Babysitter Grandma Karen

I took care of my BIG grands (Elliott 4 and norah 2) for 3 days while Mama and Papa (and Simon) had a short vacation and time off to celebrate their 10th anniversary. The kids and I had a grand time hanging out and playing in the backyard (new pool for fun) and at the lake. Alissa came over one day to help and to play with us. I was tired when Mama and Papa picked them up but was also sad to see them go home.

Following is an assortment of pictures from our adventures!

Alaska Cruise

I am just recently back from a 2 week Alaska Cruise aboard Holland America's flagship MS Amsterdam. I had a great time. I was able to share the experience with my friend Jeré who has never cruised before OR been to Alaska. The weather was not great so some of the beauty of the high mountains was lost to us.
To see pictures of my trip check out my blog:
http://alaska.kweenkaren.com/

Meeting an Aussie Friend in Seattle

Yesterday a group of Red Hatters met at Ivar's on the Seattle waterfront to greet our Australian sister Queen Adelaide (Lisa) from Adelaide, Australia. Lisa is visiting her daughter here and her brand new granddaughter. Her daughter, Jenny Hogan, is the morning traffic reporter on Kiro TV.

It was a great time and was super to meet Queen Adelaide. We had ladies at lunch from Washington (of course!), California, Canada, Alaska and Australia! Super time!

Queen Adelaide and Kween Karen....Red Hat Sisters







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Meeker Days in Puyallup

Alissa and I babysat for the "big" kids in Puyallup on Friday. It was a beautiful day and we took them to the "Meeker Days" festival. There were lots and lots of booths and kids shows and balloon blow up activities. I decided to spring for an all day bracelet so the kids could enjoy as many activities as they wanted....they had SO MUCH FUN it was well worth it!


Elliott tried ALL of the rides many times. Norah only wanted to do one of them.....over and over and over all day. Alissa was so patient and stood with Norah as she got into line all day long!!

Elliott learned how to jump very high in the harness swing thing.....it really looked like fun.


This was a kids stage show. Elliott was called up and he sang the Alphabet Song. He was VERY loud...I have the cutest movie of this....I may post it later.
Norah is watching a show here.....she was very enthralled.....much happier than her expression indicates!
Guess who got called up on stage to do the "Funky Monkey Rock"........I mean REALLY....this was a KIDS show!! Oh well....Elliott and Norah and Alissa thought it was pretty funny to see me up there!!







Norah spent a LONG time coloring this little tile. She LOVES to color and put great detail into her design!!!
Norah thought this train ride was the BEST.....with her new best buddy Alissa!!

Birdies Day 14...and that's all!

I went out to check on the birdies.....they were all fluffed up and looking very big. I took one picture......as I went to take a second one I guess I scared them. They very suddenly flapped and just flew in all directions. Sigh......I am afraid I made them leave the nest before they were ready. They did fly though....I could see them flying all around from tree to tree and never landing on the ground. Mama and Papa were distraught. I was hoping the babies would come back to the nest for the night but I have not seen them again. A crow came into the yard and was flying after the babies while Mama and Papa dive bombed the crow to chase it away. I certainly hope they were successful. I am feeling quite sad and hoping the babies are just up in a tree and learning how to avoid crows!!

Day 13 for the babies!

Here they are on day 13. It looks like it is getting very tight in that nest. I am wondering when they will start learning to fly.

Day 12 for the babies!

The babies are really getting big. I can see them moving around in my planter....but they huncker right down in the nest when I go to take a picture. Their feathers are so fluffy.....I am thinking they won't be around much longer.