Valentine's Performing Pigs

Today was the start of Wonder Stage, a seven week free event of various summer performances held every Wednesday at noon. I've wanted to check this out in the past, but never got around to it. So I made it a goal to take the boys this summer. I packed a picnic lunch and off we went. Todays performance was Valentine's Performing Pigs (http://www.valentinesperformingpigs.com). It was very entertaining, even for adults. The pigs were so cute, especially the baby one they brought out at the end. There were a total of five pigs brought out and performed various tricks. At the end of the show the audience was able to pet the baby pig. Everyone crowded towards the stage, so I hung back and let Clifford and Kristjan wait their turn to pet it. We were all in agreement, though, that we want a baby pig for a pet. Maybe one day when we have a house....

Afterwards I let the kids go play on the playground. It was extremely busy with kids running every which way, as summer camps also meet at this park. We didn't stay too long after the performance since the weather was windy and cold. So we came home and watched Tremors (the boys' favorite movie right now) while they played legos and colored on the floor.

Clifford and Kristjan enjoying their front row seats!
The pigs performing tricks









You can't see them, but the boys are in the very front petting the baby pig
Boys playing around before heading home

Summer Movie Express

Today was the start of the Regal Summer Movie Express 2011. Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am there is a family-friendly movie you can take your kids to see. The movies are always older ones that we've already watched a gazillion times, but seeing it in the theater makes for a different experience. I've taken the boys to this for the last two years. In the previous years, this event has always been free, where all you had to purchase was your snacks. This year, however, they've changed it up and are now charging $1 for each adult/child, which I don't mind. I'll just pick and choose which movies we'll go see instead of going to every one (honestly, there are some movies I can't bare to sit through, like Tale of Desperaux, whether for free or a $1!). It's a great way to kill some time during the week.

Here's a pic of the boys holding up their movie passports right before the doors open. If they each get eight stamps, then on the last week they can see a movie for free.

What's that in the sky????

Is it a bird?? Is it a plane?? It's....It's....sunshine!!!! Amazing, I know! We woke up this morning to see the sky clear and the sun shining brightly, with temperatures to be in the 70's. We decided there was no better way to enjoy the day than to head to the beach. Right after breakfast we got everything ready to go. We made a quick stop to pick up Clifford's friend Xavier so he could join us. We arrived at the beach just slightly before 11am and we didn't leave until almost 2pm! We walked the beach, looked for sea shells, and played in the water and sand. The coolest part of this trip was finding tons of jellyfish swimming around. We gently scooped them up out of the water so we could feel them and look at them more closely before putting them back in. In the water, they look so thin and transparant, but when you pick them up, they're solid and jelly-like. Definitely the highlight of this beach trip.











We came home and decided we needed to cool off from our beach trip by going for a swim in the pool. The water felt so good on our red skin, with me being the reddest. I think we stayed at the pool for an hour, maybe two, before we realized how hungry we all were. Pete whipped up some delicious hamburgers, and we had a picnic dinner out in the living room while we watched a family movie. Sadly, the evening came to an abrupt end with Clifford throwing up his dinner shortly after he finished eating it (we could tell he spent too much time out in the sun). Kristjan and I drove Xavier home. When we got back, Clifford was already in his pajamas, falling asleep on the couch. We put him to bed a little before 6:30! He was one tired boy. Kristjan is soaking in a bath right now, and I'm sure he'll go to bed here soon as well. This was definitely a much needed, relaxing, fun day. I just hope the sun decides to stick around for a few a while :)

Bellevue Strawberry Festival

We drove down to Bellevue this morning to attend the strawberry festival. So we wouldn't have to pay for parking, we parked at a middle school and rode the free shuttle that was offered. The boys were excited for this because the 'shuttle' was a school bus. Kristjan especially loved it, as it was the first time he'd ever riden on a bus. The shuttle dropped us off right as the festival opened. We walked around and looked at the booths that were set up. The boys entered themselves in many contests. We stopped to watch a magician perform some tricks. There was one trick where the gentleman showed off his furry pet 'worm' (just a piece of furry material with googly eyes), which performed it's own 'tricks' (the magician made it move). For $5 you could buy your own pet 'worm' and get a book along with it to show how to do the tricks. Kristjan was really fascinated by this and really wanted one for himself. After walking around we were starting to get hungry, so our lunch consisted of sharing some strawberry shortcake and strawberry limonade. The boys were getting antsy to go play around, so after we ate we bought some tickets. They each played a few games, which they received yellow tickets for participating to cash in for prizes. There wasn't really any 'rides' at the festival, and any ride they did have took three or more tickets, which we only bought the boys six tickets each. So Kristjan went on a huge slide while Clifford rock climbed up a rock wall. Clifford did awesome, making it all the way to the top and ringing the bell. When the boys ran out of tickets we let them run around on the playground before getting back on the shuttle to head home.

I'm glad we went and we did have fun, but we probably won't go to it again. Next year I think we'll try the strawberry festival up in Marysville. This one was way overpriced and not enough to do, as it really only took twenty minutes to do everything! The best thing about going to this festival was finding a new park to take the boys to. There's a water play area on one section of the park, which the boys would love to play at on a hot day (IF we ever get one of those soon).

Last Day of School

Today was Clifford's last day of school! He's officially a first grader!! Pete and I can't believe how quick this school year went. Report cards were also sent home today. In comparison to his 'winter' report card, this 'spring' report card saw many improvements in Clifford's learning. He either stayed at the same number, or went up one or two numbers! (instead of grading A,B,C they are graded 1-4). It was also clearly stated that Clifford would go on to the first grade! We're so proud of Clifford! Next year will truly be a different experience for him. For the last three years, his school days were short and easy. His first year of preschool, he attended two days a week, and for the second year, three days a week, with both those years the classes were only a few hours long. Then he started Kindergarten, which the school district had just changed their schedule from everyday half day, to two full days each week with occasional Fridays. Next year, however, Clifford will be in school everyday, all day! I really think that's going to be a little bit of a shock to him. He adapts well, though, so hopefully he won't have any problems.

With today being Clifford's last day of school, we can officially start our summer vacation now that both boys are out of school. The weather here hasn't been too nice, but I'm not going to let it stop us from having fun. I have our calendar already filled up with activities we can go and do within our community. One awesome thing about living on the westside is there are a lot of free things to do, whether it's a performance in the park, or a museum offering their designated 'free night' each month. I'm so excited to get the kids out of the house and do something fun. I already have our first week planned with fun activities. We're kicking off summer by attending the Bellevue Strawberry Festival this weekend. Next week the summer family movie express and performances in the local park begin, so we'll also be taking full advantage of those. So get ready to read up on all our summer adventures, as I'll be updating our blog constantly! :)

Last time for Clifford to line up on the kindergarten line!
Clifford with his best bud Xavier
Clifford hugging Mrs. Castelle at the end of the day. She also hikes, and I heard her tell him "Have a nice summer. Maybe I'll see you out on the trails."
Bella made him a necklace