A Day at the Zoo

When Amanda and her kidlets were here we kept pretty busy. One afternoon we went to a local zoo and had a blast! It was really hot outside and that made walking up and down the hills pushing strollers . . . not so much fun - but a good workout none the less. The zoo we went to has just been recently redone. It is AWESOME! They had a whole new section with water games and fun activities. My boys rejoiced to see that they are putting in a Meerkat exhibit. We all can't wait to see those little guys flitting about.

My favorite parts are the Beluga whales and the sharks. I love watching the whales glide through the water. It is very peaceful to watch. The sharks just freak me out. I kept thinking that if they could break the glass and eat my Chlobug that they would - she was right up there watching them because the glass comes right to the floor. I even had an escape route mapped out in my head just in case the glass broke - I know, I am a nut. Funny the things that run through your mind.

The zoo is really nice now. We bought season tickets (for a year) because once we would have had to pay for everyone - it just worked out to be cheaper this way. I am glad. I want to take the kids back to play around a bit more. It will be a good family day out.
So much fun!

Pictures from the Past

I was browsing through photos and saw some oldies. I decided to post some pictures

that are a bit older just to have some fun. The first one is of Ethan (wow - the resemblance to Chloe!!!!) Next is Isaac with a goofy face. These two pictures were taken in the summer of 2004. Then we have one of Gabriel that was in the summer of 2005. The next is of Ellie when she was just shy of a year old and the next is of Kyler, my nephew, who lived with us for a year. Wow - so much time has gone by with soooo many changes. Time is but a vapor . . .

A Wonderful Time with Friends

We had a wonderful visit with Amanda and her kiddos. It was really enjoyable. Here are some pics from the beach. While there we found a Horseshoe Crab. Those are UGLY! God must have giggled at that creation! Ellie has made it a practice of praying for her friends that have now gone back home. How sad when she asks where they are. We all miss them. I praise the Lord for the opportunity of us spending time together and laughing at one another, and yes crying with one another over burdens - how sweet good godly friendship can be . . . .

Ethan's Fifth Birthday

Ethan. My baby boy. He just turned five years old - and I wept. I cried because my little sunshine is getting older. He is turning into . . . a boy. When that happens - the need for Mommy becomes less and less. This is natural and how it should be. It just makes me reflect on how truly fast time does go by. Just seems like yesterday my little ET was born. I remember what a sweet natured baby he was. How fun and full of life, yet totally relaxed he was. He still is that way. He almost always has a smile on his face. He is such a sweet young man. I praise the Lord for allowing me to have this little boy in my life. I treasure my conversations with him. He is so gentle with his sisters. He is so respectful and tender hearted towards his father and I.

We went to a miniature golf place for his birthday party. (We don't do parties often - only once in awhile - like every five years or so - we have our reasons) It was beautiful there. It was HOT! Everyone had a great time. Including Ellie, who can be seen in pictures sneaking off eating candy. I ordered a pirate ship cake - it was incredible!

Little boys are wonderful!

Ohhh the Woes of Beauty

The things we do to look halfway decent. Is this torture? No. It is the local beauty salon - well, I guess some may call it torture. I have been meaning to post these for awhile now. About a month ago Amanda came over and met up with me for a cup of coffee and some highlights. We had a terrific time laughing at one another. Amanda's daughter even got in on the action and opted for a haircut. Fun times had by one and all . . . .

Some More Fourth of July Pictures

As I promised in prior post . . . here are more Fourth of July pics. Jessica is holding Chloe in top one. She was a great help while she was there - she cuddled Chlobug and fell asleep with her. That deserves and AWWWWW! The next is of Ellie playing on beach and running. The kids were beach combing pretty much the whole time. Then I caught a rare picture of Pauli sitting and relaxing. She was pretty busy with me the whole time in the kitchen and serving. We had a blast together. She is such a wonderful person to be around! Next is of Ellie on the deck with a boat in the background. The next picture makes me smile. They are my neighbors. I invited them last minute and they came!! They are sooooo sweet! The best neighbors! Phillip played paintball that morning with them (well the man pictured) and had a few men from our church join in the fun! Their son came along as well and he is really into photography - so he was able to snap a few good photos for people and of the event. What a blessing! The next two pictures are of our good friends Tom and Ape and little Faith! Cute picture sequence. The next couple are of Chlobug and Dan. That guy is great with kiddos! And last . . . but not least . . . is Ellie with her pet crab! She caught him on the beach. Poor fella. Enjoy!!!

Fourth of July 2008

I wanted to post pictures of this July Fourth. We have had visitors from North Carolina and have been very busy . . . so here we are FINALLY! Ethan's birthday is July 3rd. He received this colonial outfit and drum from his Daddy and LOVES it. He wore it at the fourth of July party we went to as well as to our church for God and Country Sunday. Cutie Patootie! The outfit that Ellie has on is one that I have kind of put together. I purchased a white shirt from Walmart and hot - glued different patriotic ribbon to the hemline. I was crunched for time when I made this - otherwise I would have sewn them on. I heat treated the ends of the ribbon to keep the fraying from occurring. I also made the hair korker bows from the same ribbon. Add the red skirt and red saltwater sandals - and WaLa! another Fourth of July Cutie Patootie! The other boys wore matching Old Navy Fourth of July shirts. I get those every year as they are pretty inexpensive. I love dressing my kiddos for the Fourth. SOOOOO much fun!

The fourth was a blast. We always go to my sister n laws to watch the Seattle fireworks. This year was my turn to help. I think that is what made it so much fun for me. I enjoyed myself better this year than I ever have. Phillip agreed. He also really had a great time. My sister n law always had a crab boil and tons of other food, and dessert. Well, I don't have much time. Just wanted to post a quick update. - More pictures to come. -

A Bit Chilly in June

I know it has been awhile since my last post. That is just a reflection of how truly busy we have been. From swim lessons, baseball, piano, school, housework, illnesses, big parties and just plain life - we have been CRAZY BUSY! It has all been fun and somehow has all gone fine. Right now, my good friend Amanda and her children are here for an extended visit. How fun this visit has been. We have had a great time. Here are some pictures of Ellie that I took in mid-June. She is all decked out in her finest garb. I was organizing closets and putting winter items in a big container. She found them and decided to play dress - up. She is so much fun. I love her spirit. She wore these gloves and hat for several days. They were a staple and very much apart of her morning routine. Well, I plan on posting some more photos later. I have many. Ethan's birthday, the fourth of July and stuff from Amanda visiting. Have a wonderful day . . . .