Memorial Weekend

Pete and Daniel, with all four boys, went out on their second annual "guys only" backpacking trip. They went back up to Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. Pete had a much better camping experience this time around with our boys compared to last time, with the exception of Dominick and Clifford picking on each other. One of the nights Clifford slept with Pete in the hammock. Another night, Kristjan got up to go to the bathroom without anyone knowing. I guess he got out of the tent and walked a ways to go pee, then got back into the tent all by himself. On one hand it's nice knowing he wasn't afraid to do this, but on the other hand it was scary to think about in the event if something happened to him. Pete made sure Kristjan understood to not do that again without Pete. The boys found some really cool rocks, and hiked them back down the trail with them. I didn't get too many more details about the trip except that they all had fun.

As for me, I enjoyed a quiet, but busy, weekend. I cleaned up the house so I could carpet clean every room. I was able to fit in some 'fun' as well. I scrapbooked, took a bubble bath, watched some movies as well as started a new tv series, and read in my current book from the library. It really felt like a vacation for me!

Clifford starts to read

This evening Clifford read three pages from his book to me! How exciting! This is the first time I've ever heard him read. He of course stumbled through a few words, but most he knew already or worked on sounding them out. I thought it was interesting though, that he wanted to read to me and not his dad. I asked Clifford to go read the second page with his dad so Pete could hear him read. I guess he didn't like Pete's style of 'helping' because after only two words into the page Clifford asked to go back to reading to me :)

Graduation Day!!

Kristjan is now a preschool graduate!!!



The graduation ceremony was so sweet. I made sure Pete and I showed up early so I could get front row seats (last year at Clifford's I was in the very back). The kids sang their favorite songs. Pete and I were cracking up laughing because the class would be singing, then you could hear Kristjan signing loudly, just a few beats behind everyone else. They also sang 'The Hokey Pokey', which each child grabbed one of their parents to join them up front. Pete was in charge of photography, so I went up with him. After all the songs were sung, the diplomas were handed out. When Kristjan's name was called, I clapped as loud as I could and shouted "whoo-hoo!" Kristjan posed with his teacher for a picture, then sat back down. He looked so grown up with his graduation cap on w/ the little white tassel!! Gifts and flowers were then passed out to all the teachers from us parents to show our appreciation for all their hard work and love they showed the children. As happy as I am that my boys are done with preschool, it is bitter-sweet. No more "Nielsens" will be going their anymore. And the school itself is wonderful, as are the teachers.

After the ceremony, we headed to the park for the class picnic. For each end-of-the-year picnic, I let each boy pick out what they would like for their lunch. This year, Kristjan picked a turkey sandwich, bbq chips, fresh strawberries (with powder sugar) and pineapple, and homemade cookies. We ate and Kristjan ran around playing with this friends. The teachers put together a little bucket full of little gifts for the kids. Kristjan picked his up, gave his teachers one last hug, and then we headed home to pick Clifford up from school.

Singing and Dancing!





Kristjan and Chloe!

Time to get his diploma!!




Enjoying our picnic!
Kristjan and Morgan (one of his best buds)
Kristjan and Mrs. O'Connell. Such a lovely teacher!
NOW the very last set of projects. Kristjan had a few more at school that were being used as decorations for the graduation

Middle Fork Snoqualmie River

Here are the latest pics of Pete's hiking trip from last Saturday. With the exception of next weekend, this will probably be Pete and Daniel's last overnight trip until the 'big hike'. With Daniel starting his new job, with the possibility of working on Saturdays, they'll have to stick to day hikes.

These are Pete's new fivefinger hiking shoes. I'm so jealous!!! I tried a pair on and they feel awesome!! And look cool too! I'm hoping to get a pair for myself soon.


Can you see the hanging hammock and tarp?

Pete's attempt at a group picture

Last Set of Preschool Projects

Here is Kristjan's last set of preschool projects! I found a set of pics from around Easter time that I forgot to load up on the previous 'project' post, so the alphabet picks are a bit out of order. Today was Kristjan's very last day of preschool. Tomorrow he will have his graduation ceremony and class picnic.