Trip to Astoria - We made a trip to Daddy's hometown and got the added bonus of seeing Uncle Greg! Home of the Goonies, Free Willy and amazing brew pubs, Astoria is Mommy's absolute favorite place in Oregon. (If only we could get Daddy to agree to move back there!!)
(Getting a mock-tail at our new favorite distillery - Pilot House Brewing!!)
(Good times with Uncle Greg!)
(164 steps up the Astoria column. Added fun? You get to throw balsam airplanes from the top!)
Olympic Race-Walk Trials - Parker's school got a lesson about the Olympic sport "race walking" (yes, it's a real thing) during the trials in Salem. They got to race each other and even scored a shirt and number. It was a rather, interesting, event to watch!
Forth of July - Fireworks and the annual Independence parade - once again, the child banks in the candy department. We ended the day with a little put-put golf. The kid has skillz, she could be the next Tiger...or not.
Marion County Fair - We love fair time...seeing the animals, riding the camel, eating super-terrible-for-you fair food, and of course, the rides!
Annual Art Fair Parade - Parker's last art fair parade as a day care kiddo! These kids are troopers walking in the heat with their best parade smiles.
Taking a chance in Pre-Hip Hop - Parker decided to try pre-hip hop dance class over the summer. Her best friend in the same class made for lots of fun. Unfortunately, recital-sparkly-tu-tus determined which dance class she starts in the fall...pre-ballet!
Water Party with Stefani - Our sweet friend Stefani invited us over for a play date in the water. So much fun...even Stafani's big brother got in on the action with some "on the roof" sneak attack action.
Swimming Lessons - Big news in the swimming progress! Parker advanced from Eel to a Ray! She can now float, go underwater, and kick like a little swimming champ. Watch out Phelps - really, not really!
Lion King (musical) - One of the best times ever - Lion King the musical!! We had the privilege to join Parker's best friend and his family to get all dolled up for an amazing night at the theatre. It was an amazing production - as was my diminishing bank account for souvenirs!
Grammie and Papa Visit- Grammie and Papa got quality Parker time while Mommy and Daddy were at work. A picnic at Silverfalls State Park, playtime at the Gilbert House, hanging with the mouse at Chuck-E-Cheese, beach trip to see sea lion friends, some bouncing at the trampoline park, trips on the carousel, and hours of swinging on the play ground - most of it done in three days!
State Fair - The year isn't complete without a visit to the state fair! More terribly great food, animals, expensive games giving cheap prizes, and rides. Lots and lots of rides. We love this time of year!
New Bike - Spoiled even more, this little girl loves her new bike! She's already a champ on the training wheels, leaving papa in the dust.
Trip to the coast - Lil' girl had her first trip on the great big ocean to do some pretty epic whale watching - we even saw a jelly fish in the action. And if that wasn't enough sea life, a trip to the aquarium "seal"ed the deal. Always so much fun with Grammie and Papa.
Kindergarten. Yes, Kindergarten - September 13, 2016 will go down in history as one of the most bittersweet days of Mommy's life. She cried (a lot), while Parker's eyes grew wider and wider taking it all in. Parks is going to love school, and only days in, already received the "Principal's Award" for being a good listener. We couldn't be more proud of our little (grown up) girl. It's going to be quite the school journey. Hope Mommy has enough Kleenex and mascara.
(A Kodak moment with Mrs. F!)
First day of kindergarten pick-up. She's such a sweet girl!
(Mommy surprised her getting of the after school care bus - she's the only rider!)
Kindergarten Open House - Little girl was so excited to show off her school! Mommy, Daddy and Aunt Kimmy loved every second of it - from her art to showing off PE activities! She received nothing but praise from her teacher ("I wish I had a whole classroom of Parker's"), which leaves this mommy nothing but smitten!! Key highlights from Parker - the bathroom, the gym, and the playground!
A few of our favorite things (Parker verbatim):
Hobbies: Watch cartoons, playing, eating, make projects, go out and have fun and go to special places (but I don't like to go to stores). Food: Chips and bean dip, chocolate pudding, Daddy's famous mac 'n cheese, spaghetti, and Hamburger Helper. School: Having recess, seeing my friend Eva, and having lunch. Parker-ism's: "I promised my mommy that I wouldn't jack around in dance class. Don't un-have." - Talking to her best friend about taking dance together. When asked what "un-have" means, she claimed "Don't be naughty. BeHAVE!" "I didn't get ice cream from the ice cream man. That was my dream!" - Missing the ice cream man, Mommy and Daddy laughing. "Quit making fun of my dream. That was my dream since I was a baby." (Months later after chasing after and catching the Ice Cream Man..) "Dreams don't come true this fast...but mine did!!"
"We won't make it to closing ceremonies in time because they're all the way in Oreo and we're from Oregon." - referring to the Olympic closing ceremonies in Rio. "I wasn't sleeping. I just didn't want to watch the boring parts on TV." - on falling asleep on the couch Parker Poses:
Just Being Parker:
One More Warner is 5 years old - and in kindergarten!
