Happy 7th Birthday

I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. From the moment we went to the hospital thinking they would send us home, to being shocked when the nurse told us it "was time", to the exact moment when I held you on my chest for the very first time. Seven years ago on August 11, 2010 my dreams of becoming a mom came true. So, this morning at 7:11am the very moment you were born 7 years ago we wished you Happy Birthday!

Kallie, you are one silly, smart, funny girl. You love to sing, dance, tell funny jokes, recite random animal facts, play soccer, build houses with your legos, family game night, playing shopkins, all art projects, running around, reading, school and of course building things with daddy. You love spending time together as a family playing family games, going on adventures to the river, going out on the boat and of course watching our favorite shows American Ninja Warrior and Naked & Afraid (it is not as bad as it sounds).

You love learning, going to school and of course Cougar Club. You are a great friend who is compassionate and wants to make sure everyone is happy and included. I could not be more proud!

I decided a few years ago that I would always take the day off on your birthday so we could spend the day together letting you choose what we do. Today we spent the day at the zoo and had so much fun. I gave you the map and off we went. I am pretty sure we walked in circles and took the long route to every animal but we laughed and decided it didn't matter because we were together, it was perfect! We ended your birthday meeting daddy for dinner and of course a special trip to our favorite frozen yogurt store.

I look forward to spending the day with you every year and hope this is a tradition that lasts a lifetime! Happy Birthday Kallie, I love you to the moon and back!

XOXOXO, Mommy

(58lbs & 51.5in ... +90% in height!)

July Summer Fun

July was such a fun month . . . packed full of fun activities and adventures. The weather has been amazing so we have been outside enjoying the summer sunshine. Kallie started Kindercamp and loves it, We spent 5 days at the cabin with the family celebrating the 4th of July, Kallie was a bridesmaid for the very first time in Samantha & Josh’s wedding – Mimi and Papa were in town for the wedding which was so fun, we took our annual trip to the Strawberry Festival, Kallie took a learn to ride a bike class (not quite there yet but she keeps trying), Kallie, Sara and Kate had a lemonade stand, I took Kallie on a little trip to Snoqualmie Falls, we spent a long weekend at the cabin with friends (tubing, smores, boating) and most importantly (to daddy) Kallie caught her first King Salmon!!! Here are a few pictures from our July adventures . . .

Kindergarten Graduation - Class of 2029

Kallie, It's official . . . we have an IVE Kindergarten graduate in the Bates family! It has been a crazy whirlwind of a year but we survived. You started the year a bit hesitant of the adventures ahead and ended the year with so much pride and confidence in yourself. You had so many success this year it would be hard to list them all but I think it is definitely worth highlighting a few: You made amazing new friends, You learned to read (level F books!), You learned how to add/subtract, You LOVED going to Cougar Club (even were sad if we picked you up too early), You loved riding the bus to school with all of the neighborhood kids and most importantly you just love to learn! Although the year flew by and I am sad it is over you are more than ready for the next adventure . . . 1st grade here you come! We love you to the moon and back and so much more! Love Mommy and Daddy What do you want to be when you grow up? Rockstar, Professional Soccer Player or Track Star What is your favorite Color? Golden What is your favorite Animal? Cheetah What is your favorite food?? Artichoke Hearts What is your favorite thing at school? Recess What is your favorite TV Show? Wild Kratz Who is your favorite snuggle buddy? Dewey What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Build Things What is your favorite thing to do with mommy? Cuddle on the couch What is your favorite vacation we have been on? California b/c the nickname is Cali like me

Mothers Day

As I get older I have come to realize how lucky I am to be mom . . . it is truly a gift I do not take for granted. Life changed on August 11, 2010 and I have not looked back. It is has been wonderful, happy, exhausting, exciting and everything in between but I would not change it for the world. I am the luckiest mom in the world . . . I love you Kallie!

Happy Valentine's Day Love you to the Moon and Back! Bye,Love you Sweet Dreams Good Night

Swim Test Conquered

We have had Kallie enrolled in swim lessons since parent/tot classes when she was under a year old. She has always loved the water and as parents we have always thought it was critical she learns to swim at young age. Well today it payed off . . . Kallie passed her swim test! As you can see be the smile on her face she was so proud! Great work baby girl, your hard work has paid off – we are so proud of you!

Spring Break 2017 – San Diego

We had a great trip to San Diego for Kallie’s first Spring Break! I was a bit nervous about the weather leading up to the trip but it was perfect, low 70s and sunny every day. Our hotel The Catamaran was in a perfect location on Mission Beach. . .right across the street from the boardwalk and access to the beach.

We went on three bigger adventures; SeaWorld, The San Diego Zoo and LegoLand. We had fun at all three but I think SeaWorld was our favorite because we got to see a few shows, enjoy the rides and lots of opportunities to touch sea-life. The zoo was amazing too but HUGE! A few highlights were the polar bears, panda and the cheetah/Labrador dog hanging out b/c they are best friends. LegoLand was just ok – long lines for smaller rides but fun to explore.

We spent the rest of our time swimming at the pool, watching movies on the beach, visiting the Sea Lions in La Jolla and more swimming. All and all it was a great easy get-away for our family. So nice to disconnect and just spend time together. I am already looking forward to our next Bates

Thanks 

Toothless Smile (Feb 25, 2017)

Someone was ecstatic when her other front tooth finally came out after wiggling it for days and days. I will admit I love her toothless smile, priceless!