Down For the Count

June 11, 2014December 30, 2018Leave a comment

I usually don’t like to post about our kids being ill but this was one of those moments where I couldn’t help it. After watching Ellie suffer through Whooping Cough at only 4 weeks old, seeing your kiddos really sick makes your experience completely different.

Abby started off with what seemed to be allergies. Quickly she developed a fever and her eyes watered and look as though they might swell shut. After three days of a fever that we couldn’t control or lower with medication (ie; Tylenol and Motrin) we made our way to the doctors office just to make sure there wasnt something bigger that might be going on. Her doctor seemed a tad concerned but before putting Abby through the ringer, she had us wait until Sunday before coming back in and addressing the problem further.

Sunday came around and nothing had changed. Abby was still unable to fight her fever on her own, which remained constant and over 102.7, and her doctor was concerned based on a grouping of symptoms that Abby might have Kawasaki’s Disease. So we were whisked off to Seattle Children’s Hospital to run tests and be very sure that this was just a virus and not something bigger.

Poor peanut was not doing well at all!


After a cool shower to try and bring her fever down. A little more light in those eyes but still so sick!

Being a trooper with lamby, some snacks and of course her favorite doggy, Rosebud!

Before I continue I want to say that in the end, Abby did not have Kawasaki’s. She tested negative and instead had a very aggressive form of an Adenovirus, which effects the sinuses. This was what was creating the crazy issue with her eyes and such a high fever. She was given a good dose of Tylenol and after a few hours, she finally started to respond. They took blood work, hooked her up to an IV to get fluids running through her and all the while Abby was a brave little soldier.

We were blessed to have Auntie Kelli and Keith help us out. They met us over at Seattle Children’s and hung out with Ellie, who was quite concerned about her sister. Luckily, a trip to Starbucks for some treats brightened her spirits. Thanks to the both of you for helping on such short notice!

I cannot say enough about the staff (nurses, doctors and even the admissions staff). They were fantastic with Abby! They spoke to her like a person, explaining everything that was happening in terms that she could understand. They did their best to make her comfortable, happy and as fear free as they possibly could. Her IV went in like a breeze and aside from the occasional discomfort when she moved her hand, she barely knew it was there. (We covered her hand with Lamby… out of sight out of mind). She received her own pair of hospital socks, which Abby thought were very cool, and they gave her some of her favorite snacks since her appetite was starting to pick up again. Despite feeling bad, she was having a lot of fun and even got to watch some cool movies too!

Now we are back home, resting comfortably and hoping that she can improve enough to attend her preschool graduation. Fingers crossed!

A Trip Down Memory Lane

June 3, 2014December 30, 20181 Comment

When Abby started preschool in California, we went for the first day and then we took off for our girls trip to Montana. Her teachers asked if we could take some pictures and bring them back for Abby to share with the class. So while we were in Yellowstone, Abby found a photo album that she loved and we brought it home with us and filled it with pictures of the trip to share with her class and keep for her to enjoy.

Abby and Ellie were going through their bookshelf and found the album. They brought it into our bedroom and sat there looking at it for nearly an hour. Abby told stories and helped Ellie to remember some of the things she might have forgotten since she was just two at the time. It was so nice to see them getting along and Abby teaching Ellie. It makes my heart burst to see them bond in such a way.

Bunny Birthday Bash

June 1, 2014December 30, 2018Leave a comment

Abby’s friend from preschool was celebrating her 5th birthday and both of the girls were invited. They were certainly excited for a birthday party in general, but when the girls found out that there would be bunnies there…. all bets were off. What a fun and happy birthday party and who can resist a cuddly fuzzy bunny! I know I couldn’t and neither could Shaun! We called him the bunny whisperer. They all seemed to calm down and snuggle up with him every time we picked one up. So cute!

Waiting patiently to hold the bunnies. A few rules first.

Look at that sweet face and wittle bunny nose!

Bunnies and school friends!

So happy to be bunny snugglin’.

So proud to be holding a bunny

Surrounded by bunnies!

Love this little girls smile!

Another bunny!!

This little bunny kept coming up to Ellie for loves and snuggles. Who can argue with that?

Are you still in there little bunny?

Such a big smile! Its amazing what an animal can do.

Daddny helping Ellie wrap up a bunny. This little guy was super calm and happy to be held by Ellie

Makes my heart melt.

This little guy couldn’t get enough love from Daddy and Ellie

Daddy, the bunny whisperer. This little guy snuggled right in and started to fall asleep!

Carrots!

Bunny love. And no… I wasn’t allowed to take one home!

Preschool Family Picnic

May 31, 2014December 30, 20181 Comment

Every year the preschool puts on a family picnic at the park so that all of the families and teachers can get together, relax and spend a few hours together before the end of the school year. Since the preschool started this tradition, the day of the picnic has always been rainy and wet, but they still had fun and made the best of it.

I dont know if we brought extra luck with us (being that this was our first year there) but the day of the picnic was sunny, warm and perfect. The kids had the chance to run around and play on the really cool playground, eat hot dogs and cupcakes and enjoy time with their friends outside of school. It gave the parents a chance to mingle and talk as well.

Elli and Abby with Ellie’s favorite teachers assistant, Mrs.Suket. Ellie absolutely adores her!

My little climbing monkey

Exploring the fossils on the wall.

Playing and thinking… the usual. 🙂

The picnic was a big hit and the beautiful sunny weather was the icing on the cake. To top it all off, the kids in Abby’s Pre-K class even found a dead snake and decided to share it with everyone! There were a few terrified screams, especially from the mothers of the boys who carried it over with big grins on their faces. Priceless!

The Fire Department Comes to Preschool!

May 15, 2014December 30, 20181 Comment

Today the fire department came to Abby and Ellie’s school. Don’t worry… it was planned. The kids had a great time visiting with the firefighters and Abby and Ellie were very excited to see that one of them was a girl! Such a great role model for both boys and girls to have.

I love the idea and reasoning for having the fire department come. They do it not just to show off the trucks and people but also to teach the kids. Yes there is fire safety to teach but its also about showing children what a firefighter might look like in full gear so that if they need to be helped, they aren’t afraid of them. These guys, and lady, did a great job doing that today and boy oh boy did they have to field a lot of questions from some very curious preschoolers.

Firefighter Kelly and her crew talk with the preschoolers about the jobs of a firefighter.

Ellie and Edie waiting and watching as their friends ask some very interesting questions

A little unsure about this big red truck and the people standing in front of it.

Ellie liked the truck but wanted out right away. My shy little monkey.

Abby loved the fire truck!

Checking out all of the equipment.

Firefighter John gets ready to show all of the equipment he has to wear.

Piece by piece he puts on his important gear.

Everything is on… but its still firefighter John underneath.

Taking a look at all of Firefighter John’s gear and to see that it really still is him under there.

Setting up for the end of their visit.

Lots and lots of questions for Firefighter Kelly!

The best ending to a fun day… seeing the fire hose in all its glory!

Thank you Bothell Fire Department for coming out and visiting at the preschool today. You made a lot of kids very happy today and taught them some very important things. Thank you for your visit and all that you do for our community!

Future Careers?

May 14, 2014December 30, 2018Leave a comment

Abby and Ellie were taking each others patient history. No joke… Thank you Doc McStuffins! I see a future career in the medical industry for both of them!

Kindergarten Dinner

May 13, 2014December 30, 2018Leave a comment

Tonight was Abby’s first interaction at Woodmoor Elementary School, Kindergarten Orientation night! The school offered a pizza dinner and then the chance to see all of the classrooms and meet the teachers. Abby was beyond excited about it and we did not hear the end of it until we arrived at the school.

Abby wore her pearls for this momentous occasion. How very lady like of her. Love this girl so much.

After our tour and visit in all of the classrooms, Abby is very excited for school to start in September. I have to say, I love their new school and I see a lot of great things happening for Abby and Ellie at Woodmoor Elementary. Anyone who says otherwise can have their try with LAUSD and then get back to me.

Mother’s Day Tea with the Girls

May 7, 2014December 30, 20181 Comment

Today was the Mother’s Day tea at Abby and Ellie’s preschool. The girls were both very excited about today and I, of course, could not wait! We had lovely tea treats, some wonderful gifts from the girls and I was so happy to spend this lovely time with them.

Yummy tea time goodies

Mommy and her beautiful little girls. Thanks for making me a mommy!

Abby made me a coconut and lavender sugar scrub! Yummy!

I loved her answers for the questionnaire and the hand prints and poem had be tearing up in public. Oh my I love these kiddos.

First Fishies!

May 5, 2014December 30, 2018Leave a comment

The girls have been asking for a dog, so we took them to the pet store… and got them some fish! Our house is limited to the size of dog we can get and if I am being honest, after losing Jack I am not sure I am ready for another canine companion just yet.

Instead we thought fish would be a great pet for the girls to have. Teaching them responsibility; making sure to feed and care for them. Its also a great way to teach them about loss, as we all know most guppies have a pretty short life span. Hmmm… maybe a puppy is a better choice. I guess only time will tell.

So after a trip to PetSmart we came home with a tank, all the needed accessories, some fun decorations and 4 fish picked out by our adorable little kiddos. Ah new fishy parents! Lets hope all of our new fishies adapt and survive. No matter what, it was a fun day sharing this moment with the girls.

Trying to decide which ones to take home. If the girls had it their way, they would take them all.

Our new tank with our 4 new fish. Each has a name but I have not committed them to memory yet. Just. In. Case.

It’s Zoo Time!

April 28, 2014December 30, 2018Leave a comment

We’re going to the zoo!! I know, this is nothing out of the ordinary for the Wharton Family, but we love this place.Who wouldn’t?! Its spring time in Seattle and when the sun comes out and the days warm up, you get out of the house and enjoy it. That is just what we did. I always enjoy my time at the zoo with my little monkeys!

Watching the gorillas!

Woah mom! Its coming our way!

Amazing and so beautiful

The Woodland Park Zoo’s oldest gorilla. She has been here since 1979. Looking good!

The Penguin Whisperer

Becoming one with the penguins. Love this spot.

“Let me in!”

She is fascinated by the ocean and all the creatures in it.

Hello pretty penguin!

Just out for a daily stroll in my tuxedo.

Penguin chicks in their natural habitat.

Taking in and enjoying a beautiful, sunny day in Seattle.

Little furry sentry standing guard.

“What? Who are you looking at?”

“Whats the shiny thing that you hold in your hand?”

Meerkat kisses… totally irresistible.

“I am ready for my glamor shots atop a Komodo Dragon!”

Sisters and besties forever. They might fight but they still lean on each other whenever they can.

I wish Ellie’s hand could always stay this small, especially when compared to a Orangutan.

Mama watching over her little not so little cubs.

Mrs. Hippo

Hungry, Hungry Hippo… ok, dumb joke.

Cheeky Monkey

Beautiful and curious.

Hello Wolf…

Big ole Grizz

Tiny Otter Bubbles

There is something very peaceful about watching the river otters swim and play. I could sit here for hours if my family let me.

“He’s a Raven Lunatic” Love you Daddy!

Nothing completes a trip to the zoo like a roll down the hill.

Another zoo trip complete! I am sure we will be back very soon and ready to visit our favorite friends again!

Happy Easter!

April 21, 2014December 30, 2018Leave a comment

Happy Easter Everyone!

The Easter Bunny made it to our house and the girls were thrilled. This year, the big bunny made the girls do a bit of work for their baskets. When they woke up, the girls found a note from the Easter Bunny saying that their baskets were hidden around the house and they had to find them! Once they did, Abby and Ellie were in heaven. They loved their baskets!

The Easter basket with the note from the Easter Bunny!

SOOOOO EXCITED TO HUNT FOR OUR BASKETS!

Cheese and Happy Easter!

The note from the Easter Bunny

Someone found her bucket and looks pretty excited about it.

Abby loves her basket too. She had to look a little harder for hers but she found it pretty fast!

The Easter Bunny loot!

Enjoying every little bit of her basket.

So thrilled with everything!

After baskets and some breakfast, we took a drive and ended up in Edmonds at the beach. The girls cant get enough of the beach. (I think its the fact that they are California Girls). We had a great time even though it was a little bit cold and Abby and Ellie certainly stayed busy. Pictures at the beach are always the best too!