The big maple in the backyard

We have this gorgeous big maple in our backyard, that I'm kind of in love with.  I didn't realize how much I love trees until I moved to this beautiful state full of trees.  Having not really grown up with a fall in sunny Cali. I'm kind of obsessed with it here.  When the leaves start to change color it is truly amazing, and I see God's handiwork all around me. 

In early November I went outside to capture the bright golden yellow hues of the maple leaves.  I love the contrast of the dark wet trunk and branches against the light leaves.  As you can tell it is a pretty tall tree, but not nearly as tall as our 100 year old pines, that tower above it at over 100 feet. 



Later that month the leaves fell from the trees, and were raked into 5 big piles.  The kiddos had fun jumping in them, and our neighbors (the cows) came over to the fence to investigate.  We rewarded them with apples.

Blizzards 2012 Soccer

Josh just wrapped up a another great soccer season.  This is his second year as Blizzard, and playing with same great group of boys and coaches as last year.  We had amazing weather all of September, and into October so Josh was able to ride his bike (with friends or big brother) to practice twice a week.  It is so nice having the practice field just two blocks away!!



Josh really improved from last year, and was much more aggressive in play (I'm thinking lacrosse may have had something to do with that!!), he also was able to try a few different positions including goalie, but I think defender is still his favorite.


As the weather started to change in October our games were more chilly, and we went from wearing flip flops to scarves.  Our final game was met with rain, and a lot of it!! But the boys played hard, and enjoyed running through the mud puddles, and getting soaked.  Gotta love Washington!! Rain or shine we play!!

Congratulations Blizzards on another great season!!

Pumpkin Patch & Halloween

We were so lucky to have a visit from Gordon & Marcia during the middle of October.  The kiddos got to spend some great time with them playing board games, and dominos, I got to take them to a few fun Seattle spots, and as a family we enjoyed the pumpkin patch, and our Halloween carnival with them. 



The kiddos had a great time picking out the perfect pumpkin (or two!!) and the adults enjoyed the beautiful scenery, and brisk weather. 



A few days later we enjoyed our church carnival where the kiddos played games, and we got to visit with friends. 



Dave and I were garden gnomes (I had cute ric rac, and mushrooms on my skirt, but alas no pics) Josh was a minecraft creeper (not pictured), Caleb a skeleton, and Natalie was a butterfly.  These are the same wings I wore when I was her age (they're vintage).  I was so happy my Mom kept them all these years, and when I asked if she could send them to me, she quickly made this cute pink tulle skirt to include in the shipment. Thanks grandma!!



For Halloween, we visited Daddy's work first, and filled up on candy, and snacks.  We had to call it quits after an hour because Natalie's pumpkin was spilling over, and it was time to go home and trick or treat with neighbors and friends.  The kiddos had a great time walking the nearby neighborhoods with friends, and it was a fun night had by all.

Happy Birthday Little Miss - 5!!

I can't believe my baby girl is 5 years old. She is such a delight, and I love her big personality so much!! She is my little sidekick, and thankfully still loves to cuddle all the time. We are so blessed to have this little sunshine in our family, and wish her an amazing and great 5th year!! Happy Birthday Natalie!!

First Day 2012 - Daniel & Natalie

Daniel is now a 7th grader, yikes, where does the time go.  He is only 3 inches shorter than me, and 20 more lbs, and we'll weigh the same..eek.  He was excited to get back to school, and see all his friends, and get back into the routine.  I know this will be a great year for him.

Little miss is back at her beloved preschool for another year.  We tried pushing her forward into kindergarten even though her birthday is a week past the deadline.  The district said no, and I believe in my heart that really was the best decision.  She is super sassy with her hand on her hip all the time, and all pictures now include her favorite number 5.."cause that's my number now mom".

Summer in Instagram

So thought I would post some of my Instagram pics for family & friends that aren't using it (but really should!!) I've excluded pics from our 2 week vacay beach camping & bear lake, because those are coming soon in another post!!  So here ya go!!

4th of july fun!!

 

splash park

 

farmers market goodies



blue angels at seafair & hanging around




juanita beach



long beach for labor day weekend




jetty island for labor day

First Day 2012 - Josh & Caleb

Today school officially started in our district.  Because they like to do a staggered start, Daniel won't start till tomorrow, and Natalie will start preschool next week.

All four kids will be at four different schools this year..yikes!! Thank goodness for busses!!

Josh was accepted into an accelaerated program which is at another school in our district.  He will ride the bus each morning with Caleb, and then will take a shuttle to his new school.  We are excited that he will be challenged even more this year, and look forward to his progress in 4th grade.

Caleb will be starting 2nd grade, and is in a pioneer Montesorri program at his school.  We think this will be a perfect fit for him. 

Both are excited for this year, and what it holds, good luck boys!!