A Howling Good Time!

After a fun weekend at Poppy and Grammie's, we all met at Great Wolf Lodge for a couple days of water fun!

Sam was big enough that he could go on all the slides except one -- he said that was just like in the Bible when God told Adam and Eve that they could eat from any trees except for one! I can't believe how many times he climbed the stairs to go on the big waterslides. He really enjoyed going on the raft ride with his Dad, Poppy and Uncle Barry.

Zak loved the kids area, especially when it involved shooting someone in the face with water! He would just laugh -- and then do it again! Grammie was a good sport!

The boys can't wait to go back again -- they loved every minute!

Welcome to Great Wolf Lodge!

Sam on one of the waterslides. It didn't take
long until he moved on to the big slides.

Zak does not mind getting water
in his face -- it makes him laugh!

It makes Sam laugh too!

It was a busy first day -- Zak took a much needed break.

Watching morning cartoons
in bed -- this might have been a first!

Zak manning the water guns.

Sam was ruthless!

Family picture after a yummy breakfast.

This was inevitable.

Afternoon at the Museum

Saturday afternoon was spent at the Everett Children's Museum. Sam loves the Portland Children's Museum, so he was very excited. Both of the boys had a great time!

Sam in the treehouse.

Sam and Zak working in the Veterinary Clinic.

Zak was the receptionist.

Sam was the doctor!

Building things.

Driving the city bus.

Uncle Barry helping Zak at the water tables.

Sam was an old pro and didn't need any help!

The train table was a favorite.

Sam's first time milking a cow.

Fun Family Weekend

Matthew worked all of Memorial Day weekend -- so the boys and I headed up to Poppy and Grammie's house for a few days. A special bonus was having Uncle Barry there for a visit!

The boys did all their typical favorite things, plus saw their cousins, went to the Everett Children's Museum and had a great time with Uncle Barry.

Fun times!

Sam and Zak making bubbles in the sink.

Uncle Barry let Sam play games on his computer.

Zak discovered the calculator!

Sam and Uncle Barry enjoying Swedish Pancakes!

Zak cruising around the neighborhood.

Special Family Time

A trip to the mall with an agenda...two boys in tow...without Matthew...typically results in unmet expectations. Today we were moderately successful!

When I laid out the plan -- kids play...Mom goes to a store...kids play...Mom goes to a store...kids play...we all go to lunch -- Sam was ready for fun! He kept saying, "Let's go have some special family time".

They did such a good job in Pottery Barn (I never realized how many glass and fragile items they have in low places until I tried to shop and watch the boys at the same time) that they deserved a special treat. Not only did we play in the mall play area -- I sprang for a ride in one of the toy cars.

Sam picked the fire engine and the boys climbed in for a ride. They loved it! Laughing and smiles all around. When asked which fire engine he liked the best, this one or his Dad's, without missing a beat he said, "This one was a lot better -- I got to touch all the buttons!"

Fun on the engine!

Touching buttons.

Lunching at Nordstom.

Do you think Zak liked his chocolate chip cookie?

A Fish Named Sam

Sam just wrapped up a month of swim lessons -- he did a great job! He did such a great job that he passed all the necessary skills and is ready to move on to the next level.

Our pool is not the best place for taking pictures, but here are a few from his last day.

Getting ready for one more lesson!

This is what Zak does during swim lessons.
That and trying to open up cabinets that don't belong to him!

Today they practiced wearing life jackets.
They also rode in a canoe and everyone got dumped in the water!

Sam is looking forward to spending a lot more time at the pool.

Goodbye Preschool -- Hello Kindergarten!

Today marked the last day of preschool for Sam! They celebrated by having a school-wide picnic. Our picnic was held inside since it has been raining here since...well, forever!

Yummy cupcakes!

Sam with some of his classmates...
Landon, Levina, Emily, Mila and Sarah.

Miss Pam & Sam.

Sam loved preschool this year -- and he learned so much! Yesterday he asked me if I would like him to draw a picture of the lifecycle of a butterfly. Well, of course! Then he wanted to know what color to make the chrysalis. I wasn't even quite sure what the chrysalis was!

He was sad that there would be no more preschool -- but he has a fun and busy summer planned, so Kindergarten will be here in no time!

Soccer

Soccer season for Sam has ended -- and amazingly every practice was outside -- except for their final day.

He enjoyed dribbling and shooting goals, but his favorite part was running the drills.

Sam likes to set up "soccer practice" in the backyard. Using jump ropes and orange cones, he has several drills that he runs you through. He's quite encouraging as a coach -- I heard a lot of "Great job, Mom!".

Sam chasing down the ball.

Jumping the rope ladder.

He shoots...he scores!

Taking a break.

Sam with his soccer certificate.

Soccer boys.