Back to school playgroup

Today we had our playgroup over for a back-to-school party. This playgroup has been together since our oldest kids were about 6 months old when most of us were in the Evergreen Hospital Parent/Tot class. It's been really fun to have the kids grow up together and we've done some really great activities over the years. Now some of us are on round 2 (and even a few round 3's are on the way) and we're still getting together. It's also been a really nice sounding board to have the group when you have questions about parenthood.

Unfortunately Clint & Reid Fiala weren't able to make it today because they were sick and we're not sure where Colton was. But the rest of the kiddos played with toys, had lunch (complete with ABC jello jigglers!) and played outside on this nice fall, I mean summer, day.

As the big kids head off to school next week, we are going to finally start to focus on the little kids and continue playgroup for them. These little ones have been sort of pushed aside for a few years so it'll be fun to focus on them at playgroup for once :) We look forward to getting together with our playgroup friends whenever the school schedules align and know that we'll always have fun at the holidays and the 2 weeks in April/May when they all have birthdays.

It wouldn't be a party without goodie bags!

From the top - Ragen, Paige, Caley, Tay, Maggie, Henry & Kelsie

A summer tradition

Ever since I was a little girl, I can't remember a summer where we didn't go to the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe. Our family had a lake cabin just outside of Monroe so it was easy to go every year. Once Jeremy & I had kids, we started taking them and creating new memories. We even went the year Maggie was only 10 days old and my stitches were aching at the end of the day (TMI?).

Of course we had to start off by doing a few rides to quiet Ragen down and then we checked out the animals. Maggie's favorites were the cows and dogs. Ragen loved the pigs. Mags did not like the smell of the pigs at all! After dinner, we met up with the Stryers for more rides. The kids had a blast and we didn't leave until about 8:30. Just like at the Fun Forest, the only ride for Maggie was the car on the carousel ("no neighs, me caaaaa"). I'm still thinking Disneyland might be a bust for her?! We spent so much time on the rides that we didn't have time to walk through the sales tents - it's not the fair without watching the knife guys in honor of my dad! We did that EVERY year growing up.

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circa 1979 (Keri & Uncle Mark)

2005

2006

2008

Two sets of twins?

Thank goodness...no! On the 4th of July at the Tennis Club, I was walking with my kids plus Davis & Riley Stryer. Someone asked me if I had 2 sets of twins. I started laughing because I just couldn't imagine. Ever since Ragen & Davis were born, people have been asking if they are twins (they're 3.5 months apart) and people get them mixed up ALL the time. Every now and then we're asked if Maggie & Riley are twins too (they're 1 month apart). It's not like their mom Kelley and I look alike so we laugh at our kids' resemblance.

We went to Grasslawn Park today in Kirkland and the kids had a great time playing around on the new playground (well, it's new to us). There are water sprays at this park too but we opted out thanks to the clouds and chilly temps.

2nd time around

Luckily, the 2nd time around for Maggie's haircut went much better than the 1st. She was calm as could be today and even giggled when her hair was being dried. Mags saw the girl next to her getting sparkles in her hair so of course the diva (as we're calling her these days) wanted her own sparkles. Then Shannon at Dooz reminded me of the topsy tail which keeps little ones from ripping out thier pony tails. In case you're wondering, growing out the bangs is just as awkward at 2 as it is at 12 or 22 or 32.

Maggie's 1st haircut just 4 months ago

I tried to capture the sparkles in the hair but they don't show

Is it Friday yet?

This past weekend was so super busy that I'm feeling like I need a weekend already and this one isn't even over! Maybe it was the heat and humidity here this weekend but I am zapped and so are the kids.

The weekend started with a full day at the Tennis Club for lots of fun in the sun. We had lots of friends there to play with so the kids were in heaven. Both kids ended the day by jumping off the diving board so they were thrilled. Friday night we had the DeCuire family over for a casual BBQ which was really fun. We sat around laughing and telling old stories. Julie and I have been friends since we were 3!

Saturday we were up early for a birthday party for Ragen's playgroup friend Caley Newcomer. Her mom Julie threw an amazing party at Rainbow and the kids had a blast! The parents were a little concerned over the heat and the fact that the kids were running like crazy, climbing, and jumping on the trampolines. We had to leave that party early to go to a lunch that Jeremy's mom was having for some of Jeremy's high school friends/families. More outside time and by now, it was cookin'! We got home and were lucky to be invited over to the Tucker's for dinner - they have air conditioning!! Madison, Ragen & Maggie played in their blow-up pool/slide for about 2 straight hours. We huddled around the TV to watch Michael Phelps last race and then it was time to head home.

Today was cloudier but so muggy! Jeremy's company had their summer picnic at our friends' the McCarthy's house. Last summer they built a gorgeous outdoor living room (complete with plasma tv for Olympics watching) and a pool. They had a bouncy house and pickleball so today was another day without respite from the heat. The kids had a ball and it was fun to get together with the ever-expanding Brighton Jones group.

So, we conclude this very busy weekend by saying "sleep snug as a bug in a rug." I know I will!

Maggie is fearless in the lake these days - she walks out to the rope

Cool dude!

Annabelle & Mikayla DeCuire with Ragen & Maggie

The kids in the awesome costumes/favors that Julie made for Caley's party

Bouncing in a bikini - what could be better?!

Happy birthday sweet baby girl!

I remember exactly where I was at 5:53pm on August 11, 2006...today my baby girl turns 2! I know all moms say how they can't believe how fast time goes and I was even prepared since she's my second child but...wow! Time has flown by! Maggie is such a joy and has the sweetest personality (even though her internal clock clearly knows it's time for the "two's"). I remember the day we found out we were having a girl and it was only 11 weeks into the pregnancy so I was cautiously optimistic but super excited. There is something very special about a mama and her baby boy but having the girl was such an added bonus to the healthy baby. Since Ragen has been in school these past two years, it's just been me & her hanging out together. Mags has always been happy to run my errands or go to the gym or just stay home and play. She's been my easy-going constant little buddy for 2 years. Maggie - we love you all the way to heaven and back and wish you a very happy birthday!

8/11/06

2 years later...

Yesterday we had a ladybug birthday party for her at The Little Gym and then celebrated with my family before Uncle Mark left for LA. The kids were very sad to learn that Mark was leaving and we all look forward to meeting up with him in Palm Desert in September.

Blast from the past

It's probably been 20 years since I've been to this local landmark so we decided to take the kids there today...The Fun Forest! Mark and I were laughing at the memories like when we used to go there as a reward for being on patrol at school. That may have been the last time we were there. We went with my parents but unfortunately Jeremy had to work. Ragen literally ran from ride to ride dragging Uncle Mark with him. Maggie wasn't into the rides at all but she was OK on the carousel. I'm wondering how Disneyland in the spring is going to go?! We also let the kids run thru the International Fountain which was a hit as well.

Highly anticipated visitor

Ragen had been anticipating today for a long time...Uncle Mark arrived from LA. Ragen had the list of things he wanted to do all ready. First and foremost, he wanted to go straight to the candy store (I think because he remembers that when we surprised Mark in LA last year for his 30th birthday, they went to the candy store and Uncle Mark spoiled him like crazy). Tomorrow he plans on having Uncle Mark take him out to the raft at the Seattle Tennis Club to go down the slide. Um, I don't think so!!!

After Mark arrived today, Ragen quickly started recapping our trip to Whidbey last weekend. Mid-sentence, Ragen said "hold on, I'll be right back." He came back in wearing a new outfit - one that matched Uncle Mark's exactly - camo shorts & a navy t-shirt. It was so cute!

Tonight we had a casual family dinner at Zeek's in Kirkland. It's such a great spot for kids because they can sit there watching the pizzas being made while playing with their own personal pizza dough. After dinner we walked down to the waterfront where one of the Kirkland concerts happened to be going on. It was a gorgeous evening and fun to be in the action. Ragen managed to get himself wet up to his tush so of course Maggie had to follow suit. My mom, the ultimate Mama Bear, is thrilled to have her kids and family together. We all had a great time!

"Relaxing" weekend at Whidbey

Is it possible to go out of town for a little getaway and have it be entirely relaxing and chaotic at the same time? That's how our weekend at Whidbey Island was these past few days. Alex & Courtney Tucker had a few families/couples to their family "cabin" and we had the best time. There was no TV so we found lots of other ways to keep ourselves busy (well, there were DVD's for those moments we needed the kids out of our hair). It felt like a true vacation and was very relaxing & calming yet at the same time 5 kids under the age of 6 will bring a certain amount of chaos to the vaca.

The weekend was full of beach time, drinks, crabbing, fishing, drinks, digging in the sand, swinging, food, poker, many more drinks, and lots of laughter. It seemed like the time flew by but yet we fit in as much activity as possible. The kids loved going out to the tide flats and digging for sand shrimp (to be used as bait for fishing). We were all sinking in the sand up to our knees. The fishing was probably the highlight of Ragen's trip because he's been waiting patiently to use his new Superman fishing pole for 2 weeks. He was the only one to catch a "fish" but I think they all enjoyed trying. The funny thing is when my dad asked him how big his fish was, Ragen smiled big and held his hands out at least 18" apart (like a true fisherman!) and I was right behind him smiling just as big with my hands out about 4". Madison & Ragen had a sleepover in our room both nights but poor Mads got banished to a seperate bed instead of sleeping in the same bed as Ragen. What's wrong with him?! Maggie was in heaven keeping up with the big kids and getting as dirty as possible. She became a big fan of dogs thanks to Tucker's dog Diesel and Mike Berg & Elizabeth's dog Callie. The kids played hard all day, went to bed late and best of all - slept in! Ragen actually slept til 8:30 Saturday and was the last kid up!

Once the kiddos were in bed, there was plenty of adult fun too. We played poker til the wee hours and the veteran players were kind enough to remain patient with us newbies. I love the game though! We laughed alot, played alot and spent a memorable weekend with great friends. Thank you so much to the Tucker's for having us and we look forward to next year!

Getting ready to collect the crab pots

Jeremy, Gabe & Alex brave the open water with the 5 kids

Alex decided it'd be a good idea to push the raft out so it was floating but didn't realize they couldn't get back so he had to jump in fully clothed.

Ragen's 1st fish! A proud moment!

Tide flats - sinking fast

Mags is up to her thighs and totally unphased by it.

A rare Kiefer family photo
Rub a dub dub, 3 cuties in a tub!
Dinner table (from right) - Gabe & Anna Bosch, Courtney, Kalees & Tom, Jeremy, Alex, Elizabeth & Mike, Matt & Jessie
A little cheat-sheet never hurt anyone, right?

A quick picture just before leaving