Pool Time is fun in any weather

The cheap-o' pool is fun on cool and warm days. This weekend we are reaching temperatures into the 90's and a dip in the pool is needed for all involved. Plus a good swim equals a lovely nights rest... its 730am and Elizabeth is still sleeping!!!

July 2010

Long video that not everyone will enjoy sitting through... vacation photos can be torture for those not present. 2nd song is for my brother.

Family Trip 2010 from kathleen mcgregor on Vimeo.

Hot Days of Summer - 81 degrees is hot for us

Elizabeth is a cautious child. She is not one to jump into the group. She takes her time, evaluates what is happening and eventually she gets in there. It was this way with the pool this weekend and especially the other weekend when we went to the neighborhood wading pool. She clings to me, refusing to participate which is fine. I sit with her in my arms, we talk about what is happening, she makes a few comments, takes my hand but she always finds her way to letting go and getting in the fun.
It takes patients as a parent especially when you (umm I) are the sort that tends to jump in feet first and look back thinking... uh oh what have I done. Then again I am also the sort that LOVES to snuggle and that she does while considering her next move. Oh I love a snuggle.

Alison and Quinn's Wedding

There is something about attending a wedding of a friend in your 'real' adult years. It is often a friendship that is cast in stone and will last a lifetime. This was such a wedding. We were roommates for years, co-workers, pregnant together and our daughters born four days apart. I am blessed for knowing this couple and it was the BEST wedding ever (well besides my own).
Jeff played with the girls on a blanket during the ceremony however Lila finally needed to see her mom. Of course this was during the vows but what are you going to do but pick her up and enjoy the moment just the same... or perhaps even more.
As one guest commented... 'it proves we love this couple that we all left the sun and traveled to the pit of clouds on the Washington coast'.

I don't wear lipstick but guess who does...

That is Grandma getting her own make over Elizabeth style..
And here is the instigator of this new love of lipstick... trouble trouble.

Camping with friends

This is 55 miles from our house. Love the PNW. We spent the weekend camping with friends and quickly realized the amount of STUFF kids 'need'. I mean when you are in the middle of potty training the pot can not be a five minute walk away so along came the kiddos pot.
The river was a hit and once we ferried them across to the beach/wading area they were in heaven.

Caming is Exhausting

Family Fun

Laura calls it 'forced family fun'. The McGregor clan was out here for 7-11 days. The first two photos really summarize the trip. There was much joy and there was much exhaustion.


We spent most the week out on the Olympic Peninsula and everyone was hiking... well almost everyone.

Day with the Saxson Kids

Trying to keep up with a very energetic three year old boy makes Elizabeth exhausted which pleases us as she slept GREAT last night. Elliot and Charlotte can come over anytime!!
Jeff was the hit of the day with his own style of dancing. Amused all the kiddos!

Mrs. Hollywood plays sleep with Grandma

Elizabeth's two favorite games are sleep and cooking. Sleep involves having a blanket, a baby doll and a person lay down and 'sleep'. Please know there is no actual sleep but instead much up and down, up and down. Luckily enough the big person is allowed to stay laying. It is a nice break.

July 4th with friends

It was a very rainy fourth so our covered deck was much used. On our street there are 19 kids and for the fourth the street is closed for traffic and kids are basically free to roam, ride bikes and just be kids. There were tons of fireworks, a bonfire late in the night on the street and of course in the true American tradition smores.

Sunday with Lila

Lila came over and spent the day. Having Lila for the day is really easy. The girls have soooo much fun together. We played tea party with Pooh while waiting for the rain to clear. Eventually realized that was futile and dawned our raincoats for a cold adventure walk. Yep summer solstice this weekend and we are still wearing our Wellies.

And Four Years Ago....

It is our four year anniversary today. The sun is out. Elizabeth had a wild morning playing with her friends Alice and Anneka. I am married to my bestest friend and lovin' every minute. Life is good. Now if I was just able to actually see my hubbie today.

The Zoo and a Birthday

Elizabeth loves the Zoo. All we have to do is head in the general direction and she starts screaming "Zoo, Zoo, Elephant, Zoo, Yessss" and then if we are really going there all sorts of joy explodes.
We also celebrated Jeff's birthday. It was really a pitiful celebration as the Birthday Boy was sick. Elizabeth was not phased and was quite excited to open his presents and blow out the cupcake candle. The funny thing is she actually does not enjoy cake. I thought I would try again but still it was a lick of the frosting and then she was done. I don't think we will ever have those photos of her with cake smeared all over.

Prior to Jeff's incapacitation, of which he is now cured, he did his first Tri of the season along with our friend Yvonne. The water temp... 57 degrees... not right!

Chillin' Sunday Morning

Saturday Night Dance Party

Dance parties still happen!!

Spring Time Plague

Elizabeth has spent the past few days sick. At first it was sort of relaxing. I read an entire New Yorker AND finished a book. Jeff had his turn with our little heater and watched most of the cycling tours. It has now gotten old. I am ready for my running around active girl back.

She cracks herself up

She has taken to telling stories and they often crack herself up. Here she was talking about school, we understood maybe 10% of what she was saying however it was VERY funny apparently.

Orcas Island for Mother's Day Weekend

We headed out in the Westie for Mother's Day weekend. Elizabeth was a trooper and slept sort of well although she preferred the sleep in my arms. Above we are resting in our hour long ferry ride and below she actually had an afternoon nap in the Westie... a first! We even managed to listen to 2 episodes of 'This American Life'. Pure luxury.
We camped out on Doe Bay where the views are outstanding, the food is amazing and there are hot tubs for beginning, end and middle of the day soaks.
Of course Elizabeth was in charge and driving our direction as always. She is a sassy gal and we love it all.

A Story about Elizabeth

This is a story about a sad little girl, a funny man with a small hat, two baby dolls and a swing that makes it all better.



THE END!!