I Must Be Feeling Extra Generous Today

I think Double Stuf Oreos are one of my favorite store-bought desserts. I'm not a huge cookie or candy fan, but I love me some Oreos with milk on occasion. I used our afternoon snack today as an opportunity to teach my kids the "correct" way to eat an Oreo cookie. (Plus, I was trying to win their undying love and devotion by giving them cookies for snack time.)

Sydney was a little wary about dipping her cookie in milk at first. She's not a huge milk fan. But, after trying a bite of mine (a free bite!), she was sold. Our treat/snack ended up being educational since since we counted the seconds we held the cookies in the milk before taking a bite. (I'm I stretching here?) :)

Mmmmm...Oreos.

Mmmmm...chocolately double stuffed goodness.

Father's Day 2011

Since we were vacationing with my parents, I got to spend Father's Day with my own dad and the father of my children. :) I just missed my father-in-law.

The kids were dying to have their Dad and Grandpa open presents, so we did that pretty much first thing, even before Brian got to eat his traditional Father's Day/Birthday breakfast. Brian got matroyshka measuring cups, pretzel M&Ms, Canadian Mini Eggs, and a very appropriate mountain biking shirt (see below).

When I saw this shirt in the shop, I knew it was perfect for Brian. It says: "Confidence is the feeling you have before you fully understand the situation."

I LOVE this picture of the kids with their dad.

While the rest of us packed our cars and cleaned up, the kids kept themselves entertained with Grandpa's iPad.

We got in our cars and drove about an hour toward home and then stopped at Shannon Falls.

Me and my dad on Father's Day!

Brian always likes to take the extra challenge. Wet rocks and the threat of slipping into ice cold water did not deter him from climbing to an up-close-and-personal view of the falls.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for inviting us on a fun and relaxing vacation!

Whistler, Canada

My parents invited our family to go to Whistler, Canada with them for the weekend. We had a great balance of activities and relaxing which amounted to a fun weekend.

On Friday, Brian went mountain biking while the kids and I went to the shops with Grandma. Here we are with the Olympic symbol.

Wes wasn't that excited about taking his picture with Mountie moose, but he obliged (unlike Sydney).

Sydney's really into "riding" statues and asked if she could ride this cow.

The condo we stayed in had Rock Band, which was a lot of fun to play and watch.

In the afternoon on Friday, my parents watched the kids while Brian and I did the Peak2Peak gondola ride. We took two different chair lifts up to get to the top of Whistler Mountain. There was still a ton of snow at the top.

Brian testing out the bobsled at the store on top of the mountain.

We then took the ride across on the gondola to the top of Blackcomb Mountain. At 1.88 miles across, the ride is the longest free span between ropeway towers in the world (total length of ride is 2.73 miles, or 11 minutes).

Passing another cabin as we cross over the valley.

Photo op at the top of Blackcomb Mountain.

Sydney had a great time playing DoodleFit on Grandpa's iPad. While she can finish some by herself, she actually likes to watch someone else figure out 95% of the puzzle, put the last two pieces in herself, and then say, "I did it!"

Wes is playing with the cool building toys Grandma brought while sporting the Canada shirt she bought him. She came well-prepared to keep the kids entertained. Wes loved building things with those pokey blocks (I don't even know what they're called).

On Saturday, we took the kids swimming in the morning and then we went out to fly the kite when the sun came out in the afternoon.

The kids had to run down the street to keep the kite in the air, but they loved it!

They got some good exercise running back and forth.

Sydney was standing next to Grandpa Swensen and it was super cute, but when I pulled out the camera, she moved. Grandpa started giving her kisses and tickles as her "punishment". Still a cute picture!

Last Day of Preschool 2011

On June 15th, Wes had his last day of preschool for the school year. He's been going to Northgate Community Center since May. For "graduation" the kids got crowns, a certificate and did a little program. We then had a potluck lunch.

Wes sat patiently while he waited to sing some songs with the class.

One of their songs.

Wes checking out his certificate.

Showing off his "diploma" with his supportive sister.

Wes with his teacher, Kris.

Mom Swensen's Birthday

After church on June 12th, we drove down to Puyallup to celebrate my mom's 58th birthday. Can you even believe my mom is 58? She doesn't look it at all!

Wes and Sydney with Grandma Swensen.

Grandpa lighting the candles on the cupcakes.

The kids are singing "Happy Birthday".

Birthday kisses!

Mmmmm...cupcakes!

Good times were had by all. :)

Craig and Sara Visit Seattle

Brian's brother, Craig, and his wife, Sara, came to visit us in Seattle. They actually came for a house and job hunting trip since they're moving to the area in July!

Sydney enjoyed her cuddle time with Aunt Sara.

Wes loved watching Uncle Craig play Mario Brothers on the Wii.

We did a bit of sight-seeing.

We also went to the Science Center.

While Sara and I were relaxing at a picnic table, we had an unexpected visitor!

Craig took a ride on the gravity bike.

Brian was "showing off" by riding with no hands.

One day for snack, I gave the kids some bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Somehow Sydney got chocolate all over her eyes. I thought it actually made her look kind of psycho.