Fairy Sightings

We had some fairy sightings around our house tonight....

I just couldn't seem to catch up to the little pixie dust spreading princess

Almost closing in

And she's off again!

If you see this cute face, grab her for me~

Spontaneous

One thing that sometimes drives Rock crazy is my lack of spontaneity. I wouldn't say I'm a total planner but I do like to have a little notice before we take off for any kind of outing. So this afternoon we were sitting out by the pool...ironically everyone was in the hot tub on an 80 degree day. I threw out the idea of being crazy and going to IKEA to look for shelves for the girls' room{I'm wild like that}.  So we started making plans for a quick bbq dinner and a trip to hunt for organization supplies when Rock threw out "or we could go for a drive and take the ferry back to Seattle in time for the sunset." Uhhh....but what about the planning? But to my surprise I said "sure, let's go!" We started racing everyone getting everyone dried off, clothes on, ferry schedule checked and chickens chased into the barn. And we were off! We had a somewhat slow drive into Bremerton with the traffic but the kids were great and we even enjoyed a little time to chat amongst ourselves. We found a tiny take out fish and chips spot and munched on some dinner down by the water before we had to jump on the ferry.

The great thing about being spontaneous is you often realize you couldn't plan it any better if you had the chance. Truly, it was a perfect night to be on the water. The sun was just setting and there was a nice warm breeze. We spent almost the whole ride out on the deck. Millie soaked it all up and since she has lately become obsessed with Free Willy she spent a lot of the time looking for Willy.

Taking it all in

Always with the funny faces Jo

Sammy sneaking some Jo kisses

It started to cool down and the breeze picked up pretty good. I tried my best to keep the little girls warm but eventually we had to head back inside.

Maggie hanging tough with her dad. They stayed out as long as possible.

Love this view

I am so thankful tonight. For the beauty that surrounds us, my kiddos, the smell of salt water, the city skyline, our gorgeous mountain and a best friend to share it all with. Thanks sweet husband for suggesting fun over organization {even though we all know how much you love a nicely organized space}:)

Safety First

She's so ready to hit the half-pipe

 

She's got some ollie's, kick-flips and pop shove-its to work on.

*skateboard lingo courtesy of Sam

A Day of Celebration

This past week the kids and I had a blast spending our mornings at Vacation Bible School. They were such troopers getting up early each morning to be at church by 8:15{at least that was our goal}. It wasn't too hard to get them moving though because they truly love VBS. Our church has a fun tradition of wrapping up the week with what we call Celebration Sunday. After worship service our church family heads outside for a barbecue and lots of fun activites for the kids. Horseback riding, tractor rides, bounce houses, carnival games and even a dunk tank.

Even though the weather was a bit chilly and overcast it didn't put a damper on the festivities. Early in the week Sam had asked if he could volunteer for the dunk tank. When it came time for him to climb up into that wet seat I sensed a little regret.  I think he was counting on that hot sun being out but he was a trooper and kept a smile through the torture.

Maggie was eager to get a shot at her brother!

The wind up

Oh forget it...this works much better!

Millie learned quick!

My shivering boy! Don't worry, we got him warmed up quick.

Even Pastor George was a good sport and took a little beating in the dunk tank!

It was a good day. My heart was so full looking around at our church family enjoying the company of one another. Our church has been through so much in the past several years and quite honestly there have been times we've struggled to stay. But it was this family that kept us here...all the people that have stood by us and stood up when we asked for their support in raising our children. Friends that have cried with us, laughed with us and prayed for us. We are so thankful for each and every one of them. There is a new feeling of hope and peace in our church and we are so excited to see where God leads us. Today was a day to celebrate!

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.    Romans 5:3-5

So I don't forget

This girls says the funniest things. She also loves to pray. Her prayers are precious and humorous at the same time. I want to remember one in particular that she prayed a couple weeks ago before dinner. It went like this...

"Dear God, please help us with our doption{adoption}, please help me with my issues and please change my middle name to Suzie Martin. Amen." Oh sweet Millie, you make me smile and I'm just wondering....what are your issues and who in the world is Suzie Martin?

Class of 2010

September will mark fifteen years since Rock and I started dating. It also marks fifteen years that I've been blessed to know our beautiful niece Madison. Madi was just getting ready to turn four when I made my way on the scene. This young girl was smart, adorable and full of sugar. I had an immediate attachment to this little one and I count her as one of the great gifts that came with marrying Rocky. In June our sweet Madi graduated from HighSchool. This young woman is smart, beautiful and still full of sugar. We couldn't be more proud of her and our girls are so fortunate to have such an amazing role model in their cousin. Madi is wise beyond her years and has a huge heart for others. She is a leader and a listener and I have no doubts she will do incredible things!

Madi's graduation was two days of fun with the family. Saturday we attended her graduation and got to hear her deliver a fantastic speech...I see politics in her future! Then we spent the afternoon at the Woods enjoying the new outdoor patio and Uncle Doug's grilling. The kids were in heaven of course and it was tough to pull them away. But there was lots of work to be finished at home as I was baking and helping with decorations for the big festivities on Sunday.

One of Madi's beautiful graduation pictures

Madi and cousin Natasha...both were just little girls in our wedding. Now both college girls!

The proud Dad Doug and Papa Wood

Madi with friends also graduating this spring

Hmmmm...not sure about this look but I think he was irritated I asked him to stop for a picture.

Stacy and Madi had the brilliant idea of renting a bounce house complete with slide and it was the hit of the party! The kids were on this almost the entire time. Maggie got such a workout taking Jo up and down, over and over again.

Stacy and Doug getting ready to toast Madi with a family tradition of tossing the plate. The story goes that if Madi catches the plate she can come home and if she didn't catch it then she was banned for a certain amount of time. I'm sure I butchered that a bit but of course we all know she would never be banned. The funnest part about the tradition was for every "great" thing Madi did she got to step closer to the plate, for every "naughty" thing she did she had to take a step back. Doug is great with a toast so he had everyone in stitches.

Madi listening and waiting in anticipation for the toss......

The toss.....and she caught it!! Yay Madi...we get to see you at Christmas!

Baby Atticus aka Bonus...the boy melts my heart

Uncle Budd and Stacy. Uncle Budd traveled from Southern California to be here for the party.

And this little one....I lost count of cupcakes at some point in the day, but that face is worth every sugary bite!

We are so proud of you Madi and can't wait to see what the future holds for you! Go Zags!!

* If you are interested in party details hop on over to polka dot barn

4th of July Fun!

A late post to document a fun Independence Day and a Fun 2-year old birthday!

We started our morning at church and then headed to town for the annual 4th of July parade. The kids had a great time and especially enjoyed all the treats being handed out!

Maggie was thrilled to hold a baby!

Owen was all snug in his backpack just chilling through the whole parade.

Wish I could remember what the girls were pointing at but it must have been something good! After the parade we went home for naps and packed up for the fun afternoon at Grandma and Papa's house. There we did......

bubbles......

fireworks......

some dancing.......

and of course singing to the birthday girl!

A few of the crazy cousins!

We came home to three of our neighbors putting on quite the show! We enjoyed the fireworks from our yard {Jo and I stayed inside...she's now so sure about the noise} and the kids played and played in their p.j.s in the dark. And even though you wouldn't have known by the weather, it finally felt like summer!

I had planned to make this a birthday post to sweet Jo documenting all the great things she's doing at two but this mama needs to get some sleep. I'm so grateful the sun is finally here but my allergies have wiped me out!! Birthday post to come (and a graduation one too)!