8 Ways to Make Back to School Easier

The first day of school sneaks up so fast… summer is here and then gone in a flash! Whether your child is anxious or excited about the start of a more “normal” school year, here are some practical tips to help start things off on the right foot.
Start talking about it. New teacher, new classmates, new schedules can all create some anxieties with kids. Start talking about school a few weeks before the first day. Talk about practical things like what the new schedule will be like and what the school’s COVID policies are, but also make sure to address their feelings and concerns about the upcoming year.
Go back to school shopping early. Take advantage of your summer schedule to shop while the store isn’t as busy and the supplies haven’t been picked through. Don’t forget to buy extras for homework time or the winter re-stock that inevitably happens in January.
If you have the means to, also consider reaching out to your child’s teacher and ask if they have a Wish List that you can help with. Most teachers have very real material needs that go beyond their classroom supply lists, and now more than ever, our teachers need our kindness, our support and our advocacy.
Determine how your child will get to and from school and practice the route.
Ease back into the scheduled days. When you and your kids are used to lazy mornings and staying up late, shifting to the early morning school bus rush can be incredibly difficult. To ease the transition, start 7-10 days before school starts, and shift bedtimes and wake-up times gradually. Every day, start their bedtime routine 10-15 minutes earlier and wake them up 10-15 minutes earlier until they’re back on track. And don’t forget to readjust your bedtime schedules, too!
Re-set eating habits. When school starts, your student’s eating patterns need to maintain a high level of energy throughout the day. Implementing a routine for breakfast, lunch and snacks is just as important as their sleeping patterns. Begin this transition 7-10 days before school starts as well.
Sync your calendars. Add the school calendar to your personal/family calendar, so important dates like parent-teacher night aren’t missed.
Set rules for after school. After-school time and activities such as TV, video games, play time, and the completion of homework should be well-thought out in advance. Talk about the rules (and consequences) for these before school starts.
Prioritize mental health. Encourage your child to speak up if they are struggling, and remind them that their school counselors are there to help. Remember that often, being proactive with our mental health can be just as important as with our physical health. Setting up a few appointments with a counselor or therapist for the first weeks or months of school might be just the preventative help that your child needs. Or maybe just start looking into outside help options now, so that you are prepared if your child needs it later during the school year.
Whatcom County Quarterly Market Reports Q2 2021

The 2021 real estate market continues to be hot! Tight inventory has been a result of intense buyer demand fueled by historically low interest rates and the lucrative tech industry in our area. Also, moves brought about by the COVID effect of remote work options and some people moving towards retirement have brought additional buyers to the marketplace.
New listings are actually up from last year, but buyer demand continues to absorb the selection. This has caused above-average year-over-year price appreciation in the double digits. June had the highest number of new listings year-to-date which provided buyers some relief. We hope to continue this trend as we head into the second half of the year.
If you would like to know more about how today’s real estate market applies to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is always my goal to help keep my clients well informed and empower strong decisions.
South King County Quarterly Market Reports Q2 2021

The 2021 real estate market continues to be hot! Tight inventory has been a result of intense buyer demand fueled by historically low interest rates and the lucrative tech industry in our area. Also, moves brought about by the COVID effect of remote work options and some people moving towards retirement have brought additional buyers to the marketplace.
New listings are actually up from last year, but buyer demand continues to absorb the selection. This has caused above-average year-over-year price appreciation in the double digits. June had the highest number of new listings year-to-date which provided buyers some relief. We hope to continue this trend as we head into the second half of the year.
If you would like to know more about how today’s real estate market applies to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is always my goal to help keep my clients well informed and empower strong decisions.
Skagit County Quarterly Market Reports Q2 2021

The 2021 real estate market continues to be hot! Tight inventory has been a result of intense buyer demand fueled by historically low interest rates and the lucrative tech industry in our area. Also, moves brought about by the COVID effect of remote work options and some people moving towards retirement have brought additional buyers to the marketplace.
New listings are actually up from last year, but buyer demand continues to absorb the selection. This has caused above-average year-over-year price appreciation in the double digits. June had the highest number of new listings year-to-date which provided buyers some relief. We hope to continue this trend as we head into the second half of the year.
If you would like to know more about how today’s real estate market applies to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is always my goal to help keep my clients well informed and empower strong decisions.
Seattle Metro Quarterly Market Reports Q2 2021

The 2021 real estate market continues to be hot! Tight inventory has been a result of intense buyer demand fueled by historically low interest rates and the lucrative tech industry in our area. Also, moves brought about by the COVID effect of remote work options and some people moving towards retirement have brought additional buyers to the marketplace.
New listings are actually up from last year, but buyer demand continues to absorb the selection. This has caused above-average year-over-year price appreciation in the double digits. June had the highest number of new listings year-to-date which provided buyers some relief. We hope to continue this trend as we head into the second half of the year.
If you would like to know more about how today’s real estate market applies to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is always my goal to help keep my clients well informed and empower strong decisions.
North Snohomish County Quarterly Market Reports Q2 2021

The 2021 real estate market continues to be hot! Tight inventory has been a result of intense buyer demand fueled by historically low interest rates and the lucrative tech industry in our area. Also, moves brought about by the COVID effect of remote work options and some people moving towards retirement have brought additional buyers to the marketplace.
New listings are actually up from last year, but buyer demand continues to absorb the selection. This has caused above-average year-over-year price appreciation in the double digits. June had the highest number of new listings year-to-date which provided buyers some relief. We hope to continue this trend as we head into the second half of the year.
If you would like to know more about how today’s real estate market applies to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is always my goal to help keep my clients well informed and empower strong decisions.
North King Quarterly Market Reports Q2 2021

The 2021 real estate market continues to be hot! Tight inventory has been a result of intense buyer demand fueled by historically low interest rates and the lucrative tech industry in our area. Also, moves brought about by the COVID effect of remote work options and some people moving towards retirement have brought additional buyers to the marketplace.
New listings are actually up from last year, but buyer demand continues to absorb the selection. This has caused above-average year-over-year price appreciation in the double digits. June had the highest number of new listings year-to-date which provided buyers some relief. We hope to continue this trend as we head into the second half of the year.
If you would like to know more about how today’s real estate market applies to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is always my goal to help keep my clients well informed and empower strong decisions.
Eastside Quarterly Market Reports Q2 2021

The 2021 real estate market continues to be hot! Tight inventory has been a result of intense buyer demand fueled by historically low interest rates and the lucrative tech industry in our area. Also, moves brought about by the COVID effect of remote work options and some people moving towards retirement have brought additional buyers to the marketplace.
New listings are actually up from last year, but buyer demand continues to absorb the selection. This has caused above-average year-over-year price appreciation in the double digits. June had the highest number of new listings year-to-date which provided buyers some relief. We hope to continue this trend as we head into the second half of the year.
If you would like to know more about how today’s real estate market applies to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is always my goal to help keep my clients well informed and empower strong decisions.
South Snohomish County Quarterly Market Reports Q2 2021

The 2021 real estate market continues to be hot! Tight inventory has been a result of intense buyer demand fueled by historically low interest rates and the lucrative tech industry in our area. Also, moves brought about by the COVID effect of remote work options and some people moving towards retirement have brought additional buyers to the marketplace.
New listings are actually up from last year, but buyer demand continues to absorb the selection. This has caused above-average year-over-year price appreciation in the double digits. June had the highest number of new listings year-to-date which provided buyers some relief. We hope to continue this trend as we head into the second half of the year.
If you would like to know more about how today’s real estate market applies to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is always my goal to help keep my clients well informed and empower strong decisions.
Outdoor Movies: Summer 2021

Free outdoor movies at Seattle Center this summer. Movies begin at dusk (usually around 9pm)
- Jul 31 – The Princess Bride
- Aug 6 – The Farewell
- Aug 7 – Strictly Ballroom
- Aug 13 – Vampires vs the Bronx
- Aug 14 – Knives Out
- Aug 20 – TBA
- Aug 21 – Yesterday
- Aug 27 – Cabaret
- Aug 28 – The Wiz
Outdoor Movies at Marymoor Park
The series is a drive-in this summer and costs $30 per car. Some nights have already sold out, so be sure to head to the website for tickets ASAP!
- Jun 30 – The Breakfast Club
- Jul 1 – Men in Black
- Jul 7 – 10 Things I Hate About You
- Jul 8 – The Lion King (1994)
- Jul 14 – Footloose (1984)
- Jul 15 – Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
- Jul 21 – A Knight’s Tale
- Jul 22 – Raya and the Last Dragon
- Jul 28 – Best in Show
- Jul 29 – Hook
Movie Nights at Peddler Brewing Co.
Free! Rain or shine, you’ll be covered under the big tent.
- Jul 22 – The Sandlot
- Jul 29 – Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
- Aug 5 – Mean Girls
- Aug 12 – The Goonies
- Aug 19 – Back to the Future
- Aug 26 – 10 Things I Hate About You
Bellevue Drive-In Movie Theater at Vasa Park
Advance reservation online. Admission is donation based, $25 per vehicle suggested. Fridays-Saturdays all ages and Tuesday is kid’s night. Concessions are available – no outside food or drink allowed.
- Tuesdays – Kids Night
- Fridays – Action Films
- Saturdays – Rom Coms
Everett, Fridays “Sail-in” Cinema the Marina
The 2021 season will welcome the return of walk-in park viewing (first come, first served) while also keeping the popular drive-in viewing (requires reservation). Reservations for drive-in spaces open July 1, 2021. Walk-in parking viewing is available to all, first come, first serve.
- July 16 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (PG-13) (9:15 p.m.)
- July 23 – Sleepless in Seattle (PG) (9:05 p.m.)
- July 30 – Dunkirk (PG-13) (8:55 p.m.)
- August 6 – Raya & the Last Dragon (PG) (8:45 p.m.)
- August 13 – Princess & The Frog (G) (8:35 p.m.)
- August 20 – The Rookie (G) (8:25 p.m.)
Free, movies start at 9pm, or dusk.
7/24 – A Dog’s Journey
7/31 – Sonic the Hedgehog
8/7 – San Andreas
8/14 – Frozen II
Woodinville at Ste Michelle Winery
All ages welcome. Movie-perfect snacks will be available, as well as wine by the glass or the bottle. Gates open at 6pm and movies will begin at 7:45pm.
- 7/9 – Jumanji (1995)
- 7/16 – Mean Girls
- 7/30 – Grease