Snow Snow and More Snow!

It was so fun to have snow (a ton of snow) over Christmas Break.  Kallie spent hours outside with friends sledding, building forts and having snowball fights.  They only came home for food and hot cocoa to warm up and then back outside they all went.

It was also Murphy's first snow and he LOVED IT. We went for lots of snowy walks and he got to play with all the neighborhood dogs at the big park.   

Although we all love the snow, I was ready for it to go after being stuck at home for over a week - it was so cold and icy we (well I) was happy when it finally melted!

Christmas Magic

Merry Christmas!  We had a great slow morning at the Bates house.  We took time watching each other open gifts and talking about about each one.  Some of the hits this year were colored LED lights, Hydro Flask, What do you Meme board game and some new clothes from American Eagle.  Murphy was very excited for his new Kong toy and dads new hunting blind :)  

As always, we spent the evening at Grammy's with family.  It was a great day!

 

1st Hunting Trip With Dad

Today was the day Eric had been waiting for  . . . he asked Kallie if she wanted to go duck hunting with him and SHE SAID YES!   As you can see by the pictures, it was a successful hunt with lots of smiles.  Kallie does not want to shoot the birds but she does like to help clean them (ick).  I know Eric hopes this is one of many trips these two take together. 

Cookies with Grammy

Making Christmas cookies with Grammy and all of the cousins is one of Kallie's favorite holiday traditions.  Now that all of the kids are vaccinated the tradition is BACK!  A quick stop at Santa was a great way to start the day.  I am pretty sure the smiles say it all  . . . the day was a big success.  Thanks to Grammy (and Papa) for making it such a special day every year.

Let the Holiday Season Begin

Let' the festivities begin!  We found a great tree at our favorite tree farm (aka church parking lot) in Issaquah.  Lights went up on the house, the tree was decorated, Crack Crack arrived with Christmas pajamas and Murphy officially had his own stocking by December 1st.  Our course there was a visit with Santa in-between!  The Bates family is ready for the holidays!

Vaccination Day - Covid shot #2

Today was a big day, Kallie got her 2nd Covid vaccine.  This means in two weeks she is fully vaccinated!!!  Although our day to day life will not change a ton (masks, small circle of friends etc.) I feel a big sense of relief knowing that our entire family is vaccinated and done what we can do to keep our family and others safe.

November Fun

 November was full of fun and family time.  Mimi and Papa came to town for a visit during Thanksgiving Break.  We were all so excited to see them because due to COVID we have not been able to see them in way too long.  We spent time chilling at home, playing Uno, visiting second chance ranch and lots of Kallie snuggles.   It was a great visit but always so hard to say goodbye.  

Thanksgiving looked a bit different this year.  We decided to go to the Kelsey's house and keep it small.  Although it was not our "normal" Thanksgiving yet again this year we still had a great time making memories.  

Halloween Festivities

 Halloween is always full of fun activities.  This was Kallie's last Trunk or Treat at IVE so we were very happy they found a safe way to host.  The Gunners also encourage kids to dress up at practice so Kallie's team went all out with a "swaggy" theme (i.e. gold chains etc.).  Kallie decided to dress up as a "Swaggy Waffle" (HA). 

As always Kallie/Eric carved pumpkins, I gave up a few years ago b/c they are way more creative than I am.  We also went to a Halloween party in the Highlands with Kallie's soccer team.  The girls costumes were great and they went trick or treating for hours!  Lots of friends, fun costumes, snacks and candy made it a great day for all.

Soccer Weekend in Spokane

Kallie and I spend the weekend in Spokane for soccer.  We went a day early with a few other girls/moms from the team and made a weekend out of it.  We went shopping, enjoy the Riverwalk and even got to visit Nana and Doug for the first time in Post Falls.  

It was a great soccer weekend ending in a big WIN to secure the top spot in the league!!! Go Gunners #51

Salmon Days Tradition

Salmond Days is one of my favorite hometown traditions.  This year Kallie and I went with a few of the girls/moms from her soccer team.   Thankfully the sun came out and it was a perfect afternoon.   Although it was a smaller version of Salmon Days this year due to covid restrictions we still enjoyed the booths, food, dog jumping, escape room and more fun activities on the lawn.

Adventures with Murphy

Life with Murphy has been quite the adventure over the last few weeks.  He is a ball of energy who loves to go on adventures and explore.   Some of his latest adventures include exploring Rattlesnake Lake,  trails and swimming at Lake Sammamish and most importantly being a spectator at Kallie's soccer game (He is a HUGE fan).  

We love you Murphy and can't wait to see what's next in your world of adventures!

First day of 5th Grade

Today was the first day of 5th Grade - in person and full time!  Kids have not been back to school full time/in person since March 2019 due to Covid.   Kallie was more than ready and very excited to get to know here teacher Ms. Young and learn who was in her class.  

I am happy to report day 1 was a success.  Kallie said her teacher is so nice, lets them sit in their desks and has a book hospital.    

Although this year will look different with kids wearing masks, eating lunch outside and not being able to freely socialize with friends like the used we are proud of Kallie for her positive outlook and excitement.  You will do amazing things my girl . . . We love you!  

A few of Kallie's favorites:

Favorite ....

Color:  Baby Blue

Food:  Cheeseburger, 

Subject:  Writing

Dessert:  Lava Cake

Fruit:  Blackberries

TV Show:  I Carly, NW Law, Pitbulls and Parolees & Lego Masters