Pumpkin Patch - Gunners G10A

 Kallie's soccer team planned a fun day at the Pumpkin Patch.   Thankfully the weather cooperated and everyone had a great time.  The girls split into groups and found their way through the corn maze (some quicker than others).  There were tons of activities for them to explore (socially distanced) ending our adventure in the pumpkin patch. 

Although they are only allowed to practicing due to King County being in phase 1 the team is still trying to find ways to bond and have fun together. 

Virtual 4th Grade

Today was Kallie's first day of "Virtual" 4th Grade at IVE.  Although she would much rather be at school she was still very excited to meet her teacher Ms. Matheson and all of her classmates.  All went well and her teacher was amazing - helping to make Day 1 engaging and even more important FUN! 

Kallie - I know online learning is not ideal but we know you will ROCK IT!  Dad and I are here for you and we will get through this together.  Love you!

   

Sunriver Get-Away

I am so happy we booked a last minute vacation to Sunriver.  We knew it would be different due the  pandemic but a change of scenery was much needed.  |We packed up our bikes, games, inner tubes and found a great condo with a perfect outdoor space for our nights at home.  

We spent our time riding bikes, exploring the most beautiful lakes, floating the river in Bend with friends, riding horses, bbqing dinner at home, lawn games and honestly just enjoying being out of our house!  

It was a great way to end the summer - I think we all left feeling recharged (minus the 7 hour drive home)!

Happy 10th Birthday

Happy 10th Birthday Kallie!!!  You are officially double digits, can you believe it?  Today we celebrate YOU!  We had a packed agenda starting off with our annual trip to the zoo which you request every year on your birthday.  Next up, a surprise drive-by birthday parade with all of your best friends.  And last but not least a PJ/Outdoor movie with a few friends from the neighborhood.

I know you really wanted to have your first slumber party birthday this year and were super bummed but I am hopeful that today was special in it's own way and that you felt the love of your friends and family all day! 

You are one amazing girl - kind, loving, caring, sassy, sporty and most importantly you are you!  Happy Birthday to our baby girl - we love you to the moon and back.

XO Mom & Dad

Summer Family Adventures

 

As we continue to social distance from family and friends we have made a point to get outside.  Thankfully Eric knows quite a few amazing spots on the river that have been fun to explore.  We also had a great day trip hiking the "ghost town" in Franklin ending up at an beautiful waterfall I never new existed - it is definitely a hidden gem.

Summertime on Vashon

Due to the pandemic/COVID the CDC had recommended that you only see people in your immediate household.  So we have spent most of our time since March as a family of three . . . not seeing anyone in my family until the 4th of July.  We made the decision to spend the weekend together on Vashon like we have done every year.   We did our best to spend most of the time outside with just the Bates, Boatman & Kelsey crew.  It was so worth it!

That's a wrap - Goodbye 3rd Grade

Happy last day of 3rd grade and bring it on Summer!  Although this year did not end the way any of us anticipated we are so proud of Kallie for not giving up.  

Kallie,

Going from in-person to full time virtual school was not something any of us could have ever imagined BUT . . . YOU ROCKED IT!    We had some ups and downs but you never gave up and we are so proud of you.  We know that the pandemic has turned your world upside down - it is confusing, scary, unfair and so much more.  We will get through this together . . . We Love You to the Moon and Back!

Love - Mom & Dad