Preschool!

Travis started preschool at the Learning Center on Monday.

He was completely excited. As we pulled up, he bounded out of the car, introduced himself to his teacher, and ran inside yelling, "Bye, Mama!" No nerves at all.

At the end of his first day, he happily talked about music, recess, his teacher, snack time, his craft, the friends he made, and everything he learned about starfish. His favorite part: sliding down the slide. "Do I get to go again tomorrow?" he asked. "And the day after that..?"

Travis absolutely loves preschool! Here he is on day two with Mrs. Walls (and his crab painting):

First grade!

On Tuesday, Jamin went to Back-to-School Night to tour his classroom, drop off supplies, set up his desk, and meet Miss Thornton:

The next morning, he felt amped & ready for first grade!

We decided to try the bus pickup again. A year has made a big difference because he handled the busy street corner like a pro.

At the end of his day, Jamin walked through the front door smiling from ear to ear. He loved seeing his friends, playing games in PE, working on projects, learning new things, and getting to know his teacher. "First grade is so much fun!" he exclaimed.

A week off

Scott took a week off of work before the insanity of school began. We had a blast!

First, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary a week early with a mini trip to Portland. Janine was kind enough to watch the kids for us. We were married in Portland, so the setting felt especially appropriate. We reminisced on the road, enjoyed a nice dinner out, slept in, had breakfast with friends, did a little sight-seeing, and relaxed. 

Then, we attended the wedding of some dear friends, Charlene and Andy. Char and I have been close friends since freshman year of high school. Being there for their day was such a joy. They had a lovely ceremony in her parents' garden, followed by a swanky downtown reception. We wish you two a lifetime of love and happiness! (The is the least overexposed picture I snagged; unfortunately, you can't see the details on Char's stunning dress.)

After we got home, we went to the Discovery Center,

 attempted to star gaze--but thanks to all the fires-- ended up playing in dirt and looking for jackrabbits in the dark (the kids loved it), went to Eagle Island twice,

 

swapped & rearranged the kids' rooms, took care of a few other projects while avoiding normal housework as much as possible, golfed (Scott), gardened, and played in the back yard a bunch. 

By the time our actual anniversary came, we both wanted to do something simple. So we gave ourselves the day to relax and had a nice dinner in. Perfect.

One more highlight of the week: no more training wheels! Way to go, buddy!

How to beat a summer flu

Shortly after returning home from Kuna Days on Saturday, we all felt awful. We brushed it off as an overload of sugar and sun from the past two days and spent the remainder of the evening relaxing. We'd feel better by morning, right?

Wrong. By the time we woke up, it was clear we were dealing with something nasty. Our bodies ached, our heads throbbed, our throats hurt, and we had fevers. Yep, it was the flu.

Scott couldn't miss the next day at work, so he headed to the doctor after I took a quick shower. When I walked into the kitchen, the kids had pulled out some cookie cutters. And Jamin had written this recipe for sugar cookies (transcribed for easier reading):

1. Two eggs.

2. Get some fruit.

3. Get 3 gallons of milk.

4. Bake them for 2 minutes.

5. When it is ready, put decorations on top.

Travis: We're playing Christmas Eve!

Jamin: Let's make cookies!

Libby: I need presents!

So we spent that 100-degree day blasting Christmas music, making sugar cookies (a revised recipe), wrapping "presents," making decorations, and watching Christmas movies. Now that's how you beat a summer flu.

Kuna Days

On Saturday, we went to Kuna Days.

The parade was a blast. The kids had a great time and got thoroughly soaked by the fire engines. They also loved seeing people they know; Jamin was especially thrilled by the Boys & Girls Club float.

Afterward, we headed to the park for lunch. I braced myself for an assualt of begging for funnel cakes, scones, greasy burgers, and mini donuts. To my surprise, they gasped, "Carnitas tacos! And look at those huge cups of fresh fruit! Can we please get that for lunch?" YES.

With happy tummies, we spent the afternoon at the kids' carnival. It was hot and a ton of fun.

Travis' fourth birthday

Travis had such a fun day.

He was showered with Spiderman goodies, art supplies, clothes, toys, books, a backpack, and even a  magazine subsciption.

All day long, he couldn't wait for his little party to begin. Jamin helped him pass the time by hanging birthday posters all over the house:

 Finally, 6:00 arrived. Pinata time!

 In the months leading up to Travis' birthday, he was very specific about one item in particular: his cake. He wanted a cherry cake. Then it was a cherry cheesecake. Then it was a specific recipe of cherry cheesecake (that he pointed out). And it had to be a "rectangle cake." Oh, and it still needed to be in the pan. No decorations-- just cherries and green candles on top. 

 Late that night, we packed everyone into the van and watched the Kuna Days fireworks.

Happy four years to our Travis!

Travis turns four

Our T-man turns four today! He has been planning every detail of his birthday for months is overjoyed that the big day has finally arrived. Here's a little about Travis at age 4 (in his words):

1.What's your favorite color?

Green.

2.What's your favorite toy?
Eli (his stuffed monkey).

3. What's your favorite tv show?

Backyardigans.

4. What's your favorite game?

TV Center. That's a kind of Team Umizoomi game and dancing song, and we can even watch it!

5. What's your favorite animal?

Teddy bears.

6. What's your favorite song?

Fa-la-la-la! What's that song? Oh, "Deck the Halls!"

7. What's your favorite book?

The Pokey Little Puppy.

8. Who are your best friends?

Riley and you, Mama. You get to be my friend, too! My favorite kid is Travis. That's me.

9. What is your favorite thing to do outside?

Jumping on the trampoline.

10. What do you want to be when you grow up?

The biggest dad.

11. What's your favorite food?

Watermelon.

12. What's your favorite treat?

Rainbow sherbet.

13. What's your favorite movie?

Dora.

14. What's the best thing about being four?

Me!

15. What are some of your other favorite things?

Talking, Spiderman, Papa, Mama, Nanay, Mama again, Coco, Daddy, Travis, Jamin, Libby, Cami, Brock, Clarke, Uncle Sean, Mutti, Humey, our whole family, playing games on the computer, riding my bike, drawing, swimming lessons, brushing my teeth, flossing my teeth, and telling stories... but not too much. That's all. I don't like anything else. Stop writing now.
 
Happy birthday, Travis! Thanks for the laughter and joy you bring into our lives. We love you so much, buddy.