Snow

We took a short trip to Lake Chelan right before Thanksgiving. We pulled off the freeway after the pass to look at the snow. It is so much prettier back in the forest!

Mathias Fact #6

Kissing is vile. It's like spitting in someone else's mouth and giving them 50 million germs.

(Mikel said I am to remind him of this when he is a teenager)

Peas and Carrots

Miss E loves her peas and carrots.  She also loves sitting in Mathias' big boy chair to eat and feeding herself.  She is very independent these days.

Zoo Day

We made it to the zoo with Michelle and Maximo last Thursday.  Of course it was raining a bit, but we still had fun, especially the boys.  They did not stop laughing and running the entire time.  Elena enjoyed watching them, but especially enjoyed the carousel with Mimi.

Mathias Fact #5

The nose of a proboscis monkey serves as a resonating chamber.

A resonating chamber is like a guitar, the sound goes in and bounces around to make it louder.







- Posted from my iPad (that I love)

4th of July 2011

On the Fourth we went to A-town's little celebration in the park.  Mathias loved playing laser tag.  He talked about it all year and couldn't wait to do it again.  After our trip to the park we came home for nap time.  Mikel's parents came over to celebrate with a salmon BBQ and a few fireworks.  Later, Mathias and I set off a box of fireworks. I think his favorites were his tanks. I like the ground bloomers.

T eating his favorite food.  A "personal" watermelon is actually about a T sized watermelon.

Elena peeking around the corner with Nana close behind.

Papoo and Mathias playing "fishing".  Mathias was the fish.

Nana and E cuddling on the steps right before bedtime.

Mathias Fact #4

The holes in an octopuses' head that look like ears are actually for jet propulsion.







- Posted from my iPad (that I love)

Mathias Fact #3

Llamas only defense is to huck-a-loogie







- Posted from my iPad (that I love)

Clams for Dinner

My awesome neighbor Amy (and mother of Mathias' friend,Will) dropped by yesterday with a bucket of fresh clams!  I've never even really eaten a clam, let alone prepare them.  I pulled up my trusty ipad and searched for an easy recipe. 

1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 cup white wine
1 tablespoon italian seasoning
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

melt butter in pan over medium heat, slightly brown garlic, add wine, seasoning and red pepper flakes.  Stir to combine.  Place clams in pan and cover.  Cook until the clams open up, discard any that don't.  Place clams in bowl and spoon extra juice over them.


*adapted from this recipe  Clams Italiano

Seattle Aquarium

On Sunday the four of us visited the Seattle Aquarium.  Mikel and T hadn't been before.  I love the giant aquarium when you first walk in. Mathias gave the scuba diver that was feeding the fish a high-five. 

E loved splashing in the water at the wet table and trying to pull out the starfish (you were only supposed to touch gently with one finger).  She hasn't quite mastered gently yet.

Mathias Fact #2

Fighter jets drop their fuel canisters to go faster or if they are empty when in a dog fight or impending dog fight.

An apple a day...

Mathias eats an apple every day.  :)

Breakfast with T

One of my summer goals was to teach Mathias how to make dinner.  He suggested he start with breakfast instead.  I was fine with that, in fact, I was happy he was responsive at all.  So, Saturday morning he got out our awesome waffle maker and went to work.  He did a great job and breakfast was delicious!

T's Clothes

Elena loves wearing Mathias' clothes.  If she happens upon a t-shirt she will try to put it on and once she realizes she can't she'll bring it over for me to help. 

Elena in Mathias' t-shirt before school

Picture Time

It is practically impossible to get a good picture of both the kids together.  Here are a few from E's birthday.

Summer Dinner

We were very busy Father's Day weekend with a soccer tournament, so we had to postpone Father's Day dinner for Mikel until Monday.  I think it was worth the wait.  I didn't use any recipes, just winged it. 

On the menu -

• Grilled Cedar Plank Copper River Salmon
• Wild Rice Medley
• Grilled Ciabata Bread with Olive Oil
• Romaine with Sweet Peppers

It was supper yummy!  Even Mathias thought it was "okay".

Good Morning

After I place E down for her nap in the morning, I pull up my chair to a hot cuppajo and my ipad.  I usually read the news and check out a few of my favorite blogs.  It is the most quiet our house is all day. But, now that it is summertime, I've got T home with me.  Although it is not as quiet during naptime, he is lovely company and always has something funny to say.

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

A few weeks ago we took a little trip out to Nisqually to hike around and enjoy nature.  Mathias enjoyed walking around in the wooded area, but not on the boardwalk.  I think next time we will hike around the wooded areas and then head out to Olympia for their awesome Farmer's Market.

Mikel pointed out evidence of beavers in this area, but we were unable to spot any.

E enjoying the view (almost as good as daddy's shoulders)

Squirrel friend trying to eat our lunch

Giant slug that soon met his demise due to a clumsy Mathias

Twin Barns

Sweet Little Ducklings

Twin Barns from a viewing platform

Tiny little bird that Mathias noticed was having a conversation with a friend down the path

Mathias making the "you are crazy" hand gestures.  I get this a few times a week. 

http://www.fws.gov/Nisqually/recreation/trails.html