Summer adventures 2015

To kick off July we headed up to Deer Lake for the van Anrooy 4th of July celebration. The kids played in the lake and the dirt and we enjoyed adult beverages and adult company. It was a GREAT time, as always.

We always love heading to Green Bluff to pick berries!

Jenna came to visit

 (well, she was in a friends wedding, but we were lucky enough that she made our house her home base while she was in Spokane)

Mid July brought along another opportunity to travel. We went south to Moraga to visit Great Grandpa Dave.

While there we visited Fairyland

Snuggled Auntie Riss

Played with great imagination and no TV

Took rides with Great Grandpa

Played lots of cards!

And were all big kids riding the airplane in our own seats!

We did lots baking together this summer!

We love Riss!

Kyler was dedicated at church by Papa John

After the dedication we all went out to lunch at Tomato Street

Kyler tentatively took swim lessons

But mostly just loved sporting swim gear and walking around the pool.

Our common area pool was broken for most of July so we ventured down to the main pool several times. It's nice and warm and the kids liked the big steps they could jump off from. Kendall could even touch in the shallow end. 

We made several dates to Starbucks since the ROcket closed and the new Thomas Hammer wasn't going to be finished until the fall. 

In August I helped Valerie throw a shower for Alison down in Lewiston

We went back to Green Bluff for peaches

At Mariah's wedding in August

Golfing with Kelli (Alex & Keith, too) during our Stoneridge trip

I worked really hard all summer to get to 100 barre classes. I met my goal in August and also won a fun RE hat! I love feeling strong and fit and working out in this supprtive community. 

The end of summer always comes to a close when I have to set up my classroom. This year we moved classrooms so I had to start from scratch, as well as, had to wait until a week before students arrived because the carpet installation took longer than expected. It was a rush to get things ready, but Fran really helped us stay organized so I think it was as smooth as possible. We love our new classroom!!!

5 has arrived

This beauty turned 5 in July. How is it even possible? I can't remember what life was like before she entered our world! Kendall sparkles, she commands the attention of those around her, she can be sweet, and she can be sassy, but she is always full of love! 

We had a movie date to see the new Cinderella to celebrate this 5 year old. 

Birthday morning

Opening family gifts - we got her a new mp3 player since she loves to listen and sing to her music during quiet time and bedtime. However, when you buy the very cheapest mp3 player that exists, it isn't very functional for a 5 year old. So we ended up getting a CD player which she happily can run all by herself. 

This girl is at home in the kitchen! She's always loved helping me with baking and now enjoys making her own creations. It take's a lot of patience on my part---but she is so happy to test things out. She'll see ideas in magazines or on tv and immediately need to try them. Her go-to is to make her own lemonade.

She hosted a Sophia the 1st party with all her friends, including the entire neighborhood.

It included a craft time

and water games that Daddy planned with her

5 candles!?!?! (also this crown cupcake idea was all Kendall!) 

She is really looking & acting so old lately!

Our summer girl soaking in all the warmth of the blacktop at Grandma & Papa's house.

She loves swimming and gained a lot of confidence in the water this summer!

"reading" the map at Silverwood

Taking risks and going on big rides

Feeling bold, she decided to give herself (and the Michael's grandkids) a haircut. Ugh! 

Continues to enjoy reading all the books..and falling asleep in the funniest positions! 

Her first lemonade stand...she did it all! When I was outside with her she would default to me to interact with her customers. But when I wasn't there she did such a great job! I loved watching her confidence grow. She donated some of her proceeds to a family in our neighborhood who lost their house in a fire. 

Loves dance, and spends a good amount of time practicing her leaps and twirls in the kitchen.

Loves her Dada!

3 day a week 4/5 year old preschool this year! She is in heaven at school and told me the other day that she "colors like a 3rd grader!" 

She's still so nurturing as she plays babies, but lately she's surprised us in all the ways she loves and cares for Kyler. They know how to get under each others skin, but usually she shows so much patience and kindness toward him. I regularly tear up when I see how sweet she is to him! 

Her 5 year old interview:

Favorite Food: Noodles with sprinkle cheese

Favorite sport: Soccer

Favorite show: Caillu

Favorite thing at school: Outside recess

If you could go on an airplane where would you go: Chicago & Hawaii to see Maddy & Ian

Favorite color: Pink & Purple

When you grow up what are you going to be: doctor & teacher & mom

Favorite song: Bad Blood & Heart Beat Song

Favorite book: Pinkalisious

3 words to describe you: Myself, my love, picnic

When you were little, you used to: drool

Favorite time of the year: winter, without snow

Favorite snack: goldfish crackers and apple slices

Yuckiest food: chicken that's spicy

By best friend at school: Abigail

Other friends: Kaitlyn Morrison (& all my neighbors), "the boys" (vanAnrooy, Strates & Liam)

Places I want to go: Chicago

People I miss: Abigail

Favorite pets: Aslan & Tipsy

 Favorite Teachers: Mrs. Sue

Dear Kendall, we adore you! You're becoming such a kind young lady. We say to each other all the time how mature you are and it reminds us that you are getting so old. We know that you love God and His love shines from your heart. We love to watch all the gifts He has given you develop. 

Love, Mama & Daddy