American Girl Teal with our Little Ladies - Dec 2016

Kallie has decided that an American Girl "look alike" doll will be on the top of her Christmas list for Santa. Since she had never actually been to the American Girl doll store Andrea and I decided to surprise the girls with a Mommy/Daughter Christmas Tea at the store. We got there early so both girls could look around and decide which doll they wanted to ask Santa for and of course I had to take pictures of everything she wanted which ended up being most things in the store and then it was off to tea. Since neither girl actually had an American Girl doll they got to choose one to "borrow" for our tea. Yes, the dolls sit in their own chairs, have their own silverware at your table needless to say the girls were in heaven. Here are a few pictures of our adventure, as you can see Kallie and Lucy are all smiles.

Colorado Adventures - Oct. 2016

We decided to take Kallie out of school for a few days and head to Colorado to visit a few friends. I am so glad we did because it was so much fun. Kallie loved staying at the Hashiguchi's and playing with Lilly & "baby" Marley as she calls her. The weather was sunny so we spent tons of time outside at the park, visiting Red Rocks, going to the aquarium to see the mermaids and even an adult night out (which was cut short by Kallie getting the stomach flu with the babysitter - thankfully it was the last night)! Thanks the the Hashiguchi's for being such great hosts, we can't wait to go back for another visit.

Veterans Day Assembly

Today Eric and I attended the Issaquah Valley Elementary Veterans Day Assembly. Kallie and her classmates have been practicing for weeks and she was ready to go. I am so glad we took time off to go because it was a great performance by all. It was an extra special day because Eric and all of the other veterans lined up and the kids shook their hands thanking them for their service (or if they were too shy there were lots of high 5's). I could tell by the look on Kallie's face that she was very proud to show off her daddy . . . and I think daddy was just as proud of his baby girl.

 

Mrs. Dukes Kindergarten Halloween Party

Today Kallie's class had a Halloween Party and I was excited to be able to chaperone. All of the kids looked great in their costumes although I think Wonder Woman was the cutest if you ask me! The room was decorated and the kids loved the Halloween themed treats and games. I think it was a nice break for them to just have fun!

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.