Whidbey Island

We had a wonderful weekend on Whidbey Island! Pouring rain gave way to a beautiful Sunday-just in time for Chris's half marathon! He was a rock star attacking the BIG hills and battling the wind.

The cheerleaders aren't quite awake as we wish Dad good luck at the starting line. Cheering on the runners at mile 2...
Emma is "snug as a bug in a rug." She had to cheer really loud since she couldn't clap!

Coming into the finish! Way to go Chris!!!

Emma and Daddy after the race.

We headed up to Deception Pass State Park after the race and enjoyed the gorgeous views!

Family picture along the trail.

Searching for the perfect rocks to throw...

I think Camden could have thrown rocks all day!

Chris and Emma hanging out on the "giant" (Emma's word) rock.

Our little hiking man heading back up the trail

The laugh of the trip came from Emma (imagine that). On the ferry back home we were hanging out in the car. I had my seat reclined and Emma was out of her car seat playing. She had the idea to play beauty shop (pretending to put make-up on me and wash my hair).

"Mom, close your eyes. I'm going to put pickles on them."

I burst out laughing and asked if she meant cucumbers. :) She smiled and agreed that I was probably right.

Can you imagine pickle juice burning your eyes?

I'm so glad we can always count on Emma for entertainment!!

What Are Those Lyrics?!?!

Our very own Hannah Montana was entertaining us with a concert this evening singing The Best of Both Worlds (that's Hannah's theme song for those of you who aren't up in that pop culture department) One line is: You've got the shades and the hair... but Emma sang at the top of her lungs, "You're shavin' your hair (pause) Just like you do, Daddy!" Those lyrics combined with her smokin' dance moves are PRICELESS!!!!

Yesterday after school, Emma and Camden decided to have a little hot chocolate and I grabbed a few new pictures of them...

Waiting patiently...

Smiles from my #1 girl!

Do you think he'll still be smiling like this as a teenager?

Where's Camden?!
There he is!!!Q: What is my secret for getting dinner on the table each night?

A: The Backyardigans

Coming Out of Hibernation

With Friday bringing the official start of spring, we were so happy to have a sunny afternoon to play outside. We haven't spent any time in our backyard for months, so we cleaned off all the toys and did a little spring cleaning.

Camden practicing his pitching skills.

Mom has the camera, I must say CHEESE!
Camden tries out the tree with some help from Dad.

Camden found the Elmo sprinkler and was trying to convince me we needed to turn it on.

Emma was refreshing her tree climbing skills and wants to get even higher this year.

Rolling down the hill!

Running away from Camden.

Flashbacks to December!

I could not believe my eyes when I opened the blinds this morning to MORE SNOW!!! I double checked the calendar and yep, it is March 15, not December 15. After church, we bundled up and enjoyed playing outside!

Our poor tree is beginning to blossom and did not like the heavy snow.Emma and Camden marched up and down the side of our street slopping in the slush.
Emma's ready to sled!

Spring training: Emma practicing her batting skills hitting snowballs. ;)

The Kasparek ladies

March Madness

We woke up to snow this morning, wondering if spring is coming anytime soon. Tomorrow, I am heading off on a 4 day trip with my students to IslandWood (www.islandwood.org). We are very excited to have some scientific adventures in the great outdoors.
Meanwhile, Chris will be holding down the fort here at Casa de Kasparek. Camden and Emma are their fabulous selves!

Camden LOVES to dip. If Chris has chips and salsa, Camden has to have chips and salsa. Enjoying a little after school snack on the steps.
Emma showing her balancing skills.

Daddy's girl!

CHEESE!!!

More Trollhaugen Memories to Share

Mandy passed on the pictures she took when she was visiting us. Here are some more highlights of our weekend in the mountains...

We are packed and ready to go (who need to see out the back window-we have some serious sledding to do!) Emma and Mandy on the snow cat ride to the lodge.
Welcome to Trollhaugen!!

Is she a great big sis, or what?!?!?

Camden taking a little nap in the sled.

Chris and I discussing our plan of attack for this run on the sled.

What a face!

Heather, Aimee, Mandy, and I on dinner duty...

Louie, Chris, and Chris on clean up duty (that's what I call teamwork!)

Emma and Logan were determined to make a fabulous snowman!

Mandy and I heading out on a cross country skiing adventure

Ummmm, a little help please!

Emma and I enjoying some fun in the lodge (and they say we look a lot alike!)

The 3 Musketeers had a great time together!

Camden's 1st Haircut

Poor Camden had a traumatic experience today: his first haircut. Chris and I had flashbacks of being in the doctor's office trying to comfort him getting his shots. The boy is pretty fearless when it comes to being rough and tumble, but he wanted nothing to do with this unfamiliar thing!

Camden objected to the cape and had to be bribed with a lollipop before the snipping even began...

He thought Mom would save him, but I tried the standing approach (no such luck!)
The sweet stylist even found him a little duck to hold. It wasn't Eugene, so no good there!

All done and happy to enjoy his lollipop outside. As you can see, we called it a day after the back was cut. :)