Visit from Uncle Josh

My brother Josh came over to visit one evening. He happened to be in Portland visiting his brother and was able to take a train ride up to us. This was the first time Pete and the boys met him. Josh and I met last year when we went back East to visit our Dad and sisters. I really like Josh. I feel very comfortable around him. He was only able to stay for one night, but it was a good visit. The boys took to him as well. In fact, Uncle Josh SPOILED the boys on this visit and left a great memory for them. The boys were giving us issues with eating their dinner and Josh told them if they ate all their food, he'd give them a special surprise. Pete and I thought it would be a piece of candy or something simple like that. Oh no. He went above and beyond. After dinner, he sat the boys down and talked to them about how every good scout needs one of these....and then boys unwrapped their very own pocket knife!! I wish I was able to capture their initial excitement in their face, but sadly my camera was too slow. They were ecstatic! And we were happy for them. Every time the boys use their knives, they'll think of their Uncle Josh :)

We three adults stayed up the remainder of the evening chit-chatting about this and that. Then the next morning Josh tagged along to drop the boys off at school. We were able to spend a little more time together before I had to take him back to the train station. I do hope he is able to come back again for a longer visit. I think we click very well and look forward to getting to know him even more. Hopefully he feels the same way :)

Waiting at the train station

Uncle Josh spoiling the boys

Star Students of the Week

Both boys coincidentally were Star Student of the Week at the same time for their class. Each filled out info about themselves and included family pictures. For Kristjan's class, he was able to bring show 'n tale everyday, bring his favorite book for the teacher to read to the class, and invite a friend to lunch at the end of the week on Friday. He actually picked me for his lunch buddy! I was flattered. For Clifford, I actually happened to be in his class helping the teacher out when he gave his presentation about himself. I embarrassed him by taking pictures. I'm so proud of my boys!

Georgetown Haunted Tour

A weekend or so before Halloween, our friends Gordon and Michelle invited us to go with them on the Georgetown Haunted History Tour in Seattle. It's a walking tour and theatrical event, where a tour guide leads groups through the back streets of Georgetown while sharing history of the area and "hauntings". Actors are staged throughout for each story told. It honestly wasn't scary and children can attend this, so next year if we go again we want to take the boys along. Afterwards attendees can enjoy a drink and live music at the Stables. Our group stayed for a little bit before leaving for elsewhere. It was a fun evening. Pete and I enjoyed ourselves, and we hope to do the tour again.

Fun Run 2013

Back in the beginning of October, Clifford and Kristjan participated in the school's Fun Run fundraiser. This fundraiser is 100% profit for the school. One of the perk of being on the PTA Board, I knew ahead of time when this event would take place. So while the boys were still on summer vacation, I made the boys each write personal letters to a handful of family and friends asking for a small donation. This worked out perfectly. Each boy raised $75 each!! Thank You! Clifford and Kristjan were given the prize of free popcorn for Popcorn Wednesday for the remainder of the year for the amount they each raised (This makes ME happy because now I don't have to remember to give them each a $1 for this lol).

The Fun Run itself turned out great. The planning and execution-not so much!! This year we had two new gals take on the Fundraising position. It was a mess. No communication and no planning was really done. My position on the Board is Secretary, but I ended up doing the Fundraising position for this. I ended up having to do most of the work for this prior to the event and all of it the day of. On the day of, I spent my time from 8:30am - 4:00pm making sure everything was done because the other gals in charge of this dropped the ball. I literally went home after this and cried from frustration and exhaustion. I had wonderful friends come in to help me, whether it was to help in the preparation itself, to give me words of encouragement, or simply give me some chocolate and coffee. Honestly, this was a complete nightmare for me, but in the end, all the kids at the school had fun, which was the most important part.

Caleb's Birthday

Also back in September, we helped celebrate Caleb's 2nd birthday! He's the son of our good friends Gordon and Michelle. Caleb is a sweet little boy, with blonde curly hair and dark brown eyes. We had a great time visiting with the three, along with all their extended family members (they treat us like we're part of the family!). We're so happy we could be part of a happy celebration.

This is Gordon's parents' dog, Roxy. At a first quick glance, she looks a lot like Sheeba. Jennifer, Gordon's sister, is convinced the two dogs are sisters, as both dogs came from Yakima and have the same coloring. We're pretty sure it's just a coincidence

Raingutter Regatta 2013

Here are pics from the boys' Cub Scouts Raingutter Regatta....WAY back in September!!! We have been so busy, on top of having computer problems (i.e. Pete playing around with switching operating systems, etc), that I have gotten extremely behind on blogging. I'm hoping to catch up on the last two months of activities here in the next week. Wish me luck!

Boys working on assembling their boats

Clifford & Kristjan receiving their awards they earned from over the summer

And the races begin!

Guess Who is the New Cub Scout Secretary?

As of last night, I'm officially the new Cub Scout Secretary! For a few months now it has been announced that our Pack needed to find new replacements for certain positions. The current leaders will be crossing over to the Boy Scouts with their sons here soon. I quickly learned my name was being passed around at meetings, and both Pete and I received emails to see if I was interested in a particular position or two. I gave vague answers, waiting to see if anyone else would step up first. Well, last night while I'm sitting with Kristjan's den, Bob and Rich (Committee Chair and Cub Master) came up to me. I immediately knew what they wanted. In fact, they literally put me in a corner and wouldn't let me go until I said yes lol. The funny thing is earlier that evening, I told Pete all they had to do was physically ask me (not through email). Sure enough, that's just what they did. And I graciously said yes. The position doesn't start for me until March. By then, PTA should slow down a bit for my position as Secretary. Although, I already have another mom at school asking me to co-chair the President position for the next two years, plus I know a few people who plan on nominating me for that as well. Looks like I'm going to be even busier!!

Oh, and currently Pete is the Outdoor Chair for scouts as well. Unfortunately, his experience and knowledge is geared more towards the Boy Scout side. So as of today, he resigned from that position and instead will be the new Committee Chair, taking over Bob's position in the next few months. So now both of us will be on the Scout Committee. The Nielsens are gonna rock it!!

P.S. I'm hoping to update the blog here soon with what we've been busy with that last few months. So stay tuned!

Scouting For Food

Last Saturday both boys participated in a scout service project, requesting food for the Mount Lake Terrace food bank at one of the local Fred Meyers. Along with the Boy Scouts, they stood by the grocery entry way, handing out flyers for "Scouting For Food". Our boys were signed up for a 90 minute shift. They started off great, alternating turns on handing out the flyer. Unfortunately, half way through their shift, Kristjan started having some slight behavior issues, so I sent him with Pete to do our grocery shopping. All in all, it was a good experience.

Back To School!

Today was the first day back to school! The sound of parents cheering and jumping for joy could be heard everywhere!! :)

In all seriousness, Pete and I were very excited for our boys. Clifford started 3rd grade with Mrs. Marks and Kristjan started 2nd grade with Mrs. Brown. They looked so handsome in their new clothes, awesome shoes, and stylin' hair.

After we dropped the boys off, Pete went back to work and I attended a Moms and Mimosas gathering. Then this Friday I'm invited to another moms get-together for breakfast. So far this year is off to a great start :)

Side Note: The pic of Pete hugging Clifford is my favorite. Clifford didn't want "hugs and kisses" from us. Pete took it as a challenge. Clifford is trying to run away from Pete :)

Clifford and Kristjan's new shoes. Stylin'!