Closed on Tuesdays

Kaylee loving an ant puzzle at the PSC

For Christmas my parents got us a membership to the Pacific Science Center , a museum in downtown Seattle that I've been going to since I was a kid. The best part is nothing has drastically changed there since I was 8 years old. Of course there have been updates and additions like the butterfly garden and genetics exhibit, but the shadow wall, outdoor water toys, mole rats, dinosaurs, laser shows, and giant chess sets are still the same. Recently we decided to take a spontaneous trip to the PSC because we have a membership and you can do that. We called up Danny's friend Will and left right after Kaylee's morning nap. AFTER paying for parking I saw the sign. "Science Center closed on Tuesdays." Really!? On Tuesdays? I was shocked and had about 15 yards (from the parking meter to my car) to make a decision.

I unloaded the crew anyway (I had just payed for parking after all) and explained to two disappointed 3-year-olds that we had a change of plans and would not be seeing any dinos. Fortunately, it was a gorgeous sunny day. Fortunately the International Fountain is just a block away. Fortunately, we had a picnic lunch packed. Fortunately, for some unknown reason, there were dozens of giant balls and hundreds of hula hoops scattered around the fountain. Fortunately, 2 hours later when we returned to the van, the boys were chattering about how it was the funnest day ever. I'm pretty sure Kaylee enjoyed herself too.
Who needs dinosaurs and mole rats anyway.

Building a Fortress

So it turns out I sort of like having a little boy.

Mischief

Cute . . .
. . .but messy!

On a positive note, we're pleased that Kaylee has taken such
an active role in our recycling efforts. She attempts to sort it
on a daily basis. Thanks for the help cutie!

Misconception

I was totally wrong. Who knew mini-vans were so hip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4

It was time.

Last year when we were looking at cars after Matt's 96 Toyota Corolla died, we considered buying a mini-van. Instead, we opted for a Volkswagen GTI to help make Matt's miserable commute a little more tolerable. We knew we would want a mini-van in the next few years, but didn't realize how soon. Our move to Washington has decreased the amount of air travel we've been doing, but has significantly increased our car travel (except, ironically, for Matt who now enjoys a mere 10 minute commute each way in his luxurious GTI).

Over Easter weekend, we decided to take the beagles with us to Richland. The Honda Accord had been fine for previous drives to Idaho and Richland, but this was our first trip with two kids, two dogs, and two adults. On the way there, Daisy and Dozer spent the entire 3 hour drive on my lap in the front seat. Beagles are not meant to be lap dogs . . . especially not in pairs. For the return trip, I opted to give up my seat to the dogs and squish between the car seats in the back. Despite hours of meticulous vacuuming, dog hair still stuck to our black fabric seats.

And so, with many road trips planned for this summer already, it was time. Though we shopped and made decisions together, Matt surprised me by finalizing the trade in for a van while I was away in Richland for a few days (Without the dogs. I can only handle so much car vacuuming in a month). As Matt put it, "I don't feel old because we own a mini-van. I feel old because we're so excited about owning it." And we definitely are. I LOVE our new Slate Green Odyssey.

We gave it (still working on a name . . . any suggestions?) its first real test drive on Mother's Day. After a luxurious afternoon nap, we loaded up the family and a picnic dinner. Look at all that space!! Room for everyone.



We drove north to Camano Island and enjoyed a quiet picnic on the rocky beach. It was so peaceful to walk along the deserted beach hand in hand with those I love. Nothing says Happy Mother's Day like a baby trying to eat sand instead of sandwiches and a little boy squealing with excitement about every piece of driftwood or shell he can add to his collection.

How humbling to look around at all of God's incredible creations - the mountains, sea, forests - and then at two of his most precious - Danny, Kaylee. He has entrusted me to help Him with those two little ones. Wow.
Hope everyone else out there had a wonderful Mother's Day as well. Happy driving.

Hiking

Waterfall trickling,
Quiet granola bar break,
Surrounded by green.

Getaway

A few weeks ago my friend Kristen had the brilliant idea of taking a day trip somewhere. Though no two days are ever quite the same when you're a mom, there's still monotony in the daily dressing, feeding, and cleaning that goes on. We agreed a getaway was just what we needed, so we loaded up the kids and drove to Leavenworth for the day. It was about as perfect as a day can get for Danny.

He had a best buddy, dagger, and nonstop movies on the two hour drive.

There were tons of fun shops with interesting things to look at like "cowboy" hats, rifles,

electric guitars. . . oh wait. Just another gun.
a Medusa hat, and a scuba hat which Danny insisted was a "knight" hat.We ate a perfect lunch of bratwurst and lemonade supplemented by goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, pretzels, ice cream, grapes, carrot sticks, and a gumball that was bigger than Danny's mouth. Life doesn't get much better for a 3-year-old.
And then, to top off Danny's perfect day we went to Smallwood Farm to run around, pet the animals, and play.He even got to try out a real lasso. What a great day for Danny!

Kaylee couldn't have been better herself. She napped and ate when we needed her to and she didn't fuss at all until we were almost home. Most of the day she was nothing but smiles.

As for me, I returned home feeling rejuvinated. There's nothing like a getaway with good food, good conversation, and a good friend to help you re-energize. Thanks for a fantastic trip Hamburger Head (aka Kristen).


If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?

Bottle of Laughter

I've always wished I could bottle up this perfect sound. Then I could carry it around in my pocket and anytime I was feeling blue I would just open it up and listen to this contagious laughter. It brings a smile to my face every time I hear it. What sound or image does the same for you?

Orange and Pink