Friendship

Posted by Trina Rae Saturday, March 31, 2012 0 comments

Our good friends have a daughter nine months older than Delaney.  And, while we always hoped they would become good friends, we really just had to wait and see.  If yesterday evening is any indication, it appears as though these two are going to be great friends.  From the moment we arrived at their home, these two were inseparable.  It's so cute to see the beginnings of their friendship.  I can't wait to see how it develops in the future!





| edit post

American Girl

Posted by Trina Rae 0 comments

After a long and much anticipated wait, Christmas finally united Franny and Kanani, and the two have been constant companions ever since.  Shortly after, Rick started planning a trip for Franny to the American Girl store in Seattle.  Anticipation everything American Girl, right there to see and touch, has been on the forefront of Franny's mind nearly every waking moment...or at least it seems like it!  

Monday was finally Franny's day!  After walking through the store a few times, she took Kanani to the doll hair salon and picked out a cute style, as well as earrings for ear piercing.  We shopped in the store for about an hour before our reservation of lunch at the American Girl Bistro, which included seats and place settings for dolls.  After more shopping, we concluded our visit and Franny left the store walking on air.  

When that first American Girl catalog arrived at our door, I had no idea what was in store for us.  And, while it is over the top, I think it is all wonderful, because it makes Franny so happy.  It was definitely a special day for a very special little girl.








| edit post

Bainbridge Island

Posted by Trina Rae Wednesday, March 28, 2012 0 comments

For our last day in Seattle, we did lose the sunshine that we enjoyed the day before.  But, it was still comfortable without rain or wind.  Which, like Portland, is considered a good March day.

The kids have been waiting to ride the ferry again since we starting planning this trip.  As with our last trip, our destination was Bainbridge Island.  There are other places to go, of course, but this is a wonderful, scenic little town and it's fun to visit for everyone.  And, with just a ride time of 35 minutes, it's the perfect length for the kids to enjoy the ride without getting impatient.  

We spent a few hours here, having lunch and walking along the marina.  By the time we arrived back in Seattle, Delaney was asleep and the rain had started, so we took that as our queue to head home.  But, unlike many vacations and long weekends we spend away from home, we still have the rest of the week to enjoy Spring Break!







, , , , | edit post

Where's the Space Needle?

Posted by Trina Rae 0 comments

A constant theme throughout our stay in Seattle was finding the Space Needle.  And, this was easy considering we stayed downtown on this trip!   For the second half of our second day, we did a lot of the tourist attractions that the kids love.  We walked to Pikes Place Market and then to Westlake Center to ride the Monorail to the Space Needle.  It was a beautiful day with very little wind, so it was enjoyable to spend most of our time on the outside viewing area.  By the time we finished and walked back to our hotel, the afternoon was over.  It went by quickly, but it was a great afternoon, with lots of spottings of the Space Needle and smiles on the kids' faces!  







, , , , | edit post

Great Grandma

Posted by Trina Rae Sunday, March 25, 2012 0 comments

Today, the kids' Spring Break began with a visit to see their great grandma.  They always enjoy these visits, which I think is really wonderful.  Franny shared her American Girl doll, and the two dressed her up in multiple outfits; Cole showed her all of his cars, and Delaney played her several 'songs' on her organ.  It was a really nice visit and everyone had a good time.  It's always sad to say goodbye, but we will be sure to see her again soon.  Until then, we have our goofy group photos to narrow the distance...





, | edit post

What March 22nd looks like

Posted by Trina Rae Saturday, March 24, 2012 0 comments

Thursday morning, we awoke to find a gorgeous blanket of snow out our back window.  



Actually, I already knew it was there--I awoke at 6:10am to the automated phone call from the school district informing us that schools would be closed.  I guess making the decision to close schools the night before allowing everyone to sleep in is somewhat impractical.  But, at least Franny got to sleep in, who really is who needed it the most.  

And, Franny was quite pleased to learn there was no school!  She not only enjoyed an easy morning, but also pancakes and bacon for breakfast, courtesy of her dad, who was working from home.



It's fun to have days like this.  Snow always has such a peaceful feeling to it, and time seems to stand still. It's also a reminder to me to be thankful for the extra day I got to spend with Franny.  School takes her away for such a huge part of every day.  After taking care of homework and dinner, there just isn't much time left to enjoy doing things with her.  We have Teacher Appreciation Day, Mothers Day, Fathers Day...I guess snow days are our Kids Day.  Living in Portland, Oregon, however, there just aren't enough of them!

, | edit post

Reunited

Posted by Trina Rae Monday, March 19, 2012 0 comments

This morning, the kids welcomed home Rick, who was gone for nine days on a business trip.   The time difference between here and Europe really prevents us from sharing any kind of regular communication with him while he is gone. I think this was one of the main reasons that those nine days just seemed so much longer.  All the kids missed him, but I think that his absence effects Cole a little more intensely than the girls.  It's less something that I notice about Cole when he's gone than what I see when the two are reunited.  Cole's eyes light up and he is permanently on his lap, in his arms, or as close as he can get.  There is something very special about the father-son bond.  Not more so than a father-daughter bond, but just different.  And, these two special people are so lucky to have each other!  Actually, we all are.

 Cole in his St. Patricks Day hat brought back from Europe

, | edit post

Hat day

Posted by Trina Rae Friday, March 16, 2012 0 comments

Snow, hail, rain, heavy rain, extremely heavy rain...this week we've seen it all.  Fortunately, today we saw some sun, and it's rays were so welcome.  It's been a long week for everyone, so to be outside, breathe the fresh air, and take some time to not worry about homework or being somewhere or getting something done was something we all needed.  Delaney and Cole ran around looking for leprechauns while Franny finished reading her library book and started on her new chapter book that came in the mail today.  And, we were all very content with that.  Time for the weekend!




| edit post

Easy as 1, 2, 3

Posted by Trina Rae Thursday, March 15, 2012 0 comments

In January, Cole's teachers started to emphasize writing numbers along with the kids' phonics studies.  The teachers evaluated where they were--Cole actually did really well; he was able to write all the numbers from 1-10, with only three numbers written backwards.  They said everyone would be evaluated again in May, in case we wanted to work on them at home.  So, Cole began working on his numbers along with his daily homework.  Between then and now, he consistently wrote the same numbers backwards--5, 6, and 7--and, sometimes 4 and 9 would slip that way, too.  For the last week, however, every day he has written his numbers without any mistakes.  The first time he was so proud that he couldn't wait to share his success with Rick.  And, every day since he hasn't had one mistake.  For a while I was wondering if he'd ever get that 7 turned around, but through his hard work, he finally did it!  Great job, Cole!!!


, | edit post

Auction project 2012

Posted by Trina Rae Wednesday, March 14, 2012 0 comments

Franny's school auction is coming up this weekend.  Funds that are raised will go to supplement teaching staff and special programs.  Due to extensive state budget cuts in education, the auction has become a big event and the largest fund raiser for the school's foundation.  The goal this year is $200,000, and the items being auctioned range from exotic to very simple.  But, the special items are the class projects.  Franny's project last year was exceptional--hundreds of people from all over the world have viewed my blog post which they found through Google image search.  This year's project does not have the same sweet charm of that one, but I am very impressed with it, and I hope that it goes for a premium!

The title of their project is Patterns of Life.  The class demonstrated their creativity inspired by capturing the diversity of the animals of the African Savanna.  The art piece is an arrangement of individual paintings representing different animal coats.  Franny's piece is the purple moth, fourth down in the first column.  The more I look at the group project, the more I really like it.  Each piece contrasts the others and make up a wonderful ensemble of art.  It's no wonder the auction projects go for so much--the kids really do exceptional work!


, | edit post

Doodle dudes

Posted by Trina Rae Sunday, March 11, 2012 0 comments

It's always difficult to play a game when there are little kids that are too young to play around.  Delaney has always loved to get in the middle of games that Franny and Cole try to play.  And, to be fair, all those fun game pieces and bright colors--who wouldn't?  But, although she only wants to play, she is usually a disruption or an instrument of destruction.  Poor girl.

The kids have been playing more games, lately, so on a friend's recommendation, I bought them the game Doodle Dice.  It's a great game--they have three rolls of the dice to try and make the pictures on the cards they draw.  Rather than dots, the dice have different shapes and doodles on them.  Some the cards are easy, while others are more difficult, requiring the use of all six dice.  

The kids love this game!  Today, Cole and Grandpa played this game for a long time.  The girls played with blocks, played on the swing set, kicked the soccer ball around, played some tee ball, all the while the two played their game.  They were very fun to watch and listen to.  This was a serious game.  Not in a competitive sense, just very serious about playing their game.  I think they played for about an hour and a half before they finished up.  That's a long time for four year old boy to do anything.  

I shouldn't be surprised--when Cole and Grandpa get together, great and fun things always happen!




| edit post

A FANTASTIC day

Posted by Trina Rae Friday, March 9, 2012 0 comments

Usually, when I pick Cole up from school, he is happy and says he's had a good day.  Any additional details, however, receives a standard I don't remember response.  But, today, when I asked him about his day, he said It was Fantastic!!!  Apparently, they had planted a lemon tree for their classroom, eaten lunch outside, and played with cars in soapy water in the sensory table.  

After telling me all these unprecedented details, he looked me square in the face and with an enormous smile said Isn't it a beautiful day, mama?  

Dear, sweet Cole, not only is this a beautiful day, this is a fantastic day!


, | edit post

Francesca....24 days to 7

Posted by Trina Rae 0 comments


| edit post

Love is more than a sight word

Posted by Trina Rae 0 comments

This morning, as Cole was doodling on his Doodle Pro, I teasingly asked if he could write I love Mom.  A minute later, he showed me this.  I don't think there's any doubt this amazing little boy is ready for kindergarten.  And, he's not going to be just fine...he's going to be awesome!



| edit post

A playdate for Delaney

Posted by Trina Rae Wednesday, March 7, 2012 0 comments

Playdates have become a more frequent occurrence for the kids, and now Delaney has had one, herself!  She met her little friend, Ashley, in her Gymboree class.  It has been very cute how the two seem to gravitate to each other and really enjoy playing together.  And although Delaney considers her 'best friend' to be her dear friend G from playgroup, Ashley is special because she is the first friend for Delaney to 'choose' all on her own.


We had rescheduled their playdate three times before yesterday, and when the weather report forecasted potential snow for us overnight, I was beginning to think it just wasn't going to happen.  But, when we got just a light dusting, everything remained as scheduled.  The two girls met up for their Gymboree class and then headed to a nearby park to play and enjoy the gorgeous sunny day.  They had such a great time! After an hour and a half, the cool air and sun caught up with them on the swings--after realizing that both girls had been swinging quietly for more than ten minutes, we knew they had hit their limit and we called it a day.  But what a great day it was!

Delaney having some down time after her playdate

| edit post

Fog and shine

Posted by Trina Rae Sunday, March 4, 2012 0 comments

 This morning, we took advantage of OMSI's $2 admission (every first Sunday of the month) and had some fun doing some old favorites, as well as one or two new ones.  I love that we didn't have to worry about spending more time than we really wanted to or trying to do everything, just to justify our cost of admission.  We had a lot of fun while the morning fog lingered, but once the sun emerged, we headed outside to enjoy it.  A fun morning at OMSI, followed by an afternoon at nearly 60 degrees--in our book, that is a great day!


Magnets 

 Rocket landing 

Don't touch the bar! 

Flying paper airplanes 

Loading the crane 

 Maneuvering the crane up and over

 Sunshine!


| edit post

Green eggs and pajamas

Posted by Trina Rae Friday, March 2, 2012 0 comments


Franny has been waiting and waiting for Pajama Day at her school.  At her school, their annual Pajama Day is always the same day that they celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday.  Both are fun--for Dr. Seuss' birthday they all brought books to read and share (Franny brought The Lorax), and they also did a couple fun crafts.  But for Franny, nothing beats wearing pajamas to school.  She was so excited she fell asleep late and then woke up before her alarm went off.  There was no question it was a big deal for her.  Sometimes it's the smallest things that are biggest deal--this was definitely one of those times.

, | edit post