I blinked.

And somehow this little guy that I so desperately wanted to grow up a little bit (and stop waking me up screaming throughout the night) has grown up and left me for ALL DAY kindergarten.  I always thought it was so strange to be sad to watch kids grow up and become independent. But like every other humbling moment in parenting, I understand now.
It isn't that he is gone for the day--because my days are so busy and fly by. It is more that he has taken that first step of many to become independent and become his own person. I am thrilled for him and love watching him grow up--but a little piece of my heart has to go with him. :) They get to THE BEST age and then they leave you all day. Well I guess I still have another little boy keeping me up with his screaming throughout the night...

 Grey found his little friend, Preston, and they walked hand in hand to school the first day

 They found their other friend, Joey, and peered through the window of their classroom before school started.

Lily Pad Lake Hike

We took advantage of our weekend in the mountains for the Warrior Dash and stayed a few nights. The kids have been really into hiking lately, so we went on a hike Jared & I did when I was pregnant with Grey six years ago. A lot has changed since then!! Three more passengers. I am always amazed at how well Elise does with those tiny legs of hers. She walks the entire time and can't wait to go again. Hiking has become one of our favorite family activities. happy kids=happy parents

 Starting out on the hike with my little munchkins

 We made it to the lakes

 I get to snuggle Cole the whole time!

Warrior 2.0

Warrior Dash two years later--and surprisingly tougher! I especially loved running it with two of my favorite people.

Warriors Before (Pam, Christina, Carie)

 My cute little cheering team

 Jason, Pam & I watching the start

 Warrior Elise

 Warrior G (a lot changes in only two short years)

Just a little bit muddy after the race...

Lighter Sesame Noodles

This is a recipe from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food that has been on our quick, weeknight rotation for a couple of years. When I first started making it, I didn't feel like there was enough sauce or vegetables. Since then I have lessened the pasta to 8oz. and added a bit more broccoli as well as some edamame. We love it and I almost always have all the ingredients on hand. It takes less than half an hour from start to finish. Enjoy!

Lighter Sesame Noodles

from Everyday Food

• 12 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti (8 oz if you want more sauce)
• 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets, stalks peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 red or yellow bell peppers (ribs and seeds removed), thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
• Approx 1/2 cup frozen, shelled edamame (my addition--optional)
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons dark-brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (I don't have so I use olive oil)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (I stick to 1/2 tsp or less for the kids)
• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti 3 minutes less than al dente. Add broccoli, bell peppers, and onion. Cook until pasta is al dente and vegetables are tender, 3 minutes more. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta and vegetables.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, oil, garlic, and red-pepper flakes. Add hot pasta and vegetables; toss to coat, thinning sauce with a little pasta water, if necessary. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Waterworld Party

I love, love, love our annual Waterworld family party. This year was even better than ever. I passed off the two younger ones to Jared and took off with Grey for a lot of the day. We had a BLAST! I love that he is getting older and braver and we can have so much fun together.

The oldest and youngest of the grandkids

My kids are lucky to have such great examples from their cousins

Elise went from this (happy with an ice cream cone)...

 ...to this in a matter of seconds. She was very, very tired.

 Cole was surprisingly perfect all day!

 Sweet girls--Addie & Elise

 Colin kicking back

We have gotten so big that we get two birthday cakes now

Happy Birthday Dean, Cindy, Pam, Ryan, Elise & Cole!!!

Fit for a Princess

The King (daddy) surprised our own little princess with a big girl bicycle--instead of Grey's old Diego bicycle she has been pedaling around.

disclaimer: I don't love princesses and absolutely loathe the message sent by the princess movies--but how can I resist that girl's sweet voice asking for a princess bicycle?? And look at that grin...

Friends Forever...

I feel so blessed to still keep in touch with my friends from high school. We were lucky enough to have a great group of girls at church and we have managed to stay in touch throughout the past 15+ years. Makes me feel REALLY old to be able to say that. Thanks to Julie for helping some us get together when she comes to town! We miss the other girls that weren't able to join us.

Love you girls!!