Emma's big day

Emma is a kindergartener! Monday was her first day. She couldn't wait to get to school, see her teacher Mrs. Holman, wear her new backpack, carry her new High School Musical lunch bag, play on the monkey bars at recess, sit next to her friend Devon. Her tummy was a little upset but she was so excited. Daddy took the day off of work so that he could enjoy dropping her off and picking her up on her first day too. I think he was thinking of me as well - knowing it would be a quiet house once they were both at school for 6 hours. I was very thankful for him being around - we went to breakfast and ran errands - kept busy until it was time to pick them up. I did get a little teary but it wasn't until last night that it really hit me. They grow up so fast - I know that sounds cliche but it really is a short amount of time before they start their school years. I will miss having a little one around with me. It definitely feels like a new chapter in all of our lives has begun.

State fair

I wanted to share some pictures from the state fair. We go every year as part of Julia's birthday celebration and have a great time. Animals, scones, giant ice cream cones from the Oregon Dairy Farmer's wives, cheesy exhibits, and great people watching.

First day of THIRD grade!

Here are some pictures of Julia on her first day of third grade last Wednesday. She loves her teacher Mrs. Moist and has some of her good friends in class with her. The class is a 3rd/4th split which should be interesting. One of the 4th grade boys received a "love note" in his desk on Friday. It was all she could talk about after school! Cute but definitely a flash forward to the future....

The fleeting days of summer

So much has been packed into the last few weeks that I'm not quite sure where to start. But of course I must start with a happy birthday post to our oldest, Julia. Eight years old - wow....... she really is growing up. Our neighbor had the nicest compliment about her a few weeks ago. She said, "You know, I've been around a lot of kids and Julia sure is mature for her age. She is so curious and observant and really remembers things that we talk about." It is wonderful to hear the traits complimented that can be so trying for me at times! She is quite something and I love her dearly. Here are a few pictures from her scavenger hunt birthday party. We all met downtown and then traveled by foot and streetcar to search for the next clue, ending up at a great park for cake and presents and fun in the water.

Nana and Grandpa Povich also were in town to celebrate Julia's party with us. After the party on Saturday, we packed the cars and headed off Sunday afternoon for a camping trip to Lost Lake near Mt. Hood. It was an eventful trip! We set up camp and enjoyed a toasty chicken and dumpling dinner before crawling into the tents for bed. The newspaper had noted a chance of "showers" - well, we awoke during the night to pouring rain and gusty winds. It pretty much lasted all night. We crawled out of the tents Monday morning chilled and soggy. The tents held up for the most part aside from a hole in the side of Mom and Dad's tent. Tape to the rescue. Monday was cool and the rain came on and off. A hike around the lake kept us moving and warmed us up a bit. Later, Chris, the girls and Mom and Dad decided to go on another walk. Along the way, Emma climbed onto a fallen log to walk and Nana joined her. Unfortunately, Nana ended up falling off the log and breaking her ankle! She toughed it out for the night but Tuesday morning they packed up and headed back to Spokane to have the ankle checked out. We missed them on Tuesday as we finally had some sunshine and could enjoy the beauty of the lake and the gorgeous views of Mt. Hood.

Nana before the ankle incident.....yes, that is her on the pogo stick Julia got for her birthday!

Nana post-ankle incident - still with a smile!

The lake was full of newts and we spent about an hour in our row boat trying to capture one - finally success!

More fleeting days of summer to come - the state fair and Julia's first day of third grade. Off to bed for now. Oh, one last thing - my favorite quote from Emma on Julia's birthday - "Juuuuuliiiiiaaaaaaaa, it's your birthday you have to be nice to me!" Classic Emma.......