). He let her know the importance of wearing shoes to the beach so the stickers don't go in your feet....to which she assured him that she HAD on shoes, and proceeded to stamp on top of the 'stickers.' They are sooooo darling.


Cousins playing in the sand at sunset.

My Budding Artists

Tonight I set up the easel in the yard and let Madeline and Garrett go to town with their new paints. They were so very happy, and so stinking cute.