Xander and Clare

Clare's "robot."

Clare as a "blue monster."

Xander's friend Jack asked a few friends to bike to school
one morning with him and his dad (our friend Eric, who
happens to be a police officer here in town -- who better
to send X off with for his first big bike ride through city streets?).

Anna saying good morning to Clare.

Off they go, to meet up with Russell and Kinoah.
(They're going to do it again tomorrow on Bike To School Day.)

Clare was SO excited to go use a Yeager gift card she got for her birthday
from our friends the Rosellis. She got this stuffed snake and a zebra.
Girl loves her wild animals.

We bought a house! This is it! We're so relieved
to have the house hunt behind us!

Clare exploring the back yard after the house inspection.

It's a bit small but it's gorgeous. I think we're going to love it.

Checking out her now room.

Another baseball game, another gorgeous view of Mount Baker.

The 2013 Rookie Diamondbacks.

Xander is not on board with rule number five.

While he patiently waits for his first real basketball
hoop, at the new house, Xander makes due with whatever works.

Clare loves it.

Looking practically like a teenager.

Michael and the kids spoiled me with roses the day before Mother's Day.

Clare spots me during a birthday party at Perch and Play.

Celebrating Chloe's fourth birthday with a bunch of
Loving Space Preschool friends.

Clare chose this cookie for me at the party, but let's be real:
she just wanted me to buy her a duck-shaped frosted cookie.

Xander gives Clare batting pointers.

Xander greeted me Sunday morning with this sweet pop-up card.

This amazing kid. He almost makes me believe I'm doing something
right with this whole mothering gig.

Mother's Day iPhone portraits...

Balancing (barely) at preschool.

Grunge is alive and well in the Pacific Northwest.

Hair today, gone tomorrow!

Adorable. She keeps excitedly saying that she now looks
just like Jessica.

Suiting up in the catcher's gear. Xander brings his special catcher's
mitt to each game, just in case coach puts him in. He takes it very seriously.

Conked out in her "sleeping hat."