The BIG Snow!!

It snowed a couple of mornings this past week, and although it didn't stick around for long, it reminded me of the big snow we had in January..

We had heard that we might get some snow, and were delighted when we came home after some family adventures in Seattle to find snow on the ground..it wasn't much, but we rolled out some large snowballs and put together our first snowman in our new home.  We had no idea we were in store for much more snow!!

By Sunday morning we had over 6", and it was really coming down.  Church was cancelled (the first time ever in my life) and we spent the day indoors making homemade marshmallows, and filling our bellies with hot chocolate, and watching the snow fall.

Monday was a holiday, and the kiddos took full advantage of the weather with neighbor snowball fights, sledding, and playing in the fluffy white stuff.  Dave headed into work (thank goodness for that 4 wheel drive, they didn't even plow the freeways), but by afternoon most of the place was empty, and he decided to work from home for the rest of the week.  By that evening we had 3 more inches, and we received the email confirming that school was indeed cancelled.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday meant even more snow, and by the time it stopped snowing on Thursday we had over 12 inches (and yes, I measured).  School was eventually cancelled the entire week mostly because the buses couldn't get through.  Seattle isn't equipped with snow plows, and because of environmental reasons they don't even salt the roads.  So when it snows, everything just shuts down. We had known we might get some snow, so I was fully stocked, and we didn't leave the house for an entire week (except of course to walk up the street to do some sledding down the hill). 

It was such a fun adventure, and I loved looking out the windows each morning at how beautiful our big cedars, and oaks looked laden with snow.  The kiddos got great use of their snow gear, and we spent so much time outisde playing in it.  It was almost like vacation..but at home in the snow.

Pumpkin Patch - The Farm

Last week Natalie's preschool class made a fieldtrip to The Farm in Snohomish just down the road from us.  After a week of beautiful sunny skies, that morning it decided to rain, and the poor little kids were drizzled on the entire time.  They visited the farm animals, ran through a hay maze (that was indoors), and then taken to a special patch filled with small pumpkins just their size.  They had their choice of any of them, and Natalie found the perfect one and picked it off the vine before the tractor ride picked us all up to take us back to the entrance. (picture of her and some of her classmates at the end)

After a few days of rain the skies cleared and the entire family decided to visit The Farm to pick pumpkins.  It was such a beautiful crisp fall day.  The kiddos ran through the pumpkin patches looking for the perfect one.   After pumpkins we walked around and looked at the animals, and saw the brand new baby pigs that were born the day before.  We feasted on caramel apples, and cider doughnuts.  With full tummies we finished up, and headed home.  I love fall here!!

Outside Projects

After much vacationing and playing it was time to work, specifically to work on the house.  We have lists a mile long both inside and out, and Dave was eager to start tackling the outside ones before we head into fall, and start getting some rain.

His first project..tree stump grinding.
The goal was 15 tree stumps in one long weekend (Saturday & Monday)

He rented "stumpy", and a chainsaw, and got too work.

He cleared eight stumps the first day, and another eight the last day (yes, you read that right) he found another stump towards the end of day two bringing the total count to 16 stumps ground down. 

Before

After

It was hard, hard work, and he did it all by himself (I was inside painting, and keeping the kiddos out of his hair). 

Now that the stumps are clear, we just need to shovel away the trimmings, clear the ever-growing brush, get top-soil delivered, roto-till, and plant grass seed..no biggie..

summer vacation in cali - week one

Over a month ago, we left for our summer vacation in California.  We packed up the kiddos, the tent trailer, and even threw in the dog for good measure. 

We left Tuesday late afternoon and made it to Grants Pass, OR where we spent the night in the oh so glamorous Wal-Mart parking lot with the tent trailer (hey, can't beat free!!)  The next morning we travelled through northern Cali to our destination of Half Moon Bay State Beach.  We set up camp, and were soon joined by Dave's brother Andy, his wife and four kiddos.  We were also met with fog, and some pretty cool temps. 

The next morning we ventured out on the beach for some fun, but the cooler water and air temperatures made it quite short.  We then cleaned up and made a day trip into San Francisco. We had lunch on the wharf, explored the piers, and I took the whole family on a wild goose chase to find the Lucas Arts yoda fountain (I'm sure they were thanking me when we finally found it).  Back to camp for some dinner and s'mores over the campfire.

Friday we ventured south to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.  We walked around, played in the arcade, and got some yummy mexican food for lunch.  On our way back up Highway 1 we stopped at a roadside place to pick strawberries.  A big favorite with little miss, since these are her favorite.  After our tummies were full with sweet berries, we stopped a little further up at Bean Hollow Beach where we jumped on rocks, explored the tide pools, and then played on the beach for awhile longer before heading back to camp.

Saturday found us with much nicer weather.  Before heading to the beach we decide to head into town and visit a few local spots, including the farmers market. We visited Lemos Farm where the kiddos fed baby goats, posed for pictures, and climbed on all the fun stuff.  We then headed to Spanish Town to check out the gigantic steel dinosaurs.  We finished of at the local farmers market where I stocked up on (more) strawberries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines, and fresh corn for dinner that night.  I love me some fresh produce.

After another full day of exploring and playing on the beach, and it was time to pack up, and make our way to our next destination a few hours away in Lake Tahoe, CA..

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.

Poulsbo

Towards the end of Spring Break for the kiddos, Daddy took the day off and we had another day of local fun!!

We woke up bright and early, and took the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island (Daddy loves the ferries).  There we had breakfast at the Big Star Diner, a Triple D's favorite (Diners, Drive-In's and Dives). 

With full tummies we continued on our travels to the cute scandanavian town of Poulsbo.  We parked and walked around the pretty little town, and marveled at all of the fun architecture, and bright colors.

We had to stop at Sluy's Bakery for some tasty treats.  The kiddos had a tough time deciding what to get, and Dave and I opted for their famous upside down Cinnamon buns filled with cream cheese frosting.

The kiddos were getting antsy so we found a nearby park that led down to the water, where they could run and explore to their hearts content.  Then we packed up the crew, and boarded the ferry for our return trip home..

Bounce

After a lazy day inside we packed up and headed to a nearby bounce place.  They had over ten different blow-up slides, obstacle cources, and jump houses packed inside.

The kiddos let loose, and played all sorts of games amidst the chaos.  It was so fun to watch Dave being a big kid himself.  By the time we we're ready to leave everyone had flushed cheeks, and we're completely worn out....job well done!!

And despite the look of some of the pictures, no one was injured or hurt.  Sorry for the blurry, grainy pics..it was dark inside, and they were moving so fast..

Birthday & Exciting News

Yesterday we celebrated Daddy's 35th birthday!! (He's getting so old!!)
...OK, I'll be the same age in a few months.

I made Rouladen, and Spaetzle for dinner, and it was so so good.  The kiddos loved wishing Daddy happy birthday over and over.  It was a simple family night, complete with a movie and raspberry custard before bedtime.

Happy Birthday Daddy, we love you so so much!!



and our exciting news...

We booked our trip/flights to Hawaii!!!
7 days/6 nights on the big island. 

Our first big trip since we got married.  Even our honeymoon was local (granted we did get married a few days before Christmas)

We are so so excited!!

This is where we are staying...

I'm not sure what I'm looking more forward to..
 
  special time with just my hubby
  exploring the beautiful island
  sleeping in
  laying on the beach
  snorkeling
 
..oh the list just goes on and on.

Happy Valentine's Day

I have five special Valentine's..

My dear sweet husband, who is truly my best friend.  We have been Valentine's for almost 20 years!! We were high school sweethearts, and although we did spend a few Valentine's Days apart in those early years, you've always had my heart. After 13 years of marriage, you still make my heart skip a beat when I see you walk in the door.

My kiddos, who have the other half of my heart..
   My oldest, who impresses me daily with his sincere heart.
   My next oldest, who touches me with his happy heart.
   My youngest son, who honors me with his tender heart.
   My daughter, who makes my heart smile with her joyful heart.

Tokyo

It's official!! Dave has booked his travel, and in a few weeks he'll be leaving for Tokyo, Japan.

Yes, it's for work, but what an amazing experience. I'm really excited for him!!

busy week

Dave left last Friday for a celebratory weekend in Vegas for the release of their product.  He spent the weekend at fancy dinners and clubs, and realized that he dislikes Vegas as much as I do :) I guess it's just no fun, if you don't drink or gamble, and are under the weather..


After the weekend he flew straight to New York to set up an appliance at the MTC (Micros0ft Tech Ctr) in Manhattan.  All these set-ups are vital to the success of the product, because potential customers can come and use them, and see if they will fit their potential business needs.  After three and half long days and nights, he was able to do some touristy things and enjoy the city.  I can't wait to see his pictures.


While Daddy was away we kept a pretty busy schedule.  Friday the kiddos had school, and then pizza/movie night at home.  Saturday, I started in on projects that I hadn't tackled since the move, namely our bedroom closet, where there were still boxes, half opened and constantly rifled through.  It is now a pretty place, that I enjoy walking into.  We finished up the day with college football, and homemade soup.


Sunday was insane.  We ended up being about ten minutes late for church, and as soon as we sat down Caleb loudly announced, "I don't want to be here, I want to go in the gym!" He gave me a dirty look for the next ten minutes, until he became preoccupied with the "church bag" and drawing.  Natalie wanted to eat the snacks we had brough for nursery, so he stuck out her bottom lip, and pouted, until again the stickers and colored pencils drew her attention.  We made it through, and I said the closing prayer, and surprisingly no one followed me to the pulpit.  I am now in the Primary Presidency, and finding ourselves without a chorister, I offered. I found myself in the hot seat yet again, when I didn't choose any of my own children to choose songs.  The older boys were OK with it, but that glare from Caleb,  followed by angry words, "you..didn't..pick..me" then followed by tears.  He sat on my lap for the remainder of primary, and then Natalie was brough in having had an accident, awesome-ness! Evidently two other kids had had accidents, and she couldn't get to the bathroom.  When we drove out of the church parking lot, I gave a huge sigh of relief, we did it.  Home to jammies, naps, and football.


Monday - Thursday are a blur.  Filled with school, playdates, helping a friend build a bench, gymnastics, birthday parties, helping in class, scouts, primary duties, and last night I even took the kids swimming.


Today, Natalie and I are going to a cupcake play date, followed by a desperately needed oil change (I'm done to 5%, oops).  Then home to clean up this house, so we can relax with daddy this weekend, and all next week.  It may even snow this weekend.  If it does it would be a very light dusting, but we are still super excited to see any white stuff fall near our area of residence.


Enjoy your weekend, I most certainly will enjoy mine, cuddling with my hubby and kiddos.

Dave's Chicago Trip

Dave spent last week in Chicago for work at the MTC (Micros0ft Technology Center).  Even though he was working hard, I made sure he snuck in some time to enjoy some good eats, see some sights, and take pictures so I could (live vicariously through him) enjoy them as well.

Labor Day Hike

Labor Day morning we ventured out to a nearby park about ten minutes from our home.  Hoping to get some fresh air, some exercise, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us in this new place.