A Weekend in Spokane...

Kelly and Logan are in preparation mode already for their up-coming Rainer hike in September. Even though Kelly despises running, he has gone several times to try to get in shape! Last Saturday Kelly and Logan strapped Addison and George on to their backs and hiked up Dishman Hills. I think Kelly was a little surprised at how tough it was!

But, as you can see, they made it to the top and the boys had a great time. I'm sure this is just the first of many hikes to come!

That night we all met at the park for a BBQ. I wish we had a video of the kids sings "GO Diego" at the top of their lungs! It was pretty hilarious! Addy and Laynie have LOVED being close to their cousins! Addy is a little confused though, last week when he was talking to Claire and Ayden on the phone he said "now you are my cousins and Lucy and George are my firends!" I guess since our cousins have always lived far away, it makes sense to Addy that Claire and Ayden must be his cousins now since they are far away! We miss you guys!!

Memory Tag!

This is a fun idea from Amberli!

Calling all Memories!! So here is a fun new blogging game:

1. Leave one memory that you and I had together, as a comment on my blog. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Have a nice little trip down memory lane!

Homeless but happy...

We have been at Grannie's house for almost 3 weeks! and so far nothing major has broken and no stains on the carpet (that I know of!)...so I'd say it's been a success! We are still hoping to find our perfect house ASAP, but the search is harder than I thought it would be! We went to look at some new construction with unfinished basements this week, but those houses definitely had things that we would HAVE to change (i.e. carpet under the bar...whose idea was that?) So, we are continuing to pray to be able to know what to do and where the best place for us to be is!

Meanwhile the kids and I go to parks, hang out with George and Lucy, "slip and slide", and try to stay positive in our time of transition! Kelly is loving his new job so far-- he likes having a challenge and doing something different! We are looking forward to our trip to the Lake next week where Addison and I will celebrate our birthdays! He is counting down the days...me not so much!

Happy Fourth of July!!

I know this post is a little late, but I'm trusting that all of you will cut me a brake...our life is a little crazy right now!

We had a wonderful 4th!...after all, we were NOT riding in a car anymore! We went to a fun park that had water squirting out of the ground and out of all kinds of water contraptions...and then to a parade where the kids got more candy than on an average Halloween! and then to watch the fireworks down town Spokane...what a show!!
Addy has had lots of energy lately, or maybe I'm a little more sensitive to his energy since we are living in Grannie's house. We have had to have lots of talks about respecting someone else's furniture, garage door, house in general, etc. So, being outside is a good thing lately.

In general I think they're adjusting pretty well, they have both asked when we are going home- which is a hard question to try and answer...uh, we don't really have a home! But hopefully soon!! We'll keep you posted!

We made it!

Well, we survived the move! Although, I don't recommend three days in a car with 3 children- We did learn our lesson by the 1st evening and separated Addison and Laynie...and that made all the difference in my sanity!! But overall, they both did very well given the circumstances. Hailey wins the prize though. She was an angel through the whole trip!

Thank goodness we were "upgraded" to a 26 foot truck!! Kelly ordered a 17 footer, and I think we would have had to say good-bye to a few (or a lot) of our possessions if we had the shorter one! They seem huge until you try to pack your life inside, and suddenly they aren't so big!
Thanks to all of our friends who helped us pack!! and to everyone who was able to come say good-bye. We miss you already!! But we are excited for our new adventures in Spokane. Hopefully I'll have a post soon with pictures of our new house that we have yet to find!

At least someone's having fun!

We are in the thick of packing and all of the final arrangements for the big move...and the kids have found ways to entertain themselves in the craziness. I felt a little overwhelmed last week, but Saturday we got so much done that I have felt pretty calm this whole week. Kelly's Mom and Brother will be here Sunday and we will start our drive on Monday. It will take 3 WHOLE days to drive to Spokane...I am racking my brain for activities for the kids in the car. If you have any great ideas PLEASE let me know!

These are all the men in the neighborhood trying to move our piano from our house to our neighbors (it obviously didn't make the moving cut). It was quite a task, but they accomplished their mission...as you can see, Kelly is so happy to get rid of things, the less to move, the better! this is his motto

And, on a much different note, Laynie has been trying out her potty skills. Am I completely insane to be packing up my house and trying to potty train at the same time??!! Okay, I have to admit, it hasn't been a huge effort on my part, I figure after we move we can really get serious. But I am sure tired of 2-yr-old diapers!! nasty!

Beginning of Good-bye

We have 12 days left in Pennsylvania, and I feel a little panicked about saying good-byes. Last night was girls-night out with some of my best friends...Kirsti, Amber, and Jaime. We had a fabulous time talking, laughing, and eating of course! I am so sad to leave such wonderful friends!

So, I thought I would do a little 'ode to my friends'--

Kirsti: Thanks for having an identical life to mine: Social Work degrees, mission, matching pregnancies, same age kids, etc. I have always felt understood and cared about in your presence! Thank you!!

Jaime: Lilly's mom has got it going on! :) Thanks for being SOOO sweet and helping me so much. You were always more than willing to take the kids and that means A LOT to me.

Amber: I couldn't ask for a better friend! I have had so much fun with you whether we were at the pool, on a date night, or spending the day together while the guys were gone...it was always great. You are a wonderful listener and true friend.

I will miss you all so much!!

Now, on to a much happier subject: Hailey, after spending the night with the girls out on the town, had a good long drink and slept from 10:30pm to 6:55am! Isn't she awesome!! She has been smiling so much lately and it melts my heart completely!