First Day of Fourth Grade and KINDERGARTEN!

After a summer that went by at warp speed, it was suddenly time for CKS to resume - and for Laura to begin her career there! Leading up to the first day of school, she was very positive. When I woke her up, however, she wasn't so sure and shed some tears. Fortunately, by the time we left she pulled herself together, and it was smooth sailing from there.

Danny was a very encouraging big brother, which definitely helped. As a student ambassador for a new 4th grade student, he had his own responsibilities, but he did his part to support Laura. While he has waxed poetic about his grade and teacher (so far), Laura has been a bit less forthcoming. Sometimes she gives it a thumbs up, sometimes she claims it's boring and they just sit there. I guess we'll just have to see! Her Pre-K experience will be a tough act to follow, but I suspect she'll have more good days than bad. I also think it's a good sign that this was her initial response to learning that today is Saturday: "Oh, man, that means it'll be BORING."

Heading off to her class for the first day!

Back to Cali, August 2016

Although Seattle and San Diego aren't exactly close, we decided to take advantage of already being on the West Coast by flying down to San Diego for a few days. While we didn't manage to do everything we traditionally do on our summer visits, we packed in quite a bit during those days!

We went to the beach a LOT, thanks to Danny's newfound love of the ocean. He made for a great companion for Clare, which helped in the absence of the cousins.

 I reunited with my oldie but goodie friends (sans Espe, who was moving).

 We enjoyed the wonders of the Hotel Del Coronado on our annual day with Parlin.

 We spent a terrific day at Disneyland with Jen and her girls.

 More beach!!

One of our beach visits was to Laguna Beach, which Clare requested after seeing on Pinterest several months ago. It turned out to be a great outing for we girls while Danny and Grampy had a guy's day that included kayaking, sushi and watching "Jurassic World."

The week FLEW by, but it was great knowing we really took advantage of our time there. And after 16 days on the road, it was time to head home. Until next year!

A Golden Anniversary and Vacation

My loving parents decided that the best way to celebrate a major milestone in their lives was with the gift of time together as a family. This was definitely a gift for all of us, too! We spent a week in the beautiful Cascade Mountains of Washington in a stunning home on Lake Kachess, all 11 of we Morlans/Needhams/Seymours. What a crew! Sadly, never got a picture of all of us, but we did get some photos that capture the week.

 Lake Kachess, so beautiful and quiet.

 On the "easy and beautiful" hike to Franklin Falls.

The highlight of our mountain home: the deck. Pictures could never do justice to its incredible sweeping views of the mountains and lake - and the fly-bys we witnessed from the Navy jets!

 Lunch in the charming town of Roslyn, WA.

 Salmon La Sac!!

Nicki, Clare and Danny braved the rope swing into the pond by the house. It took Clare a while to work up the nerve to do it, but she knew she'd never forgive herself for not trying!

With Laura back at the house with Grammy and Grampy, we ventured on a more strenuous hike to Mirror Lake, which turned out to be just gorgeous. This was "bonus" scenery just beyond the lake, and really took our breath away.

We rented a boat on Lake Cle Elum one day, as well as a jet ski, which EVERYONE enjoyed, including the happy couple (below)!

 Laura absolutely LOVED the hammock.

The Fab Five enjoyed s'mores a few of the nights.
All in all, a beautiful setting for the very special occasion of 50 years together!