Guest Post by Steve: Getting Crafty

Holiday Cheer from R&B: Steve 

“Getting Crafty”

Katie and I have always enjoyed prepping for the holidays. Lights on the house, Christmas tree, decorations, the usual stuff. As Allie (6) and Peyton (9) have gotten older and more involved, they have really started to contribute their own ideas and are great helpers. They love to make crafts as gifts for family, friends, teachers, etc., and Allie is getting to practice her ever improving writing skills to craft holiday greetings. Lately, we’ve woken to the children locked away in a room wrapping a gift and generally collaborating. I’ve enjoyed spying in on some of these sweet moments. Seeing the kids start to take ownership of our holiday traditions and add their own has been an added joy to what can be a crazy time of year. Joy and Blessings to you and yours over the holiday.

The Russell Family

Dynamite Panters Basketball

For all the posts Peyton has received as of late, lets not forget that Allison is making memories, too.  A fellow classmate invited her to join her basketball team to meet some of the other Kindergarten families.  Allison loved being a part of a team and making friends.  Her coaches were incredibly patient and positive, which made the experience that much better for Allison!

Annual Tree Hunt

Another year, another successful tree hunt!

Siblings

For all the fighting and bickering they do these days, it's hard to remember that my children actually like each other.  Yet, I know they do.  In rare moments they even show playfulness and dare I say it, affection.  Rarer still, is capturing the moment on camera.  It's fleeting, but it's there.  See proof below:

Apple Cup

Peyton is one lucky dude.  The Apple Cup was in Seattle this year, and we had tickets.  So, Steve took Peyton with him for a day of male bonding and football.  He enjoyed the personal attention of his dad and uncles.  The Apple Cup wasn't a memorable game for most of us, but I know it is a day that Peyton (and Steve) will remember for years to come.

Thanksgiving

We headed north to Anacortes for Thanksgiving this year.  The weather was especially pleasant and mild and so was our holiday.  Teddy was napping when we arrived on Wednesday, so we took advantage of the weather and enjoyed running around down by the bay.  As it happens, this was the only time I used the camera.  An afternoon walk to Pelican books followed our outdoor play.  Then, on Thursday morning, we visited Crossfit Anacortes (a trip to Anacortes wouldn't be complete without hitting the gym)!  The absence of Papa was felt.  Our hearts were heavy.  Still, it was nice to be together and celebrate all that we are thankful for.  Thanks, Luke and Cheri, Teddy and Stevie, for opening your home and hosting.  We had a lovely time.

Veteran's Day

Peyton, along with all the third graders at Centennial, had the awesome responsibility and great pleasure of putting on the Veteran's Day Assembly this year.  They prepared for weeks and did a wonderful job.  Peyton personally invited his grandpa, John, and Uncle Luke to enjoy the performance, introduce themselves and thank them for their exemplary service.  It was a special treat to have two guests of honor in attendance.  While Papa and Uncle Ben were not physically present, they were represented by name, and held close in our hearts.  To all our Veteran's, near and far, thank you!

November Snow

November 3, 2017 - Thankfully, we had just raked so the fresh snow the kids had to work with wasn't a mess of leaves!  Considering the fact that it snowed all day long, there actually wasn't that much snow.  However, there was still plenty lying around after dinner.  Look at the size of this snowman!

Halloween

Halloween 2017:

Allison as Belle (Beauty and the Beast) and Peyton as Kylo Ren (Star Wars)

We enjoyed our 2nd annual dinner and trick-or-treating with good friends and neighbors.  Thank you Arvidson Family!  This year will also be remembered as one of the nicest (dry and warm) Halloween evenings ever.  Oh what fun!

Fall Fun

Sounders Soccer Game

Spirit Week:

Fall Sunshine at Tumwater Falls Park:

Soggy Soccer:

Leaf Walk:

Pumpkin Carving and Bethany's Birthday:

Woodard Bay Hike: