Graduation

Graduating from preschool is a big day in any child's life, but for Liam it was all to overwhelming. He was so excited and held my hand confidently until we entered his classroom where his classmates were adorning themselves with these crazy hats and there was an obvious excitement in the air. He immediately ran and hid in the corning of the hallway and his eyes welled up. He kicked and pushed his teacher and I as we gently tried to persuade him that it was okay. I enlisted the classclown to befriend him and he warmed up a little. THat's when I made my escape.

Liam refused to wear his hat but he did walk with his class for a moment anyway. If your wandering what he says just before he comes over to me and starts to cry, it's "I don't like this".

We went to Ruby's diner after the event. Liam got to choose and Eric let out a huge sigh after he didn't say Mcdonald's. We had a classic American meal and really just enjoyed one anothers company. Liam is studiously concentrating on the instructions for the menu airplane. Hopefully he will be this studious in his future education.

Look at the focus in Anna's eyes. Se is concentrating so hard on my chocolate shake. We call her Onna these days because that's how she pronounces her name. I think I kind of like it. After lunch we went to the new pixar movie "up". I think the kids loved being a family as much as Eric and I did. Sigh.

Flashback Friday's

Okay, so I'm posting on Saturday. oh well. So the big entertainment expo just happened and the game Eric has been working on was displayed. The Bungie booth had a giant wall with the ODST soldiers on it which Eric put a lot of work into. He had fun seeing it on T.V this year and wished he had gone to see it first hand instead. But you can check it out at http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/default.aspx This pic is from E3 in 2004. You gotsta have a picture with the boothbabes.

Anna's birthday

Anna is always left out when Liam and his friends ride their bikes in front of our house. So we got her something she could handle herself and hopefully keep up with the big kids. We surprised her that morning and then spent the day at the lake and had a party that evening. It was good times

Day at the Lake

It officially feels like summer. After Anna's morning birthday events and some serious preparation time, we headed to American Lake with Cousins. The kids played on the beach, went tubing and had taco salad for dinner. It was so nice to chill out with Enrico.

The Mann Fam.
Baby Merrick had no fear in the water. he's so little, he's like a little munchkin.

This was Anna;s first time to pull out her new sailor swimsuit. So cute.

The boys went out first.


Liam and Connor can't get enough of course. Liam always warns Grandpa Bill not to go too fast though.

The coolness of the boat ride has aged Liam about 5 years in his mind.
Cuddling with a cold Anna

Anna insisted on sitting by herself in the front of the boat until it picked up speed and she said "hold you?"
Uncle Evan and Obi
She's so brave.
These two were so hilarious. They had so much fun and Anna wanted to do it again.
This one is for you Heather. I've got a few more that I'll send you.

I must admit Iwas terrified to have the kids go out by themselves. Evan was kind enough to jump on the tube with them. Anna didn't even cry. Evan said she had a grip of steel.

happy 2nd birthday to Anna

Anna has always been our little monkey girl. Her favorite food is bananas and her favorite animal is a monkey. Thus our theme.

Note to self: next time I make monkey masks, makes them smile. THey are a little bit creepy.
Heather strikes a pose.
We played pin the tail on the monkey.
Just what Anna wanted!
Having a tea party with Grandma.

THank you Aunt Heather and Family for the tutu. She wore it most of the day today and I found her dancing and singing to herself several times.

It was such a fun day. Thanks to everyone for your help and patience. I can't believe that Anna is already 2 years old. She said her first sentence on her birthday (oh no, Daddy get hurt) and I got my first silent grocery shopping trip in 5 years thanks to Fred Meyers 'playland' who watches your children while you shop starting at the age of 2. Sigh

Thanks Grandma White

We received a package in the mail on Anna's official birthday from Grandma White. Now that Anna was a pro at opening presents and understood that wrapping paper means an toy is inside, she jumped up and down and yelled yeah! The rest is in the video.
Maren my dear, we found the adorable hair clips in the purse a few moments later. I love them and Anna could not wait to get them in her hair. She knew just what they were for. THank you Grandma!