this is what happens...

...when I leave my camera where the kids can get it for a few days.


they turn into supermodels.

and somewhere in there I took the time to find this amazing sunset with Malcolm.

kinecting with friends for fhe

We invited the Stuards over for family home evening tonight.  We were running a bit late, but as soon as we could shovel food into our faces, we started playing Kinect.  As you can see, we had a lot of fun!

CRMS Choir Concert Q2

With Laurel in choir all year, we get to attend 4 concerts this year.  The choir director seems to love her job, and the kids sound great.  Laurel's friend Kate was one of the soloists this time, and she sounded lovely.  and if dang-blogger would just accept my videos, you could see it!


You might ask why they're singing "Winter Wonderland" -- well, the kids were scheduled to sing at The Seattle Center just before Christmas, but on that day school was canceleld because of snow.  They decided not to let their practice go for naught, and sang it for us tonight.

They closed with Stand By Me (combined with the 6th graders) and didn't disappoint.  and you would know that if blogger would just let me upload a video already!!!

  

the sun was out and so my camera came out

My friend/co-worker Jackie asked me to go for a walk today.  The sun was shining and we needed some fresh air and exercise.  It's a good opportunity to talk about work things without having to schedule a conference room or whisper so as to not bother anyone.  Not to mention, THE SUN WAS SHINING!

My mind was all about "shades of gray" for my Project 52.  Jackie used her photo-eye to find some winners.  I have my favorite.

Of course, after taking pictures during the day, I couldn't pass up the ever-flowering bush between me and the parking lot.  The pictures of the flowers didn't turn out, but I liked this one of a bud...

And then when I took the car through the carwash, I had to take some more pictures.  I took a video, too.  And it was hilarious.  Except I double-clicked the record button, and it stopped after about 4 seconds.  d'oh!

candlelight breakfast

Last Sunday I spent the afternoon (and evening) moving the kids' bedrooms about.  Dana was still in a toddler bed, and every night she would ask for a "big girl bed."  Our friends had a double-bed that they were giving away, so I decided it was time.  It just took me a whole lot longer than I realized it would.

The girls especially have been thrilled with their rooms.  Aubrey and Dana love their new-to-them bunkbeds.

And I guess today they decided that it was the day to show their appreciation.  Which was perfect, since the kids were off from school and I was off work (thanks, Martin Luther King, Jr.), and Doug doesnt' work until later in the day.  They were upset when I came down and wouldn't go back to bed, but insisted that we sit at the table and eat by candlelight.  The girls knew what cereal I like to eat, and cut up bananas and added blueberries.  Perfect!

Adam comes to visit (Laura)

So Adam decided that the long weekend was the perfect opportunity to make his first visit to Washington.  I'd love to report that he was coming to see us.  But the fact is, he wouldn't have come up here if it weren't for the beautiful and fun Laura.  And lucky for us, she was willing to spend the afternoon/evening with us.

We met at Snoqualmie Falls.  The river was raging and (although I'll admit I haven't been there too many times) I've never seen the falls so full and powerful as today. 

It was sprinking -- but barely enough to use windshield wipers.  So you might be surprised to see how wet everyone is in this picture.  It wasn't the rain ~ it was the mist from the falls.

When we got back to the house the kids gave Adamo and Laura an extensive tour of the house.  I can only imagine the stories they were telling.

And we gave Adam the rest of his Christmas presents.

Then we had dinner.  And then we got down to the business of Kinect Adventures.  I'm glad I finally figured out how to download the pictures!

  

Before we knew it, the night was over, and Adam and Laura needed to head back to Redmond.  I didn't want them to go.  Not one bit.  But Adam promised that he's already planning his next trip up here.  And Laura offered to come babysit for us!  So I guess we won't really have to miss them for long.

Tahoma Legacy Dance Competition

Laurel's dance team performed in a big competition today.  It was a long day, but I had a lot more fun than I thought I would.  Dana and Aubrey (both complained on the way there) asked to stay when I said we could go after Laurel's performance.  I'm guessing Laurel will be floating on a cloud for a few days to come.  She had a blast!!

Laurel was especially fond of her make-up.  Even Dana commented on how different she looks while wearing it.  Hopefully, however, when she does start wearing more makeup, she doesn't go quite as dramatic.  ;)

Dana will CTR

Dana has been talking about her CTR ring all week.  Her new Primary teacher, Sister Nilssen, told the class that they would be receiving CTR rings this week, and it's kept her on pins & needles.

Can you tell that she's pretty proud of her ring?

Her Primary lessons this year will help teach her to CTR:  Choose the Right.

Misses and their Moms

Audrey and Becca were headed for a fun Mom & Miss afternoon, and they invited Aubrey and me to go with them.  As you might guess, we started with a photo-shoot. 

Then we hit Zoopas for a quick lunch (it's all about the self-serve ice cream).

And then, finally, we took to the mall.  Aubrey and I were on a mission for my Project 52; the theme was "illustrate a song."  We were convinced that the song be Billionaire (glee-style, of course), but after dozens of photos, it just didn't happen.

We ran into Justin Beiber and let him know what we thought of him.

And we had fun trying on hats.

Before we knew it, it was time to go home.  And that's when I discovered that I had, indeed, taken my Project 52 photo.  I give you "Sweet Child o' Mine."

Thanks for including us in such a fun afternoon, ladies!!  Let's do it again soon!!!

The Tahoma Jr. High Dance Team performed at the Freshman Girls' Basketball game today.  And I made it home in time to grab Dana and see Laurel dance!!  I also got to see Hannah Munk play basketball!  Fun afternoon.

If blogger would let me upload the video, you could click play to see Laurel dance...I'll try again later.