Rock stars

Not much needs to be said about this...except that I love these awesome, fun kids!

Ahoy mateys!

So, did you all know that "talk like a pirate day" is a thing? Not only is it a thing, but it's evidently a national thing with it's own website, events, and - of course - lingo! Our kiddos were super excited to find out that Krispy Kreme was getting in on the action and offering a free doughnut to anyone who came in and talked like a pirate. Only instead of stopping there, Krispy Kreme decided to up the ante and offer a free dozen to anyone who showed up in full pirate attire. Eli has an actual pirate costume (thanks to Aunt Essie, Uncle Jer, and cousin Lucas), but Abby had to come up with her own. Once again, a very Abby-esque ensemble! :)

And yes, the eye patch in the middle of the forehead was totally intentional! Love this spunky, funny girl! For days before this the kids were talking about what they would say when we got there. Abby rehearsed to anyone who would listen, "Ahoy there mateys, can I please have some doughnuts?" I can't say that I was surprised, though, when the time came to deliver her line and she was too shy to say anything at all.  

 

 

This awesome guy was totally into the whole thing. The doughnut on the hook was pretty hilarious (and daddy's idea).

I was glad that the free dozen was limited to one per family (the kids were definitely hoping otherwise). And I couldn't help but note the irony on my counter when we got home... 

(In case you can't make out the labels, our doughnuts were surrounded by organic tomatoes, organic bread, and organic peaches!)

Joyful Heart

Abby was so very excited to return to Joyful Heart Preschool this year. It is such a wonderful school with phenomenal teachers and so many great activities. And of course I love that she gets to pray in school and comes home singing songs about the Bible!

 Eli actually took this last photo, and I just love it! Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't draw attention to Abby's first day of school outfit. Nike sneakers, hot pink leggings, polka dot skirt and "matching" polka dot shirt...very Abby!

 

We just adore this precious girl with all of her engergy, spunk, emotions, expressions, and love! Have a great second year of preschool, Abigail!

Iron Girls

September 9th marked my "official" re-entry into the world of running. I've been running little by little since about a month after I finished radiation, but this was my first actual 5k event since cancer. I thought the Seattle Iron Girl seemed an appropriate race for my big comeback (lol!), especially since this year's event was a fundraiser for Young Survivial Coalition, which is a great organization that supports women under 40 with breast cancer.

I was blessed to be joined by some sweet friends for this 5k; four of the many amazing people who have supported and helped me throughout this battle.

The backs of our shirts say "Fight Like a Girl" - theirs all said "I helped Cheryl..." above that, and mine said "I did..." Thanks for running with me, Brooke, Kate, Melissa, and Christy!

First grade!

I can't believe it, but my not-so-little boy is now in first grade! He has been so excited to go back to school, which is definitely a blessing. He has two good friends from last year in his class, which I think will help my cautious, shy boy adjust to all the newness of first grade.

 

Eli is such a smart, sweet, funny boy who loves to learn, loves his family, and loves to make up games (and rules!).

He adores riding his bike or scooter to school, and we've been so very blessed with weather that has allowed that every day so far! 

 

Have a fantastic first grade year, Eli!