Eric and I love to bring out our playful side and re-live our childhood!  We love to take advantage of Educator Day at the zoo - what a great deal!  I hope they continue this program, since I was shocked at how pricey admission tickets had become.  The zoo was filled with families and their children on this sunny Saturday, children and adults oohh-ing and aahh-ing at the wild animals just feet away.  What will you discover about yourself when you let your inner child out to play?

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
― Gustave Flaubert

Sometimes you just need to get out of your regular life, your regular routine and do something new.  One weekend, we went to Bainbridge Island to explore and play.  We shopped, walked around, enjoyed the Farmer's Market, ate lunch overlooking the water, and found a cozy little ice cream shop.  It's refreshing to be in a different space, breathe different air, and meet new people.  It helps keep a marriage fresh and new as you explore a new place together.  And of course, we brought the puppy. :)

Birthday's are such special occasions - especially for children!  Every birthday represents momentous gains in their lives, filled with learning, growth, and happy memories.  Kaia is a fun-loving, happy, and determined to get whatever she puts her mind to!  Just look at those cupcakes - who wouldn't want more than one?  It's also evident that Kaia loves her family, especially her parents and grandparents.

How does the saying go?  A picture is worth a thousand words?  Let's see if I can come up with a thousand words for these photos: beautiful family, happiness, scenic, surprise, new baby, four, togetherness, big brother, growing...

Not quite a thousand, but you get the idea!  I took some family photos of Yong, Quentin and Joshua at the Olympic Sculpture Park on a cloudy but dry day in March.  Joshua had a blast running around in the grass, gravel, and up and down the steps!  We managed to get some good photos of him in between.  Although Baby #2 has yet to be seen, he or she was very cooperative for the first photo shoot!

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who have fallen for our country.  As I read articles and watch stories on the news, I am eternally grateful to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that I can live a life without fear, violence, or persecution. 
I was reflecting on this as Eric, Penny and I went for a hike on Squak Mountain in Issaquah.  Being in nature with the ones I love brings a certain peace and stillness to me.  Without distractions, I am free to focus on the little things like the beautiful scenery and a lonesome snail. 

I hope that everyone can find stillness...today and every day (even if it's just for 5 minutes).

“I think she is growing up, and so begins to dream dreams, and have hopes and fears and fidgets, without knowing why or being able to explain them.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
It's hard to believe it's been a whole year that I've known Kaia and seen her grow!  She is no longer a little baby, but a running, talking toddler!  Kaia enjoyed being chased by her dad, the bubbles her mom was blowing, and hugs from her grandma!   

On a cloudy, summer morning, I met Chase, his parents, and his buddy Eddie at Lake Meridian Park.  Chase was about to start his senior year of high school - what an exciting time!  Chase loves to swim, be a lifeguard, and hang out with his friends - what every 18 year old loves to do!  As a senior, he has a big year ahead of him - choosing a college that's right for him.  Based on what I observed in Chase in a short period of time - he's going to make a great decision and has a very bright future!  Have a great senior year, Chase!

On May 5th, baby Kaia turned one!  She celebrated with her parents, Kyle and Bethany, and both their families!  It was a gorgeous, warm, almost summer day.  Kaia was still learning to stand and walk with assistance.  She loved her pretty party dress and head-band, she even made up a new game chasing it!  Kaia tasted some birthday cake, although she wasn't sure she liked getting dirty.  Kaia was as sweet as ever, dancing and clapping to her mom's singing, making faces, and smiling with her gorgeous baby blues!  Happy Birthday Kaia!

My, my, how quickly time flies!  It seems like not that long ago that Joshua's mother was pregnant with this little tyke and now he's a standing, communicating 9-month old baby!  On this cold day, before the rain started, Joshua, his parents and I met at Lake Meridian Park.  Since the ground was wet, he wasn't too keen on being by himself on a blanket!  He did enjoy being held by his mom and dad, seeing the birds, and the lake! 

Baby Kaia is growing up so fast!  At 9 months old, Kaia is crawling, playing with her toys, and loving time with her mom and dad!  Although she was a little skeptical at first about having her photos taken, after a few songs and books by mom, Kaia was a smiling, happy baby, full of energy!  Here are a few quick glimpses of her milestone.