May Wrap-up

Once again, as I look back through the pictures on my phone, I realize that I've taken quite a few random pictures of the girls doing normal things that are so cute! So here are a few from the past month!

We went for a run at Boulevard Park and then played by the water for a bit.

'Talking' on their phones

Say Cheese!

Playing together with their babies! 

Annaliese showing off her new book from Grandma Kelley

Annaliese said, "Take my picture and sent it to Dad." So we did:)

At the library...very focused on their puzzles.

The first night with their new bunk bed...this is where I found Haleigh when I went in to check on them!

A Memorial Day Picnic

Grandpa, Grandma, Kim and Thane went camping over Memorial Day at River Meadows Campground, just over an hour from home. We were able to drive down on Monday and join them for the afternoon. Kels and Ben also met us there so all the cousins were able to hang out and play together for a bit! We grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, played frisbee, celebrated Kim's birthday and soaked up the sunshine! 

Malachi, Haleigh, Elias and Mallory playing in the dirt

Auntie Kim braiding Annaliese's hair

Chips + Dirt...what a tasty snack!

Malachi was playing with toys and this tub of water...and then
 decided it would be more fun to climb into the tub!

Grandma trying to teach Elias and Annaliese how to play LeapFrog.

Grandma playing another game with the kiddos!

Searching for the frisbee amongst the blackberry bushes

Ben, Thane and Grandpa all watching Kyle search for the frisbee...they found it:)

Annaliese and Elias playing badminton

A Relaxing Mother's Day Weekend

When we were living in California, we started a tradition of going camping over Mother's Day weekend near Big Sur. We briefly thought of restarting that tradition this year but since the thought didn't occur until Friday and would have been just for one night, we decided it was probably not a good idea. After all, every time we go camping the first night is always a bit rough. So instead we decided to be purposeful with the time we had together this weekend!

We headed out to Deception Pass on Saturday and went for a hike and picnic lunch. It was pretty hilly and Annaliese did an amazing job hiking almost the entire thing! She really wanted to be able to play in the sand at the beach and we told her we could play after we were done hiking. Unfortunately, by the time we were done hiking, the tide had come in significantly and there were only rocks to play with. She was a good sport about it and was content to play in the rocks:)

A view of Deception Pass through the trees

Lunch Break

Carrying both girls! Kyle only carried Annaliese down some of the steeper parts. She walked the majority of it!

On the way home, we contemplated stopping for ice cream but both the girls fell asleep so we skipped ice cream in favor of the nap! Once we got home, we decided that we would all take quick showers and then head to Saturday night church.

Sunday was super lazy; they let me sleep in and then we just hung out around the house all morning. Kyle grilled steak and corn on the cob (or as Annaliese called it 'corn in the nob') for lunch and then the girls both took naps. After nap time, we headed to the FIG, which is the children's part of the Whatcom Museum. This was followed by ice cream at Mallard's Ice Cream downtown and then a quick stop to say hi to Grandpa and Grandma (which turned into staying for pizza for dinner!) 

Lazy morning=playing outside for the girls!

Haleigh's outfit cracked me up...she is definitely wearing a fleece over her pajamas with her tennis shoes on...and yes, she is pushing Annaliese's favorite cat in the swing!

Playing Jenga at the FIG 

There is a neat craft area...both the girls had fun coloring and gluing pictures!

Kyle is 33!!

Kyle turned 33 on April 28 and to celebrated we had a little party at our house. We invited friends and family over to enjoy hamburgers and hotdogs on our new BBQ (a Christmas present from Mom and Dad Gillette,) play cornhole, throw the frisbee and hang out together. Quite a few of the people were guys (and their families) from Kyle's small group at church that I hadn't met so it was nice to be able to put a face with the names he talks about! It was also neat just to look around and see how many friends we have made over the past year and a half since moving here!

Putting the new BBQ to the test...it passed! 

Uncle Ben, Uncle Thane and Auntie Kim with the boys:)

 

Auntie Kelsey and Mallory

Haleigh was a big fan of the cupcakes...especially the frosting!

 

Auntie Kim and Malachi

Trying to light the birthday candle!