Introducing Murphy Lyn Bates

We have been anxiously awaiting our trip to Sun Mountain Lodge for a little getaway on our way to pick up our new puppy.  We had a great time at the lodge swimming, hiking, fishing (Eric) and more swimming.  

The evenings were spent exploring the cute town of Winthrop - food, put-put golf and cute shops. 

Welcome to the family Murphy Lyn Bates

Saturday was the day - we got up early and drove to pick up our new chocolate lab puppy (10 wks old).  It was a 7 hour drive home but it was well worth the drive.  

4th of July on Vashon

Another fun 4th of July on Vashon.  Thankfully we had lots of sunny weather so most of our time was spent outside walking the beach looking for agates, kids tubing and jumping off the bulkhead over and over and over and of course happy hour on the deck.  With COVID things are definitely not the same but we managed to have a great family weekend.

Sadly, the big barge did not come again this year but we had plenty of fireworks on the beach to put on a good show!  Happy 4th!

Last Day of 4th Grade

What a year it has been!  Virtual school full time at home made us all nervous but you did it with grace, excitement and confidence.  In fact, you told me this was your best class ever at IVE and at that time you had never stepped foot in your classroom, met your classmates or your teacher Ms. Matheson.  Speaking of Ms. Matheson she has been such a rockstar keeping you engaged, being available for 1:1 time and making school fun even when it was all virtual!

Fast forward to May when we had the option to move to a hybrid model - going to school in-person 4 days a week for 3.5hrs a day.  We let you know it would be different than before;  desks would be 6ft apart, playground time would be with your class in a specific area, no socializing with friends outside of your class and masks would be worn at all times.  Even with that, you jumped at the opportunity to go back and I can say with certainty it was the right decision for our family.  You love going to school and are all smiles when you get home.  Being with you class and the IVE community is exactly what you needed even if it is only for a few hours a day. 

4th grade has been a year of success - challenging yourself with reading (you are an awesome reader), learning fractions/decimals and most importantly persevering even when it was hard.   We are so proud of you and the progress you have made this year.  

Next up . . . 5th grade . . . your last year at IVE!  Go Cougars

Eye Surgery #2 Complete

The growth Kallie had removed from here eye a few years ago ended up coming back.  We were referred to a specialist who said he was not concerned it was something "bad" and recommended we watch it for a few months.  We did that and it continued to grow so per the doctors recommendation we had it removed again - a bit more invasive this time with the hope that it does not grow back.   The removed the growth (with a small margin around it), used donor tissue which was glued and stitched to her eye.  I guess over time the donor tissue dissolves and her eye tissue will grow over it - Science is so fascinating!

Although surgery is always stressful (I was a zoo/Kallie was a trooper) I am happy to report it was a success.  Kallie was so brave from beginning to end!  Recovery is going to be the hardest part - she can't play sports, play at the park or run around for 3 weeks.  Once she gets the all clear from the Dr. she will be back at it in no time.  

Happy 12th Anniversary to Us

Today we celebrated our 12th Anniversary, family style.  It was a beautiful day so we ordered Ohana take-out and spent the evening at Lake Sammamish.  It was a perfect way to celebrate during these crazy times.  

Maybe next year we can go back getting dressed up and having dinner at a fancy restaurant but for now it was perfect!

I am one lucky mom!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the amazing moms I know.  I feel blessed that God chose me to be Kallie's mom and lucky to have my mom as an amazing role model.   Today I feel grateful that we were able to celebrate Mother's Day with my family indoors - without masks!  It was the first time we have all been together in a VERY long time.  It was the perfect way to celebrate.

I am one lucky mom!  I love you Kallie Bates 

Washington Cup Finalists

Kallie's soccer team participated in the Washington Cup Tournament over the last few weeks.  They played hard and made it to the finals!  After a full game, two overtimes and 10 penalty kicks per team they ended up coming in 2nd place.  We are so proud of the team and Kallie for how hard they worked throughout the entire tournament - Great work Gunners!