Throwback Thursday - Super Boy

I took this photo of our little Super Boy 7 years ago. 

He is now 5' 3" and rarely dons a cape, but he is still the same little boy in countless ways. 💓

Front Yard Soccer Practice

The kids are both signed up to play soccer this fall with their classmates. Both kids could hardly wait, so decided to have a little at-home practice session today... partially because Conor's new shin guards arrived in the mail today.

They practiced kicking, throwing, and juggling the ball and did a great job! While they worked on their soccer skills, I took the opportunity to brush up on my sports photography before their first soccer games in a few weeks.

Power kick

Bootin' the ball

Aiming for the fences
(Yes, I do know that I'm mixing my sports references)

Juggling the ball

Soccer girl

Juggling the ball... can't be outdone by Sister, you know!

Easter 2015 Recap: Baskets, Bikes, and Family

Whoever doesn't believe in miracles doesn't know what happened on Easter morning ... yes, the original Easter morning was pretty darned miraculous, but I was referring to the Easter of 2015. What was this year's miracle? BOTH of our children slept past 8 o'clock in the morning! Yes, folks, you heard it here first. Conor "I refuse to sleep past 6" Olson slept until after 8:00 AM. Will wonders ever cease?? Annika awoke shortly after Conor did and was content to return to bed until she was reminded that it was Easter and there were Easter baskets that required the kids' attention.

After excitedly discovering wonderful treasures in their Easter baskets, it was time for church. Due to the basket fun, we left a bit late, which wasn't ideal, but do-able considering we live so close to church. On the way, I mentioned that it might be harder than normal to find parking because more people tend to go to church on Easter and Christmas. At this point, my internal judgmental voice made a few snippy comments, when Conor piped up, "Maybe they just want to celebrate with us." I then felt in my place and realized who am I to judge how often people go to church. Lesson learned....

Easter basket fodder

Now that he's 5, Conor gets gum... even from the Easter Bunny

Annika decided Conor should practice doing head stands after brunch

 

 After church, we enjoyed some lovely Eggs Benedict for brunch and then some nice down time. Unfortunately, Eric was overwhelmed by the cold he had been fighting and laid down to take a nap for about an hour before we headed to my brother and sister-in-law's house. Unfortunately, his cough and congestion got the better of him, and when I tried to awaken him, I quickly realized him staying home and sleeping more was the better option. So, the kids and I packed up and headed to Sammamish sans Eric.

Our Easter celebration was quite nice... would have been nicer with a healthy Eric, but we can't control all things, can we? Our family friends, the Wilsons, were at Troy and Staci's house, which made the day even more special. Tony Wilson was the one who married Eric and me, so he definitely holds a dear spot in our hearts... and always will! It was a joy to catch up with Laurie Wilson and be embraced by her sweet words and gentle spirit. She is like a spa treatment for the soul... she is calming and serene.

Annika's favorite part of Easter (aside from the basket fodder) was the olives

Oh, and I made Easter cookies

Fun Easter with my big brother

One bonus bit of excitement for our Easter was Conor learned to ride a two-wheeler bike thanks to Annika and Ian! 

We had a lovely dinner as a big, extended family (really ... isn't that what holidays are really about?) and headed home in time to watch the sun set over the mountains. A lovely ending to a lovely day.

2015 Photo Challenge: Week 4

It's hard to believe, but it is already time to post the final photos for the March 2015 Mamas with Cameras photo challenge. After completing a lengthy 365 photo challenge, the one-month challenge seemed as fast as a blink of an eye!

The last part of this month sure had incredible weather, which helped me get quite a few outdoor shots. That said, yesterday was "wild and crazy weather day" with rain, thunder, lightening, and hail, so it was fitting to finish up the photo challenge with a shot of Annika jumping into a puddle in our back yard.

I hope you enjoy this final installment of my most recent photography challenge!

Tulip - Bird's eye view

Have a seat

Sun girl

Concentration

Red tulips with daffodils in the background

Vroom

Spinning bubble girl

Birthday bubble boy

Camillia

Splash!