Mason, by Mason

Basketball IS fashion

Halloween

Kenzie went as a cat, Mason was a Ninja. Mason lost the mask at school so he had to be pictured with his tough face. I think this is the first year that each kid completely  selected their own costume. The highlight of the evening was hanging out with friends in a new neighborhood…one that had the ideal Halloween set-up…expensive houses tightly packed together, excellent street lighting, perfect weather, and even a house that handed out adult beverages.

(Perhaps the lowlight of the holiday was the prior night when Cindy and I dressed as Laverne and Shirley and our “friends” submitted our pseudo-names for a karaoke song, which, when we went on stage, realized we were about to sing a duet of “Making our Dreams Come True.” No need for that picture to be shown.)

Fast Forward

It feels like somebody has hit the fast-forward button on life lately. I can’t believe it’s November, almost Thanksgiving. Last month I got a new job at work, and that has meant many long hours for me. I’m not used to being away so much and it’s been tough. I think this is a short-term phase and life will balance out soon. Fortunately, Cindy is home almost every day (substitute teaching only when specifically requested into ideal circumstances!). On Mondays she volunteers in Kenzie’s class, and in Mason’s on Tuesdays. She is connected with the other parents and on the whole, things are great.

Yesterday Kenzie and I hung out all day. We made invitations for a girls movie night next week, went to coffee, went shopping around Gilman Village, then grocery shopping in the afternoon. It was relaxing, and she was at her best – which is an incredible, engaging, smart 8 year old. We talked about her friends, school, and the type of art we like. It reminded me of how quickly life changes at that age, and I’m so grateful to be with her as she goes through it.

Mason got spoiled by Liz and Casey this weekend. They hosted “Boys Club” which meant Josh, Luke and Mason hitting all their favorite things in one night: bowling, Chuck E. Cheese, Star Wars, Red Robin and the hot tub. Does life get any better at six?

Six year old’s bed

The last thing we promised Mason for his birthday, in addition to painting his room, was a loft bed with a desk underneath. We’ve looked and looked, but not pulled the trigger. And then last night our friend Michelle (Tommy’s mom…who also gave us the race car bed) said that Tommy doesn’t like his new loft bed. So, guess who finally has his loft bed!?

We stuck all sort of glow-in-the-dark stars, planets and bugs on the ceiling and walls, so it’s extra cool with the lights off (but doesn’t make for a great picture).

Fall dinner

We hit Carpenito Brothers in Kent yesterday and brought home a car load of oversized veggies, and spent the afternoon cooking.

We had a big vegetable dinner tonight with squash soup, roasted veggies, and brussel sprouts!

Bowl-ums

Cindy and her family celebrated Kevin coming into town by meeting at the bowling alley for dinner. But, as Mason said, “what’s the point of going to a bowling alley if you’re not gonna bowl?” So they did.

Third grade Fish Hatchery

Kenzie’s class had a field trip very similar to Mason’s class. Even a similar chaperone. 

Clark Shark of the week

Mason was chosen to the the Shark of the Week based on the “line incident” where he self-selected to get booted to the end of the line. This picture stays in the school hall all year long. He looks so proud, doesn’t he?!

more wild kingdom

A bobcat, 3 bear, 3 deer and 2 bunnies on our property today.

Wacky Day

It’s Spirit Week at school.

 

Kenzie may get silly, but Mason will always win that contest. And annoy her in the meantime.

Salmon Days

 

Issaquah’s Salmon Days today! We had a blast. Tommy and Mason played all day – talk about two dudes who like to do dude things all day. They did rock climbing, went on an obstacle course, played basketball, rode bikes, played Wii, and even went in side-by-side giant hamster balls (see picture above). 

 

Hatchery

Cindy is now almost fully retired, subbing just a few days so far this year. (When she got a desperate phone call from her old school.) It’s been a great gift for all of us, and we’re really grateful that she has the time with our kids. She’s volunteering in each of their classes and going on all field trips. This last week Mason’s class went to the Issaquah fish hatchery. She was pegged as a teacher, so while the other parents got to watch just one or two kids, she got four boys.

When Cindy got to his class he was so proud. He went around telling all the kids, “that’s my mom!” It was a beautiful day. Not too many salmon because the water was mucky, but they had fun regardless.