New experiences...

Our time in Seattle was filled with a lot of new things for our kids.  Things they don't get to experience here in the midwest.  Not because they don't exist; surely there are plenty of farms with tire swings and horses around, we just don't know any of the people that farm them.

And my aunt is not a farmer but she lives "in the woods" with a horse and a tire swing. 

Ella Jane was smitten.

I can't say she had the most fun because I think Matthew had a lot of fun too but he needed a lot of coaxing before he was ready to take the plunge.  When it comes to new things he is very cautious and many times will opt out.  I'm glad we were able to force put him on the swing so he could give it a try!

He had a great time once he was on.  During the time we were in Seattle, Will and Kate got married and after I saw this picture if reminded me of all the ones I'd seen of the royals waving!

We also had a lot of fun jumping on the trampoline.  As has been our routine in the past, we get picked up from the airport and go to my aunts' house for lunch and playtime.  The girls were sick but still had a lot of fun and it's a great time to be free after being couped up in planes and airports for 6 hours.

Did I mention this trip was full of new things?  It was.  We don't have any animals here at home but different family members have a few.  Sooo, my kids get a dose of what it's like to have a pet whenever we visit.  Matthew cozied up to Sydney and it was sweet to see his endearing side.

 

Thanks Aunt Mary for taking the afternoon to play with my kids.  They loved every minute of it!

At the shore...

These pictures all speak very well for themselves and tell the story of how our day went.  Lots of exploring and new experiences for the Gunn kids as we do not have the advantage of salt water here in the midwest! 

Just the smell of it, the site of kelp, the water ebbing and flowing brought back wonderful childhood memories and I have no doubt that if I still lived in the NW you'd find us at the shore.

The picture of Matthew staring out into the distance is just perfect for capturing "him".  I kid you not, he stood there for roughly 30min. watching the water come up to his boots and then go back.  The girls were busy turning over rocks and looking for crabs.  Matthew wanted to watch.  I finally decided to sit and watch him a moment realizing he was having a lot of fun just simply standing.  It was a pleasure to witness.

All those little kids in a row are cousins.  Matthew is the oldest at 7yrs. and then they all stairstep down from there.  One every year.  The youngest is two.  Oh the fun all those little kids had and perhaps that was the most enjoyable part of the trip for me; to see my kids race around with their cousins just like I used to do with mine.  Love the memories they are making.

More installments to come.

Hiatus...

We took a trip to Seattle and back.  I'm not sure what is easier, kids on a plane that are sick and subdued, or healthy, energetic and fighting.  Both have different challenges for sure and both happend on one or more of our flights. 

Always an adventure when I'm flying alone with the kids.

Jim welcomed us home very well; snacks for our cherubs when he met us in the airport, clean house for me and a chance to shower and put my feet up while he took care of kids and dinner.

Now, we are getting back to the central time zone, the heat, and filling up the fridge.

Suyets; looking forward to sharing pictures.  Haven't seen them all yet, but some are pretty cute.

Sick little chick...

This one was sick over the weekend and this is what our day looked like yesterday.

Lots of snuggling.

Lots of resting.

And lots of bowls by beds...just in case.

Sara...

She thinks she's pretty hot stuff too.

This girl. is. amazing...

She is so very determined.  Weather was in the 70's today and thanks to an early release from school we had plenty of time to play outside.  Naturally, Matthew wanted to ride his bike.  Ella Jane thought perhaps she'd give the 'ol bike a try too.  She's never really ridden it much, nor had the ability.  It's pretty heavy.

But, today was the day when she wanted to ride it without the training wheels and so I took them off.  And she set to it.  About every 20min. I could see her getting to a new level of confidence and skill.  A little bit of balance here, a little pedal there.  By the end of the day she had it down.  Balance, corners and everything!

Holy cow.  We're talking determined here. 

When she first started she was in tears within 30min. because she couldn't ride it.  I calmly told her that perhpas it would be a good time for a break, etc.  Nope, didn't want any part of it but did take my suggestion of getting on her scooter for a minute so she could feel the balance.

Before you know it, she had it.  I mean had it!  I'm still so surprised at how quickly she learned this rite of passage and loving how much she is smiling about it.

I tucked one proud, happy and tired little girl into bed tonight.

WELL DONE LADY!

Dude.

Yep, once and awhile I say dude.  Like when we get 1 1/2" hail.

Dude.

And I know it doesn't look like much in a photograph but really, it is.  It's the largest I've ever seen.  And spiky too!

Thought it was going to come crashing in but thankfully all windows are in tact.

Since it came on the heels of bedtime and the power went out, the kids were a little freaked but they eventually settled down in the basement.

All is calm and well now.

So very proud...

First, I just have to include the link because the eggs are so close to hatching.  We've been enjoying watching this bald eagle's nest for a few weeks now and perhaps you are one of the 120,000+ people tuning in today to see that first hatch!

That said, I'm here to recount last nights events as to why I am one very proud mama today.

Last week a muscial duo (cello and bass) came to our kids' school.  Matthew mentioned it when he got home talking about how funny they were.  There was an article in the local paper about them as well.  Yesterday, before the kids left for school Matthew mentioned that, that same group was playing at the local Art Museum that night, and asked if we could go.  I checked into it and sure enough by 7:00pm we were in the front row of this small little space to see the cello and bass.

I'll admit, I was a little nervous to be in the front row but that's where Ella Jane wanted to sit.  And really, we didn't get there early so we could sit in the back right?  Wondered a little if the staff thought I was crazy for bringing three young kids to see a cello and bass duo play and then have the gall to sit in the very front!

But, we played it cool and the kids did fabulous.  They recognized a few of the songs, (pieces)? that they had heard during the assembly a week before which helped keep their attention no doubt.  Matthew picked up immediately on the humor between the cello and the bass. 

Kind of like those commercials awhile back with Mia Hamm and Michael Jordan (anything you can do I can do better) except with instruments.  He flashed so many of those "I can't believe they're doing that mom, they're so funny" smiles making my heart melt in the process.  This boy has a passion for music and to see him moving and nodding along with the cello and bass, well, it was amazing for me to watch.

During intermission we chatted with the cello player and purchased a couple of cd's.  I had quite a few people compliment the kids' behavior and even got down to their level and gave them a nice word to their face which I was very impressed by. 

At the end of the evening I realized what I was feeling.  Like I was a part of something great.  Somthing so very meaningful.  Like I got a sneak peek into Matthew's little heart.  It made me wonder what that whole experience was like for him.  Will he still remember that night months, years from now?  Was this a turning point for him?  It just felt so special in the way that I have a hard time putting words to it.  So very grateful to have been a witness.

And check out those eagles.  Viewers have topped 130,000 now.  It's taken me forever to write this post because I keep checking in on them!