Preparing For Preschool

Night before Thomas starts to preschool
One of the books of the night: My First Day Of Preschool
















Playtime before school..... "This is one crowded highway!"










Once Thomas saw the camera, he started saying cheese...
HereThomas is giving Jackson instructions to say "cheese"!

Thomas and Jackson lovin' it up before Thomas leaves for school for the first time

Dad Jim sharing a laugh at "shoe time"

Jackson (4) and I got to have a "Grammy and Me Day" since his PreK class didn't start until the next day. He's an old hand at preschool, moving into the PreK class for the first time this year.

We played this great game, Zingo, baked blackberry crumble dessert, had French Toast, and enjoyed a beautiful day!

Good Byes To Bellingham

Lori Byerlin, a great neighbor and friend, working on the fish tacos for a delicious dinner!



















Elizabeth giving Lori a hand






























Blackberry picking with Thomas and Jackson....notice the very purple faces!!!























The best we could do for a full family photo!!
Amy, Maxwell, Suzanne, Elizabeth, Jackson, Jim and Thomas









A beautiful sunset from Alabama Hill neighborhood where my daughters both live. Look carefully and you'll see Bellingham Bay in the distance.

Maxwell's First Kayaking Adventure

My grandson Maxwell had a rough start to life on June 22, 2005. He was born prematurely with a genetic syndrome called CHARGE. His first six months were in Seattle Children's Hospital with several surgeries including open heart surgery. For more about his challenging and joyous journey, check out the Mighty Max Blog.

He is an amazing little boy, learning something new everyday! I loved being with him this summer and seeing all his new accomplishments.

He enjoyed his first time out in the water. He was so relaxed that near the end of the paddle, he fell asleep (as you'll see in one of the photos).
In this photo are Thomas, Jackson, and Maxwell
before going out in the kayaks.



















Jim and Elizabeth get the three-man kayak into the water















Maxwell with Mama Amy, Cousin Thomas, and Uncle Jim











Meeting up with Aunt Elizabeth and Cousin Jackson













Aunt Elizabeth and Cousin Jackson













Uncle Jim, Mama Amy, and Maxwell asleep

Sweet kisses for Maxwell from Mama Amy