New Addition

We recently expanded our family with the addition of Maggie, a black lab.  Our neighbors had puppies and we just couldn't resist them.  Plus, ealier this summer we almost lost Gage and it was very hard for Clare so we thought it would be good to have another puppy.  Gage is almost 10 and we aren't sure how much longer he will be around.  We forgot how much work puppies were.

Clare's First Day of Preschool

Clare started pre-school this year at Agapeland.  She was so excited to finally get to go.  When we registered her back in February she was ready for us to leave her at the class.  I was able to take her on the first day.  We read a book together for the first few minutes and then the teacher had Clare find her name in the circle.  She found her name and sat there so patiently, waiting for her next instructions.  I couldn't believe how brave she was and I was a little emotional walking out leaving her.

 She was all ready to go with her special Fancy Nancy backpack from Great Grandma Moo.

 She turning into a little girl before our very eyes.  It seems like just yesterday she was born.

 Daddy so proud of his little one.

We decided to treat her to Red Robin.  She was a little sad when I picked her up from Pre-School.  I asked her what was wrong, "A little girl told me mommies weren't coming back."  I reassured her that she wouldn't be left at Pre-School and we haven't had any tears since.

Ellensburg Rodeo Parade

This year the Ellensburg Rodeo Parade was really special for the girls.  They were so excited to see their Grandma Nani riding in the parade.  She was a rodeo princess in 1976 and the royalty was inducted into the Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame.

The girls waiting so patiently for Grandma.

Leah couldn't wait to see Grandma.  She was crying so hard when she couldn't go with Grandma during the parade.

Fashion Show

The girls were really excited to get new outfits from Grandma Nani for the rodeo.  They insisted on putting everything on one evening.  They were so proud of their new clothes.

 Clare showing off her belt buckle.

 She was so excited to take a picture for Grandma Nani.

 Leah's outfit was a little big but she still wanted to wear it.

Sisterly lover.  Often times Clare wants to give Leah hugs but Leah runs from her saying "No, No sissy. No kiss.""

Yummy Corn

Leah loves corn on the cob, she always says "Yummy Corn."

She prefers eating it directly off the cob.

Mini Summer Vacation

We went on a mini vacation this summer to Long Beach, WA.  This was our 3rd time going to the beach this year.  We went with the Oord family and stayed in this great little house about 3 blocks from the Ocean.  We had a great time just hanging out, going to the beach daily, walking downtown, riding Go-Carts, riding the Merry Go Round, and eating ice cream.

The girls enjoyed playing in the sand.

Leah is our little tomboy who loves getting dirty.

She was happy just running around with no shoes on and playing in the water.

Of course, Clare wanted her picture taken since Leah had her picture taken.

Clare enjoyed going on walks every day and especially likes it when she can ride on her Dad's back while eating her donut.

Clare went on the first ride without Leah, which made Leah very upset.  This kid is fearless and will do anything.

One of the rare family portraits.

Clare thought it was funny they were sitting in a frying pan.

Congratulations Uncle Clancey and Aunt Megan

Clancy, Mitch's middle brother, married Megan in July.  The wedding was really fun.  All of us except Leah were in the wedding.  It was a very long day but our girls did extremely well.  Clare pulled off her duties as the flower girl better than any of us could ask.  In fact, she was so meticulous that she literally bent over to set down every single rose petal.  She was going so slow that some people thought that she wasn't walking but she was just making sure each petal was just right.

 What does a 3 year old do while waiting for the wedding to start? She looks out the window down at all the guests arriving.

 Leah wasn't in the wedding but of course Grandma Bon Bon still had to buy her a pretty dress.

 Leah enjoying some Daddy and Grandma time.

 Three Handsome Men: Lee, Clancey, and Mitch

 Clancey all ready for the walk down the aisle.

 This flower girl job is tough.  I need a rest.

 Clare with her Uncle Clancey and Aunt Megan

 Clare enjoying visiting with her Great Uncle Ed and Great Grandpa Moo.

 Of course, you have to have cake.

 Leah and I dancing, she was getting pretty worn out.

 It was way past her bed time but she wasn't about to miss out.

Clare danced practically every song until the very end.