Wahclella Falls hike

We went with a group of my friends to hike Wahclella Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. It's an easy 2-mile out and back hike, with a beautiful waterfall at the end.  Dad was in his element, with so many children to lead and teach and play with - he is such a Pied Piper at events like these, especially in forests. All the children loved him - one little girl called him the "that funny man" and stayed with him all day. :)

rock climbing

Adrienne and I have continued to make it to the rock climbing gym every week. Dad came along one night to take some photos and check it out. (I warned A that the paparazzi were along....)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liesl at dance

Mom and Dad Avery have been visiting for the last ten days - leaving today, boo-hoo! - and have been a godsend in these first few weeks of work, school, preschool, and activities. We've had some lovely adventures and have taken the usual array of wonderful photos.... many blog posts to come!

First up: Liesl at ballet and creative dance classes.
I should note that Grandpa and Popo then decided to treat Liesl to an early birthday present: ballet slippers and a tutu!!! She was so thrilled. She couldn't wait until dance class the following week. :)

 

just us again

I had to work on Tuesday, but Wednesday I was home with my girl, enjoying the gorgeous weather and her sweet company. We did some errands, cuddled and read books at one of our favorite cafes, played monsters and princesses at Laurelhurst playground, and she took a beginner ballet class. It was kind of nice to be just the two of us again.

releve

first position

demi-plie

tiptoe on your toes

Some cute things Liesl has recently said, to remember:

On Labor Day: "We eat challah, because today's a holiday."

Upon seeing the pink-tinged sky at sunrise on Monday: "We're the luckiest family in the whole world."

"I love you. I'm never going to give you away. I'm going to live with you forever, even when I'm an old lady, like a grandma."

Me: "why are you crying?" L: "I was looking for you." me: "I was just upstairs - did you need something?" L: "I just wanted to give you a hug."

first day of 1st grade!

The first day of first grade! Our boy chose to wear his new favorite outfit: the Barcelona soccer club jersey. He'd wear it every day if we'd let him, and it didn't get so dirty. :)

He was only briefly nervous, but then was fine once we arrived at school and in his classroom.  He came home reporting that first grade looked to be much harder than kindergarten. But he played soccer at lunch recess with all of his friends, and was excited to return on Wednesday.

We had this conversation on Monday night during our bedtime routine:

Seb: "Mommy, will there be any, like, real work at school tomorrow?"
me: "No, probably just meeting the teachers, getting to know the classroom and routines, things like that. Of course, maybe Mrs. Fink will ask you all to sit quietly and read for awhile, but that's fine!"
Seb, laughing: "Of course! That's not work, that's just fun! And do you think there will be any books by Beverly Cleary? Because she's my favorite."
me: "Probably! you can always just ask Mrs. Fink!"
Seb: "Okay! I can do that!"

I think he's going to be fine.