Catching up with Uncle George

I had an errand in Kirkland and made plans to meet up with George while we were in the area.  

Emi and Kenzi love the Kirkland waterfront and seeing Uncle George.  

After enjoying some gelato we took a drive to 

Waverly Beach Park and played on the beach and playground.

Uncle George showing Emi how to skip rocks.

Kenzi, loving the view from the swing.

It's always so nice to visit with Uncle George, next time the Farmer's Market!

Arizona

After my girls trip to Arizona last year I couldn't wait to go again!  Who wouldn't love lounging by the pool, eating, drinking and just relaxing with some of your favorite people?  This year Erich joined me for 2 nights in AZ before girl time.  He was not alone, Mark {Emily} and Martin {Janet} also joined to to have some couple time in the desert.  It was wonderful!  Thankfully our parents were able to help with the girls so we could take this much needed get away and know that the girls were happy and safe!

At the Griffin Club

Relaxing at the pool

                        Girl time!                                                   Celebrating the soon to be Mrs. Hauge!

Emily & me

View from our room

Yummy drinks...5 nights of laughter and fun!

Good times with "TOTE-ally" amazing friends {and husband} I am one lucky gal!  

I am already looking forward to next year!

Chelan

We just can't say enough about the wonderful families we've met at the Children's Garden.  At the beginning of the school year {last year} everyone in Emi's class booked a campsite so that we could wrap up the school year and begin our classes' first annual camping trip.  It was a bit daunting I have to say thinking about camping for 2 nights {I'd only agreed to 1 night camping trips before}.  

Now that we experienced it {and enjoyed it} I am looking forward to the 2 other 2 night camping trips that we have planned this summer.

Here we are all packed and loaded up to head to Chelan!

Getting ready to set up camp...

Kenzi and Emi slept well both nights!  {Mommy was COLD but survived!}

Our camp site

Lake Chelan

Beautiful vineyard {a handful of moms were able to get away for some wine tasting}.

We also spent a few hours at Slide Waters in Chelan one afternoon {sorry no pictures}.

It's pretty amazing, here are all the families, kids and sibs{there were 18 kids in Emi's class} 3 families were unable to make it last minute and we missed them!  What a fun tradition we are beginning, the kids will always remember this camping trip and look forward to many more to come!

To reward ourselves the Fernando, Tan and Smick/Lam family stopped at the Roslyn Cafe for an early dinner and the kids got ice cream before we all headed home.

Father's Day!

We celebrated our special Daddy with kisses, {beer} and lots of smiles!

Here we are at the Marymoor Brewer's Festival.

  

Thanks for being the BEST Daddy for Emi and Kenzi!

Kisses! 

To celebrate my Dad {Gung Gung} we spent the day together and also did a fun canvas/mixed media art project!  Everyone had a fun time, painting, gluing and laughing!

Kenzi

It's SO hard to get a good picture of Kenzi these days...I think I finally got a pretty good one today while she was playing in a tent at REI.  We love our sweet and silly girl!

Teacher Shannon

Emi and her buddies had a special dinner date with their teacher Shannon {who is moving to Kuwait to teach}.  Shannon is one of Emi's favorite teachers who she will miss!

Shannon took the kids {Emi, Nathan and Collin} to dinner at Red Robin and then to pick out a special book from her at Barnes and Noble.  

The little brother and sisters just love Shannon too and wanted to get in the picture.

Last days as a Honeybee

Emi has attended The Children's Garden School for the last 3 years.  This school has been such a wonderful place for Emi to learn and grow.  As parents we have also enjoyed being involved and active with all the special school events the school offers.  Emi is off to {full day} Kindergarten this fall and Kenzi will begin at the Garden as a Ladybug...my how time flies... Here's Emi with her teachers on the last day of school.

The Garden holds a graduation ceremony to send off their Honeybee's...

here is Emi, she's ready to buzz away!

Emi and teacher Debby {Smick} they always teased each other that they were cousins.

Here is Emi during the ceremony.  They really made each child and family feel important.  Emi will be remembered for her many paintings, her creativity and helpfulness to others.  She was also recognized for being independent and making her own decisions.

Emi peeking out of the waving window for her last wave good bye to me...

Here is Kenzi {and Emi} soon to be Ladybug

California Pizza Kitchen {fundraiser}

Emi and her buddies waiting for a table at the California Pizza Kitchen...

dinner with friends is always fun, fun fun!

Kenzi and Abby

Kenzi sure loves her cousin Abby!  It's so cute to see the two bond.

Enatai Beach

We decided to take advantage of the sunny and warm morning weather and head to Enatai beach for a picnic lunch and play time before school.  They loved it!