Climbing the Apple Tree

Here are some more pictures from this summer that I hadn't posted yet.

Hector built a ladder so that the kids could climb up the apple tree in our yard. 

All of the kids love it, but I think that Alice loves it most of all.

Alice's New Bike

Here are some pictures for a while ago that I hadn't posted yet.  A couple months ago Alice's much loved balance bike met an unfortunate demise when someone left it in the driveway. 

It took her a little bit to get the hang of peddling and braking, but Hector was there to help her.

Halloween 2015

We had a very soggy Halloween this year, our first since moving to the Pacific Northwest (surprisingly enough).  The kids convinced Hector to take them trick-or-treating anyways (Mom was under the weather and stayed home to hand out candy).  Even though they only hit up a few houses, everyone was trying to unload their candy and they still came home with overflowing buckets.

Alice wanted to be a "Super Hero Princess".  She loved how her costume came out, even if she had to wear her rain boots instead of her sparkly shoes.     

Louis decided to be a wizard again (but not Harry Potter, he insisted).  I fully supported Louis' decision to re-use his costume from last year.

 Action shot.

Pouring rain aside, the kids had a fun Halloween.

Happy Birthday to Brooke

A couple weeks ago our niece, Brooke, turned 13.  She had a big sleep over with her friends, and then Angie invited us all over the next day for cake and presents. 

By special request of the birthday girl, I made a six-layer rainbow cake.

Check it out, because I don't know if I will ever make another one.

Brooke got an anime poster from her mom.

Happy Birthday, Brooke!

Louis' 9th Birthday

For his birthday this year, Louis wanted a family trip to the bowling alley.  We all had a really good time, even if our bowling skills were a little rusty.

Louis helped Alice put her ball on the ramp.

The bowling alley gave us two (!) giant deserts because it was Louis' birthday. 

 After bowling, we came home for cake, ice cream, and presents.

Louis' new fully-automatic Nerf gun.

First Day of School 2015

Louis started third grade this year.  I can't believe how big he is now.  He was super excited for school to start again.

Alice was so jealous, but she has to wait until next year.

Bike Ride at Frenchman's Bar

This past weekend we loaded up the bikes on the back of the van and drove down to Frenchman's Bar along the Columbia River.  There is a great bike trail that we were super excited to try out.

We stopped for a rest at Hector and Louis' favorite fishing spot.

After the ride, we had a picnic on the beach and the kids played in the sand and water.