Rainy Days and Maya's artwork

On rainy days in Everett, we try to keep the kids busy doing fun activities. Books feature heavily in our activities, as do long baths in the evening hours. Here's Maya reading in the morning and making a pouty face after her evening bath.

Samuel enjoyed a bath with Marmie. It must've been okay, because he's still smiling.

And not to be one of those bragging mamas, but just look at these beautiful paintings Maya did at preschool last week. My jaw dropped when I saw them--just her use of color and design is astounding to me. I think I'll frame them and put them in her bedroom when we finally buy a house. She keeps telling us that she wants to be an art teacher when she grows up, and from the looks of these, I'd say she'd have no problem getting hired!

Deception Pass State Park

When my Aunt Brenda was visiting from New Mexico, we took a little jaunt to Deception Pass State Park, one of the most beautiful places in Western Washington. I think my kids were born in the wrong era--they would have been perfectly happy living like nomads in the fresh air all the time. The weather was chilly, but we were blessed with delicious sunshine the entire time.

Ah, the glorious Pacific Northwest. How glad I am to finally be home again.

Halloween

A Happy Halloween from 1611 Rucker Avenue

The Tiger and Little Bo-Peep enjoyed a fun filled evening playing with other costumed children and enjoying delicious Halloween treats. Maya had the privilege of trick-or-treating with both her parents while Marmie and Bapa played with Sam.

And of course the more adult members of the household had to dress up for the Petersens' annual Halloween party as well. No one is allowed in the door without a costume. I think we put forth a significant effort, don't you?

Peter and Heidi yodeled their way through the evening, while the frazzled housewife and her unemployed husband tried to enjoy themselves. Oh, I think I'll be laughing about this picture of Aaron and me for years to come!

Our own Harvest Festival

I've always appreciated welcoming the seasons with enthusiasm. This year as the leaves were falling and Halloween was upon us, we spent a great deal of time outside, playing in the leaves.

I miss the big old maple tree that used to be in my parents' front yard. In order to collect enough leaves for an adequate jumping pile, we had to steal some from the neighbors. Imagine their disappointment when they came outside to find their entire lawn had been raked and taken to our yard! Yes, I'm joking. Bob, our neighbor, was elated!

Both Maya and Sam were all smiles after an afternoon of fresh air, earthy leaves, and sunshine. Ah, the joys of autumn.

Later that evening we completed our own Harvest Festival by carving pumpkins. Yes, mine had its traditionally sinister grimace and Aaron's pumpkin was strangely reminiscent of Pinocchio (see photo) but we had a great time. We even enjoyed some toasted pumpkin seeds as a late evening snack that evening.

The Pumpkin Patch

The Autumn weather was glorious for our family trip to the pumpkin patch on October 10th. Blue sky, puffy white clouds, and temperatures in the 60s. Fall at is best!

Whidbey Island

In our attempt to find time when the four of us can be together on our own, the Russell family made the short trek to Whidbey Island a few weeks back and spent the day enjoying the sunshine, beaches, parks, ice cream parlors, and the ferry ride back to Mukilteo. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed the time together.

Going Back to Pullman

The third weekend in September we drove to Pullman to spend the weekend and see friends. One of our most fun adventures was a trip to the Latah County Fair. Maya was sad to see that the carousel wasn't included in the rides this year, but we still had a great time.

Later that evening we had a wonderful dinner with friends and helped Lydia celebrate her sixth birthday party a few days early. Happy Birthday, Lydia!