Endings and Beginnings

The end of August has been a time of endings and beginnings at our house. On August 19, Cousin Parker spent his last Friday with us, since his mommy just quit her job to stay at home full time with him. Then on August 31, Sam started preschool. Maya got to go along on his first day, which was exciting for BOTH of them.

Fall is arriving quickly, and we're happy to be settling back into some routine around here.

Parker LOVES snack time with his cousins.

Mr. Sam is all smiles to welcome his buddy.

Sweet Maya wearing her nightgown made by Marmie especially for her.

First day of "Urban Nature School" preschool

Sam would wear this tye-dye shirt EVERY day if his mama let him.

Lucky boy to have his big sister go along to preschool on the first day.

Waiting for the Elevator.

Sam and Maya with Miss Chelsea (left) and Miss Colette (middle).

Summer Adventures in Russell-land

We've had some fun this summer. Can you tell?

Holding the first of our garden's harvests. Boy, have those tomatoes been amazing to eat.

At the Oregon Coast in mid-July with Aaron's family.

Maya learns how to fly a kite with Dad.

Aaron and his sister Chrisy (with dog Chaucer) take a try on the skim board.

Holden Lake, five miles up from Holden Village, in the North Cascades. One of my favorite lakes anywhere.

We're happiest when we're in the mountains. Can you tell?

Our whole crew at Holden Village. The Eklunds and the Petersens. We're been going to Holden together since 1983.

A summer family photo.

Me and my favorite (and only) brother Nathan, who lives in New Jersey. What a treat to spend a whole week together.

Sam pets goats at the Animal Farm at Forest Park in Everett.

Maya likes the goats too (but she'd rather pet sheep, although you could probably guess that).

Maya and Aaron take a spin on the Go Karts in Ocean Shores, Washington.

I love this shot--I might be happy, but Sam is a LITTLE bit nervous . . .

We've had fun this summer . . . and we're thankful for a couple more weekends of fun in the North Cascade Mountains at my parents' cabin near Leavenworth. After a couple more days of sunshine, we might all be ready to transition into fall and the school year again.

A Busy, Full Month: June

It's been a very full month of June here at the Russell house. We celebrated two birthdays (Maya turned six and Sam turned three) plus Maya finished up her kindergarten year and we spent time with many friends and family members. Here, below, are some shots from the past several weeks.

Bedtime smiles from Sam and Maya.

Maya's 6th birthday cake: it's a parade!

Kaitlin and baby Mara came for Maya's birthday.

Our favorite cousin, Parker, 16 months.

Just before Maya opened her presents.

Maya's "kid" birthday party on June 12th. Aunt Amy came to help.

The birthday crew eating their cake, pirate's booty and watermelon.

Maya and Ms. Teague, her kindergarten teacher.

The night before Sam turned 3.

Sam's cake: a rollercoaster

Happy 3rd Birthday, Samuel Nathan.

Maya's last day of school, June 24.

The Great Outdoors

We spent this weekend with my parents at their cabin in the Cascade Mountains near Leavenworth, Wash. The weather was perfect, and the kids LOVED spending every waking minute in the fresh air.

My brown-eyed girl.

Small legs walk farther when hands grasp a stick!

My blue-eyed boy!

We are three generations of hikers. Maya and Sam with my mom.

An outdoor family shot.

That is a REAL backdrop behind us.

Silly Sammy.

The kids played at the community park after our hike.

Happy Easter

Spring is in full bloom around here and we have been keeping busy enjoying all the season holds. Yesterday we took a trip to the Skagit Valley to enjoy the annual tulip festival held there. Today is Easter Sunday, and we've filled our days with family and Easter activities. An egg hunt, church, delicious brunch, and Easter dinner made it a wonderful Sunday of celebration.

It's a busy season parenting young kids, but the joy and enthusiasm that both Maya and Sam exude for whatever activity is before them blesses both Aaron and me and reminds us of what is important in life. We are truly blessed.

The four of us posing in front of one of the hundreds of tulip fields. Lovely!

Aaron and his kiddos. Just look at those long rows of yellow tulips.

Easter morning on the front porch.

My two adorable kiddos. I love those smiles.

Spring is here!

It's been a busy few months around the Russell house, mostly as we go about our regular activities. Maya is loving kindergarten and can't wait for first grade when she can go to school ALL DAY. Sam loves playing with his cousin Parker on Friday mornings, and he has inherited his sister's verbal skills as well. (I'm pretty sure Maya got that trait from her parents!!)

Here are some pictures of our adventures, starting with a visit to see my grandma, who turns 92 in August. Life is full and rich for us!

"Gonna" and three of her grandchildren (all grown up!).

Sam and Parker in the wagon one Friday morning.

My sweet boy, almost 3 years old!

Walking in circles at the park.

Maya and my first run/bike ride together. I hope there's many more to come.

Aaron and I in the Bellagio resort in Las Vegas--Aaron went to a conference and I got to go along too!

The flower seeds I'm sowing in our back bedroom.