summer weekend of fun #1 and school's not even out yet

 This youngest sister of mine is so very capable. mothering 4 now, she wanted to come up before her maternity leave ends and she's back to work.  uncle B couldn't make it, unfortunately, but she was such a trooper to come on her own.  we had a laid back relaxing visit.  she had the house to herself the first day while we were at work, which actually was kind of a good way to start our visit. 

after school, we went to e's violin lesson.  the girl's grandma teaches violin, and they'll likely take lessons soon.  (after 1 year of piano)

 

After baseball practice, (still gleeful that we can walk there in 3 minutes!), we stopped by the school carnival.  it was the perfect activity.  kids ate hot dogs and popsicles.  played games and won some prizes.

 the next day, R's family were lovely to come cheer on e's baseball game.  we love them!  E loves this family time with cousins playing time all the time. 

 2,4,6,8, who do we appreciate?  go Falcons!  coach D was great.

 they liked this spinning thing.  it always makes me dizzy and sick.

 dress-ups.

 art projects.

 movie night.

 Father's day breakfast.  R made crepes and taught us the delicious way of spreading nutella with fruit. yum.

 We love you R.  pajamas and socks aren't super original gifts, but i think he liked them.

 using the new fire pit once before summer heat kicks in.

 a perfect ferry ride to Vashon to see the Point Robinson lighthouse.

the kids building up e's fairy house in the garden.

 we've been eating a lot of good food.

room 106A

First grade was fun!  we felt blessed because Mrs. D was such a great teacher.   

she arranged for one of the parents, a professional photographer, to take student portraits.

 

every puppy needs a boy

 she's so helpful to hold the leash on walks.  is resistant while we are walking away from the house, but picks up the pace when we're headed back.

 E was in an afterschool production with 8 others k-2nd graders.  he was both a ninja and a pirate in this "jack and annie's magic treehouse" adventure.

Seven year birthday

wonderful for our friend Ms. J to come have dinner with us before she left for CO. she's one of my favorite people.  inspiring in her thoughtful, conscientious manner.

 

 Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to E! happy birthday to you.  We love you.  he liked my gift of a turtleneck, putting it on right away to blow out the candles.  (it's still cold....you can see the pic above with J and I on the beach in jackets and hoodies... )  but most especially, he loved his dad's bday gift.  see next post....

 we took a family trip to the ferris wheel, followed by dinner out at a mexican restaurant.  his favorite is still bean burritos.  these are e's pics from the ferris wheel.

 I don't know what this flower was, but it's pretty. 

 (at the VA hospital) these rhododendrons are so big and beautiful in bloom!

spirit week at school. 
everyone wore moustaches on Monday.
one day was hawaii day (see post with class pics).
one day was character from your favorite book day.  E was geronimo stilton :)

E's first violin recital.  He recited the Rocket poem illustrating proper bow hold.
up like a rocket, down like the rain.
back and forth like a choo choo train.
around and around like a great big sun.
stop in front, curled pinky, bent thumb.

 snacks after the recital.  we're meeting some nice friends.

summer party at the s's house.