we're off..

We're on our way for summer vacations...

first...beach camping at half moon bay

followed by...lake tahoe

then... friends and family in san diego

...and orange county.

see ya later alligator..

queen bee market

I am so excited that while we are down in Cali visiting our old stomping grounds, friends, and family that the queen bee market will also be in town...and on my birthday. 

What a great birthday present, a day of fun with my bestie!! Especially all the fun birthday presents I will find there!!

So if you're in the San Diego area...

queen bee market

Saturday, August 6th

9:00am - 6:00pm

Bayfront Hilton Hotel

1 Park Boulevard

San Diego, CA

Free Admission!!

Chocolate Factory

Tuesday morning we joined some friends for a tour of our local Chocolate Factory at Boehm's Candy.

We donned fancy baker hats, and learned how chocolate goes from tree to tasty treats.  We then listened to how chocolate is melted, mixed, and tempered, and watched as oreos were enrobed in milk chocolate.  We saw chocolates hand rolled and dipped to create the amazing Edelweiss chocolates, and then viewed all the molded chocolates (the microsoft mouse was the kiddos fav). 
We finished with tasty truffle samples, and went on to view the rest of the area where the owner/creator lived and created a chapel, fountains, and refuge...amazing.

Of course we made one last visit to the store to take home some yummy treats to share with daddy.

Ensign Ranch

Friday evening we joined some other families from our ward (church) at Ensign Ranch located in Cle Elum, Washington.  We set up camp, and joined everyone for a bonfire and s'mores. 

The next morning we awoke to the sound of rain on our tent.  Thank goodness we put up the rain fly (which has pretty much been un-used up until this point).  After breakfast the kiddos took turns giving/taking rides in the handcarts, and then Dave took the kiddos on a hike while I chatted with friends.

We then packed everyone up and drove towards the entrance (this place is huge..325 acres) and the kiddos all took turns riding the horses, a first experience for all of them.

Then we changed into swimsuits (except Natalie who is always prepared) and went tubing.  The kiddos had so much fun, and I love all these great expressions!!



After tubing, we took out two canoes (you can guess who did all the work..mommy and daddy), and finished up our wonderful weekend at the ranch.

The kiddos can't wait to go back, and we look forward to an even longer camping adventure there next time.

Daniel's Desk

Well, now that you've heard our exciting news (our new house) you may understand what has kept me away. 

I've also been super busy with projects to fill the new house.  First up was to build a desk for Daniel, now that he would have his very own room.  I chose the Brookstone Desk and Hutch, and found the plans on the ever talented ana white website.  Plans can be found here.

I chose to stain it using Minwax Honey Oak, and I love the look and feel of it.  I'd like to put cork board on the back of the hutch, but that will have to be a project for another day.  Tomorrow I'll post pictures of the matching Brookstone Bed.

Our house

Our dream is finally a reality!!

On July 5th it became official, and we are the proud owners of our very first home.

I guess good things come to those who wait (13 1/2 years!!) Because it is beautiful and brand spanking new.

We've spent the last 12 days moving everything our of our rental in Bellevue to our new home in Snohomish, just the two of us.  We weren't planning to move in so quickly, but our builder gave us permission, and so we quickly rented a small trailer, and began moving over 4th of July weekend.  It was so last minute, and a holiday weekend, that we just busted it out ourselves, and were pretty impressed with how much we got done in just a few short days.

Our bodies are tired, but our hearts are full.  We are so blessed, and  so excited for this next adventure, and to make our new house a home.

(sorry the pic isn't that great, I took it with my camera phone!!)

Happy Birthday America

Wishing everyone a wonderful 4th of July.  Filled with fun, family, and fireworks!!