Life with the Rosellis: 2009

Well, summer has come to an end. School has started for Amy and Western begins Wednesday. It was a fantastic summer and this past month was awesome. We took the girls to the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden, spent the weekend in Bellevue with the Viles and Quintanos while grandma and grandpa watched the kids, had the Terry, Kate, Henry, and Lucy Miller in town over Labor Day weekend, had grammy and papa up for the weekend, celebrated neighbor Maddie's sixth birthday, and now...back to the grind. It has been a crazy busy last month and we wouldn't change a thing.

Lexi on a Mini Shetland Pony for Maddie's 6th birthday!!

Mommy and Lexi having a little snuggle time outside.

"Daddy! Put Alyssa in bed with me"
Alyssa doesn't look particularly thrilled.

Look at that concentration. She's going to pummel that ball!

(she missed)

First Barrette!

Grandma made pine cone bird feeders with Lexi

and they were so popular, that grammy and Lexi

refilled them!

We're pretending to sleep, but Lexi had a tough

time keeping a straight face.

"Daddy, let's be silly."

Lexi and Lucy sharing the Miller's stroller when

they were in town. Thanks for coming up, Millers!

CRABS!

Moms and their girls.

Pals on the boardwalk.

Lucy is beautiful even when she's sick.

Slumber party time with Henry!

The girls before going out on the town in Bellevue.

After going out on the town...or was it before?

I don't remember.

Just before we started jumping on the bed

in the hotel room.

Sisters.

Spinning and spinning! Lexi LOVED this ride.

Lexi's first roller coaster ride. Two thumbs up!

Donuts? Check. Corn Dog? Check.

Great time at the fair? Check.

"Come on dad. Enough with the bottle already.

How 'bout some of that cotton candy!

One happy girl.

The girls happy in great papa's arms.

Okay, so it's been a REALLY long time since I have blogged. Sorry. Life has been quite busy around here and I seem to be spending more time updating facebook than the blog. I will try to catch you all up on what has been happening with our family in the last month. Please don't expect me to be a fantastic blogger in the next month either...the dreaded 's' word is upon us and I will be a busy teacher getting ready for school. So, here we go.

7 months ago I decided to register for my very first triathlon...something that I never would have imagined doing, EVER! I didn't know how to swim, have been somewhat fearful of deep water my whole life and was pretty sure that I would drown. A couple of my girlfriends had also registered and we began training together. I began taking swim lessons and worked on conquering my fear of the water. After several months of training and nervousness, I completed the Danskin Triathlon in Seattle along with 3,500 other women. What an empowering experience! I could not have done it without the support of my training partners and most of all Chris who completely picked up the slack with the kids and house during all of my training sessons. It is an experience I will never forget...I hope to do it again next year!

Coming up to the finish line, just saw my family cheering me on!

The BEST hubby ever!

My training partners (and dear friends)

I really DO have eyes under there!

The Girls...

Alyssa is 6 months old today and is growing up too quickly right before our eyes. She loves to play in her exersaucer and exert her new found screaming voice. Most of all, she loves to watch her big sister do everything! Lexi continues to be such a wonderful sister. She talks to her, hugs and kisses her and makes silly faces to make her laugh. It is such a delight to watch them interact with one another.

Love.

Making her laugh

Part of Daddy's birthday present from the girls...

Chris' birthday. The big 3-4!

Headed to Vancouver...

Sadly, in the beginning of July, my dear grandmother Phyllis Stone passed away after a long time of not feeling well. We miss her, but know that she is in a better place and is resting easy. So, we headed south to meet up with the rest of my family for a memorial service. Although the circumstances were not great, it was great to see extended family and wonderful friends.

Chris and Alyssa swinging in the hammock at mom and dad's house

Papa and his 2 granddaughters

Uncle Sean and Lexi

6 of the 8 great-grandchildren

My cousin Jennifer and I

Mom, Lexi and I

Auntie Jen and Alyssa

Best buddies and cousins Lexi and Tanner

Off to Black Butte...

We spent 5 days at Black Butte Ranch in Sisters, OR with the Roselli family for swimming, golfing, biking and fun. It is such a special trip each year.