annual pictures

Beautiful light does not always equal beautifully behaved children but thank god for digital memory cards and experienced photographers.  Last year we had family pictures taken.  Loved them.  This year, around the same time (allie's birthday) I wanted to do them again.  I want Maddie and Allie to know me as something other than a narrator on their blog or as a giant head as I try and take a self-portrait...I want them to have pictures. With all of us. 

We arrived at Discovery Park around 8:00 PM.  We had about five minutes of fun times before a giant balloon was lost.  Did you know you can see Giant Balloons floating away for a VERY. LONG. TIME? I thought that we were doomed after that.  Maddie was beside herself.  I tried to bribe with veggie booty.  Both girls, especially Allie, seized that moment, said "screw you, I'm not smiling, I'm eating." And I thought I was doomed again. Note to self: dangle the booty, offer it up as a reward for smiling and pay up after the pictures are done.  Instead I had to pay with the booty, and then go the ice cream route.  All was well in the world...until both girls repeatedly (tired...no naps) tripped and fell.  Once again, doomed.  But alas, 1.5 hours later, we had 10 decent family pictures (out of 5000) and one very happy mama.

Seafair Weekend

 We spent our entire weekend out on the lake.  Naps were ignored, diets were ignored (we consumed enough Pirate's Booty to own a stake in the company) and everyone had a blast. 

Allie fell asleep on the boat both Saturday and Sunday.  Saturday she slept through the angels flying right over the top of the boat.  I don't know how I don't have a picture of it.  Let me tell you though: SHE.LOOKED.ADORABLE.

Okay, just kidding.  Have a picture of her napping on Saturday.

 Taking shots on Seafair Sunday

Thank you to Uncle Chris for driving the boat.

SUMMER

Finally, summer has arrived.  It'll be gone before we know it so we are enjoying every possible second.  Now that we're yacht owners (just KIDDING) we like to chillax out on the lake...and that we did today.

Allie, the little diva showing off her new shades and life jacket.

Maddie practicing with her goggles.  We've had two traumatic swim classes this last week.  I had to take her to our local pool to practice goggle usage.  Someone is a tad bit afraid of pool grates, and pool lights, and pool jets, etc... So, now we are GOOD.  Or at least I hope so.  Keep your fingers crossed for tomorrow's lesson.