As June started we decided to get the girls each their own bikes. We have had a lot of fun riding our bikes this summer, and even got to do a neighborhood bike ride. Each year they close down streets by our house for a community 7 mile bike ride. You don't have to do the whole trip, but along the trip there are different areas to stop and do activities. We chose to ride about a mile from our house to one of the schools where they had a kids area to play. The girls got to play on the bounce castle until we had an accident. This was the first time that we had taken Lucy out and about for a couple of hours since we had started potty training, and we forgot to bring clothes. It made for a little harder time riding back, but thankfully we were outside in the grass when it happened.
Bike Riding Pictures
In June we also found a cute little dog that we decided should join our family. Her name is Lady, and she is a bundle of energy.
Then as June was coming to a close Robyn, Heather, Todd, Mandy, Brett, and I took off for our trip to the Dominican Republic. We spent a week down there without any children, and had a great time hanging out on the beach and different activities. I am not really sure what my favorite part was, but it is probably a tie between the 27 waterfalls and boogie boarding.
Robyn, Heather, Ismael (our taxi driver), me, Brett, Mandy, and Todd before we went down the 27 waterfalls.
On the balcony of our condo.
Cabarete Beach going out for my birthday.
We made it back home just in time for the 4th of July and enjoyed the day at the Creswell Parade which is one of my favorites to go to. While we were in Eugene we also got to go to the Rodeo. Avery loved looking for the "Jessie's" (cowgirls for those not in love with Toy Story), and Lucy looked for the "Bullseye's" (horses for those not in love with Toy Story).
Parade and Rodeo Pictures
Next came Avery's 5th Birthday. I made Lucy's 1st birthday cake so I thought this year I would make Avery a cake, and now I am all done making cakes. Avery wanted to help me make the cake so she helped with the batter.
Laura and her girls gave us their easy mixer which worked perfectly.
Licking the beaters.
Proof that I did it.
The finished product.
Lucy got Avery a stuffed Jessie doll for her birthday.
That weekend we went up to the Winlock to listen to Papa Randall (my Papa) play in the bluegrass festival. It was a lot of fun eating hamburgers, having cake, and listening to him play, which was one of his favorite things to do. This was the best way to spend one last time with him.
Nanny and the girls playing on the playground by the stage.
Papa playing in the band scramble.
Avery and Lucy dancing while Papa played.
Papa only got second which he was happy about because they didn't have to play for 45 min. that night.
Capri watching as Avery blew out her candle.
This is Myah who Avery wants to be just like.
The next weekend we had a party for Avery's birthday at a park up here in Portland, and it rained that morning until it was time for her party. Thankfully it was fairly nice weather for the rest of the day and we had a lot of fun celebrating her birthday.
Avery's Birthday Pictures
We also did swimming lessons in July. This time Lucy got to be a goldfish even though she isn't 3 which means that she gets to go into the pool all by herself. It turns out this is the most wonderful thing in a parents life because then you don't have to get in the pool and get all wet, but instead get to sit back and enjoy watching swimming lessons.
Swimming Pictures
In the middle of August we went camping like we did last year with the Cliff Kimball Family, Grandpa and Grandma Kimball, Grandma Murray, Mema, my parents, Heather's Parents and brother, and Bri. We had so much fun in the boats, floating, and going to the fish hatchery. While we were there we also got to celebrate Annika's 4th birthday.
Camping Pictures
Then as August was ending and September was starting Avery got to have her first ballet recital. It was really fun to watch her class do their routine, and to watch how much she has grown. The funny part was that Lucy could also do the routine as well as Avery because she had to go to so many dance classes as well. Starting this fall Lucy will be big enough to also get to start ballet so both girls will be doing that again.
Ballet Pictures
After ballet we went up to Washington to hang out with Nanny and my dad's family for the weekend. We got to go to the Packwood swap meet which is always an experience. They had a spot where you could pay for 10 min. of playing on bouncy slide, and they kids had fun taking a break from walking in the heat.
Brandon pausing for his picture.
Avery going down the bouncy slide.
Allison, Avery, Lucy, and Brandon
When we got back on Tuesday we officially became the parents of a school girl. Avery started Kindergarten, and seems to really be enjoying school. She did last Thursday night make a request to have a home day, but it didn't have as much to do with not wanting to go to school as just wanting to hang out with Lucy at home. We will now wait and see how many days she makes it this week before she asks, because it could end up being a long 12 years.
Avery in front of her school sign
Avery has a Jessie backpack thanks for Ms. Rhonda
Practicing writing her name.
Avery and Lucy at the door leaving for Kindergarten and Preschool
This weekend for one our home days we went over to my friend Laura's house. She has two big girls, Kelsey and Maddie, who my girls are totally in love with. The girls all played in the pool together, while Laura and I floated in the pool and sat in chairs to dry off. It was a great way to spend a warm Saturday.
Kelsey and Lucy drying off. Who knows what Lucy is telling her.
Maddie and Avery hanging out in the pool.
Lucy refused to let go of Kelsey the whole time in the pool.
As we are now starting a new school year we hope that you are all doing well, and hope that this school year will be great for everyone.
