Preschool Begins!



Ella started her pre-school year (yes, over a month ago now), and she was SO ready. She loves school so much, and this year she was super excited to get started because she knew who a couple of her classmates would be and knows her teacher from church too. Grandma and Grandpa McKinstry were here and it was a special morning getting ready and dropping her off for her big day. Last year of preschool....Kindergarten next fall - unbelievable!

 

 

It's finally here!

next to her name and coat hook...can't stop smiling

huddled up next to Mrs. Stephens, ready to start

A visit from Grandma & Grandpa

 

Seth's Mom and Dad drove all the way from South Dakota to visit us last week, and we all had a wonderful time together. We had a big BBQ in the backyard, inviting Zac and Kristen, Tom and Ruth, Kellie, Bret and Abby and my Mom and Dad. We had a picnic in the park for a symphony concert. We went shopping and to the Children's Museum. We all celebrated Ella's 1st day of preschool for the year. What else??? Oh, the guys worked on a huge project in the backyard during the times they weren't busy with all these other things. It's always so nice when Tim and Margaret are here. They spoil us in our own house and the kids and Seth and I simply love havin them around. Thank you so much for making the journey out to Spokane and spending the week with us. We love you!

Grammy and her girl (with her new girl: Barbie)

I don't know how he does it - Papa's got more energy than the kids!

2 Grammies

2 Papas

 

 

Zac & Kristen put together a kickball game at the BBQ.
Rules be damned, it was so much fun for everyone who played
and were watching!

Kristen rounding the bases with Ella & Abby trying to keep up!

the fans

Luke catching a ride

Grammy showering Ella with gifts from her shopping trip

Papa passing on his frisbee throwing knowledge

this is how you do it

Tim & Seth took on an enormous project - pulling out bushes and
old fencing between our driveway and the yard and replacing it with
new fence. It looks wonderful! Ella was so into helping - it was awesome!
 

the guys watching Ella work :)

Tim & Margaret were here for one of our favorite events in Spokane,
the Labor Day concert at Comstock Park. So much fun!

Happy Birthday Papa Jim

On Saturday, we celebrated my Dad's 70th birthday. We got together at Zac and Kristen's for pizza, all kinds of yummy snacks and cheesecake. Dad's not one to like the spotlight, but it was fun to have a little party that was all about him, and toast his 70 years. Love you Dad!!

Just to give you an idea....

this is just a glimpe of what it looks like when attempting to get a cute picture of the kids - together - with both of them looking at the camera and a pleasant look on their face.

Meeting Molly

We headed to Bellevue last weekend so we could meet Molly. Ella and Luke were really fascinated by baby Molly and Ella was excited to hold her - all 5 times she did. She couldn't get enough! We hit the park, played outside and played with lots of cousin Jameson's toys. It was a quick, but fun weekend. So amazing to hold a tiny baby again. Just a taste is good enough for me though.... Thanks Gabe and Nancy for having us during this busy, sleep-lacking time! You have a beautiful family!

Molly Marie

cousins at breakfast

Jameson smiling for the camera

all 4 of 'em..... Jameson, Ella, Molly and Luke

Grammy Sharon holding Molly for the first time

Ella helping Jameson down the big slide

hanging out at the park

Gabe and his kids

Ella in awe

Grammy with her granddaughters

family of 4

Swim Lessons

The kids started swim lessons this week. 30 minutes, M-Thurs for 2 weeks. I think we can safely say they LOVE it. Luke says "swimmeen" over and over again all the way to the pool. Seth and I are taking turns getting in the water with Luke for his lessons and it's kind of a work out. Lots of singing and water aerobic type moves, with your 2 year old as a weight you lift and move around. Ella's in Level 1 this year....whatever that means really. She's moved up from last year's preschool, introductory class and it's great for her. She loves getting in the water, and just needs someone to teach her what she can do and how to do it safely. She's got goggles and everything. Oh, and the names of the other 2 girls in her class? Ella and Ellie. How does this happen?