Back-to-school Night

Jillian and Bridget both went to the Olympic Elementary back-to-school night to drop off supplies and meet their teachers. Bridget has Mr. Wells in a 1st/2nd grade split class, and Jillian has Mrs. Glaze for 4th grade (Mommy also had Mrs. Glaze for a teacher!)

Karlie's B-day Pool Party

We made our annual trip to cousin Lisa and Lee's house to celebrate cousin Karlie's 7th birthday. The kids swam for several hours in their last big pool time.

The Big House

 Jillian, Bridget, Tor, Ava, and Harper drew this big house on the driveway and decided to each make their own room in the house.  Some tried to make it like their own room with a bed their size to sleep on.  They added windows and after their rooms were done, decided they needed a bathroom and kitchen.  This was a big project, 5 bedrooms, and kept them busy for a long time.

After taking a few action pictures, I yelled in a loud voice, "Everyone go to their room NOW!"  I got a lot of funny looks until I said it again and they caught on laughing while heading for their room so I could take a picture.  Note the garage and driveway for their dune buggy.  Their house had all the amenities. Tor even added a deck or porch or something like that.

Jillian's New Soccer Team

Jillian had her first soccer practice yesterday, meeting her new coach and new teammates. She said she didn't know any of them. They worked on the basics, with a little scrimmage at the end.

Eclipse and Ty time



 It took a long time for the eclipse to complete so Bridget brought out pens and paper to make a drawing of the event.  They were pretty excited to watch with Uncle Kevin, Brock, Ty, Grannie and Papa.  We only had two glasses so we passed them around.  Tor looked but he was not too impressed.  The girls noticed how chilly it got when there wasn't much sun. 

 In a game of Corn Hole, Ty had very explicit directions for Jillian for the games. I guess she followed them as I didn't hear otherwise.

 After the eclipse they all enjoyed eating outside.  Ty was their server but he had to leave after lunch.

 They all wanted to make a craft for a special girl's birthday.  Jillian was painting the little wooden pieces individually for her project that took so many pieces. Then she used some creativity to throw the pieces in a bowl and stir them until they were coated with paint. 

 She then used a toothpick to get the out of the bowl and positioned on her project.  A clever girl at work but it still took her a long, long time.

Here she proudly shows her finished project.

Morgan's B-day Party

The kids got some late summer fun when they went to a b-day party for Morgan, one of Jillian's best friends from school. They did a lot, including decorating t-shirts (see pic), dart toss, water balloons and swimming in the pool.

Adam's Softball Championship

We went to Everett on Saturday to watch cousin Adam play in the state softball championship. It was a beautiful day for a game, and we got to see Adam get lots of hits. In the second pic, Bridget is cheering for Adam before he goes to bat.

Bridget's First Soccer Practice

Bridget started soccer tonight, practicing at RA Long, just blocks from home. Her coach is Glenn, who also coached her in basketball last year. There are a couple other coaches as well (Coach Daniel in the pic helped Bridget a lot). The girls on the team have been together for several years, and are really good. Bridget had a great time, and said she liked the girls.

Corn Hole

The new game to play in CR is corn hole, after Grannie and Papa made their own. The cousins like to compete, and Tor likes to join in, though he has to stand closer to have a chance.

Learning the Ropes

Jillian sat with the older relatives and learned how to run the checkout stand at the annual Castle Rock yard sale, in preparation for half-price Sunday when she'll be partly in charge.

Sleepover

 It was very dark when they decided to decorate the driveway.  This is Harper's creation.  I think she knows what it is but very artistic.

 Bridget got into the flow with this art.  She said hers was a necklace.

 Tor was not to be left out so he made the moon and I see his T for Tor.  Ava did not finish hers before we went in and Jillian rode all around the pictures on her scooter.

Time to finally come in.  Note Bridget's grimy knees from crawling on the blacktop.  They had snacks and then watched some of the movie "Sing" before lights out in the living room.  Tor did abandon ship to sleep in a bed.  They were all up by 7 and after breakfast ready to head outside.  Jillian and Bridget didn't want Ava and Harper to leave.  They were good little overnight troopers.

Late Summer Swim Lessons

The kids started their second round of swim lessons at Briarcliff on Monday. Their session is packed with students, but all of the kids really like their instructors.

Jennifer & Pool

 Bridget finally got her crochet doll with hair like her and named her Jennifer.  Jennifer got the royal treatment all day and slept with her at night.

We finally got the pool out and figured Tor would be the only one splashing around in it but we were so wrong.  They were in it for hours inventing all kinds of games.  It was hot enough out!  By the end they had the mini-trampoline in the pool with many animals.  Ava and Harper came earlier to play but had to leave before there was enough water to play in.  They had a ball with the twins.