Parker's Baptism

On Saturday, October 29, our nephew and cousin Parker was baptized at home by our long time family friend Terrie Rae. My cousin Andrea is Parker's godmother. It was a very special day celebrating one of our favorite little people in the whole world!

Parker LOVED dipping his hands in the water.

Star Student

The last week in October, Maya was the Star Student in her first grade classroom. This meant she got to do several special jobs, have family members come to class, make and present a poster about herself, and be the celebrated person for the week.

Here's the poster Maya and I created for her special week:

The Star Student and her poster.

And here's a close up of the poster.

October Adventures

We had a fun month of October, complete with a visit from Grandma, two trips to the pumpkin patch, and other autumn adventures at home.

Maya and Sam LOVED their week with Grandma while mom was gone.

Sammy had fun exploring at the pumpkin patch.

Maya picks out her pumpkin.

And Parker's not sure WHAT to think about all the dirt and orange circles.

Maya, Sam and Dad make October crowns together.

Another trip to the pumpkin patch--We also did a fun corn maze.

Parker gives a sweet smile.

Maya!

Samuel!

Bapa and Marmie joined us for pumpkin gathering.

Parker seemed to really like the small pumpkins.

Parker and Sam get a ride in the wheelbarrow from Bapa.

Camano Island

We spent a lovely Friday overnight on Camano Island a few weekends back. The weather was perfect and the beach was magical. What a blessing to be together and enjoy the bounty of Autumn in the Pacific Northwest. Here are a few shots from our time together.

Parker & Maya walking to the beach

Sam and Aaron collected a bunch of rocks

Amy and Dad

Sisters

The adorable Smith family (with my very cute nephew)

Parker signs "more" for another handful of blackberries

There's no hiding hands that have been picking blackberries

Summer's bounty--made two batches of jam and two cobblers with this load of berries

An evening soak in the hot tub

Summer Finally Arrives

Irony: Summer has finally arrived here in the Pacific Northwest, coinciding with a return to the school calendar. We're trying to squeeze in some summer fun among classes and activities. We have a first grade girl and a preschool boy at our house this year--and it's BUSY!

End of summer smiles.

Sam playing in the rocks at Mukilteo Beach with his friend Lily,

Beach play!

Sam and Maya with their good friends Emma and Lily.

First day of first grade . . . and she's SMILING!

This girl is getting so big--can't believe it.

Marmie and Bapa walked with us to Maya's first day of school.

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.