Seattle Washington

My sister Rachel let us all come stay at her house.  Thanks Rob and Ely for putting up with us!

We had a great time.  

Ella and Grace wanted to do their nails.  We used some of Robs Architect drawings for the paper. 

Rach fed us so much good food.  So much wonderful yummies.  I do love good food!

The back door area made me smile.  It was filled with shoes all the time. 

Since we missed Fathers Day with Daren and Eric, Rachel had a fun activity for us.  We made cards for our dads, and they just got them a few days late. 

There were all kinds of toys to play with.  And we had baths every night since the kids were so dirty by the end of the day.  

We spent one whole day at Pacific Science Museum.  I would have love to go by myself. It was fascinating.  I could have walked around for hours.  

We went swimming one day at a heated salt water pool.  (except one of the heaters was broken that day so it was cold, salty swimming)  As you can tell Tyler loved the Oreos and saved some all over his face for later.  

As we walked back to the cars Ella said- "My shadow looks like I am just wearing undies".  I had to laugh.  Kids say fun things!

We did almost run out of gas on our way home.  We were so busy talking and taking care of kids that we realized we were on red with no gas left.  We slowed to 55 mph and turned off the AC. Jenny's car holds 20 gallons of gas and we pulled into the gas station after 45 minutes of panicky driving in the middle of nowhere... and had to fill up the car with 19.75 galloons of gas.  We were so grateful we made it!

Abby made it through the trip with flying colors.  Total success.  

Tacoma Washington

My sister Jenny (Jonnn) and I drove to Washington to see family and friends.  I was a bit worried about Abby and how well she would do but she was amazing.  It probably helps that she still takes 4 naps a day.  

We packed the kids in to Jonnns car.  6 kids.  2 moms.  and 3 DVD players, 1 iPad, 2 iPhones, 1 iPod, 2 Leapsters, 1 GPS.... um... we were plugged in!  BUT we drove safely, the kids did their things, the moms got to chat and then when we arrived at our destinations we played.  It was great. 

We stopped first (and last) in the Tri City area of Washington.  We stayed with Jenny's sister in law.  Lauren and Chad.  It was so nice to visit with them.  The temple is in their back yard. 

Then we drove on to Tacoma to visit my good friend Neti.  It was a great visit. 

We went to the zoo at Point Defiance.  So beautiful. 

Then had lunch right on the Pugent Sound.  Beautiful. 

With 9 kids running around we had to have mandatory down time.  The kids needed it as much as the moms did!

thanks Neti for letting us stay with you. 

Things that make me happy

I have a lot of good people in my life.  Gina, Kristen and I have lunch frequently together.  This time after lunch we went for a quick hike (with Abby strapped on the front) up to Bells Reservoir.  Lunch was delicious, the chance to talk with friends (without kids around) was delightful, and going on a hike without children was priceless.  It was a much needed and welcomed lunch date.

We headed up to Flat Iron one afternoon and tried to fly our kite.  Those are the fun moments where life slows down and I just enjoy the peace and quiet. 

Ella loves to read to our neighbor Ms. LaPriel.  Ms LaPriel always has a treat for Ella after.  What kid wouldn't love that. 

Before we left for Washington was spent a fun night with our Dad.  The kids had a great time bowling with their Dad.  Tyler even beat Darrens score!

My garden makes me happy.  My yard makes me happy.  Plants, trees, flowers, produce.  I wish sometimes I lived in Washington just so I could have green everywhere!

Getting out on my bike at 6:00 in the morning makes me happy.  Exercise is good for the soul!

Abby makes me happy.  She sure throws my life into a different direction.  But I couldn't be more happy to have her in my life.  Her smiles are genuine happy smiles.  

Tyler Carson Balls

Tyler lost one of his top teeth.  And then the second one started to get loose.  

But that second one just wouldn't come out.  I wasn't going to pull it out and he wasn't going to pull it out.  

So finally Aunt Jenny took it into her own hands.  THANK YOU JENNY!

She wiggled, wiggled, wiggled and then PULLED! 

PHEW!

Tyler is my great helper.  I am grateful he is my son!