Movin' On Up

Colton graduated from elementary school today. I was doing pretty good until they played a slide show of all the kids. I wasn't the only one. They had baby pics of all of them, then now shots, plus tons of pictures from this past year. As usual for Rosa Parks, it was first class. Now he's on to Junior High...Colton and Jack

Receiving his certificateListening to Mr. Newport (principal) talk

Colton and Mr. Brekke

After the program, they had refreshments and mingling! We are so proud of you Colton. We can't wait to see what you do with your life!

Grillin' Steaks

I love steak. But not just any steak. I'm a steak snob! I only ever order a filet. I'm just not that into fat! However when we bbq steaks at home, filet is a little pricey for a week night dinner. Our friends introduced us to the tri tip a few years ago, and we love it. You can get it at Costco in either a big roast, or several smaller steaks. You can't go wrong either way. It is very lean, and so tender.

In the summer we love to bbq, and as I was giving my steak a good rub of seasoning tonight, I got to thinking about something new I could do. I know we have our favorite marinade or two that we always do. But I love to get new ideas of different rubs and marinades. So I'm asking. What's your favorite way to season a steak?? And what's your favorite cut for bbq-ing at home?

Here's ours...

1/2 C. Soy Sauce
1-2 Tbsp. Sesame Oil
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. Steak Seasoning (I use Schillings Montreal Steak)
2-3 Tbsp. Lemon Pepper Seasoning
1 tsp. Garlic Salt

Let meat marinade for 1-2 hours, but not longer. Grill and Enjoy!

The Ice Cream Man

Nothing says summer more than the sound of the ice cream man! This little "love machine" has been visiting my neighborhood regularly for the last couple of weeks. People come scurrying out of their houses like little rats! My kids (and husband) included! They say the choco-taco is the best. Who knows. I don't like ice cream.

Broken Arm Follow Up

So here's the rest of the story...We took Whit to see the orthopedic surgeon. More X-rays, which really hurt. She broke her radius bone, right through her growth plate! The good news is that she only has to wear her cast for 3 weeks. They don't like to immobilize the elbow for too long. She'll have to have more X-rays next week, because sometimes additional breaks can show up a week later! After that she will probably need some physical therapy, and then another check in 4-6 months to make sure the growth plate hasn't been compromised!

I was explaining to the surgeon that we were heading to AZ in a week, and wondered about a waterproof cast (a girl can dream). He said that they don't put waterproof casts on because then people go nuts. Play in the sand etc. He suggested that we could go to a medical supply store and buy a cast cover. He said as our provider he didn't suggest that. So I asked him as our close family friend, what he suggested. He said he'd get the cast cover. He was really cool.

Then Linda came in to put the cast on. She was about her business, when the Dr. came back. Landon asked him again the name of the medical supply store so we could get her a cover and he and Linda exchanged funny looks. She told him we hadn't had a chance to visit, and that he should leave. After he left, she proceeded to explain that she was indeed putting on a waterproof cast. That who else would they use them of but a 9 year old little girls headed to swim in AZ! But that we had to keep it on the down low, because the other Dr.'s frowned on them. Our Dr. knew all about it, and was the one to suggest it.

This is Linda, and I love her. Whitley chose a lime green cast. When it was all on, Linda suggested that she add a hot pink stripe! It's so super cute! Whitley is thrilled.

This is a better picture of the cast. It goes from her knuckles practically to her armpit! Good thing it's waterproof!

Broken Wrist

My kids only have 6 days of school left. 6 days! We have been looking forward to the summer forever. We have a trip to AZ, and trip to CA and lots of swimming at the beaches here in WA. Last night, Whitley fell and broke her elbow! Landon and I just kept saying to each other, "please don't let it be broken". I took her this morning for x-rays, and it is. In fact, since it's her elbow we have to take her this evening to an orthopedic surgeon to see if she needs surgery to set it. I can only pray that she can get her cast off before we go to the beach for 2 weeks at the end of July!

Waiting to see the Dr. See how she's holding that left arm.

Getting ready for her X-Rays.

Putting the splint on.

ALOHA

Tonight for activity days the girls hosted a daddy/daughter luau! They learned to hula, and refreshements and even got their picture taken with Elvis. Landon and Whitley had a great time.

Right at the last second we talked Landon into wearing this teeny tiny grass skirt. What a good sport.

Snoqualmie Falls

Whitley and I headed out on what will be my last field trip this year! The 4th graders went to see Snoqualmie Falls, and the tour the power plant. The falls are the 3rd most popular tourist attraction in WA. Who knew? And they're only 20 minutes from our house!The sky bridge on the way to the falls.
The falls. The drop is 258 feet. Niagara Falls is 158 feet. This is 100 feet higher, but I had never even heard of them before we moved here.
Hiking down to the power plant and to get another view.

Another view from the base. Really beautiful.

Pacific Rim Museum

The Pacific Rim unit that Colton has been working on finally ended today with a "museum". All of the kids set up a little table with all of the different projects and information they've been working on and had several classes and parents come through. Colton and his friend Jack both had China. Jack brought his pet turtle (since they eat them in China) and Colton has real Chinese candy to pass out. Their booth looked great and Colton did a really good job teaching people about what he had learned.

Colton's Chinese house and scroll that he made

Oh Whitley

My neighbor that lives between my house and the school overheard this snippet of conversation between Colton and Whitley on their way home from school today.

Colton: Mom only said maybe!
Whitley: well that is good enough for me.

That pretty much sums up their personalities. Colton- right down the middle and Whitley-knows there's a middle, and she's close enough!

Colton's Last Band Concert

After playing in the water, we got all dressed up for Colton's last band concert of the year!

Colton played percussion this year and has loved it. They started with the bells, which he was really good at. His piano lessons really came in handy. Then they moved onto the drums. He's played several different drums, and wants to continue next year in Jr. High.

Somehow, every band concert he has had this year, Landon has been out of town for. What would we do without video cameras?

Beatin' the Heat

It's been so hot this week, that when the kids wanted to play with the water after school today I told them to go for it! Even though our backyard is tiny they managed to have some fun.

In the Heat of the Night

Ahh, I love the summer. I love the sun shining, and heat warmth on my skin. But what I don't love is going to bed in a pool of my own sweat! Last night my house was so freakin' hot I thought I might die. My thermostat was reading 86 degrees! I couldn't get my AC unit to blow cold air. My poor kids were practically sleeping in the buff. I finally decided to forget the AC and just open up the windows. It cools down nicely at night so that at least made it bearable. However, if you leave your windows open all night, around 4am the birds wake you all up! (note to self).
I called our landlord first thing this morning to have someone come and fix this dang AC unit since it's suppose to be around 90 degrees today. She then kindly explained to me that the reason the AC wasn't working is because WE DON'T HAVE AC! Most houses in Seattle don't! Are you kidding? I love the heat, but no AC?? Thank goodness we have some fans, and at least I know to open the windows up! I'm seriously dreading tonight. I hope I can keep it cooled down. One thing's for sure. I'm not going to risk heating things up with the stove/oven. It's take out tonight baby!