Xander and Clare

A couple class photos Clare's teacher has shared recently.

Xander found some heart-shaped sugar in his morning cereal.

My birthday AirPod earbuds from Michael and the kids.

Xander and I went out for breakfast before school on my birthday.

And then Clare and I went out for cake pops at Starbucks when she got home from school.

The whole family went out to eat at the new Twin Sister Brewery.

Introducing Clare to the world of the Coen Brothers.

Family walk in Whatcom Falls Park.

They never want to go, always grumble about it, and then halfway through the walk they're talking and laughing and happy to be there.

It's firepit (and s'mores) season!

Her favorite volleyball teammates.

One night, around 7:30pm, Michael told the kids to grab a book or something to read and we were going to go out for a family "coffee" date. (The kids had hot chocolate and we had water -- because we actually wanted to be able to sleep that night.)

Clare chose to bring a math workbook -- for fun.

The teenager did not sit with us. Ha!

Clare's self-portrait hanging outside Mr. Z's classroom.

School photo day: no longer all that concerned with his hair or his outfit.

Rachele got me this awesome hummingbird feeder for my birthday and now I'm obsessed with all our hummingbird friends.

The kids' space.

We took Clare's buddy Landen to the demolition derby this year.

The moment we realized Xander is as tall as I am -- and maybe a smidge taller. (He could not be more pleased.)

The wild difference between sixth and eighth grade.

Heading into a WWU volleyball match. The campus is gorgeous this time of year.

Clare's first BBA basketball practice. She's excited to move up to this next level.

Xander's first fitness training session at Gritworks.

The boys went to a high school football game and Clare and I happily stayed home and started the next season of the Great British Baking Show.

Halloween costume shopping.

Found her new favorite baby doll.

More Great British Baking Show...

Clare had a great game last night -- her serve has gotten really strong.

Unbeknownst to me, Xander and Michael both told Clare that if she could get a 5-and-out serve (meaning she served for five straight points, and then has to rotate out), they'd give her a dollar.

She got it!

Actually, she got TWO -- one from both of them. I don't condone motivation by payment, but it sure was cute to watch her excitedly run off the court and look back at the boys to make sure they were ready to pay up. :)