Day Camp Into Real Camp

day 174 - little white bugs got the best of my flowers

day 175 - agency d3 day camp

day 176 - sweets with my sweets

day 177 - family selfie at bridal falls

day 178 - mother/daughter game of rummikub

day 179 - dino town

day 180 -  cousin time

The Big Move

Melissa and Michaela moved out Monday evening after we hugged it out with tears that quickly followed. We are very excited to see God use M & M and can't wait to have the first sleepover!  Addi and Annie used the vacant room for a sleepover downstairs and slept great once they finally chose to sleep. Marley and Nolan came and played with the kids which was comical to watch as there was then 2, 2 year olds. Myself on the other hand, found many projects that I managed to cross off the long standing To-Do List. Tim had business in Nebraska at the Arbor Day Foundation, where he introduced the S'moresma tradition around their camp fire. They were impressed and fell in love with the dutch waffle cookies! Tim also filled in for Joseph in Via Voice, reuniting the old Realtime group and receiving many standing ovations and cheers of approval at Harmony College Northwest in Tacoma. He had a great time with his barbershop family and singing a few tags with old friends. The best part of the week came at our official start to S'moresma's with the Duque's, Gerlach's, Simmon ladies and Taylor family. Way too many calories consumed with children running around and parents closely chasing after as their hands were full of chocolate or yummy mallows. We can't wait for more evenings around our camp fire.

day 167 - an empty nest

day 168 - mud babies

day 169 - a gutter mess

day 170 - a little paint project

day 171 - late night grocery shopping

day 172 - harmony college northwest

day 173 -first of many s'moresma's

A Flight for Friendship

After keeping the Hawaii trip a secret for two weeks, we finally packed and flew across the Pacific Ocean.  We left our three kids with Grandma Judy and Micky with her Auntie while three of us ladies, Melissa, Christie and myself thoroughly enjoyed our short time on the beach. Myriam did her usual monkey business and Charlie headed south with Nana to encourage Auntie Traci at her treatment. Addi was a huge help to Grandma Judy and got to play with her cousin while we were gone too. Before we left, Charlie did a number to his eye giving himself an instant black eye which continued to change colors as the week went on. Tim did what he does best and held some meetings and met with project managers in Hawaii. I often hear names of people Tim works with or for, and got to meet Joan for a few minutes on this trip! After getting the wash machine loaded and started, getting Melissa mostly moved in and Tim packed for once again a business trip, we were then able to celebrate Father's Day at my parents house. The older kids went to the car show with my dad before we had an old fashioned chicken dinner and strawberry shortcake for a sweet treat. It was a busy yet relaxing week!

day 160 - more battle wounds

day 161 - aloha!

day 162 - much awaited lava java

day 163 - charlie's bike purchase

day 164 - time to come home

day 165 - my new drying rack: two loads on one rack…awesome!

day 166 - father's day nap with papa

Secret Surprises

This week brought organization of a secret trip, dentist appointments for all three, an art show for Auntie Missy in Seattle and the start of a major move for Melissa. The sun shone brightly once again making the start of summer break perfect. Charlie recovered well from his dog bite and was excited to show off his battle scars to the neighbor kids. Monday morning we started the re-introduction of dogs visiting a german shepherd and golden lab. Charlie was a little skid-dish at first, but eventually pet and fed the dogs. He also found out he has three cavities so NO MORE CANDY!
Tim, and a couple other guy buddies, had a nice ride across the hill for lunch as he had some much needed down time. (I'm honestly trying to understand the motorcycle thing, but still have no desire for a ride.) My mom and sister had a great trip back east to Michigan and Boston visiting extended family and friends. Tim and I had an overnight in Seattle with our friends supporting Missy with her art show and having fun with work friends.
The best part of the week came on Friday night as Tim and I surprised Melissa with a short trip to Hawaii!!! Her reaction was priceless as she questioned all the details that I had so perfectly organized from time-off, child care, gifts for Micky and getting most of her stuff moved into her new home. It was awesome and amazing I kept the secret for two weeks! So, with Grandma Judy in place for watching our kids and the suitcase out, I now need to pack myself and get ready to luau! Aloha!

day 153 - proud battle wounds
(the bruising continued through the week, but the wound itself was not near as bad as the cries and trauma. charlie has been a stud about it all.)

day 154 - lunch in winthrop with greg and brian

day 155 - first dentist appointment

day 156 - outside fun & games

day 157 - funky nap time positions

day 158 - overnight in seattle

day 159 - moving time

Sunshine Advantage

Last week of May brought us MAP testing for Addison, play dates with the neighborhood, sunny afternoons with siblings and delicious treats brought home by daddy. Tim had business in D.C. and New Jersey this week so he went to the kids' favorite TV show location…CAKE BOSS!!! Charlie was beyond stoked that daddy was on TV even though it was just the bakery itself without cameras. The next morning we shamelessly ate cheesecakes and pastries from Carlos Bakery. My girlfriend came over for a visit this week which is always welcome and much deserved. On Saturday we had a chance to visit Myriam's biological grandma and great grandma as we spent a few hours at a park. We are honored that they want to include us in their lives and we cherish the few moments and hold close the memories made. After a 7 mile run with three of my girlfriends, we headed to a yummy potluck. Unfortunately, the week ended on a sour note as Charlie was bit by my Uncle's dog. No stitches required, but he does have punctured wounds and will be sporting colorful bruises come tomorrow. Besides being traumatized, he's doing fine. Didn't help that he was playing in the hay mound with a hay allergy. Poor boy blew up and was itchy all over. It was a no good, very bad day for Chuckles!

day 146 - neighborhood crazy kids

day 147 - kids' version of a wheel chair

day 148 - sometimes business trips work to my advantage 

day 149 - celebrating national hamburger day (a day late)

day 150 - she forgot to turn and kept her foot on the pedal

day 151 - i've told him so…

day 152 - little girls cheering for melissa and jackie as they complete their run