Carson's getting HUGE!

I think it's about time for another Carson update.  He is now a little over 9 months old, he is gigantic!  He has 8 teeth now.  He figured out how to crawl the "normal" way last month and has devoted his time to mastering that.  He can climb a whole flight of stairs (he often climbs the basement stairs, we're right there of course, and then tries to crawl off to the other set of stairs for more).  He LOVES to hold onto things and push them around.  It started with a plastic bin the kids had in the family room and then he has progressed up to a push toy.  He has developed a love for grass and will now crawl EVERYWHERE.  He's even started to eat the grass less, he very much prefers to be moving now.  He enjoys peek-a-boo and will chase you if you hide behind furniture or around a corner.  He's been fighting a cough that just wont quit (despite several medicines) but still manages to be in a good mood most days. He makes the sound "da", "ya", "ma", and "ba".  His favorite thing to do is play with Papa G and his second favorite is to be actively chasing or playing with his siblings.  My favorite thing, he still has his DIMPLES!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Today was crazy, there's no other word for it.  We started the day at Kayda's t-ball game.  She got to play catcher today and she was SO excited.  She is getting better every game!  Right after that we ran off to the Home Depot workshops... those are the best things EVER!  We've been to three, the first one we stumbled upon by accident and they made derby cars.  The second they made bird feeders that suction cup to a window and this latest on we made little planters which we are going to add a couple things to and turn into our end of year gifts for our preschool teachers (they went to it KNOWING that's why they were making them).  They love having the opportunity to actually build things.  Kayda was even starting a couple nails on her own today!  Dillon is getting really good with a hammer and they both LOVE painting the finished products.  They each have their own kid's home depot apron and for every project they do there they get a new pin with a picture of that project.  It's fantastic and the kids LOVE it. 

  After lunch we had a birthday party to attend at Chuck E. Cheese's.  It's the first time the kids have been there and they LOVED it. 

 Kenzie is Kayda's BEST friend, they spent most of the party glued to each other's sides!  Anything they COULD do together they did together.  I loved this little sketch of them together!  Look at Kayda's EYES!  Amazingly this sketch captures Kayda more as I see her than the majority of the pictures we have.  She is just GOREGOUS.

I didn't get a picture of the sketch of this one but Dillon we having a great time!  The boy next to him was the birthday boy, Matthew, from preschool and the boy up top is Matthew's older brother.

Kayda's Kindergarten Round Up!

Yesterday was Kayda's kindergarten round up!  And I, being the nerdy mom that I am,  brought my camera to document it. 

 Here's Daddy and Kayda, he's so supportive of everything the kids do. He is assistant coach for t-ball which takes up three evenings a week plus games and whenever they have programs or special events he takes time to come.

 There was an unforseen problem with bringing my camera. I didn't actually get many pictures because they immediately took her away!!! They sent us off to a meeting and she went down to one of the kindergarten rooms to color and such. I would've much rather stayed with her!!!

 Displaying her artwork!  Kayda ran in to the restroom while everyone was walking off to the bus, when she was coming out the teacher that was there (one is out on maternity leave right now) put her hands together in a begging position and whispered "I want her!".  I thought that was neat!  Who can blame her?  Kayda is so well behaved and so CUTE!

 After coloring and reuniting with me (Daddy had to leave because he had something for work) we got to go on a short bus ride!  Kayda was SO excited!

Kayda is ready to start kindergarten NOW, she doesn't want to wait until September, she thinks she should just get to GO.  I am excited for her to go but I know when the time comes I'll be a little bit sad.  She is growing up WAY too fast.

Kayda's T-Ball Jamobree!

Today was Kayda's T-ball jamboree!  They've been practicing for two weeks, three practices a week, an hour and a half each.  Seems a little excessive for a kindgarten/pre-k t-ball team but you could tell they'd been practicing.  It was a TON of fun cheering on every little batter!  I am definitely looking forward to some real games.  The jamboree consisted of team pictures and then one inning of a game. 

 Waiting in line for our team's pictures.

 Carson entertained himself with big sister's water bottle.

Dillon wasn't thrilled about not getting to play.  He's used to doing everything with Kayda but he's not quite old enough for t-ball, next year sweety, next year...

Getting geared up for the game... in front of the wrong dug out!

On deck!

Poor Carson, tormented!  "Papa!  Why'd you put this thing on my head!!!"

Kayda was ready to swing before Daddy even got his hand out of the way!

The kids had a great time batting and running the bases.  Unfortunately, Kayda ended up in left field which didn't get ANY of the action...  She started off running after the ball several times... but it was headed towards first base.  She'd realize after a few feet that she couldn't get it before someone else, stop and dejectedly walk back to her position.  Once they have their first "game" they'll switch positions around and she can be the little all star she wants to be!

Her first "ready position"  we aren't quite sure what she was doing with her feet. 

There we go much better.

Starting to get bored now.

Distracted, looking at the sand.

And now she's drawing... 

Woohoo Coach Daddy came over to visit.  Now they're BOTH bored.

Carson was getting some great time with BOTH Grandmas after the game!

Woodland Park Zoo

Way back in Christmas 2010 Aunt Sarah, Uncle Pat and their kiddos gave us tickets to Woodland Park Zoo.  We were totally stoked to go but between weather, pregnancy and then new baby the opportunity never really presented itself so today we were FINALLY able to go and use those tickets!  We normally go to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium so the kids had never been to this zoo, the drive in reminded us why we normally go to the other.  Once we were in the kids had a great time!  There are so many more animals there including Kayda's favorite horse substitute, zebras.  Carson spent most of the time in the stroller until he was ready for a nap so Daddy had to hold him until he fell asleep.  Once he was out...back in the stroller!  The kids were fascinated by the giraffes and how tall they are in real life. They loved watching the elephants, one of which "danced" for us.  It was a BEAUTIFUL day for a zoo visit!  The wallabies were hopping around everywhere and we were actually able to see most of the animals, even if it was only their heads.