Our Adventure

SNOW

2012-01-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

We love a good snow day...and today was a fun one...the snow was still here at bedtime...well some of it....and that is abnormal for here on the coast. We started our outside play at like 730 and were out most of the morning...Jack cried when I made him come inside...he asked to play in the snow all day. He even said please.:)

The girls dressed their dolls and took them outside to enjoy the snow..too funny.

2011

2011-12-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

Its almost over....2011 that is...here are few (well a lot ) of my fav's from this year! Happy New Year!!

A bit of Chirstmas

2011-12-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

Leah's gifts for her friends.

Christmas Eve with Brent's family

Little Lego people

2011-12-23T19:43:00.000-08:00

Its getting crazy here..only a few days till Christmas! Today was baked cookies, watch the Grinch, and planned out a few surprises;) Here are some photos...

This is Ella dancing at the Community Christmas Party.

Jack talking to Santa

I asked Ella to take some photos of our Christmas decorations with my camera..here is what she came back with (please ignore everything that is messy...its Christmas and we are busy having fun but I did clean today)

This is one of my favs...when I asked her about it she said that she was trying to do a timer photo of her in her new pj's....too funny!

This was just before she fell on the landing at the top of our stairs...she was fine but our camera went bouncing down the stairs...we thought it was a done but nope..still going..2DAYS!!!

2011-12-22T09:24:00.001-08:00

Don't forget to tune off my music so you can hear the video.

Video of how my kids feel today

2011-12-22T09:21:00.001-08:00

I love this video..it makes me laugh everytime..plus it is what my kids have been saying all morning!

3 days!!!!

Snow...Sand...either is fine;)

2011-12-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

We are in our third day of Christmas break. Wishing for snow..we have none...not even really any chance of any...so we headed for the beach for a nature walk. (after a few cookies that our neighbor gave to us)

It is a wonderful day here..lost of sun and not too cold!

We played and collected random things

Then it was decided that we should teach Jack to make snow angels...but in the sand..so they would be "sand angels"

Can you see it? You may have to use your imagination..

Leah made a sandman...that she was super proud of and told me "put that photo on facebook, please"

Ella also collected "wheat" to cook on her pretend fire.

Then we walked home and had hot cocoa and lunch...I guess sand is not too bad;)

Program Photos

2011-12-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

Leah's in the photo someplace....

Three of her good friends...have been together since pre-school (sorry for the red eye)

Christmas Programs

2011-12-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

Here are a few short videos from Leah and Ella's programs. Ella was Mary this year (something she loved and had hoped for) and Leah is on your left of the music teacher....good luck finding her. You may want to pause my music to hear the videos.

2011-12-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

2011-12-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

2011-12-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

2011-12-14T10:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

Sometimes my family misses out on a few of our traditions...just how it goes living across the country from them....BUT here is the fun part that I often forget...my kids have really cool traditions that are different then others BECAUSE my family is far away. Here is one of them.

Yesterday was a busy day...both girls had school, Brent had a meeting in Portland in the evening, and I have a PTO meeting. Our McDonald's recently was remodeled...I know super exciting..anyway I took the kids for dinner before my meeting. Then they went to the childcare at the meeting...then we came home. What we found on our doorstep was a package with the word HESS on it. Leah spotted it from the car. Jack heard her say "the Hess trucks are here" and started chanting "Hess trucks" until he was released from his seat. Ella was simply overwhelmed with excitement. We brought it inside and put it under the tree until bath time was finished and the toy were all cleaned up. ( I had to get a little something out of it right???)

After bath time...Jack would not leave the box...he knew something good was in it and he was not going to miss out. So we opened it.

Now every Christmas my parents send these trucks to us...the girls LOVE it...in fact Leah said it is really Christmas now....but this is the first year Jack has really been aware of what is going on.

We pull out our Hess trucks on Dec. 1st and play with them till January...then most of them go back to storage till next Christmas...so Jack has been in boy heaven with all these trucks at our house. But this is the first time he remembers getting his very own Hess truck. As you can see he was thrilled!!!

They played for an hour...trying the buttons...figuring out the sounds....Jack even took it up to the toy room to see and meet the other Hess trucks.It was very fun.

So thank you Grandaddy and Grandmom...for the Hess truck package tradition...We love it!!!

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-12-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, it was cold, clear, and one of the only times we had to go find a Christmas tree..so off we went to a small tree farm close to Astoria. Jack was in heaven with lots of tree to walk around and lots of places to explore, Leah loved that she was old enough to carry the saw, and Ella was a little tired from her nap on the way to the tree farm. After some debate....we found the perfect tree for all of us.

Ella and Jack have taken to singing Christmas songs at the piano at night...it is SOOO entertaining...I will have to video it.

December 1st

2011-12-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

In honor of the new month...I will update our blog:)

The weekend before Thanksgiving we traveled to Great Wolf Lodge. For those who have not been..its a big hotel with a even bigger water park. We went with some friends and had a blast! Jack woke up in the morning saying pool please. Here are a few photos from our adventure!

The wolf den in our room.

Ella playing magic quest...a game they have throughout the hotel...we did not play the real game...just the one that lets them point to things and light them up..maybe next time we will try the real thing but this worked great for this time around.

But this is what we really came for!

This is only a small part...but Jack spent most of his time in the little kids area....That big bucket...dumps water about every 10 min...super fun!

One of my favorite parts....the HUGE snowflakes hanging in the main lobby...really they made me smile each time I went by or under them.

Story time..with a visit from Violet.

The clock tower...with snow!

bowling, Uncle Bill, and Fall fun

2011-11-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

Bowling at Big Al's for Emma's birthday

Uncle Bill came to teach at Ecola Bible School and we got to see him for a week!

Carving pumpkins...Jack enjoyed this process

San Deigo

2011-11-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

It seems that Brent and I always end up in San Diego....how lucky are we:) This time it was for a NECA convention with Brent's work. We had fun and my favorite was the opening reception on the USS Midway...super fun...Brent even got to try out the flight simulator..(I did not since I was not dressed to get sick)

Soccer

2011-11-11T14:28:00.000-08:00

Soccer has come to an end...it was a good time but I am sort of happy to have our Saturdays back:)

Leah enjoyed most of the games...rainy ones were a bit of a challenge (for all of us) but she had fun and learned a little something about the game and being on a team.

Her team had an end of the season party at the bowling alley...with pizza and cake and awards!

had to put a photo of the sidelines...since these are the friends we spent lots of time with over the last two months:)

2011-11-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

We have started AWANA club again this year. This is Ella's first year to be able to participate...she is super excited. This was after a nature walk for one of her lessons...we are thankful for this program and the love that the leaders show our kids while they are there!

We went to the pumpkin patch. Jack loved it and even asked to get his face painted when his sisters did...love that he choose the spider!

The patch we go to has you ride a train to the field and then a boat back...so Jack was loving life

Family Photos

2011-10-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had some family photos done by our talented friend Sage (www.sagefitchettphotography.com) It was sunny but windy and sort of cold. She is AMAZING! Here are a few...I will be adding more to the blog as I get to it..BUT the fun part in that they feature our newest "family" member. Our 1989 Jeep Wagoneer..well we have had her since May but really she is part of the family...and we have already had tons of wonderful memories with her:)

I am back

2011-10-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

before the Great Columbia Crossing on Sunday

During the Crossing

Ella, all ready for school

Brent fixed our camera...yeah for him! We have been good. Soccer, dance, b-day parties, all of that sort of stuff is what our days are full of. Here are a few photos. Oh-yeah we also catch the Phillies games if time allows...I am currently trying to teach Jack to say Go Phillies.

2011-09-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

Leah had her first day of school last week and her first soccer game on Saturday. My camera is broken so you will just have to imagine what it was like. Brent got some video of the game on his phone so here it is. She did score one goal...but that video will not upload for some reason...anyway you get the idea with this one. Ella starts school this week and last night we had our family photos taken on the beach..it was very windy but fun...we took our Jeep Wagoneer down and had it in a few of the photos. Happy Monday!

Soccer

2011-09-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Leah Nicole

2011-09-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago on September 3rd and 3 am...our world change..all for the better. A tiny red haired baby girl entered the world...we named her Leah. 3 am is early but because it was so early we spent most of our first hours alone...just her and us (and a few nurses and one doctor)...then we spent lots of time with family and friends...and then more time in the early morning hours just us...then we came home and life has gone crazy fast since. Leah you are full of life! You don't hold back. You LOVE people and being involved in everything! You would have at least three play dates a day with three different friends if I let you and you love to use your imagination.

Your favorite time of day is when Daddy come home and you dislike going to bed before its dark. You do fight with your siblings but when push come to shove you love them and enjoy caring for them and helping them out. You can now tie your shoes, ride a bike (without training wheels), read, write, add, dance, but you still love your little white stuffed puppy and proudly sleep with him. You love Jesus and are ready and willing to others all about him...we love that about you and pray that you never lose that. You are a gift!

HAPPY 7th Birthday Leah Nicole!!!

Jack is 2!!

2011-08-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

Jack turned 2 on Sunday...we were camping at Mt. Rainer with some friends....it was a perfect birthday weekend for Jack...we even stopped at a train car restaurant so he could have his b-day lunch in a train.

Jack Loves
Cars
Trains
The outdoors
Slides
Playing ball
Oatmeal
Rice
Salsa
His sisters
When Daddy come home

Jack does not like
Angelina Ballerina movies
The Dance studio
Blueberries
Sippy Cups
The bubbles in the hot tub
Balloons
when his sisters cry

Hiking at Mt. Rainer

His camp birthday breakfast

Cards from Grandmom and Grandaddy

Eating on the train

Jack when he was just a few hours old:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK ALEXANDER!

2011-07-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying some beach time the last few days...the first two photos are from Sunday in Cannon Beach...the rest are from this morning. Happy Summer!

Beach Days

2011-07-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

2011-07-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

It has been a wonderful summer..and it is not over yet!We have had our share of rain...but we have also been to the beach almost every day....here are Jack and Ella hiding from a passing shower in our yard.

Vacation Bible School at our church...always a highlight!

2011-07-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful 5th of July. My nephew, Daryl and his girlfriend Mandy flew out to visit us...well that is what they told us...really they came out to get engaged!! Yes a trip to see us is not only a chance to enjoy the beach and the Oregon Coast but also an engagement destination...keep that in mind all you PA cousins. By the way Daryl told me it was okay to tell people...so hope he meant what he said:).

We started the weekend by traveling up to Washington to see some of sights..it was sooo nice.

Jack and his new best friend.

Ella was really into this sign...not sure why but she was...she is also into picking out her outfits...you will see some winners in this post.

Leah and Ella playing by the lighthouse

On the fourth we did not put our truck in the parade. Leah however was still part of the parade with the dance studio that she goes to...here she is with one of her babysitters..who also dances at the same place...she was a bit unsure of walking in the parade without us...so it was nice to see a super friendly face when we got there.

By the end she was all smiles:)

This is the rest of us waiting for them to come by...notice we are in shorts and tank tops...its was sunny and warm!!!

After some lunch at the ice cream social and rest time...we went to the beach...for those who have never been here for the 4th..the beach is a big deal..tons of people, fires, food, and fireworks....often you feel as if you are in a war zone...at least I do...most people (like Brent and Leah) love it..some people (like me and Ella) simple pray to live through the night...Seaside puts on a good show and that is fun...just the explosions by us before and after make me a little crazy. Really they are right by us...if you don't believe me come out and see for yourselves:) Daryl and Mandy said that we have way more fun with the 4th then they do in PA.:)

Jack and I playing on the beach...

Ella found a way survive and seemed to enjoy the night.

Brent took some time and showed Jack how to put off the poppers..it took a bit but Jack finally got one to make a sound..he was so happy..however he would say no to the really loud ones..and cling to me...not sure who he will be like yet.

Then the sunset...

And the show and craziness really started...this is one that the girls picked out at the fireworks tent.

This is Brent and the girls setting off fireworks by the ocean..and yes this is a five min. walk from our house!!!

Yesterday we took Daryl and Mandy back to the airport at the crack of dawn..we then dropped Leah off at her aunts for the week..and now we have cleaned up all the stuff from the beach and even went to the beach this morning for a bit before lunch...ahh summer is here...next week is VBS...and then it will soon be August...I love summer!

I forgot..at the ice cream social they have games and food and its sort of like a fair..well they have a cake walk...and Ella won a cake...just like she did last year....if you are heading to Vegas...we may lend her out for good luck:)

Time away

2011-06-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

Brent and I were able to get away for a long weekend....we went to San Diego...one of our favorite cities...most likely because they have sunshine and a beaches. We also went to Mexico for the Baja Bible School Board meeting. We had tons of fun...thanks to Grandma and Grandpa who watched the kids and made it like a vacation for them.

Father's Day lunch at In and Our burger..always a treat!

Our vacation rental

We spent a morning in Old Town San Diego. We found a Large plants and an old jail.

We went to Coronado Island. We liked it so much we went twice....

Coffee and Clouds in Mexico...just for us so we would not miss home too much.

In Mexico with Ryan and Stephanie at Baja

Ella Jane

2011-06-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

Ella is four.
Things she likes
hot dogs
the beach (she asks to go everyday..even when it is rainy...very rainy)
ladybugs
her tap shoes
dresses
her siblings
breakfast
corn on the cob

Things she does not like
anything loud
staying in bed all night
tomatoes
washing her hair
having someone help her put on her shoes

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET ELLA!!!!!!

Videos

2011-06-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

The following are a few videos from the past week...my fav is the one of Jack at DQ after the rectial....he was much happier when he had his ice cream cone.

What Jack thought of all the dance

2011-06-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

videos

2011-06-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

what a week

2011-06-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

not the best shot..but i liked it cause it shows the pom poms in action

At DQ after the second show

Leah got a gift card to Funland for selling the most discount cards for her class at school...so we had pizza and played games last Friday

Leaning about skee ball I don't have photos but Jack was a BIG fan of this game...just had to make sure he tried to get the ball in the correct game

Jack spent most of his time in this...no money needed

We made a little fort in the play house

Forgot on thing...Brent and I were able to go to a Portland Timbers game (MLS)..super fun and if you have not been you should go.

Also forgot Leah's class program...her class was combined with another class...this is her saying her line

Last day of school with Mrs. Sampson....we LOVE Mrs. Sampson!

Well we survived all that dance has to offer, we took the kids on a family date to the funland arcade here is Seaside (fun..but crazy), Leah became a 1st grader, and Brent and I are leaving for a few days to go to San Diego and Mexico for the Baja Bible School Board meeting. The kids are already at Brent's parents, my house is clean, we are packed and I am waiting for Brent to get home from work....usually how our vacations start....he just can not pull himself away;) So while I wait I will share some photos with you.

A few highlights from last night

2011-06-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

some of Ella's class waiting to go on stage

Well, here are a few photos from last night....it was a fun show...but I was tired by the end. We watched the video of our girls and they performed a total of about 8 min. I think we were there for like 2 hours..but they had tons of fun watching all their friends and the older girls dance...they even got to watch the teachers perform....Leah LOVED that part. Tonight is the tumbling show...Leah is part of that so we will have more photos to post. My music is the songs from Ella's tap and Leah's ballet. If and when you watch the videos you may want to turn off my music so you can hear the video.

Leah's and the girls waiting to hit the stage

Ella's ballet was a tribute to a little girl who passed away last year...she was four,her name was Ashlynn...they purchased these dolls for the little ones dance classes in her memory...it was pretty cute:)

Two of the girls in Leah's class have a fairly new little brother...as you can see..he was a big hit with her class

Getting some last min. instructions from Miss Tia

in the dressing room

Leah's Dance

2011-06-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here is part of Leah's dance....she did so well...she was a little bit worried about the others so she was often seen trying to help them remember what to do...it made us smile.she is the 4th girl from the right, when they are sitting at the front.

a pre-view of tonight..

2011-06-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

So to night is Encore Dance Studio (wear the girls take dance) program...this is a sample of Ella's tap performance from the rehearsal...i hope to have more to share tomorrow

DUCKS

2011-06-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

Last month Leah's class at school hatched ducks...it was a very exciting time. Brent's parents told Leah that they would take the ducks to live with them...so we brought them home last Friday and had a "sleep over" and then took them out to their place. The Ducks are named Seymour and Daisy.

At our sleep over...notice Ella's outfit...she likes to wear skirts under her dresses to make them "fluff"

Jack LOVES the ducks..he blows them kisses and runs around saying "Duck"

This will be the duck cage when they are big enough to be outside all the time.

And this is what Leah made at school during her first week:) They could say anything they wanted about what made them special. We are very proud of Leah and all that she is becoming.

The End of the Year

2011-05-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year...spring...looking forward to summer days, end of year programs...all that. Ella's preschool finishes up tomorrow and on Tuesday night they had the Spring program...very fun...but Jack was less than impressed, so we walked around the back and tried to catch a few glimpses of the show. Ella has LOVED school this year, and its been fun to watch her make friends and learn all the you do.

watching the big kids graduate

doing the hula

T-Ball

2011-05-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

So we have entered the world of sports...well in a T-Ball sort of way...every Tuesday and Thursday nights we can be found at the local park watching and helping with T-ball...so fun!!! Here are few shots of the first game...it is super entertaining to say the least!

Art, Beach, and Family

2011-05-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago, some of my family came out to see my nephew graduate from Ecola Bible School in Cannon Beach. We had a good time..even though we were a little sick at the start of the visit...we still were able to do some fun stuff with them. On Saturday night Cannon Beach had its Spring Unveiling...super fun..you go around to the different art galleries and look at the art and they have snacks and stuff...it was a nice evening and we even saw a sunset.

During the art festival in CB..we found a hat store and here are a few of our favorites...we had just watched the royal wedding so the hats were extra fun.

On Sunday..it was sunny so we went to the beach...our first time this season with our swimsuits....it was a bit breezy but still fun to be out in the sunshine.

Jack playing catch with Leah's T-ball

The cousins eating sushi with Brent

Jack has found a new love for cottage cheese...I put him on the counter for a few moments...while I set down my purse...and turned around to find that he had opened the container and found a spoon that had been on the counter and helped himself.

Weddings

2011-04-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

In honor of Kate and William...I put a few love songs on the playlist.:) No I did not get up at 1am to watch it...I had plans to...but Ella has had the stomach flu all week and my family is here to visit and I was really tired so I watched the highlights this morning and now we are heading out to pick Leah up from school and then go to Ecola's grad lunch...Happy Weekend!

Easter Photos

2011-04-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

Leah at the community egg hunt...can you find her?

Here are a few....will post more later.

Crazy Friday

2011-03-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

So I am sure you all know about the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami that followed. Well, we here on the Oregon Coast also had a tsunami warning because of the earthquake. We are fine...a small (like a few feet) tsunami came to our coast but no damage was done. However, this was a great time of practice for our tsunami evacuation plan. Here is what happened.
At like 10..Brent and I had just finished a movie and had heard they had an earthquake in Japan but nothing else....we went to bed like normal..actually not like normal cause Brent was super sick and taking nite quill so he was extra tired. At like 1ish i was awoke by four loud knocks at our door...FREAKED me out! I woke Brent up and made him go look to see who it was..I was sure it was some crazy looking for something and we were going to die. (I can be a big dramatic early in the morning) No one was there so he told me to go back to sleep...like minutes later he gets a text on his phone...he looks at it....gets up, goes out and turns on the TV...now..here you need some history.

I am super scared of tsunamis...I know and we live at the beach...but anyway..they really freak me out. So much so that Brent normally does not tell me when we are on advisory for one (advisory is different than a warning...advisory means that a wave may come and you should stay off the beach...warning means a wave is coming and you should leave.) He quietly checks it out and then tells me in a calm manor so to avoid a melt down on my part. I know he is a good guy.

BUT this situation made me wonder what was going on...so I checked his text and found out that we were on a tsunami warning and that we needed to leave by 7. Well I think i handled it fairly well..only freaked for like five minutes...then we decided that we should go out to Brent's parents house (they live on hwy 26 in a tsunami safe zone) School was canceled. By this time it was like 2:30ish....we got dressed. Brent thought it would be smart for him to go to his office and get his computer and a few other things while I packed up the car and then we would head out. He also got gas for his work truck...the lines for gas were very long...guess everyone had the same idea. Anyway...I gathered my stuff , talked with the neighbors (one of which was the person who knocked at our door), we all exchanged our plans..some went to Portland, some to camp 18, some to friends, I texted my family what our plan was... then Brent came home. I woke the kids...and told them what was happening and that they could each take a few things with them. Super interesting what they picked. And then we loaded up and headed out. I must say it was a bit strange to leave your house....with the people and things that are most important to you...feeling pretty sure that you will be back and it will all be fine..but not completely sure that is going to happen...strange..as we drove away Leah says goodbye house..hope you are here when we come back...if not you have been fun. no panic..just making sure the house knew what was up...not like her mom.

Anyway, we arrived at Brent's parents, along with his brother and then we tried to settle the kids down...that sort of worked...mostly they just talked in bed and asked if the sun was up yet. Then we watched the news, ate breakfast, played Lego's, played Wii, Brent we went to work, and then we went home at noon...when they said we could and took naps. Really very uneventful. But I must say that it did help that my kids were sort of prepared....since I am freaked out by tsunamis...I have a plan, a bag that is packed at all times, and we talk about it...what we will do, where to go...all that stuff. So, our kids really responded pretty well to our need to leave the house and an awful hour of the morning. All in all we are thankful that this was such a nonevent for us...and pray for those who did not have that blessing.

Now when we returned home...I was putting things away that we had packed...and I thought how funny..the different things we picked to take...SO I took some photos.. Now remember that this was in addition to my bag that is always packed, that has food, water, diapers, clothing, passports, insurance info, and other important stuff. Always packed, always ready:) And we did have a talk about that if we actually feel the earth move that we do not take the time to gather anything but ourselves and we leave the house and run up the hill as fast a we can...mom gets the bag and Jack and the girls get themselves out of the house. They both said "we know mom" it that kid voice that says you tell us all the time..stop asking. So here is what they took

Leah....she likes her things...the rule is they had to carry it...and she did..mostly....what is missing is her Jessie hat....she wore that. My favorite is the tooth fairy pillow...just in case and her dicount card sale money and cards that she is selling to raise money for her school.

Ella is more of a minimalist

This is mine..remember I already have a bag with all the important stuff...this is just the extra that I thought would be nice...I even find it odd that I grabbed my starbucks gift card...however the DVD player was a lifesaver.

Jack took his pacifier and blanket..I forgot to put the pack and play in the car...that was a HUGE over site on my part...Brent took his work truck.

Thanks to all who called, texted, facebooked, all that..nice to know we were being thought of. As for now...we are all sick..but i think we may have finally caught up on sleep...have great week!

S.N.O.W.

2011-02-24T17:18:00.000-08:00

Last night it snowed here are our house...about 2 inches...that's a lot for us...and it stayed around till after lunch...even more exciting for us..PLUS school was closed.. So let me take you through our day. Sorry for all the photos..but really this happens like every other year.

1. I am up early...just to make sure school is closed..so i head outside to snap some photos...cause the snow will most likely be gone by 10.

This is my favorite tree in our yard.

2. Jack is up first and can not stop looking at the snow and pointing and saying he wants to go outside

3. So when Ella gets up she wants breakfast first and then Leah gets up and thinks that I forgot to get her ready for school...then she looks outside and gets SOOOO happy, she does not even want breakfast...so out we go...

We start in the back and work our way around the house...cause I guess it looks SOOO different with 2 inches of snow.

4. We teach Ella how to make snow angels...pretty sure we taught her this when we went skiing but oh well..

5. I make them sit on the porch for a photo...Jack was not pleased...with the photo..He LOVED the snow

In fact he cried when we came in for breakfast.

Again...my favorite tree..different angle so you can get the full idea6. After breakfast...we head to the beach...

One exciting park was that they found a path with NO FOOT PRINTS...that was a score!

We are getting closer..

7. We have a snowball fight...Ella is not found of snowballs but she did make one just because.

The Beach....with snow

8. We look for a place that we can make a snowman...This is for Uncle Bill..

This was our second attempt...much better than the first

Leah worked very hard to make him perfect..she did it all by herself.

Then we found a log that we could sit on to look at the ocean...

Then Leah came to see what we were doing...

9. We move the snowman to a new location....he did only ok with the move.

10. It is now time to go to the local market and buy bubble gum (our snow day tradition)..By the way..Jack just walk the entire time we were out....he just walked around the beach..amazed at the snow.

The girls wanted one last adventure so they we for a "hike" over the rocks

WE LOVE THE SNOW!!!

President's Day

2011-02-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

Today we spent some time talking about a few of our nations presidents. We made our own cherry trees, played President tag (ice cream tag but with the names of President's) and watched some Liberty Kids on Netflixs. We also danced with left over peacock feathers, played pirate on our swing set, and played candy land. Happy day off to you!!!

Valentines Day

2011-02-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

Brent and I were able to attend the Sweethearts Ball last weekend at the Governor Hotel in Portland...Yes it was as fancy as it sounds;) Black tie , dinner, dancing..the whole thing! We had a blast...but in the excitement of going away for the weekend AND going someplace that Uggs and jeans were not allowed AND it did not involve a wedding...I forgot my camera...BUT I did win the center piece..which is like 4 feet high and has several peacock feathers in it..as you can see....it was the center our our family celebration...

For Lunch on the 14th we had heart shaped grilled cheese and we made heart cookies for dessert.

Our family tradition is that on the night of the 14th the girls and I (but honestly its usually ends up being me) make dinner for Brent and now Jack...then we get dressed up. It is always a fun and, as most things are with us, entertaining...till next time:)

Zoo Lights, Haircuts, and today at the beach

2011-01-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

We had a few snow flakes a few weeks back....the girls were super excited...and ran out to try and catch some on their tungs.....

Everyone got a haircut. Leah had 7 inches cut off! Ellas photo would not upload but you can see it from some of the other photos.

This is what we did today..yes, January 30 we had a picnic on the beach without coats:)

Today, after church, we packed a small lunch and walked to the beach to have a picnic...it was fun...but then the younger two started to not be so much fun so they went home with Dad and Leah and I stayed for a bit longer to play. When I got home...i realized it had been a bit since I had updated the blog. So here it is.

photos of Christmas

2010-12-27T14:38:00.000-08:00

our Christmas Craft shelf in our dinning room

trying to take a Christmas eve photo..Jack was running away

Leah and Ella playing elves....and cleaning Jacks car on Christmas eve before bed

Christmas Eve

Jack and his car...he loved it...Every year we seem to have one toy that is in all the photos..last year it was the Hungry hippo game...this year is the little car

we even tried having it in the family photo

it worked better without it

Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

Today we are making cookies, riding our bikes outside (it is sunny and almost warm), having hot chocolate, and watching a few Christmas shows. I have a few spare moments so I thought I would share some of our tree with those who can not come here to see it.

Joining our decorations this year are Jessie, Mr and Mrs Potato Head, and a Hershey Kiss. They are to remind us of our travels this summer to Disney and PA (Mrs Potato's arm has since been fixed..she did not fare too well the first few days on the tree...they have also been moved to a higher location)

This Noel is my very favorite ornament...well this and our Grinch one.

Leah takes it upon herself to DAILY rearrange the tree. She also likes to add new things to it. Here are two of my favs so far. The manger scene was placed in the very center of the tree so we would not forget about Jesus. And the crayons..not sure about that but I sort of like them.

MERRY ALMOST CHRISTMAS!!

Is that Leah????

2010-12-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

Leah's Christmas program was on Tueday night..she did a wonderful job...my favorite was watching her lip sing during all the solo parts;)

So here is a game for you...try to find Leah in the photos:) There are a few more students in her programs now that she is out of preschool.. trust me is in in all the photos

Ella

2010-12-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

Ella had a good morning..she start by clipping some coupons for our trip to the store...

Then we went to pick up Leah from school..she LOVES to do that...

Then we went to Astoria to pick up her prize for winning the newspapers coloring contest!!!! She won a gift card to the movies....but she wants to buy candy with it.

Christmas

2010-12-13T14:04:00.000-08:00

Ella's first haircut

Getting ready to dance at our Community Christmas Party

Dancing Girls

Playing in our snow at Thanksgiving

Jack likes to play under the Christmas tree

Ella at her pre-school program

Our first snowball of the season

We are bust..two programs down...one to go..then next week its VACATION time!! Here are some photos of our life in the past few weeks.

Jack Alexander

2010-11-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we dedicated Jack at church. It was a great day! We were happy to have so many of our family and friends with us. Pastor Larry, who seems to have a special connection with each one of our kids, helped us. We choose these verses to be shared...

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly , as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:2-6

Jack listen very closely to Pastor Larry

Ella was a bit unsure of being in the front...

After church we all went to Bagel by the Sea...they have this GREAT room that you can use for meetings or in our case...brunch.

This was Jacks view from his seat

He LOVES bagels

At the end of the morning we realized we had not taken any photos of us and Jack..oops..so we sneaked a few in...he was tired so we did the best we could.

We also have video...hope up upload that soon:)

October and November....time flies

2010-11-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

Ella and friends at Play and Share at Church

Leah getting ready for dance class

Ella my happy helper

Trick or Treating with friends

Disney on ice

Jessie from Toy Story

Jack was sick ...so he skipped the halloween fun;(

Ella the Ladybug

Happy Birthday Brent! The little ladies and I made a german chocolate cake from scratch for him.

So it has been a bit since my last post. We have dressed up for Halloween, been sick, celebrated Brent's b-day, canned applesauce, played outside, spent time with Kim, and just been busy with life. We are good and enjoying a little visit from some family this week and next. My brother Bill is teaching at Ecola this week and they will be here till Thanksgiving. I think when he walked in our door the kids did not let him have a moment of quiet..they were SO excited...even Jack went to him right away. Glenda and Emily better watch out when then arrive tomorrow! Enjoy the photos!

photos

2010-10-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

Ella on her first day of pre-school

I have my camera cord back! So here are some photos...hope you enjoy.

at the Jack Johnson concert

watching them move a boat from the River to a parking lot in Astoria....Leah could not be pulled away from watching the action for a photo:)

Leah...our little student!

Leah was honored at school. Every month or so they choose a few students from each class and give them what is called The Heights Award...its for being a good student and all that. Last month...Leah was one for the students. She was thrilled...and it was fun to watch her...she is loving school and doing very well..we are thrilled to watch her thrive during this new adventure for her!

The Pumpkin Patch! I love the pumpkin patch and look forward to this family outing every year. We go on the weekend so Brent can join us so we enjoy it with lots of others but really its tons of fun and the crowds were not as big as they look in the photos.

Keith was living with us for a bit before he started Ecola...here he is on move in day...I am sure he will LOVE that I put this on here..but that is the price for having a free place at the beach for three weeks:)

Leah and Ella on Ella's bed...I love this and hope they will often find themselves hanging out together and being sisters.

update

2010-10-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

well...lots has been going on here at our house. here is a list
1. Ella started pre-school...LOVES it...asks everyday if it is her school day
2. My nephew Keith came to stay with us for a few weeks before he started Ecola...we made him help shingle our house..but he did get to go to a Seahawks game with Brent.
3. Jack is walking
4. Brent and I went to a Jack Johnson concert...it was outside..fun but cold.
5. Leah is LOVING school...and she was honored at a all school assembly for being a good student.
6. Brent and I took Keith to move into his dorm...we had Brents parents watch the kids...we had fun...we moved him in and then went for ice cream...sort of a 13+ years pre-view.
7. We have pumpkins at our house
8. Started our small group at our house...going through the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan....17 people are involved
9. Ella can write her own name

now you may wonder why are the photos missing...well...Keith was staying in our office area...so that made uploading photos a bit harder...not a big deal..I was too busy anyway....then our camera cord was packed by mistake in Keiths things when he moved out...so now I am waiting for its return to us...from Ad Dorm....I may never see it again...my last hope will be when my brother comes out to teach at Ecola and can go up to Keiths room to look for it for me...Do you hear me Keith....better bring it back OR Uncle Bill will come to your room!:) ( hopefully my brother will be on my side or this may end really badly for me)

First Day of School

2010-09-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

Leah has started school. She loves it! In fact she was so excited to get started that she forgot to say goodbye to me when we got the her class.:) But the next day when she got on the bus she made sure to hug me and say goodbye:) Her teacher is Mrs. Sampson and she has few friends, but can not remember names:) She likes the bus and her favorite part was when they went to see the swings. Enjoy the photos.

her Jessie backpack....finally she gets to use it!!!

So we went to the store after taking Leah to school the first day...Ella asked to have her photo taken by the M&M guy..I asked why...cause you have your camera and you NEVER have your camera at the store and I want to remember this..

waiting for the bus and Leah to come home:)

This is what I have been doing with all my "free" time...well maybe just one day but still..

Summers End

2010-09-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

yes, its true..summer is going to end...face the facts...but before it does...we thought we would enjoy a bit of sunshine on the beach....

Then on Sunday night we loaded everyone up and headed to Indian Beach for a picnic and surf and just plan fun...we even saw a wedding..always a thrill for little girls:) It was a wonderful night with a great sunset and not that many people...a good end to the last weekend of summer..

getting ready to head down to the beach

playing in the sand

heading out into the sunset

my summer girl

running to the water

Now this is my next thing to do....

Happy Birthday Leah Nicole

2010-09-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Leah is six! How did that happen? She choose to celebrate with a bowling party:) We also had a chance to celebrate in PA with family....always fun. Leah is excited to start school and dance class...she loves her brother and her sister...she can often be found with her nose in a book or doing crafts....she loves the beach and playing in the water...she like to fly in airplanes...recently she has developed a skill for picking blackberries and would like to do that everyday...she is full of energy, love, and is always up for a party:) Happy Birthday Leah!!

Jack is ONE YEAR OLD

2010-08-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

Jack is now one year old. Crazy how fast time goes. We had two parties this year....one in PA and one in OR. Here are a few highlights from both.

Add caption

Now for a little on Jack...he is now 30.2 inches long and 21 pounds. He is very sweet and not overly emotional...he will show you he is glad to see you but will not over do it...a simple hug and smile will let you know how he feels...unless its Daddy and then he will holler a little. He really likes me. He will look for his sisters if he does not see them for a few minutes. He love the outdoors. He loves the beach. He likes to eat. He really enjoys having his own room...I know this cause when he first moved into it he would just sit in his room and look around. He is happier and more fun than we could have ever imagined!

We are home

2010-08-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, we made it home. Our trip home was uneventful...that is AFTER we were able to obtain a guest pass for my brother to help me through security...that was an event!

But our kids did wonderful and if you follow my blog you will remember that our flight in was full of interesting comments from nice older ladies...well this flight was affirmation from other moms...for real...every mother who waiting in line for the restroom by us commented on the fact that I am brave for traveling with three small kids and that they were amazed....so much that is started to be funny...even to the flight attendants. Needless to say it was nice to have an empty row next to us so that we could spread out and Leah even got to have some alone time with all her stuff.:) We even arrived early into Portland...so early that Brent was not at the airport yet...so we went to baggage claim, go our stuff and then waited a few moments till he came. It was a sweet reunion and we were all happy to see him. We are now adjusted back to life and getting ready for school to start....we go to meet the teacher and see the classroom on Thursday!
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The photo above is one that a very nice lady took of us saying that we should remember this...this is one I took..this one is gives you a better view of what our row was like...Ella loved to put the window shade up and down, Leah's mouth is full of bubble gum, Jack is trying to get to my face...

Summer fun in PA

2010-08-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

We were treated to fresh blue crab for dinner one night. Emily and her grandpa went crabbing and brought back a bunch for dinner. They are a bit smaller than the kind we are use to on the west coast..but just as good.:) Ella called them Ella sized. Enjoy the photos.

cooking them outside in the hot and humid weather!!

taking a look

Ella needed a little help from Emily

before..during....and after:)

Hershey and Herrs

2010-08-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Last week we spent a few days exploring some PA industry:) well..actually just going to the free tours in the area:) We started at the Herrs chip factory in Nottingham, PA. I had not been to that tour since I was little...it was fun..while smaller than Hershey...almost more fun cause you actually go in the factory. Anyway...because you go in the factory you can not take too many photos and the one I have is at the end of the afternoon, while both girls are crying for some reason...I thought I would post it so Brent could see what he is missing and what is coming back next week:)

Then on the next day we went to Hershey PA.

We were off to tour the chocolate factory. Because it was summer we had to park sort of far away but that was okay cause we were able to ride the tram. Now to most this might be a pain cause it takes more time...but to us it was just more fun and one more thing to ride on...always look at the glass half full when on vacation! For those who have never been to Hershey (most of my west coast friends) they also have a large theme park with tons of roller coasters and a water park...we did not go to that...but we did drive by some of the rides and Ella said "next time we NEED to bring daddy to here cause he would LOVE those rides...but only if I do not need to go on them" So its on the books for our next summer trip when Brent is along that we will brave Hershey park as a family:) Anyway, back to the chocolate factory. We got on this little car like thing and went through the fake factory tour. Also something I had not done since Brent's very first visit to PA.

Ella was very excited about the tour...Jack was too but he looks a bit scared here

on the tram

We all enjoyed the tour but really we LOVED the treat at the end.:) And and then the girls saw the gift shop!

"I have never seen so much candy in my whole life" Leah said

and really neither have I. We had fun looking for our very favorite treats to bring home and Uncle Bill and Aunt Glenda and Grandaddy were all very helpful.

in Hershey the street lights are shaped like Hershey kisses.

almost forgot...at the end of lunch the Hershey Bar came out to say hi..Jack was interested but then got a little scared...this photo was taken right at the transition from interest to fear:)

Loving the Hershey hot cocoa with aunt Glenda

Then we headed back to the tram and back to the car and started our journey home.

Leah and the Hershey Bar...Ella would not even come close to him..if you look in the back you can see Bill with Jack and Ella is most likely hiding under the table

And last but not least..Jack is 11 months old...crazy...next week in his first birthday.

P.A.

2010-08-07T19:17:00.000-07:00

So on the 4th I got on a plane with three kids, ages five and under....by myself! Why...to fly to PA so Jack could meet and greet family and friends. I did not know what to expect...but I did know it would most likely be a bit crazy. Much to my surprise...it was not. Jack did fuss a bit, but really it went smoother than some of my trips to Safeway:) Granted if I took movies and new toys to Safeway...that might help:) The most entertaining part were the coments from fellow passangers. We were seated in the very last row of the plane (my personal favorite when traveling with small children..close to the bathroom and you never get stuck trying to get back to your seat by the beverage cart. Anyway, you also have time to visit with many people as they wait in line for the bathroom. Being that it was a bit strange to see three small children and only one adult...I got to have a few conversations:) The one I will always remember was the little lady who told me 1. That the next time HER daughter complained about flying to see them with her 18 month old...she was going to tell her about me. 2. That she told her husband when we got on the plane that 'her husband better be in jail for making her travel alone" I laughed and told her that actually he is very kind to let me spend some cash to leave for 3 weeks to visit family while he works and shingles our house during his off time. She said that is good and that really it looked like I had it together and knew what I was doing. Really, it was Gods grace and mercy on me that my kids did AWESOME!! I can only hope for so much on the return...and the next time I need groceries.:) We arrived in Philadelphia safe and sound and even smiling. We have been here for 4 days and have adjusted to the time change and the weather change. We miss Brent and would rather he be here but are enjoying the time with family and friends. Here area few photos.

This is Jack and his first philly cheese steak...don't worry or e-mail me...he did not really eat any...he just put his finger in his mouth for the photo....but I love those cheese steaks!!

Uncle Bill took Leah for a ride on the four wheeler..she LOVED it!

Eating dinner while watching for groundhogs in the meadow...ahhh country life gotta love it!

11 years together

2010-07-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our 11th anniversary. The kids went to the Grandpartents for two nights!! And we normally go away...but this year we stayed home and spent the day here. We looked and found some surf and some sunshine. Ate lunch in a local beach town and went for dinner and a movie...such a fun day. So fun that I forgot my camera...but it was a beautiful day at the beach and we enjoyed a day of having fun together. 11 years does not seem that long till we look at the wedding photos...enjoy!

Our wedding day is a great memory for us...a church full of friend and family from both sides of the country...a beautiful day at the beach...good food and cake....we are blessed!

Happy Anniversay Brent!! You are still the love of my life!

Disneyland

2010-07-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I am finally getting to the Disney photos...and we have a bunch. Our time at Disneyland was great. We enjoyed great weather, rides, charaters, parades and shows. We learned that Jack likes fireworks and the Leah likes rollercoasters. Ella loves the tea cups and Small world but is not very fond of the Pirates. Brent and I enjoyed the stroller pass and Leah loved that she could ride most rides twice in a row.

We started our trip by purchasing disney hats for our trip. This is Leah and Ella outside the firestation on Main Street.

Jack on Small World.

I have tons of photos...so enjoy

Parades

Leah was dancing in the parade...she was thrilled

Rides

Peter Pan, Tea Cups, Nemo Submarine Ride Dumbo...just a few

Meeting Charaters

Cinderella, Mickey Mouse, Tinker Bell, Princess Tiana, Woody and Jesse , and Pluto

Shows and Just Having Fun

The waterfalls at our hotel...I made Ella walk with me and Jack after naptime....while we waited for Leah and Brent to come out of the park for dinner...she did not like it at all...but she rallied and did it for me.

Dancing with the Princesses

Fireworks!! Leah lost her second tooth while we waited

World of Color...this show opened right before we got to Disney....This is also us waiting for the show to start...we had pretty good seats:)

We played on Tom Sawyers island for a bit...Brent told them to play dead in the cemetary.

Exploring Toon Town...We really liked Minnies kitchen

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Jack...our pirate...on Tom Sawyers island

We took some time and enjoyed Downtown Disney...went to lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe...Ella was amazed at everything there...and went to the Lego Store.

Well that is Disney in a nut shell...still to come...Ellas birthday at Ariels Grotto...stayed tuned...

Ella is three

2010-06-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Ella turned three on Friday. We celebrated her birthday at Disneyland (photos will come soon I promise) but we also had a little party on Friday night with family and two of her good friends. Ella is so sweet, loves to care for her babies and her toy hamsters. She cooks in her kitchen all the time, and only likes to watch TV if it is rainy. She loves to tell stories and they often are about her pretend monsters and chickens. She is slowly getting over her fear of water and is almost enjoying swim lessons. She hates having her hair washed and brushed and loves to have to nails done. Loud noises are not her favorite and she likes to be on the sidelines in a huge crowd untill she warms up to everyone...then she will sing for them. On her birthday we had hotdogs, plain salad, chocolate milk, and strawberries. Her cupcakes were chocolate with chocolate frosting...her favorite.

Jack goes international

2010-06-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

Jack turned 9 months a few weeks ago....but I was busy so here are a few photos of him during our visit to Baja Bible School http://www.bajabible.org/. We had so much fun and he seems to love international travel;) This is Jack in the high chair on the porch of the Castillo....also the dinning room:) Love to eat outside in warm places!!!

Jack and Elena....Our friends, Ryan and Stephanie's little girl...she shared lots of things with Jack. Thanks for sharing with us!!!

This is Jack with the city of T.J. behind him in one photo and a crazy tall plant in the other. I think its a Yucca plant and they only do this crazy bloom like every 20 years or something. Anyway it was very tall and provided lots of fun talks with our kids. I must say that we got a few crazy looks when we told others that we were heading to Tijuana Mexico for part of our family vacation. But we felt totally safe on the campus of Baja Bible and in the community that they are in. We went to a few of the local spots and enjoyed watching our kids take in another culture that is a bit different then our own.

at the Castillo, on the Baja campus

Jack with Brent...ready to walk to a local taco stand... and just hanging out enjoying being on vacation.

Jack is 9 months old!!!!

It has been a long time

2010-06-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

Ok...so it has been a bit. I could come up with a million reasons...but really its just life. We have been loving life...and it has been fun but busy. We have enjoyed pre-school graduation, a few days of sunshine, lots of rainy days inside, Jack turns 9 months old, zoo trips, and lots more. Enjoy catching up.

Zoo trip with Kim

Leahs pre-school program

Bell Choir and Leah getting her grove on:)

tossing her cap in the air...her favorite part!

Mrs.Corbin is very brave...she and her helpers dressed all the kids for one final song..Leah represented the country of Brazil...it was lots of fun to watch!

Leah and Mrs. Corbin

Lost Tooth and family photos

2010-04-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

It finally came out!!! Leah lost her first tooth last Saturday night. She has been waiting for this to happen for a very long time. She was thrilled! The toothfairy gives a small gift with the money for the first tooth at our house...then its just money for the rest. The funny part was that the tooth was not that loose...so the toothfairy was not really prepared...good thing for stores that are open late;)

These are pictures that Leah and Ella made of our family. It is the first time that Jack has been in Ellas family photo:) Guess he has been accepted as part of the family now.

Time for Science

2010-04-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

Leah has been interested in Science...so we have started to do a few simple science lessons. This was one about how carbination can make things float. It was fun, easy, and entertaining.

Leah and her supplies.

Ella just wanted to watch her fish

Jacks videos

2010-04-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

2010-04-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

Jack is 8 months old!

2010-04-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

He is now 8 months old! Just think last year at this time Brent and I were getting ready to leave for a vacation to Hawaii...hmm that sounds like fun...but so it life with these kids:)

Jack is now sitting up...moving around a bit...reaching for his sisters hair...eating lots...and has a tooth! His also has a new love for legos.

Easter and Jack is 7 months old!

2010-04-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend was very wet and cold here on the Oregon Coast! However, we did have a wonderful weekend celebrating what Easter really means....victory over the grave and the love of God in giving his Son for our sins!

We started the weekend at the Community Egg Hunt at the park on Saturday. It was raining AND hailing! I forgot the camera and was sad that I did because it really was a memory! So wet and soggy that you just had to laugh! The buckets were full of water and plastic eggs! But the kids were happy and had a good time. We went out for hot cocoa and watched the stormy ocean after...not bad for a Saturday morning. Sunday morning we braved the early service (8 am ) and then came home to find that the Easter bunny had visted our house. He brought flowers to plant (thanks Grandma and Grandpa) and a new bug cage (thanks Grandaddy and Grandmom), candy, and new placemats for the table. One about the weather, one with a map of the U.S.A, one with the peridioc table of elements, one with shapes and colors, and one to help us learn to tell time. I will let you guess who got what. Then it was time for the second annual Gohr-Boles egg hunt. Someday we will have this at the beach but it has been rainy the last two years. Then it was off to Grandmas for dinner and more egg hunts. It was a fun weekend.

Gohr-Boles egg hunt

Ella-Easter is hard work for little two year olds!

Jack is 7 month old!!

He is now sitting very well, try to creep towards his toys that are out of reach, pulling his sisters hair when they get close enouth, and saying differnt sounds(the latest is the sound for the letter T), he is also very tall and is only a head shoter than Ella.

Easter Eggs

2010-03-31T10:11:00.000-07:00

We love to color eggs! So yesterday after rest time we set out to decorate our eggs. This year the "theme"was fairys. So if you look close you can see some fairy dust in each photo. As we colored them, it was fun to talk about Easter and what it means and about the cross, the empty grave and all that. Leah LOVES to tell the Easter story to Ella. And Ella loves to listen to Leah talk about it. Guess they are a good match;)

working hard to produce the perfect little egg

Every year we make a special one with our names on it. This year Leah did not want her name only a fairy and some fairy dust.

Jack at the beach

2010-03-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

We have had some BEAUTIFUL weather this week. So one day we all headed to the beach (well not Brent he has to work). It was Jacks first time actually playing in the sand and not sitting in the jogger or in the front pack. As you can see he LOVED it...good thing cause we find ourselves at the beach a lot in the summer and fall!

We built sandcastles, played tag, dug holes, and just enjoyed the sunshine and being on Spring break.

this is Jack, right after he put his first fist full of sand into his mouth....he is very happy with himself and the fact that he is now offically a beach baby!

This is Leahs castle...she built it up in the dunes so that the water will not get it;)..that girl is a planner!!

Dr. Leah Boles:)

2010-03-21T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here is an audio file of Leah talking in church last week. I have video just have to figure out how to load it on here...so check back in a few days:) She starts at around the 8 min mark and its like two minutes. It is the sermon on Grace from March 14
http://www.ncffchurch.org/sermons.php?pageType=main&pageID=31&pageName=%2Fsermons%2F

life

2010-03-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

My birthday dinner, salmon, and then a grasshopper cake! Leah and Ella decorated the windows for the celebration:)

Trying to take a picture of three small children is diffucult. Someone is always looking at something else or crying or both..this is the best I could get.

Ella.....she is two and half and often has better things to do than get her hair brushed. She is often a mess...but that does not bother her...she will just tell you "I'm two" and go on with her day.

six months

2010-03-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

Jack is now six months old...well he has been for a a few weeks so its more like six and half months old..but oh well. He is doing lots of new things. Sitting up all by himself, eating baby food, rolling all over the room and trying to move on his belly, "talking" all the time and sometimes very loudly, and just being very cute.

eating his food. we have tried oatmeal, banans, sweet potatoes, peaches, prunes, and applesause. all were hits. next up are peas and pears

Jack loves bathtime!!! He is very entertained by putting his right hand in and out of the water...really he does it for like 10 minutes without a sound and without stopping...so funny

Lodge Mom

2010-02-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went skiing...it was Leahs first time...and it was also my first time as a ski lodge mom. As this was my first time in my new role...I have a little list of things I learned on my first day of the job.

1. Everyone is wearing helmets...well maybe not everyone but most people.

2. The lodge is only really full at lunch time...I have never been in the ski lodge other than at lunch so this was a new thing to me....we were pretty much alone till lunch...strange

3. Snack shop workers are really nice to you if you are alone with several children....they let me sit in the "resturant" only section...mostly cause they knew it would be trouble to have me move the kids and all the stuff...but still really nice.

4. I don't really like to ski alone.....this is strange since I like to run and do other athletic things alone...but the thought of skiing alone does not thrill me...Brent and I shared a lift ticket since its not wise for us to let the kids hang out alone in the lodge it may even be illegal;)

5. Its really fun to watch your kids learn new skills

6. Jack is a really good baby!!!!

7. You have an instant bond with other lodge parents.

8. You have time to lots of photos of the mountains

9. There is great wisdom in quiet entertainment and portable DVD players

10. Snacks and hot cocoa rule in the lodge mom handbook and they also are great bribes for all sorts of things.

gettng a little help from dad

found a little time to slide at the end of the day.

Sometimes you just need to dance it out.

We did have a great time and don't worry I will be back on the slopes again soon...I feel for sure they are calling my name even louder than before.

Valentines...

2010-02-15T14:55:00.000-08:00

Brent and I had a chance to head out on the town this weekend. We were invited to a sweetheart ball at the Governor Hotel in Portland...so we went! It was a fun night full of dancing, laughter, and really good food! My two highlights were (other than being out together) Pour some sugar on me by Def Leopard being played by a "wedding type" of band with people of all ages singing along and this great old lady who really danced the night away...for real I think there were only one or two songs she was not on the dance floor for...it was great!

Morning time

2010-02-11T16:39:00.001-08:00

This is what the mornings are like around here.....Ella wakes early....usually by 7 if we are lucky....Leah is a bit more like her mother and does not show up till 8 or so.....unless its a school day then I have to wake...Jack he just gets up when he is ready....usually around 7:30 or so....This was this morning and Leah is still sound asleep in bed....she is a girl after my own heart:)