Anybody actually know how to use this thing?

Just for the record, I was NOT going to buy anything new until we moved back into our real house. But, upon working on the quilted duvet cover for Megan's bed, I finally lost my cool and became obsessed with finding a deal on a long arm quilting table.

Craig's list is the end-all for spontaneous shopping. Thanks to Dan doing a marathon drive to Oregon and back, I have a new toy, which Dan is now convinced is "bigger, more expensive and more annoying" than any of his. Careful ... I'll take over the garage next!

Blick from the ad.

In a new attempt to guilt myself to finishing these projects, here are the sneak peeks at work just waiting for me to master using the quilting table - these just need time!

Megan's duvet cover (in process a mere 3.5 years)

Sophia's baby quilt - closer to 4 years old than she is.

Happy 7th Birthday, Meg

Last year's birthday was kind of sad for Megan. She expressed disappointment that none of her friends stopped by ... and this led to her finally realizing just how far away from home we were (we were in Kleve, Germany at the time).



We did everything in our power to make up for it this year and had a mega birthday party to celebrate her seven years on the planet!


On her actual birthday, we had a relatively quiet family celebration, punctuated with phone calls from grandmas. Dan and I gave her an aquarium and then took her shopping for fish and all the accessories that go along with it. It's so cute to see her fuss over the fish - she's even tried to name them, but can't remember which is which after a few hours.


After setting up the tank, we had cake for lunch - and headed out for the Children's Museum in Everett. The kids ruled the outing, as it should be and were all smiles when we stopped for dinner. Unfortunately, having eaten only cake for lunch, we all bonked pretty hard.

Birthday girl.




Sophia, buzzed on cake.

The day ended beautifully with Mark and Yet swinging by with another birthday cake and really cute "girlie" gifts. Lots of glittery, sparkly things to set the mood just right for that all too important 7th year.

Saturday found us back at Northwest Aerials. Megan finally got to catch up with all the friends she hasn't seen for a year. She was so gracious at welcoming everyone into the gym and trying to be inclusive. Snacks and more cake followed play time and suddenly, it was time to head home. A bit of a party factory, but I think everyone had a good time.



I can't believe how fast seven years has flown by - next thing you know, we'll be shipping her off to college.

Racoons on the Loose

The kids spent most of August at Northwest Aerials, with Megan attending their summer camp for 4 weeks (Mo-Fr) and Sophia attending the "kiddie" camp for 2 of the 4 weeks (Mo, We, Fr).

Camp was cool - Each day had structured gymnastics, free time and pool time. The kids came home utterly exhausted and ready to eat dinner and go to bed. Sophia was determined to not let me know she was having fun and proceeded to throw some nasty crying fits when I left in the morning. She would then carry it through in the afternoon by claiming to NOT have had any fun. Right. I arrived early one day and caught her in the act - splashing around and giggling in the pool. Caught ya!

The last week of camp was a theater class through the Missoula Children's Theater group. In one week the older kids auditioned, learned lines and songs and rehearsed for two performances the last day of camp. Megan was one of the crazy racoons in their version of "Little Red Riding Hood."

She had so much fun performing for the audience. Supported by Auntie Sandra and Cousins Kristin and Nathan at the 4pm show and by Grandma Norma and Grandpa Ken at the 6pm show. The only thing needed was a few safety pins to help hold the pants of her costume up!

Playing keep away from the "woodsman" in "Little Red Riding Hood."

Martial Arts are Cool!

Being home quickly resulted in having a bored kid on our hands. On a whim, I enrolled Megan in a martial arts class at ENSO Center in Redmond. Jason and Sabrina do a fantastic job with the kids.



We had been talking to Megan, trying to get her to think about where her body is and stop jumping out in front of people and/or stopping randomly in front of us. She had no prior experience with martial arts, but absolutely loved her week at the center. It was like watching her grow more confident every day that I picked her up from camp.

The evening of the last day in camp was time to show off newly developed skills. It was so fun to see the kids working together and hearing them count in something like 16 languages!


Exhibition night.






Working with swords.