Fountains and Friends

Sunday was a busy day. We spent most of the day working at the house getting the truck all cleaned up for our upcoming camping trip and doing some more work on our back slope (pictures on a different post). Then we had the great opportunity to meet up with my friend Alice from college (she was also a bridesmaid in my wedding). Alice was in Seattle to run the half marathon on Saturday as well with a bunch of her friends from Houston. Alice and a couple of her friends took the ferry across to Bremerton and we had dinner with them and then walked around the beautiful fountain parks there by the water. It was so nice to see Alice again after almost 7 years. Plus it was a beautiful evening and the girls loved the fountains and water of course.

Alice and I with the girls(not the best picture).
Much better we got the girls out of the picture.
This is the newest park next to the shipyard. It makes the shipyard look so much better and not such an eyesore.
"Did you see that mom?"

Claire loved meandering up all the stairs and stopping to check out the water.
Olivia actually posing for a cute picture for me.

Posing with the statue.

Weekend fun!

Saturday, Hans' sister Anna ran the 1/2 marathon in Seattle and had her birthday on Thursday so we headed over to spend the day with them and it was a great day.  It was so nice to relax in the park and enjoy the sun and company.  Olivia was not quite herself, taking two naps and having a bit of a fever.  But they played in the spray park and then took a nap and then we headed back to Kevin and Anna's house for dinner and to get Ellie and then headed back home.  It was a long day, but we had fun.

Hanging out at the park.
Hey Uncle Kevin!
Olivia having fun in the spray park.  I wish we had one of these in our town.  So fun.

Claire didn't get too wet, but had fun running around seeing everything.

Olivia showing Claire the ropes.


Riley didn't like the cold water so much.

Cousin Riley


Getting to visit while the kiddos sleep.
Ready to leave...so grouchy.
Playing at the house with Riley.

We had a long wait for the ferry.  We just missed it and then the one that came was late so I had fun playing with my camera while we waited.

Friday Hans had the day off so we did some work out in the backyard to get ready for our driveway to get poured this next week.  So what does the backyard have to do with the driveway you might ask.  Well our driveway is filled with drain rock that we are going to move to the backyard slope for decorative rock instead of having it for a horrible driveway.  During the week we planted plants on the slope and laid down the black fabric and on Friday Hans put in some stairs so we can get down the slope easier.  It is pretty steep and a pain to work on but it is looking really good although not complete yet.  Those pictures will be coming soon.
Hans planting more plants along the edge of the steps.
Tough work he ripped out those pants pretty good.
The stairs.
Hmm...I love the stairs dad.  
Claire playing in the fabric I was trying to cut for the rest of the plants.
The hill before the stairs.
The plants before the fabric.

On Thursday the girls wanted to go out but it was a little chilly and even though I dressed them in short outfits they headed out in their jackets.  They looked so cute in their silly outfits that I had to catch a few pictures.

Picnic Fellowship

Last night we had a get together with our small group at the park.  Olivia loves to picnic in the park (although most of the time she hardly eats because she is having so much fun).  We had yummy food, great fellowship, and the kids had a blast playing on the playground.  I captured a few pictures, but not surprisingly most of them were of Claire.  I loved her outfit last night and she was just so smiley and happy as usual.  How can you resist taking pictures of that sweet little face.  It was a great night and I am looking forward to our many get togethers planned this summer.

Claire eating her chips.
Still got a chip.  She did so great on the playground.  Going up and down the stairs herself and even down the slide all by herself.  I was so proud of her.
Jodie and Kelsey.  Kelsey for some reason really likes me so I got to hold her quite a bit.
Hannah liked caring Claire around.


Olivia and Jada playing.  They always have a blast together.