The Zelly Zone

freckles anyone?

Had to share this fabu pic that my sis took of zel at our baby shower.

Happy 9th Birthday Hazel!

Does it get any better than this?

It's the fourth day in a row of snow, snow, snow, and the neighborhood kids have been sledding at the church across the street. Lots of kids, not quite enough sleds, lots of cooperation! It's been fun to watch.

Here's zel on a snowboard for the first time! Apparently, bindings really aren't needed.

I sure am glad we didn't have snow like this on her day of birth... the drive to seattle would have been horrible.

The old Tractor

I remember this tractor well from childhood. Dad mad this for Wayne and I, not sure what year that was. Looks like Hazel is *almost* too big for it:

Making the vroom vroom sounds.. heading out to the field to get her chores done:

Hazel *is* Hermione Granger

For Halloween this year, Hazel dressed as Hermione Granger. And here she is with her pumpkin, which she cleaned out and carved herself.

Hazel and her goofy Bapa, dressed in Tumwater High school cross country gear (left by my brother and sister).

Hazel's early birthday present

Hazel's a third grader now and walking or riding her bike to and from school each day. For a couple of years now, she's been getting around on her trusty Dazzle Jazz with its 18" tires.

Hazel grew an inch between the end of 2nd grade and the start of 3rd. It was time to step up to a sporty new Trek, with its 20" rims.

After a few adjustments and a safety checkout at the bike store, Hazel's ready to roll. This bike rates two thumbs up from Hazel, mostly because she finally has a kick-stand.

Back to school

Hazel was about jumping out of her skin this morning, ready for third grade! Of course, having her best friend Rachel in her class (only 2 seats away!) is what she's most excited about. Hopefully, the teacher will mind the warning we gave her (and rachel's parents also gave!) and be on top of their chattiness quick.

This year, for the first time, we went school clothes shopping. It was a lot of fun and Hazel picked out some really cute stuff. I'll be posting her new outfits over the next week or so. See extended post for today's full outfit.

Zel's other activities are starting up now too: art, girl scouts and soccer. She took art class last year and really, really enjoyed it, so we're continuing this year (I should post her artwork from last year!). Soccer started up last week, and this year it's 5-a-side, with goalies! She actually dove for a ball while in goal during scrimmage, but forgot to call for it, so got the ball kicked into her stomach. She shrugged it off and continued on (that's our girl!).

For Girl Scouts, she's a brownie again this year, and is looking forward to cookie sales, since she wants to go to camp for a whole week next summer and knows that means selling more cookies! She attended 3-day camp this summer, and was able to fully pay for it with her cookie credits. She was proud of herself, not only for being able to pay for it herself, but for spending two nights away from us, with complete strangers!

We will try to keep this space more current, but you know how life is.. it just keeps happening, even when you're not documenting it!

Our Little Helper

sweet pink princess or demon possessed vacuumer? either way, the couches were de-furred!

Another new look for Hazel

Hazel now sports the sophisticated bi-focal look

Hazel the Brownie and her best friend, Walter

Hazel the Brownie

With her best friend, Walter

Is Walter helping with that computer game?

Or is he just looking for love?

dualling guitars

Hazel got a guitar from her Auntie Auntie Linnie for her birthday. On New Year's Eve, we entertained the family. Eventually, we'll even be able to play songs together.