Family.

I guess I really need to start doing this more because I have a feeling that this post is never going to end. We've had a super busy two weeks around here. Kira finished first grade, I've finished Spring term, we've been to the zoo, Washington, and pulled off a birthday party. It's been crazy, hectic, and perfect. We started this crazy roller coaster off with a trip to the Portland Zoo. I went as my nephews chaperone for school but halfway through we caught up with Kira's group.

The kids had a blast measuring up to polar bear paws and giggling at silly black bears that couldn't get enough of  the bathtub. It was perfect weather for a day at the zoo, a little overcast but not rainy. The Oregon weather held out on us until about 20 minutes before we left, at which point it started pouring. Mei and Lora were fine, their coats were plenty long enough, but poor Sera was soaked from the waist down since that is where her coat ended and she was sitting in the front of the stroller. Being the good mom that I am I remembered to bring them all rain coats, but I grabbed a rinky dink little sweater and was soaked clear through to my underoos by the time we got back to the car. Let me tell ya, THAT was not a cozy ride home! Overall though the day was fantastic and the girls were all sorts of worn out by the time we got home.

Sister love is the best love!

 

 Kira had school on Friday then Saturday morning we headed to Washington to visit with family. Not seeing family all the time sure makes you notice how fast life goes by. My niece was barely up to my chest last time we saw her, now she can almost look me straight in the eyes. I know that's not saying much since I'm only 5'1, but she's only 12 so I still consider it a pretty mighty growth spurt. Kira had a blast playing with Kynsley, and I got some much needed adult conversation with Kendra. We put the babies to bed and sat out back around the fire sipping a delicious Merlot and giggling over work, school, and motherhood woes. I miss having friends that hang out often; it seems like growing up and becoming a parent takes quite the toll on your social life if you don't keep it nurtured and growing. I wish Keith and Kendra lived closer, Kendra and I always get along so well and Kris could really use some attention from his big brother. Maybe one of these days we'll live closer to each other, but for now we've got some good memories to keep us all company.

Kynsley and little Loralai

As much as we loved seeing the family we had a very good reason for a spur-of-the-moment vacation. Kris's grandparents were going to be up in Snohomish for the weekend and we couldn't pass up the chance for Papa Vince and Grandma Valerie to visit with the little ones. Most of Kris's side of the family hasn't met our two youngest yet because they live too far away, and Vince and Val are no exception to that sad fact. We were so excited for them to finally meet! Loralai, friendly as ever had no problem falling in love right away. We met at a little park right across the Tacoma narrows bridge called Titlow Park. It had a small play area for the smaller littles and a bigger area for the bigger littles. The park is right on the harbor so you can catch a little sea breeze or talk about the trains passing on the tracks that run through the park. We spent about an hour there letting the kids play while we caught up with the grandparents, then we found a nice little family restaurant nearby that served good food at great prices. Kris ordered this giant cheeseburger that had to be close to 7 inches tall, and the vegetable beef soup was fantastic. Kris really has a great family, and I hope we get to see them more often than once every 3 or 4 years. Family is so much more than we realize they are, and I want my girls to know who they are.

We came back home Sunday afternoon to a bright sunny day. We spent some time playing outside then hit the tub and beds. The girls all had a blast, but they were definitely worn out from all the fun times and travel. Grandma Tina got here on Wednesday and we had Kira's 7th birthday on Friday. I'll have to write more about that tomorrow, I've still got pictures to sort and edit before I post them. So here are a few of my recent favorites to fill the void. Enjoy your weekend folks, I plan on enjoying the rest of mine outside in the garden!

 

Have a good weekend!