all the activities all week long.

I found this coffee mug a few months ago and think it perfectly reflects our busy schedule these days. With school winding down next week (so bittersweet!) there are about 2947573955 activities happening every single day for every single child. Our calendar is packed with music programs, field trips, class parties, sports games and more. It's all fun, celebratory and exciting but it's also just a lot. A whole lot. So, I drink my coffee and remember that lazy summer days are coming soon!

 Trying to soak in my one-on-one time with Simon before the big kids are home all summer means balancing out running errands to Costco with playtime. So last week we went to the Children's Museum to play for a bit. He's at such a fun age where he's seeking out independence but still full of curiosity and I just love it.

 Later that night we went to a late night (late for my early to bed kids) 2nd grade music performance. It was fantastic! Carter and his classmates along with 3 other classes sang and performed for almost 40 minutes. The music teachers chose to focus on cultural diversity, acceptance and kindness so each song portrayed a positive message. In the midst of this ridiculous political climate it's so refreshing to see kids loving on each other and sharing their cultural beliefs, languages and heritages. I just love this school.

 Can we just stop and notice how tall everyone is getting?!? Carter is almost the same height as Grandma!

 The next morning we got ready for Simon's last day of preschool. We tried out 1 full day a week this year so I could coordinate childcare and work and he did fabulous! He made new friends, loved learning and can't wait to return in the fall.

 And talk about change. He's a completely different kid!

 Last week we also had an extra soccer game for Lucy. Whew! They played a tough team but came out with another win and it was so fun to watch.

 Friday night and Saturday morning the rain rolled in so Carter's football game was wet and slippery. They remain undefeated and Carter scored another touchdown! Simon was a trooper under the umbrella and really has been great all season. It's not easy having to sit and watch on the sidelines 4 days a week. Luckily t-ball starts in 7 days and it will finally be his turn!

 Saturday not only included another soccer game but 4 other parties! I think I spent more time in my car all day driving kids from one party venue to another. We thought Sunday would be more relaxing but it involved teaching Sunday School at church, haircuts for 2 kids and another party! Pretty sure the kids ate more cake in the past 2 days than they have in 2 years!

 After our last party we came home, ate a quick dinner and pulled out a loose tooth for Lucy! Yay for #2!

Today marks the final full week of school with so many fun things happening. Final football and soccer practices/games, egg drop, field trips, field day, 1st grade classroom visit, final cooking lesson, study buddy presentations and....Simon's birthday!

 We started birthday week off with a walk to the park and then a special (free!) birthday treat at the bookstore. Because, you know, he didn't have enough cake over the weekend.    :)

 Now...more coffee.

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a week full of dates.

 We are running at 1,000 mph lately and although it is all fun stuff I'm so glad I had time today to relax and (gasp!) even take a nap! This past week I got to have 2 girls nights, a date night in, a date day with Lucy, big kid dates with Grandpa Vance and special one-on-one time with Simon. Quality time will forever be my love language so spending moments together catching up on life and connecting is truly the best for me.
These 2 women are remarkable and my absolute best friends. We try to get together every other month or so for dinner. Each time we choose a restaurant it has nothing to do with the food but rather where we can sit and laugh, chat, cry and connect for 3+ hours without getting dirty looks from other patrons or an annoying server who asks us to leave. Tuesday night was so needed for all of us and I just love how we can pick up our conversation where we left off and we all just get it.

 Then, the very next night I went out again (yes, kids were confused, upset and sad at what was going on!) with my amazing friend Amber. She was my very first friend in Bothell and I love how neither of us ever judge each other's parenting or kids' behaviors. She is one of the most generous, giving people I know and we love spending time together eating delicious food. We went to a local wine bar that served all Paleo food so it was perfect for me and incredibly delicious. The manager came by with free wine tastings too so our table was full of drinks!

 Friday I had a special date with Simon at the farmer's market. I love this time of year when we can visit local vendors and buy direct from the farmer while sampling all sorts of delicious produce. We picked up some local cherries, a fresh bouquet of peonies and a chocolate cupcake for Simon!

 His favorite part of the day was playing on the old pirate ship and following the baby ducks around the village.

 Friday afternoon we picked up the kids from school, made a quick stop at the 2nd grade plant sale (Carter made this sign to hang up near the office to advertise the sale) and book fair before heading home to get ready for Carter's double header football games. 2 straight hours of football, whew! But let me tell you, his team was incredible. They play so hard and really work well as a team and continue to be undefeated! Carter scored 3 touchdowns and had some really great defensive plays. He's really enjoying flag football and you can see the passion when he plays.

 Saturday morning Lucy scored her first goal of the season against a really tough team! She stuck with it and fought against some older boys on the opposing side - way to go Lucy! It'll be fun to have her play with 3 of her teammates in the fall.

 After over 3 hours of football/soccer back to back Simon needed a break. Only 2 more weeks and its finally his turn to get on the baseball field!

 This weekend began the first of 7 upcoming birthday parties in the next few weeks. While Carter was playing with his friends I got to have some girl time with Lucy. We grabbed some cold drinks, headed to the park and then off to the bookstore. She really values quality time too and it's fun to have girl time when we can squeeze it in.

 Later that night Matt and I had another stay in date night. Steak salad with fresh nectarines, arugula, spinach and goat cheese. Yum!

 And finally the end of the weekend. Carter turned 8.5 today and when you have a December birthday those half birthdays are important in June.

 Simon helped me clean up and plant more veggies in the garden.

 And Matt took the kids fishing with Grandpa Tom. Sadly they didn't catch anything but still had a lot of fun and can't wait to try again soon.

 Tonight we ended with a delicious dinner. Anytime I can get the kids in the kitchen to help means they are learning, having fun and are much more willing to try something new. We made homemade masa corn tortillas and the kids got to roll and press them out. Slow cooker pulled pork, homemade mango cucumber salsa and an avocado cilantro lime sauce to go on top. So delicious!

So, date nights are done for now but it was fun while it lasted!

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