Tacoma Museum of Art

Last week, why did you hate me?  I tried to make you happy but it seems we just couldn't be friends.  Oh well.  Maybe this week will go a little smoother.  I wasn't sad to see you go, but at least I was able to escape with the kids down to Tacoma's museum district!   We met up with some school friends and were able to learn about native Americans, PNW style! 

 

 Apparently vandalism is encouraged in downtown Tacoma if it's in the name of the arts. :P

  I would love to give you lot's of fun and interesting facts about the PNW Native Americans and their traditions, culture, and canoes, but I was too busy trying to keep Jaxy quiet in the Tacoma Art Museum.....and failing miserable I might add.  Note to self, toddlers and museums don't mix, especially if they carry the same DNA as SMW.  At least I was able to remember Linda's name and not have to name her like "Forester Brad". 

The kids did a great job of listening.  I was really impressed!  Way better then their brother!  Koa is wearing his "serious" clothes.  This is his outfit he wears when he means business.

How awesome are these!?!?

 

After hearing from Linda we were able to go into one of the museum's classrooms and were taught how to make beaded necklaces by some high school interns from SOTA.  They were awesome!  

 

So do you think I took pictures of my kids and their finished necklaces?  Nope, I was STILL chasing Jax, but they are hanging on my rearview mirror and they look pretty fantastic....guess you will just have to take my word for it. :P  We had a great time and can't wait to go visit the rest of the museums in the area.  

Google....if You Dare

There are very few things I wish I could reverse in my life, and seeing this is one of them.  I'm not going to say how I came across this little gem because I would be incriminating myself, but let's just say I will never be the same.  It was an emotionally draining experience and one I obviously need to share with you!  Follow these steps exactly.  1.  Google "New Zealand Weta".  2.  Click on images.    3. Commence visual assault.  4.  Look up your mental health benefits.   Go ahead....I'll wait for you.  

How did that go?  If you are anything like me, I literally threw my computer across the bed.  Seriously.  And when my loving spouse discovered what I was so freaked out about, he has spent the last week furthering my trauma by making creepy insecty (yes that's a word :P) noises and when he walks by he likes to make me think something is crawling on me.  Thanks, buddy.  Needless to say I will not be making a trip to the Southern Hemisphere....or leaving the state of Washington......like ever.

Hike in the Pack Forest

Last week we decided to break away from our school routine and meet some friends for a hike in the Pack Forest.  It was a little chilly, but was beautiful and clear out and the kids had a great time.

 

Why do I feel the need to post the pics of my kids making the weirdest faces.  Bad parenting?  I think yes.

Awwww.......he loves his sister.....or.....I caught him with his eyes closed.  You be the judge.

Mohawk hats are awesome.  That's all I have to say about that.

 I bought FB his first pair of shoes last week and he's been walking like Frankenstein for the past couple of days.  First pair of shoes at 17 months.  Bad parenting strike 2?  Yup.

This was the forester who was awesome enough to give us a guided tour.  I didn't catch his name because I was with FB in the car sacrificing getting to hear his plethora of knowledge......with my seat warmer on.  Somebody had to do it.  We will refer to him as Brad.  Forester Brad....and....I think he should consider changing his name.  It fits.

Seriously.....all I can say is he takes after his dad.

Look who graced us with his presence!  Mr. SMW.  <3 

Leopard print skinny jeans to go hiking?  Definitely!  It's called blending with the wildlife.  She is one smart girl.

  

Trail of Giants.

Hey.....Brad.

It's a GIANT!!!!

This is one of the oldest trees in the Pack Forest and is over 500 years old.  He was growing before the first explorers came to America!  Awesome. :)

Only picture of them all together and it was an epic fail.  My camera was on manual and I'm a crappy photographer.  Judge.  Judge away.

I feel this is may be a good time to make a confession.  I learned something about myself during the hike.  Something that has me doing some serious personal reflection.  Two words.  Zombie.  Apocalypse.  I better get cracking on my cardio or I'm a goner.

Do you know what this is?  Let me help you.  It's a mountain lion track.  Did you read what I wrote???  MOUNTAIN LION!!!!!  This, people, is why I prefer experiencing nature through my television.  PBS....NATGEO...DISCOVERY.  They don't make those shows for nothing.  Oh the sacrifices we make for our children and their educations.  Which just made me think of something.  All the cardio in the world couldn't help me out run a mountain lion...maybe I will re-think this exercise thing over a tray of brownies.  It will help me think clearly.  

And there you have it.  Nature, a few 500 year old giants, mountain lions, SMW running security, mohawks, and you have one pretty awesome day at our E.D.U.

FB FREE

I've been 20 days FB Free.  YIKES!  Who knew you could survive this long.  I sure didn't!  But apparently I'm living proof  that after the violent shakes are gone, and you stop talking to yourself in "FB status updates".....there really is life after FB.  It's a miracle, people.  Now, I will be spending all my time perfecting the "Pinterest" versions of myself, my home, and my kids..which are all AWESOME. ;)