Kite-flying FHE

Dollar-Spot kites (from Target) made for a fun and memorable FHE at Zuanich Park!

Pinewood Derby

 I think Paul and the Young Men had a fun time putting on a ward Pinewood Derby. There was a great turnout, and the "Photo Finish" screen was definitely a hit.

For some reason we didn't get pictures of the boys' cars that Paul made for them. Benjamin chose a Francesco Bernoulli car, and Rhett wanted "#7." Unfortunately, neither car did very well in the races, but the boys didn't seem to mind.

Train Ride!

 Bright and early on a Saturday morning, Benjamin and Rhett boarded their very first train!

They waited so patiently

 until the train finally pulled into the station.

 They waved bye-bye to Mama and Lucy

 and got ready to enjoy the 45-minute ride!

 Rhett consulted the map (or the train schedule).

 

A train ride from Bellingham to Stanwood was perfect for these two boys (and their dada!)

Duersch Girls Getaway (DGG) 2012

 A few years ago the Duersch women began an annual tradition of getting together and getting away: going someplace sans children and husbands and spending time together. While I've missed more exotic getaway locations (NYC, Missouri), it was fun having the ladies come up here for a Bellingham/Vancouver, BC getaway.

There's only so much you can squeeze into two days (even when the driver *ahem-me* isn't getting lost in Bellingham), but I think we all had fun nonetheless.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Despite this being the fourth spring that we have lived in Whatcom County, this is the first time I have been to the Tulip Festival. Had it not been raining we would have enjoyed walking among the tulips in the fields, but even so we enjoyed the pretty displays.

Shopping in Fairhaven

Even this little Duersch lady got to come to day 1 of the getaway. Here she is patiently waiting while we finish some shopping before dinner.

 

Capilano Suspension Bridge

On day 2 of the DGG we headed up to Vancouver, BC. We did some shopping at the Kids Market, followed by exploring a public market that was going on nearby. Then we visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

 Lighthouse Park

We wrapped up the weekend by having dinner and an Indian restaurant in Vancouver before heading back to our accommodations at Birch Bay.

 Two days isn't quite long enough to spend time with everyone, but I'll take it. Thanks for a fun getaway, Duersch girls!

Haircut time!

 Things were getting shaggy around here, and since it's (finally!) warm enough we did haircuts outside.

Benjamin likes to do it himself first.

 Rhett finishes his dinner while he waits his turn.

 Lucy playing with the boys' new soccer ball and watching the fun.

Dada finishing the job.

Mother's Day

 What Mother's Day wouldn't be happy when your present is decorated like this?

I love those kids.