Bybee Blueberry Farm

We took a little field trip to the Bybee Blueberry Farm in Northbend with Emi and her pal Nathan. It was lots of fun and it didn't take us very long to pick our berries. Nathan was pretty good at picking the blueberries that were ripe and blue, Emi on the other hand was just picking away so she got some green ones. The berries were sweet and yummy, we will have to make another trip out soon!

Bon Odori 2010

I just found this pictures from Bonodori a few weeks ago. Emi was not in the greatest mood that evening...she did enjoy coloring a fan and watching the Bon Odori dancers.

Just in case you are interested Bon Odori (Folk Dancing) O-bon Holidays
Bon Odori = Bon dance (dancing). Bon dance is held during the Obon Festival an annual event every year.

Obon or Bon is an annual Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the deceased (departed) spirits of one's ancestors that have past away and to honor (remember) them. This Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors' graves, and when the spirits of ancestors are supposed to revisit the household altars. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon-Odori.

Spokane 2010!

We had a lovely visit with Erich's family this past weekend in Spokane. We stayed with Grandma Maxine as usual and it was great to see her! We also made a stop at Uncle Brad and Aunt Robin's house to see Erich's cousins -Rebekah, Christin, Abby, Stephanie and her son Darren. Good times!
Can you spot Emi near Daddy near the river?

Throwing rocks into the river.

It was really hard to get a good picture of Emi and Great Grandma Maxine this time! We'll try again next year :)

Emi and Auntie Bekah (she was trying to get her cheek on Aunt Bekah's face for the picture).
Emi looks like she won the lottery when Auntie Christin let Emi hold her phone!
Emi and Auntie Christin

Emi and Nathan

Emi and Nathan have been spending more time together and she is SO happy about that! The two kiddos are great playmates, we enjoy having Nathan over on Fridays and Emi LOVES playing at Nathan's house on Mondays.

Thomas the Train!

We took a ride on Thomas the Train (about 2 weeks ago) with Nathan and Auntie Corey. The weather was perfect and the ride was FUN! Thanks for inviting us to go with you and for sharing your pictures with us!

Thomas!
Emi is getting her first tattoo, she wasn't sure about this whole thing so we had it put on her leg instead of her hand.


Emi feeding Nathan snacks as while we wait in line to board the train.

Emi and Mommy on the train!

Beautiful wiew from the train!

Emi and Nathan go way back! They are such good buddies, I love it!

Feeding the Frogs with Gung Gung

Gung Gung came over to help us repaint the peeling paint on our trim on the house. When he and Erich were finished Emi and Gung Gung fed the frogs.

Zoo!

We made a trip to the zoo this week with Colin and Auntie Anne. It's so fun to be able to get out and do fun activities with our friends during the week. Not many of the animals were out today but we still had a great time and enjoyed the sunshine!

Emi's First Camping Trip

We had a great time camping in Birch Bay with our friends Anne, Derek, Collin, Amabelle, Jon, and Tyler! The weather was great and the kids stayed happy! Since we don't camp often (this was only my 2nd time) we didn't have a lot of camping gear that the other families did...it was great to see what other things we should invest in if we are going to continue these camping adventures! I was so glad we were camping with experts :)



Our campsite...



Emi watching the live band playing.

Heading to the beach! Colin, Emi, Tyler...

Keeping Cool Like it's Going Out of Style!

We are so happy the sun is finally out, but it has been a little hot to be outside for too long. This week Emi's done a lot of things inside and outside to keep her busy!

The first hot day Emi explored the other side of the backyard...
Emi back from exploring the dead end...


Wiped down her water table...
and sandbox (that needs sand!)


The next day she did some painting...
Emi looks like an evil little artist here but this is the smile she gave when I asked for one...

here are some of her paintings...
And here it is again when we took a little break to have some ice cream out on the front porch...

Yesterday she helped me with the recycle, she took everything out, one by one! She was very happy to help!

Random Things

Lately while I make meals Emi likes to be in the kitchen with me. This evening she decided it would be a good idea to put towels in plastic bags and line them up at the fire place. Of course this task could not be accomplished with out mama's red flats!






Emi has been retreating to her own private reading area after dinner time, we are so glad she enjoys reading!
Can't I get any privacy around here? Mommy follows me everywhere with that camera!