First Day of School

*This is really going to mess up the organization here. Oh well*

Monday, September 12th was the girls first full day at school. Quinn is there two mornings a week and Ella has three. This was much easier the second time around!!! I remember feeling the emptiness of my car driving home from the first drop off with Ella two years ago. I knew she was fine, but felt like I lost my kid somewhere. Yesterday, Quinn waved good-bye and I raced off to meet a friend for coffee and worked in my sweatshop (details of this endeavor to come). I did, however, be sure to keep my cell phone nearby in case of a first day emergency.

The girls out front before heading up to the car.

Ella's solo shot. Quinn refused hers, chasing Ella around the yard for a hug. Their love runs deep these days!

Sneak attack solo photo at pick-up. She didn't even notice me coming into the room, so this was actually her first glance up at me. She had a great day.

Seattle

Two weeks after the reunion, the girls and I packed back up in the car and headed north to Seattle for a few days mid-week. This was a great way to get in some much needed girl time and avoid the summer doldrums during the gap between school letting out and summer activities starting. We had so much fun with the Freises and can't wait to head back, hopefully with Greg in tow.

At Discovery Park on a beautiful day. The Sound put on a good show for us- giant sea snail (huge!), squirting clams, and...something else that I can't remember since I'm so behind in updating. Julie, can you help me out here?

Quinn face-planted in the water in true Quinn style.

Cheering for Jeremy at his softball game. The three big girls were all yelling for "Daddy" to hit a homer. So cute.

Haircut

**This picture is amazing to me. 3 months ago only, and she looks so young compared to now!!!**

Grandma Visits (and Mom and Dad get a weekend off)

The first weekend of June was Greg's 10 Year College Reunion at UPS. We were lucky enough to have a willing and able Grandma come stay with the kids so we could enjoy a little R&R. This was the first time we left Quinn overnight, and only the second time we left Ella more than one night. The kids obviously did great in Grandma's care, and we came home more tired than when we left, but had a great time acting like college freshman. Grandma came a couple days before we left town and we had a lovely visit. Here are just a few pics from a trip to the Chinese Gardens.

And one of most of the Logger guys:

Family HIke

This Spring/Early Summer was especially coldy-rainy, making us wait until August for some solid sunny and hot stretches. Since swimming in 60 degree weather is not so appealing to the over-30 set of the family, we spent some time hiking in Forest Park. Greg the pack-mule carried Quinn, enabling us to hike up to 3+ miles at a time. Ella is such a trooper on the trail, only sometimes requiring a song or two to keep her mind off of being tired (or maybe bored).

A Visit from the Hutchins

We were lucky enough to have our good friends, the Hutchins, come out for a nice long visit the end of May. Despite the especially cold rainy spring this year, we had a fantastic sunny week exploring downtown, playing at Washington Park, hiking Multnomah Falls/touring the Gorge, and just hanging out at home while the kids played. The big kids had a blast playing together in the yard, riding the streetcar together, swimming in the kiddie pool. They are both "thinkers" so related pretty well. Quinn and their youngest played around eachother, and Quinn wanted to be just like A for weeks after they went home. Thanks for coming to visit, friends!

The kids (Quinn and M snapping their fingers like the grown ups trying to get A's attention) after completing the 3 mile hike. Quinn got to ride in the backpack.

Ella and M consulting her home drawn map.

Yay! Hutchins family at Latourel Falls.

Me and my girls. Greg was working alot this week and sadly missed out on most of our adventures. :(