Boating Bailey

Bailey went boating today. It was his first trip in the IG2. He hadn't been boating since we had the SeaRay and took him to Sun Lakes with the kids several years ago. His life jacket had to be let out a bit today and he hated it just as much as he did last time! He didn't like the water much better. I got him in with me a couple of times, just so he could cool off, but he much preferred the solid surface of the boat! He rode in the dinghy to shore to go potty three times and did quite well. It would be safe to say his favorite part of the day was visiting on Aunt Pam and Uncle John's boat and having snacks! Not only did they pet him endlessly,  but they shared their chips....the way to my dog's heart is definitely through his stomach!

On the way back to the marina, Tim even said Bailey was "a good boating dog", which is truly shocking! Chances are when the beer wears off, he'll have a different memory of the day!

Happy 18th Birthday Princess!!!

From a beautiful smiling baby to a beautiful smiling young woman - my amazing daughter, Kaitlyn.

Am I the luckiest Mom in the world or what?!

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn Ryan!

Kaitlyn's Brush With Fame!

Tonight, I had to host the Bank of America Suite at the Mariner's game. Yes, it was a tough job! In the "Owner's Suite" 2 doors down were Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo. They were really nice and came out and took a picture with Kaitlyn (and Blair from my office). Yes, that's my daughter with Nick's arm around her. Pretty freaking cool for a 17 year old girl!

My new favorite photo!

These girls have been friends since preschool and here they are at their high school graduation together. Priceless!

Congratulations Kaitlyn on your High School Graduation

My beautiful daughter, Kaitlyn Ryan Lewis graduation from

Cascade Christina High School on Friday, June 4, 2010.

 I could not  be more proud of this amazing young woman!

Mother's Day 2010

We took the boat over to Leschi and had dinner at Daniel's Broiler. We were way under dressed for this white tablecloth establishment. Kaitlyn freaked when she saw the prices and was just going to have a small salad. She soon got over that. Tim had a $55 filet mignon steak and said it was the best steak he's ever had. Kaitlyn and I both had halibut that was really nummy. We sat out on the deck and enjoyed the view of the lake while enoying our dinner. It was a beautiful sunny spring day in Seattle - 68 degrees and darn near perfect lake conditions. Drinking the sparkling wine from France that I bought last night at our international wine tasting party.

Senior "Prom" - a.k.a. Junior Senior Banquet

My little girl is all grown up - or just about there. My, she is a beautiful girl, if I do say so myself!

Look at how the kids have grown!

They grew up! It's amazing what 10 years will do. Derek used to be the shortest one and Rose the tallest. My how things have changed! I used to buy the girls matching clothes (see the blue vests). Now they would KILL me if I did that. They each have their own style, but are quite a good looking group of kids. They are even really GOOD kids too. We are very blessed!

She picked a college!

HALLELUJAH! My darling daughter, who has a really hard time with decisions, especially ones of this magnitude, has decided on which college she wants to attend. She was having a really hard time deciding between Western and Concordia. She tossed out PLU a few months ago when she learned she would have to live at home if she went there. That was not her most favorite option, so PLU fell WAY WAY down on her list! After visiting Concordia again yesterday with her dad, I got a text message that said, "I'm ready to send in my deposit". Whoo Hoo! I have the check written and sitting on the counter for her when she gets home from Target later this evening. Kaitlyn is going to be a Concordia Cavalier!

We're Back!

We had a great time in Hawaii but we are freezing cold now that we are back! The weather was sunny and 82 degrees the entire time. We had several rain showers, but they passed quickly and it was still very warm. The week went by way too fast!

My Monkeys

Climbing trees in Honolulu!

ALOHA!

Just arrived in Waikiki yesterday, while waiting for our room to be ready we headed down to the beach. In the hour and a half that we were there, Rose got really red. I got a bit red myself, but by this morning (yes it is only 8:30 a.m. here) my redness has soaked in and I'm good to go again. Rose will be wearing heavy duty sunscreen today! Our condo is REALLY nice! There is plenty of room for the 6 of us. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, washer & dryer, dining room table that seats six and the living room. There are 3 flatscreen TVs and 2 lanais (patios). It is paradise!

Beauty and the Geek

There shouldn't be any question as to which one is the "beauty" and which one is the "geek"! It was Tolo 2010 and the theme was "Beauty and the Geek". Charlie really got into the theme, as you can see. Kaitlyn is always a beauty, so it wasn't so hard for her! The event was at Family Fun Center in Tukwila. They rode the go-karts, played laser tag, and other games. After they left FFC, they went to Sonic for burgers and then to a movie. Kaitlyn strolled in a little after 1:00 a.m. Oh to be a teenager again!

Here we come......

Next week we are taking all of the kids (plus an extra one!) to Waikiki for 7 days of surf and sunshine.It is our Graduation gift to the kids. However, with all 3 of them graduating one year after the other, we knew we couldn't afford to go 3 times. A few years ago we decided we would go when the middle child graduated. That would be Kaitlyn this year. Rose graduating in 09 and Derek will graduate next year. We are taking Kaitlyn's best friend Mackenna with us. We rented a condo that sleeps 8 so there should be plenty of room. I just can't wait to get on the plane and then to get a Mai Tai in my hand when we land! ALOHA!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Wishing you all the luck of the Irish today and everyday!