First Time Roasting Hot Dogs & Marshmallows

B and S had been anticipating this day for months. Ever since I told them we were going to go to Idaho they wanted to know if they'd get to have a fire and go fishing and they'd have me pretend almost every day that that's what we were doing. So here they are roasting hot dogs and marshmallows for the first time. They liked the hot dogs, the S'mores, not so much. (My kids don't like to get dirty! And they felt the marshmallows and chocolate was just too sticky!) It was Brett & Cory's birthday party! Very fun.

Zoo With Grandma and Grandpa

Even though my sweet mom and dad were in the middle of the craziness of moving themselves, they still took time out to take my kids and me to the zoo, fishing, river floating, and picnicking. We had a wonderful time! The zoo was great. B loved the penguins best and S liked the little tiny monkeys. He kept going back to where the monkeys were and whispering to himself, "I like this place. I like this place." Poor S ran into a picnic table at lunchtime and gave himself a pretty good black eye. He was sure a brave little guy. We got some great pictures. They really liked reading the map and feeding the goats with Grandpa. E was happy getting strolled around by Grandma once S let her do it. At first S was more interested in strolling E around than looking at the animals. Thanks Mom and Dad! (Below the zoo pictures there are several others if anyone's interested . . . )

Idaho

The kids and I decided to stay with my parents and sisters in Idaho for a week while N drove the moving truck down south and unloaded. We followed behind him for 2 long days from Washington to Boise. Our mini-van's air-conditioning broke down half way through the first day in 100 degree weather. We were very glad when we finally reached Boise where my parents met up with us. We had a little hotel stay then went on to Idaho Falls. N headed down to Utah and got to see most of his family too, but I had the camera so no pictures. =( My sister Rachel and her family stayed an extra day in Idaho before heading back home to Montana and my brother Sam and his family came up to see us for a day. The kids and I had a great time with everyone.

With Grandma and Grandpa at the hotel

Steve gave the kids a little firework show which they loved. (Somewhere there should be a picture of E and her cousin Natalie, but I can't find it anywhere!)

Running through the sprinklers with Jaylee. S felt very protective of this adventerous little cousin and kept telling her to "Be careful! You gonna get hurt Jaylee Belle." It was sweet.

Goodbye Washington

We lived in Washington just one week short of a year. We always knew that Washington wouldn't be our final destination, but we didn't realize what a quick stay it would be. We met some wonderful people. We did not love the weather. We did love our house and we had great neighbors. We didn't get any pictures, but we had a really fun last night in Washington. It was the 4th of July and we were invited to a fun outdoor dinner and fireworks with some friends. It was a great way to end our stay in Washington.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I had a lovely birthday, inspite of being in the middle of moving. N got off work early, brought me flowers, and he and the boys made me a cake. I got a gorgeous picture/journal book that I've been wanting for a long time! It was a fun little party. Lucky, lucky me.

A Ride

The fire department was doing free fire-engine rides. The boys loved it and E was thrilled! She kept trying to stand up on her papa's lap and was blowing raspberries (something she does when she's very happy about something.) It was too cute. We had so much fun we waited in line and went again, even though it was raining.

The Party

The party was a great success! We had such a good time with everyone that came. The tamales were wonderful, and the potluck turned out just right! Amazingly we had rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, chips, Mexican soda, cookies and fruit pizza! I was a little worried when we did a potluck that we'd have tons of salsa and chips, but it turned out great. The kids loved the pinata and the park. And even though it was raining (as usual) they still got themselves soaking wet and freezing cold in the splash park and had a fabulous time doing it. Unfortunately, our camera batteries died so I didn't get pictures of everyone that came. But it was so fun!

Getting Ready for the Party!

B loves tamales. I usually make them for his birthday, but I knew we'd be in the middle of moving this year when his birthday came around, so we decided to just throw a party since we would be leaving Bellingham. A few friends had been asking me to teach them how to make tamales so I thought I'd better keep my promise and teach them before we moved! So, we spent ALL DAY Friday cooking tamales and getting ready for the party. It was great fun!

Packing is Exhausting Work

Packing is exhausting work--even for those not doing the packing! I guess the chaos was just too much. Even though he insisted he didn't want a nap, I found S curled up in the corner of his room sleeping soundly. So cute!

A Little Too Tender

I was rocking our little angel in my rocking chair and she spotted my old doll that my grandma crocheted for me when I was a baby. E smiled and started reaching for it. I willingly handed it to her. E then very, very tenderly stroked the dolls face then held it up against her and would not let it go. I couldn't help but cry for my baby girl who won't get to be a mommy in this life. I dread the day I have to tell her. But it was a very dear and tender moment. I adore this little girl.

In Transition

We will have more pictures and stories within a week. Many more pictures and stories. We're currently in the process from moving from Washington. N is down south unloading our moving van and setting up our new house while the kids and I play with Grandma and Grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins for a week. It's been a lot of fun and a lot of work. The kids and I are looking forward to seeing their papa again tomorrow night and seeing our new place for the first time!