Welcome Fall--- I think

Well ineviteably it's now Autumn. The leaves are changing- cool crisp air and colder nights are upon us. It was only a matter of time before this was going to happen. Go figure. But that's okay- I have nothing but amazing and fond memories from this summer putting me in an optimistic mood looking forward to what the future holds. With fall comes the final push to be out in the beautiful weather, but also the run of new tv shows and time to watch more movies and figure out what there is to do in Seattle that is inside--- because everything is outside. I want to visit the arboretuem before all the trees loose their leaves. I love photographing children this time of the year as well. Time to bundle up and wear layers. :)
Beyond that- still having fun, focusing on work as usual and watching Kena learn so much in the first grade. She is still busy swimming at her lessons and we're trying to adjust my schedule once a week so I can also get into work earlier and we can hit the swimming pool before it closes for some practice. We'll see how much that happens. But this little angel is practicing and losing her fears of the water. With a little more endurance she'll be swimming like the mermaid she already is.

This past weekend I went with friends to the Italian Festival at the Seattle Science Center. It's so nice to get out and do something besides laying around and doing nothing. Though I love doing that too- it was great to get out to Seattle. There is so much to do down there. Beyond that we ate at Joey's on Lake Union. Ummm- loved it. I could totally see going there for a special occasion or New Years or the like... Speaking of holidays, Halloween is just around the corner and I can hardly wait! It's on a Friday this year, so I plan on taking Makena trick-or-treating then she was invited to spend the evening at a slumber party. This will be my first Halloween where I get dressed up. I'm so excited. With it being on a Friday there are so many different events and parties occuring so regardless there will be fun for all. I can hardly wait to see all the costumes.

I'm leaving you with some new photos from swimming & this past weekend. Enjoy!

My friend Greg "Greggy" from high school- met up at the Rock in Bothell for some drinks- good friends- good times :)

As always, what would be an appearance in photos w/out a photo of me & my partner in crime?!

My little mermaid

A few more photos

Falling into Autumn

Wow! It's been a while since I posted. Soooo- much has happened. Let's see... okay- summer came to an end (as did the nice weather) and Makena spent Labor Day weekend with her dad while I took off with a friend to Napa Valley for some wine tasting.. YUMMM. I've never been an avid wine drinker. In fact, until the last year I didn't really like wine much. Now I LOVE it. I know what I like. Pinot Noir is my fav followed by Cab Sav. Anyhooo- so, we're busy bee's over here. After Labor Day- school began. YAYY!! Took Kena to her first day. She knew the little girl she sat next to and gave to hoots about my leaving her there. Thank goodness for summer camp and seeing familiar faces at a new school. A million times better than her first day last year. She's really come leaps and bounds emotionally, physically & academically. Off to school w/out a care in the world and begging for Math problems & homework. She seems to be on the right track :)

Work is the same for me, still busy as always. Makena is also swimming. I signed her up for swim lessons in August and at a hefty price of $22 per HALF hour (URGHH) she takes lessons from what other moms refer to as 'the swim nazis'. Ummm - okayyy. Basically- they're really hard on them and push them to their limits. The social pressure of other children in the class really helps too. We're on... week 7? and she's diving like a crazy girl into the pool, doing the crawl(?) and backstroke, swimming underwater like a frog and she just can't get enough! She practices during 'free time' with diving as well. This just 'might' be her thing. We'll see. The next class is twice the length... and go figure twice the cost (double URGHHHH).

It's starting to cool off around here, the fleece pajamas have come out and the heat has come on once or twice. I'm ready to stock up on some firewood and can hardly wait to have a fire in the fireplace (minus the mess).

All in all- we're doing awesome! Spending time playing and what-not. Life is pretty good. Summer was great, but I'll admit it's kinda nice to be back into a 'groove' again.

Time to get this little munchkin into bed. Enjoy some photos. xo- mommy & princess kai.