the library park

This is a tiny park, but for some reason we seem to play here a lot. And get cute pictures, a lot.

As I was going though my pictures I almost deleted this one. It made me realize that with digital cameras, you never really get any weird pictures of people because they're so easy to delete. Luckily I decided to save this beauty. :)

mischievous

He didn't really make the bubbles, it just made me laugh as I was looking through my pictures because he totally looks mischievous and up to something sneaky. :) Matt was cleaning the pool so he could pack it up. I think our swimming days are over for the year.

Welcome, fall! I love you. Even if you sneak in a bit early...

first day

It's official - Andrew is now on the fast track to kindergarten. :) He started his first day of pre-K today. He'll be in this class for 2 years, most likely. He is very excited and already learned a new song he calls Apples and Banay-nays.

busted

Andrew moved the stool to the sink today to wash his hands and forgot to put it away. This little sneaker took advantage of it and climbed right up. He knows when he's doing something he's not supposed to - he always gives me a big smile. And he wins. Every time.

ice cream

We were able to meet up with the Tuomistos for some ice cream and a quick visit on Monday. It was our attempt to pretend it was nice and warm instead of cold and rainy.

The kids decided to get their own table. It was so cute to see them all doing their own thing - even Mason wanted to be part of it. :)

PS. The first picture was my attempt to get a picture of Andrew and Kai being cute. Actually all the kids were extra cute, but they were moving too fast to really get any good pictures. I guess that's what happens when you give kids ice cream with candy in it...

just being brothers

Ellensburg parade

The end.

other things

After the parade, we did some other stuff.

Andrew and Matt moved the backhoe.

Me and Madisyn gave each other a makeover.

Andrew found grandpa's ear plugs.

And I bought Andrew some new pants because he if officially too tall to wear his old ones. I no longer get to shop in the toddler section... it's a little sad. Sorry, no pictures of me spending over an hour enjoying some kid-free shopping time!!

good eye!

Mason was referred to an eye doctor to make sure he didn't have the start of a lazy eye. We got great news that his eyes look normal!

A doctor we saw at the hypothyroidism clinic thought she maybe saw something, but suggested we check with our doctor since Mason was so tired at that point. Our pediatrician said he saw why she would think that, but said it was so mild that it could be within normal range, but suggested we see a specialist just to confirm. The eye doc said she could see why they were concerned but that it's actually an optical illusion caused from his little droop and the shape of his eyes (yay!). She could tell this because when he focused on an object, both eyes focused at the same point. It's amazing what they can figure out without even being able to ask Mason any questions!

However, because of Mason's mild droop, she would like to watch him over the next few years. Apparently the droop can cause that eye to work harder and then when the brain realizes it's working so hard it could decide to not use that eye at all. We'll be seeing the doc every 6 months until he's about three (or is able to read the picture chart and answer some questions).

I'm sure glad Mason is easy going because we seem to spend a lot of time with doctors. And I'm so glad that even though we see doctors all the time, he keeps coming up with a clean bill of health. We are so thankful and continue to be reminded how blessed we really are!

first day

Mason has officially moved out of the infant class! He's been in the young toddler class a bit over the last few weeks, but today he is offically a Honey Bear. :) He was all dressed up for his big day.

Then he decided it was time to hop in the pool...

Andrew starts his new class next week!

just a cold

After being sick for 11 days, I finally decided to go see my doctor. I got this nice 'germ stopper kit' due to my symptoms and was told it's just a cold. I assumed that's what they'd tell me, but because I felt worse on day 11 I thought I should just make sure it wasn't something more. Now I have some lovely Robitussin CF, a free pack of Kleenex and a new doctor that I really like. It was a good day.

lovin' the backyard

I feel like this might have been our farewell to summer party...

that's a big fish

Matt got to go out on a chartered fishing boat on the Columbia with Tim on Monday. He caught this monster! And there's a rumor he's going to be on TV! :) Stay tuned for the exciting update as soon as the story runs on Tim's station in Portland. I know - it's exciting!!

Here's the news story!