Special message to Maddi and Will

Brenne Hospital

This looks like some serious doctoring going on here!! Campbelle's friend Brooke spent the afternoon with us and this is pretty much all they did ... thay had a great time, hopefully all will make full recoveries. 

Party Hats video

We made party hats today for craft time.... Campbelle is going to be awfully sad when she realizes there isn't a birthday party for Farmor. We called them this morning to wish her a good day. Cambpelle has been talking about her birthday party ever since. Since they are in Italy on holiday, it just won't work. :-(

Happy Birthday Farmor

 

Fashion Week

Umph.... who needs fashion when you have beauty!

"paging Dr. Brenne, paging Dr. Brenne"

Campbelle loves to play doctor... unfortunately not all of us like to play patient nearly as much. 

I'm no VanGogh

On Thursday night some friends and I went to a Vino and Van Gogh class at a new art studio. It was a casual event where we talked about expressionist paintings and sipped wine. After a bit, we were 'let lose' to explore our creativity with any of the art supplies they had available. As you can see from me paintings, I could probably use a class where they teach more technique. :-) 

Cakes and Tea

Campbelle and her bear had a lovely tea party this afternoon... complete with an English accent and all "care for a spot of tea my love?" I overheard her saying. 

Slumber Party with Sydney and Sara

Last night we watched Sydney and Sara for a few hours while Pat and Steph got a night at the movies. The kids loved having them here.... Campbelle planned her 'Slumber Party Agenda' for the better part of the day. Her agenda included: dancing, playing Quips, playing dolls, and watching movies in pjs.
We also made a tent to watch movies from... just like camping.
When we babysit, we always make sure to provide the most stimulating and intellectual environment. Here Sara and I are reading from the complete works of Christopher Marlowe plays. 

First Day of 'School'

Today was Christian's first day of school...ok, not really school, but a Thursday Toddler program that is offered at our church during the same time that Campbelle goes to preschool. It went as I had expected, lots of tears and some sobbing. But as I waited outside the door after tearing myself away, he quickly stopped and began to play. I am really beginning to think he does it just for the show!! Crazy guy. 

Christian - Dance Machine or Maniac??

What started as a fun evening of dancing turned into a trip to the ER. Christian, in all his dancing glory, spun himself right into the corner of our entertainment center. Luckily Leif was nearly home from work and was able to help me calm one of the kids down (as the sight of blood sends Campbelle into major panic mood... no matter whos it is). He ended up with a few stiches and advice from the doctor to tone down his dance routine! This morning he is doing great and back to normal... in fact when I went to get him from his crib this morning he was already deciding he could get out on his own.... guess the toddler bed will be coming out of storage soon..... boys... 

We Love Preschool

Campbelle started preschool again today at Sammamish Presbyterian Church. She is in a different classroom and has two new teachers and several new faces. She had a blast and when I asked her what her favorite thing she did today she replied, "snack time is always the best mom" .... like duh, what a dumb question! Oh, she's getting older before our very eyes!

Camping Weekend

We went camping this past weekend in Leavenworth, WA with our dear friends Pat and Stephanie Hardwick and girls. We had such a great time! It was our first camping trip since Campbelle was born and let me tell you... camping with kids is a whole other affair.

Camping in the state of Washington is also another story. There are no bugs to contest with, but you do have to actually think about staying warm at night since the temps get to the low 40s.
It's not Starbucks, but the next best thing! Steph's camping coffee was just what I needed. 

The kids had such a fun weekend playing with their friends Sydney and Sara. The loved splashing in a little 'pool' along side the Icicle River, going on scavenger hunts in the woods, or just playing house in the tent. They played so well together. 

Don't these two look like children from the Dirty 30s? Chistian and Sara were happiest playing in the dirt together! 

Leif celebrated his 36th birthday while on our camping trip. I think he thought it was a great way to celebrate.
Oh what a life! Christian enjoyed the hammock... that is of course as long as he wasn't flipping out of it.
All good things must come to an end. The kids were exhausted by Sunday and ready for a good nap and a hot bath. What a great weekend! We can't wait to do it again next summer! 

Labor Day Weekend

Sadly, the weekend is coming to a close... but what a great few days we had. Saturday was rock climbing with friends, Sunday we took the ferry to Bainbridge Island. It is only a 30 minutes ferry ride, but you feel like you are in an entirely different world... one that is more relaxed and leisurly... it is certainly a resort, island-type living over there. We spent the day strolling through the quaint downtown area visiting shops and art galleries, sipping coffee and enjoying the views from the beach and marinas. Oh wouldn't it be nice to own just about any one of those boats (and homes)!!

The Race is On!

On Monday, we met with our friends Liz and Casey and went to the Emerald Downs race tracks. The kids loved watching all the horses (actually Christian seemed to be more impressed with the John Deere tractors that swept the track after each race). It was family day at the races, so there was lots of activities for the kids, including free cowboy hats. Campbelle usually cheered for any of the horses that was wearing pink 'socks', had a jockey wearing a pink shirt, or any other pinkish-reddish article she could spy. Funny enough, she seemed to pick more winners than Leif. He lost everything he bet.... luckily it was only $8.

Leif's new sport

This morning we meet our friends Pat and Steph Hardwick at a rock climbing wall for Leif's first lesson in rock climbing. They were fantastic teachers and Leif made it all the way to the top (without falling) on his first attempt. Leif is very excited about his new sport and hopes to do it alot more and graduate to real rocks!! Way to go!!

Our future little rock climbers!