Isabelle's First Day of Pre-School

Outside on our front door

Where did she learn the head tilt? Ha!

I love this lady...

Don't know her name but she remembered Gabby and I.

This is Isabelle getting on her little bus.

CIBA (Children's International Bilingual Academy)

Getting on her indoor shoes.

She loves these Hello Kitty Knock-off Crocs!

Bethany, Liam, and Isabelle

Friends!

Liam and Isabelle

She ran to this "Learning Door" toy.

Not sure what's up with this toy... Gabby loved it too.

Orientation day on Friday, August 30th. 

Here we go! 

It's literally a 5 minute walk to the school in the nearby compound.

I took some time off work. I'm such an awesome mom.

Going potty!

She loves the indoor play area!

Sliding down...

More climbing...

Isabelle started her first day of pre-school at CIBA, the school she went to last year. She's attending there on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday full time. So far, she's taking naps and having a blast. I was a tad worried about how she'd do... The first 30 minutes at Orientation, she wouldn't leave my side, so different from Gabby... After she got the swing of things, she was happy to go play. She left with no problems. On the first day, I took the bus with her to make sure she was okay. I dropped her off and no problems! The people there are so nice... It helps that she went there last year too and there are kids that she recognizes. Looking forward to a good first year!

I just realized that her first day of school (China time) was they day my dad passed away in Washington... :(

"Because I can!"

I started getting active again after taking most of last year off. It is so easy to get into a sedentary routine and make excuses for not exercising and eating right. Whenever I am feeling lazy or unmotivated to get moving I can't help but think of one of my co-workers who was paralyzed in a car accident this summer. He is fighting to gain feeling in his fingers and toes. I need to make better choices for many reasons, not only for myself, but for my girls and others who want me around far into the future. So I am now starting my day with exercise Monday through Friday. On the mornings I feel sore and unmotivated I think of how fortunate I am to be alive and get my butt out of bed and get moving, because I can!

Gabriella's First Day of School

Miss Gabriella... the first grader

Where did the time go?

At her locker...

Elementary school had a picnic lunch

It was SUPER hot!

Old buddy, Sydney

New buddy, Ella

Old buddy, Violet.

They are so happy they are in the same class!

Ms. Laura Rogers

Her first grade teacher... Isn't she adorable?

Olivia Walks!

New hair-do

Isabelle loves her sister!

Another new hair-do...

And she walks!!!

Happy girl learning her new skill...

It was a big day for Miss Livvy... two new hair-dos and now she's walking! She's 10 1/2 months old today...

Mt. Rainier Trip

We spent two days with the Zarling family since they are only back for a short time. Beth found a cute house that we rented out that had a hot tub and fire pit.  It was fun but holy crap, a lot of packing and unpacking. The highlight for Gabby and Isabelle was the cool park down the road that had a climbing wall. On the way home, we decided at the last minute to visit "Northwest Trek." It was pretty cool and we definitely go back again. :)

Cannon Beach Trip

Cousin Stuart-- he's such a great help with the baby!

Beach near the house we stayed...

Sisters!

Isabelle LOVED the water!

Uncle Toby found this little "pool," it was a 

a great depth for the kiddies. 

It was a lot warmer then it looks!

Jumping with Cousin Wesley

Silly kiddo!

Yummy Aunt Debbie Spaghetti dinner!

There she is!!! 

Baby Olivia is 9 months now

Cuddles!

Aunt Tahnee and Isabelle 

Cousin Langston and Gabby

Cousin Stuart and Isabelle

Getting ready to swim at the beach!

Cousins!

Play time

Uncle Travis and Langston

Picnic Lunch at Ecola View Point

What a view...

Sunset at Indian Beach

Mama's view of her baby girl

Grammy and Papa with their family

Travis and his parents

Tebo family... one of these days we'll get a good pic!

We spent three days down in Cannon Beach, Oregon and it was a blast. The kids played and the adults got a chance to catch-up. A highlight for me was getting some girl-time with Debbie and Tahnee. The kid's highlight was playing with their cousins on the beach and making sandcastles. The weather was awesome too! A nice tradition we started...