Go Seahawks!

Ryan and Caitlin are never at a loss for Seahawks gear, thanks to the McGee side of the family. Thank you!!

I know the Seahawks have a bye week, but hey, that means they can't lose, right?!

Politically incorrect

When Ryan came running into the family room the other night in this get-up, I couldn't resist taking a picture! Here he is dressed as your stereotypical Native American chief -- or possibly papoose? -- complete with a head dress and war paint! Actually, the "head dress" is a football-shaped Easter basket and the "war paint" is some Crayola marker he used to "face paint." Happy Autumn!
**Clarification: Ryan had no idea what he looked like - *I* thought he looked like a little chief**

Shower time

I must confess: I hate giving the kids a bath. I usually give them a bath every other night (except in the summer when they are filthy), but I don't look forward to this night time ritual. It is time-consuming, messy, and awkward to bathe them in the tub amidst their large fleet of boats and ducks and.... So the other night, when I casually asked if they wanted to jump in our shower, I was thrilled when they excitedly answered, 'yes!'.
The kids LOVED the shower and I LOVED how easy it was. I just reached in there, threw some shampoo on their heads, and gave them a shower puff with some body wash on it and let them do their thing! No toys, no messy clean-up, no water being launched across the room by Mr. Ducky!

September in Seattle

Those of you that don't live in the Pacific Northwest must know that one of the best things about living in Seattle is the beautiful weather we get in September. This year, the September sun is especially welcome because of last year's long winter that brought snow in March and April and chilly temperatures through June. We've had several weeks of sunshine and 75 degree weather - it's been incredible.

We made a trip to Golden Gardens last week to play in sand and water. Here's proof of just how beautiful it was outside:

The kids inherited a large hole - they thought it was pretty great!

The beach was pretty deserted because school is back in session.

Salmon season

We met my dad at the Ballard Locks this week to see the salmon go up the fish ladder. Due to our small kitchen remodel (that's turning into a much larger project than anticipated!), we're trying to get out of the house as much as possible. I came across this great website that lists the best times and places to see the salmon, so I thought we would check it out.

So many salmon!!Caitlin and Ryan watching the fish.

Another great part about the locks is watching the boats go from Shilshole Bay into Lake Union. While we were there, they had opened the bridge to let some large sailboats through. We didn't stick around to watch them pass through the locks, but the kids were excited to see the different water levels, bridges, and big boats.

One month from today...

We'll be standing on the pier welcoming Mike home! I can't believe we've made it to the six-month mark! Thank goodness! We have quite a few things going on over the next month, so I'm hoping the time will fly by!

Mike is in Albany, Australia right now, a small town on the southwestern coast. The ship is there commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Great White Fleet. I did some digging around and found some pictures here. Once you're at the site, you can scan through this guy's Flickr pics to see more.

After Albany, the ship is heading to Sydney where Mike plans to run the Sydney Half Marathon. He just found out about the event a few days ago and he's not fully trained, but he doesn't want to miss the opportunity to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime chance! He told me that he got in a few training runs, so I know he'll do fine. I guess they get to run over the Sydney Harbor Bridge. He has orders to take pictures!!

Bend it like Beckham

Our little future David Beckham made his soccer debut this morning for the YMCA Red Tigers! Ryan participated in one practice before the big game, so I wasn't really sure what to expect. I just wanted him to have a good time - and show some interest in running around with the other kids instead of doing somersaults or picking grass!

He was really excited to put on his shin guards and soccer cleats this morning. He was running around the house in full gear about two hours before we needed to leave. He was even more excited when he checked in with his coach and received his official Red Tigers t-shirt.

He did a great job. Here he is kicking the ball:

Don't be deceived by the above video. He spent most of his time running around aimlessly, diving on the grass. He tackled a child once, but after a reminder that it isn't a contact sport, he kept his hands to himself! Here's what he really looked like during most of the game:

The team was short a few players this morning, so Ryan got a lot of playing time. The games are divided into six, 7-minute periods. Each child is supposed to play three of the segments. Ryan played the first five in a row and came running over to the sidelines towards the end of the fifth period and said he was tired and thirsty. He spent the rest of the game on my lap drinking water.

So, the first game was a success. He may not have scored a goal, but he had the biggest cheering section by far: Grandma Barb and Grandpa Pat, Grandpa Fred, Grandma Kay, Uncle Joe, Uncle Dave and Jessica, and Uncle Brian and Megan!!

Yeeee-haw!

Tonight I rounded up my posse and headed to the Kids at the Creek BBQ/Hoedown. The hoedown is the only thing Ryan has been talking about the past couple of days. He was more than ready to put on his specially-made cowboy hat and head out!

The BBQ provided an opportunity to meet some of the other parents, but there were so many kids running around that it was hard to locate kids in Ryan's class. It didn't matter though - the kids had an absolute blast and that's all that matters!

Playing in the sand.
Peek-a-boo in the playhouse.

Getting ready to line dance.
Posing on the hay bales.

Keeping up with Ryan on the big kid play equipment!

Ryan loves to dance! They had a caller come in and teach the kids some dances. He could have danced forever. He was very disappointed when we called it a night and headed home for baths and bedtime.

Where's your tutu?

Yesterday morning, we got in the car and Caitlin asked me, "Mama, where's your tutu?"

I was a little puzzled so I just answered, "I don't know," and started driving down the street.

Again, a bit more persistently, she asked, "Mama, where's your tutu?" She kept asking over and over again -- I had no idea what she was talking about.

After several more questions, Ryan piped in and said, "Mommy, she is saying, 'Where's your Bluetooth?'"

My little technologically-savvy children always make me smile!

Preschool begins!

The day I was dreading finally came...and went without too much drama!! Ryan was so excited this morning before we left the house. He did everything he was supposed to in record time: eat breakfast, use the potty, get dressed, put shoes on, and wait patiently by the door. I snapped a couple of pictures on the way out of our proud preschooler (and his proud younger sister who at this point thinks she is going to school too!).

Ryan is ready to roll! And below, Ryan is giving Cait a kiss on the head -- he is a very sweet brother...most of the time!

When we got to the school, Ryan was feeling good - and so was I! There were lots of greeters in the parking lot, welcoming the kids and parents. We went inside and Ryan located his nametag. There are two Ryans in his class, so he will be Ryan Mc.

After he put on his nametag, he sat on the floor with some of his other classmates. All of a sudden, he became very serious and somber - an indicator that he was a little unsure of the situation. He even looked like he might cry. I tried to get his attention because I wanted to give him a hug and wish him good luck, but he just kind of sat there. This is the moment, when I started to feel the tears welling up in my eyes! I held it together, gave him a quick hug and kiss, and made a beeline to the parking lot. Once inside the car, I cried for a bit -- well, I actually cried all the way to the YMCA, but then I was fine!! Caitlin and I had a good morning - I went to work out and then we came home and played for a little while before going back to pick him up.

Somber Ryan

When I picked him up, he had a big smile on his face. I knew he would have a great time, once he settled into his classroom. He excitedly told me what he did at school. The two highlights: eating fish crackers for snack and racing tricycles at recess!

The preschool provides a book bag for the kids. Here is Ryan showing off his new bag. Of course, Caitlin was very upset that she didn't have her own. She looooves her bags!!
All in all, it was a very successful start to the school year. We have a family BBQ on Friday night. Ryan said they are making cowboy hats on Thursday for the hoedown. It will be fun to meet some of the other kiddos and parents from his class.

I've recovered from the emotional trauma -- I guess I'm free until Caitlin starts school next year. Ugh...I'm already dreading that!!

Labor Day fun

Mike's grandparents always host family BBQs/picnics on summer holidays. We weren't able to attend Memorial Day or Fourth of July, but for the second year in a row, we've made it down for their Labor Day shindig. The kids had an absolute blast! They spent the afternoon picking blueberries, playing in the yard, and going out on the dock. The highlight of the day was probably when they got to help make apple cider using an antique cider press. They liked putting the apples in the hopper and thanks to Uncle Pete (who manned the crank), they were able to enjoy fresh cider moments later!

Ryan helped Great-grandpa Yates choose apples for the cider press. The goal was to find ones without worm holes -- no one wanted added protein in their cider!

Caitlin dropping apples into the hopper.
Walking out on the dock with Grandma Kay. They loved the dock - I think they went out there at least three times to check out lilypads and other fun lake things. She was a great sport!!
Throwing rocks in the lake.

Where in the world?

Mike recently made a brief stop at this little known tropical locale. Click here to learn more.

Next up on his itinerary: Albany, Australia.

Six weeks until he gets home! We're getting REALLY excited!

Farewell to summer?

We went to a super fun BBQ on Saturday afternoon -- and the kids fully enjoyed the sun, water, and all of the fun outside toys. The weather was absolutely beautiful. Looking outside this morning, I can't believe these pictures were taken just five days ago. It's dark, dreary, and cold this morning. I put the kids in fleece PJs last night and turned the heat on this morning to warm up the house. Is our summer over?? Sadly, I kind of think it might be. I'm glad we had an opportunity to play on Saturday!

Taylor, Ryan, and Caitlin enjoying popsicles.
Taylor taking Ryan for a ride.

Caitlin waited until the last weekend of August to finally enjoy a sprinkler. Oh well, there's always next year! She was so cold on Saturday, but every time I offered her a towel she declined! She loved the water!

On the move to end Alzheimer's

As many of you know, I lost my grandma, Sanny McDermott, to Alzheimer's disease in April. In her memory, our family and friends are walking in the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk on September 14th. I would love to have you join our team -- or make a donation to this very worthy cause. For more information, please visit my personal fundraising website.

To read more about what an incredible woman my grandma was, you can read her obituary here.

We love you, Grandma and we're going to keep fighting this tragic disease!

Ooooh...a contest!

I need your help - and I'm willing to offer a little incentive for your efforts.

I'm in the planning stages of launching another blog geared towards military wives/families. The blog will cover all things military - surviving deployments, moves, etc., etiquette/protocol, good deals for military, etc. My goal is to make it THE resource for military spouses around the country. As far as I can tell by my limited research, there isn't anything like it.

Sooo...I'm ready to get things up and running - I just can't decide on a name/title! If you have any suggestions, please leave it in a comment to this post. If I select your title (or some variation of it), I'll award you a $10 Starbucks card. Yum! I'll accept entries until 10 pm PST on August 31st. If multiple people suggest the same name, the prize goes to the person who posted first.

So, put on your thinking caps...there may be a frothy latte or two in it for you!!

Going back to Cali...

If Navy life has taught me one thing, it's never to plan because things will always change!

Mike received orders to San Diego for his final department head tour. We were really hoping that he would get a job out of Everett, but the base is small and opportunities are limited. He reports to his next assignment in November, just a month after getting home from deployment and unfortunately faces another long deployment scheduled for next summer. At first, I was so upset - it felt like the worst possible scenario. With Mike deploying next summer, it didn't make sense to pack up, rent out our house, and move with him, only to have him leave. I didn't want to be in California without him. After processing the information for a few days, we came up with a plan that will make the best of a less-than-ideal situation.

Mike will report in November and just following the holidays, the kids and I will move down to San Diego for 6-7 months so we can be with him. He will be home a majority of the time from January through June. So, once again, we're preparing for a move! This time, it will be a bit different because we know we'll be coming back to our house. In fact, it's not even long enough to rent out our house, so I think we'll just take what we need and move into a 2-bedroom apartment in San Diego. If anyone knows of a family that would be interested in renting a partially furnished house for the first half of the year, please let me know!

Although we weren't planning on moving again, I am getting excited to go back to San Diego. It will be an easy move to make since we still have good friends there and we're familiar with the area. We'll be able to do all of the theme parks with the kids and visit friends and family in Southern California. I'm looking at it like an extended vacation - we'll be joining the retired crowd as snowbirds!

It's funny how things turn out - yet they always seem to! If only I had a bit more faith that God actually is in control - I would save myself from worrying so much!

Busy afternoon

Ryan and Caitlin both visited the dentist this afternoon. They were all-star patients! Ryan has been to the dentist before (but probably doesn't remember it), but this was Caitlin's first time. They took these pictures of the kids (they are Polaroids, so they are a bit fuzzy) to bring home. I think they are absolutely hysterical - especially Ryan's pic!! The dentist said their teeth look great, which is just what a mom wants to hear!!

Ryan showing his pearly whites and holding the dentist's mirror.

Caitlin chilling in the chair, wearing the protective sunglasses.

After the dentist, we went to pick out a new bike for Ryan and a helmet for Caitlin. Ryan has been asking for a big boy bike for weeks now - and the kids have been fighting over our one tricycle - so I thought it was time to get him some new wheels. I did some research and was hoping to find one for sale on Craig's List, but I was out of luck. So, the next best deal was a starter bike at Wal-Mart (not my favorite place to shop, but I made an exception because the bike was such a good deal!!). We found the bike and a helmet for Caitlin and came home for a full afternoon of bike riding. Caitlin specifically asked for a princess helmet and was thrilled when we found a pink Disney princesses helmet. I think the dentist appointment (and a skipped nap) wore out our little princess. She fell asleep in the car and I put her in the living room when we got home - and this is how I found her a few moments later.

Ryan hit the driveway as soon as we got home. I still have to raise the seat a bit, but it didn't seem to bother him. Thankfully, we have a really flat driveway. I pulled both cars out to block the street and he rode out here for hours.

Perfecting his technique

Caitlin gets in on the action after her power nap. She just realized that she inherited the tricycle. Her response: "Yippee!"

Caitlin and all her princesses

Polly Pocket joins the Coast Guard

Here's what happens when "boy" and "girl" toys collide:

Polly Pocket piloting Ryan's Coast Guard rescue helicopter.

Sneaky Caits

Ryan, Caitlin, and I shared a room (a loft overlooking the main living area) at the beach. The kids have never had to share a room, so I was curious what would happen when I put them to bed at the same time. Ryan was in a twin bed and Caitlin was in the pack 'n' play.

The first night, they talked and giggled for about two hours - and during the course of that evening, Caitlin finally discovered how to climb out of the pack 'n' play. Once she realized she could climb out, the games began.

After the first night of having the kids awake until 11pm, I decided to start Ryan in another bedroom and transfer him after he was asleep. I thought that with Ryan out of the room, Caitlin would settle down and go to sleep. Not so. With her new found freedom, she was out of the pack 'n' play practically before we closed the curtain.

At first, I didn't realize that she was out of her bed. She was very quiet, so I thought she was sleeping. Then, I would glance up at the loft and see this little face peaking out from behind the curtain, watching the Olympics. This "game" happened every night until she was too exhausted to climb out of the crib and finally drifted off to sleep.

The sneakiest, scariest (and probably funniest) escape was when Caitlin climbed out of the pack 'n' play in the middle of the night and snuck downstairs. We think she was wandering around in the dark for quite some time before finding my mom in her room. She opened the door and said, "Where's Mommy?" My mom said that she heard noises, but figured that I was up using the bathroom. In reality, it was Caitlin climbing down the stairs and playing with her baby by moonlight. Silly girl!

Beach fun

Traveling with little ones can often prove stressful and exhausting, but our recent trip was anything but. With the exception of a few sleeping difficulties (thanks to Miss Caitlin), our five-day beach vacation was relaxing and restful. I even managed to take a few naps and read a book!

The kids spent hours each day playing in the sand. The beach in front of our house was almost deserted, so they could run and play. I could relax, read my book, and not have to issue constant reminders about boundaries! If only we had a beachful of sand in our backyard... It was so fun to watch them use their imaginations. They built castles and tunnels. They found a big piece of driftwood and pretended it was their motorcycle. They got absolutely filthy by rolling down the sand dunes and making "sand angels."

Because of the extended sand play, the kids had (and still have!) sand in places I didn't know sand could reach! Ryan tackled Caitlin on the beach and she did a faceplant into the sand - resulting in this bizarre goatee/Fu Manchu look!

We stayed in a small town about 2o minutes outside of Ocean Shores, but made daily trips to the "big city" to mix things up. Ryan played putt-putt golf twice. The first round, he played with Grandma and Grandpa and got a hole-in-one! Here he is in his stance -- carefully coached by Grandpa Pat.

It was chilly and overcast our entire trip, so the kids didn't go near the water, but they could have cared less. As long as there was sand, they were happy. We're looking forward to our next trip to the beach -- hopefully Daddy can join us next time!