At the end of March, we rented a pair of cabins with some friends (Andy, Jennifer, and their three kids) at Rasar State Park. We really lucked out with the weather. It was still pretty chilly, but it was dry and sunny. We had a playground, lots of open space to run around, and a very quiet road for riding bikes.
Mountain Man breakfast
Just a little yoga by the river
The boys loved their bunk beds. Here they are reading a book together on the top.
Adult birthday parties have never been a big thing in our household. But this year I wanted to do something special for Jonathan. I decided that since we already had family in town for Avery’s birthday, this would be the perfect opportunity to surprise Jonathan (his birthday is technically ten days later). So six hours after the horde of first graders left our house, Jonathan, Ashleigh, Mark, and I headed to the Snoqualmie Brewery for “drinks.”
Jonathan was totally speechless when his friends all yelled “surprise!” It was such a fun night, and we had a great time catching up with good friends.
Jonathan and his work buddies, Tom, Jason, and Andy
The Western Crew Team (well, 5 rowers and their coxswain anyway). Renee, Mike, Jonathan, James, Jim, and Josh).
This may not surprise you, but when you’re the parents of young children and you live in the suburbs, New Year’s Eve isn’t usually super exciting. Fortunately, all you really need to have a good time are: good company, champagne, and a TV. Check, check, and check!
Caroline and Chad came over with their baby, Ethan, to ring in the new year parent-style. Here are a few pics from the night.
BFF’s!
The boys: Jonathan, Chad, and Ethan
It’s midnight!
Avery was excited to have his “last picture of 2013” taken before bed.
The week before Christmas we received terrible news that Jonathan’s dad had passed away unexpectedly. Bill was a great dad, and he loved his family. In Jonathan’s words: He was kind, gentle, patient, and inquisitive. He taught me to be curious about the world around me and how to take everything apart and figure out how it worked. He was always there for me. He held each of my three baby boys on the days they were born, and was a loving grandpa as they grew into little people. We’ll miss him dearly.
Our wedding day
Bill & Jenny were married 41 years
With Avery on his first day as a grandpa
Sharing his love of science & engineering with Avery
In Neskowin
Pushing Avery on the swing in their front yard
In Portland on Bill’s birthday
With Kieron
In Maui
Bill hated getting sandy, but would do it for these boys!
With Silas
Silas’ first birthday
Avery loved working on his physics set with Grandpa
Helping us move (again)
I usually wait until after Thanksgiving to put up Christmas decorations, but Thanksgiving came so late this year, that I decided to do it the weekend before. I felt a little silly putting up the tree before we’d even cooked a turkey, but I’m glad we did it this way. There was plenty to do between the two holidays, and we needed the head-start.
The boys were actually a big help decorating the tree this year. Even Silas chipped in, and much to my delight, he didn’t bother the ornaments or stockings.
Avery with an ornament he made in preschool
“Shatter resistant, huh?”
Jonathan used to try to play this little horn when he was a boy too
Time for the angel
Here are a few more random shots from that weekend.
Pizza night!
