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..

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.

February Snow

In the last few days of February we got a fun treat, as we were surrounded by pretty snowflakes falling from the sky, and covering the ground with white. 

Our last real snowfall was back in November and the kiddos have been antsy for more ever since.  It started snowing Wednesday morning, and we found ourselves cuddled on the couch in our front room staring out the window at the falling snow.  Later that afternoon the kiddos suited up in winter gear and played to the hearts content.  Even our dog Bailey got in on the fun.





The snow seemed to make everything more peaceful, and the nights were so quiet, and almost breathtaking.  I also loved how bright everything was covered in snow.  We got a few more snowfalls into Saturday evening, and then the rain came and started to wash away our winter treat.  The bonus of living in Seattle..all the fun of snow for a few days, and no need to shovel!!

Winter Break

Last week the kiddos were out of school for Winter Break. This just happened to coincide with hubby's trip to Tokyo for work.  This meant I was on my own with the kiddos 24-7 for an entire week. 

We started off the week, mellow and slow with movies, popcorn, and general vegging.  We made playdough cookies, and they had so much fun putting their own personal twist on them. In fact we did a lot of baking this week, it was a fun cheap activity with a great reward after we were finished. 

We also ventured out and met with friends at a local bounce place to let them run/bounce off their energy, and then enjoyed some shopping and lunch afterwards. 

Then it snowed!! We watched it fall from our front window, and then geared up in snow clothes for some fun. (I'll post more pics tomorrow).

Towards the end of the week our mellowness returned, and the cold from outside made it perfect to enjoy hot chocolate and mallows.

I got to spend the entire week with my favorite four little people, my kiddos.  I sure do love them, and throughout the week they made me so proud with their random acts of kindness towards each other, I'm a very lucky girl!!

Sledding in Ephraim

Sledding with...

cousins!!

 

Link to all Sledding in Ephraim Pictures

Christmas Morning

As we put the boys to bed Christmas Eve, we said that they had to stay in bed till 7am.  Normally they are up at the crack of dawn looking down at a sea of presents, in need of opening.  This year they found themselves downstairs in the basement, with no view of the tree or said presents. 

At 7am Daniel came into our room to wake me up.  The little ones were still asleep in our room, so I sent him away for another 15 minutes of sleep.  At exactly 7:15 Daniel re-entered our room, more awake, and putting him off again was not an option.  Caleb awoke from the comotion, but Natalie was enjoying her beauty sleep too much to wake for such an occasion. 

The deal in our family is that we all go out to look at the presents together, and then of course all chaos ensues.

josh trying to wake little miss

Whispering in her ear about the presents and toys that Santa had brought her, finally woke her from her slumber.  Then we all ascended up the stairs to see what treats the big man had brought us.

First we opened Santa presents, and stockings, then it was kind of free for all on presents from every one else. 

josh hugging one of his many lizards he received

Natalie found herself in lots of pink (pink dolls, pink outfits, pink princess dress, pink books about princesses)
 

natalie reading to her new pink princess doll from her princess book, in her pink princess dress

and the boys were deep in halo mega blocks, and nerf guns.

It was a wonderful Christmas, and we feel so blessed with all we have, most importantly the celebration of the birth of our Savior and of course our four amazing kiddos that continue to teach and bless us everyday!!

Link to all Christmas Morning Pictures

Twin Falls

So, I'm a little behind on posting, but we have been enjoying family, and a break from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

Last Friday we set off on our journey.  It was a beautiful travel day, and the sun was shining.  All of the areas of concern were not to be worried about due to the great weather.

We arrived at my friend Tamara's house late in the evening.  Her kids were up, and mine were ready to play.  Dave and I went to high school with Tamara, and haven't seen her in over 17 years. Ok, I did see her at her wedding, so for me it was only 14 years.  Tamara was an amazing friend in high school, she introduced me to the church, she took me to every stake dance, and activity.  She even drove me to early morning seminary for almost two years.  Her fiesty personality, and zest for life were so infectious.  OK, I loved this girl, and still do. 

We chatted with her and her hubby late into the night, and the kiddos didn't go to bed till after 2am I am told.  During the night it snowed, and we woke up to a winter wonderland.  After assembling all the snow clothes, and gear for 9 kiddos and 4 adults we made our way up the mountain for some sledding.  The kids had a blast, and I enjoyed some picture taking, and some tubing myself.

We had another great night full of laughs, stories, and fun, and we left the next morning to finish our trek to Utah for Christmas.

Thank you so much Tamara for opening your home to us, and for your kindness and generosity.  I hope you'll let us return the favor when you come to visit us in Seattle!! pretty please!!

Click here for all the pics!!