Fun Times

A fellow photographer friend showed me this cool spot in Tacoma to take Urban photos, so we met up and did a session with Addi. She was the perfect little poser and had a blast. Thanks Kamieo for showing me such an awesome spot!

New Floors

Our new floors are in and we are extremely satisfied. I still can't believe what was under our carpet when we pulled it up. At least we now know what is on our floor and we can clean it as needed. No hidden dust or allergens, and that makes me a happy camper!

ahhh, my Husband is a Sweetheart

My husband walked in yesterday with my favorite flowers (stargazer lilies) from Pike Place Market. He then hands me a note that says, "Happy 62!!... months since we met." What a nice surprise. I'm so fortunate and blessed at the same time. Thanks John, you know how to make me smile, and I'm so thankful for you.

Happy Birthday Catey!

Last night Erin and I took Catey to Mama Stortini's for her birthday. I looked forward to hanging out with good friends and eating a great meal. After being in Mommy mode for a while, it was nice to switch gears. Happy (Early) Birthday Catey, I hope you have a great day and week, you deserve it!

Trip to Sunrise

We took a trip to Sunrise a while back and I fell instantly in love. You know how you feel in awe at certain places or you just feel like this is where you belong. We would have stayed longer if the mosquitoes were not feasting on our limbs for lunch. We plan on going back for a hiking/picnic trip very soon.I'm still amazed we have places like this close to our house. Just a 30/40 minute drive from house, and we are in heaven, literally.
Mount Rainier is amazing up close.
As usual, Ethan was on the go and never stopped the entire time we were there. I don't even think the mosquitoes could keep up with him.

That had this cool visitors center that was a site to see.

And... look at these hiking trails

Here is another view of the trails. Good thing we have backpack carriers, this is where we are going hiking in 2 weekends. This time we will know to take insect repellent!

A Long Haul

I wish I had grabbed my camera at first site of this huge piece of wood or limb or whatever you want to call it. It all started with a knock on the door, followed by several boys yelping in excitement at what they had brought Blaise. How they brought this piece of wood from the bottom of a huge hill and down the street to our house is beyond me. I had a neighbor to later tell me he saw, "the boys," dragging it down the street. Blaise is loving to build, saw, drill, and measure right now, so they were all in heaven in our backyard with their safety glasses on. Oh the imaginations and innocence of childhood!

First Day of Pre-School

Addi started her first day of Pre-School 2 weeks ago and is loving it! I know you are thinking pre-school in the summer, but the local Montessori School does a year round curriculum. She goes 2 mornings a week for 2 1/2 hours. Once she gets settled in I'm sure she will be bossing around the little boys. As I type this, I'm realizing that she is growing so fast. Where does the time go?

Addi...

Every time I have my camera out, Addi always says, "take my picture." This is just one of those times. I'm just glad that I have one child that does not run from the camera, I have to chase and bribe the others.

How Thoughtful!

My husband brings me flowers from Pike Place Market every year for my birthday, but this year he surprised me with flowers on our, "I met you 5 years ago today," day. How thoughtful. Again, I'm so thankful for everything in my life, especially my husband!

I love a challenge

I am now on a mission to get a picture of all three of my kiddos, all standing at least together and looking at the camera. Below, Ethan initially did his usual, "run," when he saw the camera. He stopped long enough to smile at me as if to say, "You're not going to get me this time Mom."Here they are all standing together, but Addi and Blaise were past their two minute mark of patience. *Sigh* One day!

My Mini Garden

I have really enjoyed the Mini Garden my friend and neighbor Jennifer made for me. Because we were uncertain if we were moving back to TN. or not, I did not want to make a big garden of vegetables this year. Well, word has it that we are not moving back, so luckily I have a pot that grows enough lettuce for John & I to enjoy a fresh salad. The tomato plant in the middle should take off once we have nice, sunny weather. If you have never experienced a salad made from fresh lettuce, you really don't know what you are missing. It is a huge difference in taste and texture. Next year, I hope to do a lot of vegetables as well as strawberries and maybe a raspberry bush.

Blaise's B-day Party

Blaise wanted nothing other than a sleepover this year for his Birthday. So, being the nice Mom & Dad that we are, we said, "OK." We told him he could invite 8 friends for the sleepover, and he quickly asked if he could invite more since there would be some friends that would not be able to make it. Well, lets just say all 12 boys showed up and we had a house full of 8 year olds.Blaise wanted, "Kirby," cupcakes which is a Wii character and happens to be pink. It was his birthday, so Kirby cupcakes were on the menu. I will not comment on my Kirby skills, lets just say they resembled Kirby.
After taking all 12 children to the movies (Thanks Erin and Jennifer A. for helping) our neighbor came over and juggled fire. It was really neat, and the boys loved it. Blaise held the extinguisher in case the fire got out of hand ;)

We moved our dining room table against a wall and all the boys lined up their sleeping bags and played with Lego's until around midnight.

John made his famous chocolate chip pancakes the following morning and then we sent them outside for a water balloon war.

As you can tell, Ethan is outside in his pj pants and whacking the boys with Addi's shovel.

Visit from Parents

Here are some pictures from my parents visit. We had so much fun and the kiddos were terribly upset when their visit ended. We hope they come back soon! Pop-Pop teaching Addi how to fish, she and Blaise both caught a trout.
A snapshot Riding the pony was a big highlight

Addi is a pro with the pony ride

While they were here visiting, we went to Old McDebbie's farm and had a blast. We went on a nature trail that included an eye spy hunt. Random tree trunks are always a big hit.

Addi holding a baby kitten

Ethan enjoying alone time with Pop-Pop

They had their farm animals running around freely so Addi and Blaise fed them food they bought out of a dispenser, pretty neat.

John spent a great deal of time chasing Ethan, it has become a regular activity around our house.

Addi staying close

Ethan is not sure what is going on, but he did take a moment to glance at the goat before he took off running again.

Feeding the animals was a lot of fun

We spent a lot of time in our backyard finding bugs, rocks, etc.

We had a great visit and hope they come back and visit VERY soon.

Spring Family Pics 09

Here are a few pictures from our family photos last weekend. As always, Ethan was busy, busy, but we managed to get some decent shots.