Halloween Party

This year I thought it would be fun to host a Halloween Party for Kallie and a few friends, she was so excited! We kept the kids busy with a handful of games; pin the eyeball on the monster, the witch toss, eyeball relay and of course bobbing for apples. The kids had a blast and I learned that Kallie is super competitive and a master at bobbing for apples.

Although throwing a party felt a bit rushed after an event at school Friday night and family photos in the rain right before the party the smile and happiness on Kallie's face was worth every minute. Happy Halloween Eve🎃

Bates Family Pumpkins

It was a wild and crazy night at the Bates house last Saturday night carving pumpkins. This year Kallie was all about touching the guts and getting messy. Kallie and Eric draw sketches to figure out what they want to do . . . I on the other hand stick with the basics; you can go wrong with triangle eyes, right? I think our pumpkins turned out pretty darn well if you ask me!

Kindergarten Field Trip to Remlinger Farms

I was able to chaperone Kallie's Kindergarten field trip to Remlinger Farms. I had three girls in my group and we had a great time learning about bees, watching a play about a barn cat, exploring the hay-maze, a fun train ride and of course picking out the perfect pumpkin. I feel lucky that I am able to take time out of work to volunteer and spend time with my girl.

Green Cheetahs

Soccer season is here and Kallie is ready.  She loves soccer and we love watching her play.  She has no fear, goes after every ball and is a scoring machine!

For the last two weeks, Eric has been coaching the girls and he is a natural.  The girls have so much fun and Kallie loves playing with Coach Daddy ❤️

Go Greem Cheetahs

First day of Kindergarten - Sept. 2016

It's official we have a kindergartener at Issaquah Valley Elementary!  I am still in shock and probably denial but I could not be more proud, Kallie is more than ready for this next adventure.

Kallie was up early as usual and ran in our room shouting ... Today I am going to kindergarten!  She was so excited to head out the door to the bus stop with her new backpack and lunchbox.  Although she was excited to take the bus I could tell she was nervous... I let her know I would be happy to drive her to school but she insisted she take the bus with the big kids.  As the bus pulled up I could feel the lump in my throat get bigger as I did my best to hold back tears.  Eric and I gave  her a kiss, told her we loved her and off she went, smiling every step of the way.

When the bus pulled away and we headed back home I immediately started to cry and felt my heart sink...I missed my girl already.  As planned I drove to her school and met the bus with many other nervous parents. She was waving and smiling and had already met a bus buddy.  I walked her to her class (Mrs. Duke), gave her one more hug and let her   go ... She is ready!

I worked from home wondered how her first day was going. Was she having fun? We're kids being nice to her?  Was she lonely at the peanut free table? All of my worries were put to rest when I picked her up at school...she was still smiling and running around with her new friends.

Let this new chapter begin...we are ready

Goodbye daycare ... Hello Kindergarten

Kallie, Today is your last day at the Mermaids Lagoon and it feels so very bittersweet.  The lagoon is what you have known since you were seven months old.       You have made amazing friends, had wonderful teachers, and learned more than I could have ever taught you at home.  From the infant room, to toddlers, to preschool and now your last day in kindergarten prep it has been an amazing journey.  Although I still feel the working mom guilt on a daily basis I was blessed to have you at my office with me ... I visited you daily in the infant room (sometimes twice), went on most of your field trips, had girls lunches, and attend every parent event!  I can tell you that you have been in good hands and that daddy and I have been there supporting and loving you every step of the way.

Although I will miss our chats in the car commuting to and from work, our karaoke to Justin Bieber and the constant questions (where do babies come from?  What is heaven? etc) I am so very excited for your next journey.  You are smart, compassionate, confident and ready!

First day:

Last Day

Surprise...She can Fly!

Eric surprised Kallie (um and me) on Sunday with an experience she will never forget...iFly and indoor skydiving experience.  I was slightly shocked but mostly proud when I saw the excitement on her face when she figured out what she was doing.

When it was her groups turn she listened to the instructor intently and insisted she go get her gear all by herself.  She suited up and off she went, more confident than I have ever seen. When it was her turn she did not hesitate one bit, she was ready and did an amazing job!

After the experience was over she leaned over and said, "mommy now I know what it feels like to fly like a superhero" ... Priceless!  Thanks daddy for knowing our baby girl could do it, all by herself!

Birthday Party Success

Kallie and her friends had a great time at her birthday party on Sunday at Seattle Gymastics Academy (yes same place as last year but she insisted).  This year was the last party with her daycare friends so it felt extra special to have 22 kiddos join her to celebrate.  From the foam pit to the rings, to the trampoline and back to the foam pit I only saw smiles from each and every kiddo!

Happy early birthday my love ... We love you!

Vashon Weekend Madness

Every summer we spend a long weekend on Vashon with friends.  In the past it felt a little hectic with all the people and kiddos.  This year was different...the kids are the perfect age to explore the beach, play games and run around without the adults worrying which was pretty darn amazing.  We spent time on the beach, out in the boat, roasting s'mores by the fire and just relaxing!

Until next time...

KPB Summer Field Trips

Although Kallie doesn't get the summer "off" like some kiddos she is lucky to be at a daycare that mixes things up in the summer.  They have a theme each week (water, inventions, etc) and do fun activities that dive in to that theme. 

They also get to ride the city bus (which they love) to field trips like the zoo, bowling, spray park and even walk to a few that are close by (Home Depot, computer museum etc).   

I have made it a priority to chaperone a few of their field trips and can confirm the kiddos have a blast... Here is the proof!

Archery outside

Woodland Park Zoo

Jefferson Park (Spray Park)