WA. Finale... finally

We had so much fun seeing Nana Charlotte, we'll miss you.


Great Grandpa Don, Grandma Sheri, and Uncle Gary all hanging out at the lake.


Papa giving Dillon and Charlee a ride on the TOTE GOTE. Loads of fun.


Travis and I got away to Seattle to get in a session at the Temple and eat at the restaurant we had out reception dinner at, The Icon Grill.



We took the kids to Sand In The City downtown Olympia. This is always a great event and the sand displays didn't disappoint.



Then we went to Lake Easton. It was a beautiful day and a great way to end a fantastic vacation.
So to all our family, we love you all and miss you so much. Thank you for making our summer a great one.

Two Sweet Years

My baby turned two today. We had a musical tea party to welcome in her third year of life.
She was adorned with jewels and pampered with treats.

How do you like my teapot cake? No laughing, I'm no master cake decorator.



We played "pin the flower on the teapot" and the kids sang, danced, and played instruments to "I'm a Little Teapot". We all had a great time.




She opened her presents and spent the rest of the afternoon tending to her dolls.


Happy Birthday My Sweet Little Charlee.

Anniversaries

September is a great month. Not only does Fall begin, and I love the fall, but I have much more to be thankful for in September. Travis was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on 9/11/1999 and we were married 9/29/2000, just one short year later. Growing up with many friends that were LDS, and even attending some of the church dances throughout high school, he never felt compelled to pursue the church until that time. What a confirmation of the plan our Heavenly Father has for us, there is a time and place for everything. I had just moved up to Seattle 10months prior to meeting Travis and he was starting the investigation process at the time I met him. I attended his baptism and soon after we became great friends. It didn't take long before that friendship evolved into what would ultimately be my soul mate and the man of my dreams. It's funny that I hadn't seen it all along. I am so thankful for this amazing man that has graced my life and made me a better person, I am so thankful for the sister missionaries and all the people in our university ward that helped him feel secure as his testimony grew in the gospel, without them I don't know that we would be so privileged to live the lives we do today. A more wonderful father there couldn't be. A more perfect husband there surely isn't. I Love you Travis, Happy Anniversaries.

WA, Part 3

Just a continuation on our Washington trip. . .



Fun at the Children's Museum.


Travis and Dillon put this pirate ship model together that GG got Dillon. I guess it was more like Travis put it together and then Dillon got to lightly handle it afterwards. The box said a five year old could put the ship together, but Travis was seriously struggling after a few hours just trying to finish the thing. Dillon loved it, but unfortunately it had to stay behind. I wasn't about transporting that thing back to Ohio.




My best friend, Lana, drove down with her kids and stayed for a few days. We have know each other since birth. We moved from Austin to Seattle together after high school and now, unfortunately, have a lot of distance between us. Molly had her best friend come over for a sleep over and we all had a blast.


Charlie's Safari.



Treasure hunting in the backyard with Papa. Who knew that a metal detector and a handful of change and cars could keep the kids occupied for hours.



Then we took the bus downtown and the kids bought some parachute guys with their treasure hunt findings. We also hit the Farmers Market and sampled some tasty fruit. When we got back home we went to GG's house to out the parachute guys to the test. Lots of fun. It was great getting together with our friends, and always sad when we have to say goodbye. We love you guys! Stay tuned for WA #4, yes, there is still more to come.

Poking Holes

Do you notice anything different about me?

Look a little closer...

a little closer...

you got it, I got my ears pierced. My mom and dad were pretty sad about it but they said when I felt I was ready, I could get them done, and I felt I was ready. Deep down I think they like them OK, they just don't want to except that I am growing up. I, however, LOVE them and am excited for the day when I can add to my collection. My collection of earrings that is, not piercings, my mother has already forbidden that.


Just a cute picture of me and my sister, do you think we look alike?

Hard Times

Well, it finally happened, one of my children broke a bone. I just never thought it would be this child or this bone. It all stared when the Radio Flyer (carrying all my children and pulled by a neighborhood friend) tipped over and a fun trip around the patio went sour. So anyway, after 4 or 5 hours at the Emergency Room we came home with a sling. At least there is no surgery involved. The clavicle bone should heal itself with a little time.


Trust me, she was not always this cheerful.


Her x-ray, if you had problems figuring that out on your own.


The clavicle bone is the long curvy bone that borders the top of the shoulder's and goes under the chin (also known as the collarbone). You can see that her left shoulder (the right side to you) looks lower than than her right shoulder, that is because it snapped.


Now I just have to convince her to wear this sling for a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.
Poor Charlee :(