Some people who I call Family.

We had the opportunity today to go over to a friend's house in our ward and sit and visit with them.  Their son just got back from serving a mission.  It was so nice as other members of our congregation came over and sat around the living room too to just sit and enjoy being in each others company. As I was sitting there talking to my friend Pat I took a quick moment to scan the room and just soak up everything.  I had a flashback to my own family gatherings as a kid.  It struck me that the feelings I was having that that exact moment were the same feelings I had as a kid sitting around my Grandparents house chatting with my Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.  We have lived here for 5 years this March and these people have become my family.  They have seen my kids grow from babies to the sweet little girls that they are now.  We have seen kids grow from the age our kids are now and now some of those kids will be entering the Youth program.  It was such a peaceful feeling and a safe feeling tonight sitting in the living room of the Shannon's house surrounded by a handful of people that I have come to know and love over the years.  This is home and will always be home no matter where we move.  I'm feeling very fortunate to have been given this opportunity to meet the people I have and I hope and pray that I will be allowed to continue to live in this great area.  

First day of Kindergarten

Dear Emma,

Today was your first day of Kindergarten. Last night around midnight you came into mommy and daddy's room because you had had a nightmare.  I let you curl up in bed with us and we snuggled and slept until morning.  Your alarm woke us up and you jumped up to go turn it off.  As you started the water for your shower I laid in bed thinking about how quickly you have grown up.  I couldn't believe that I had a Kindergartner.  I remember vividly the morning I went into labor with you. After the shower you got dressed and we blow dried your hair and you sat down for breakfast.  Your breakfast of choice?  Two bowls of Rice Chex Cereal.  We had packed your lunch the day before that you chose : Half of a turkey sandwich with cheddar cheese and pickels, cinnamon applesauce, carrot sticks, capri sun, homemade apricot fruit leather, and a granola bar.  You watched Dora with Linnea and then we put your lunch in your bag and went out the door. As we walked to school you walked with such assurance that it made me a bit more confident in this whole situation.  When we got to the school you asked if the rest of us were going to leave you now and go back home.  You were very eager to go! We took a few more pictures and then it was time for you to go to class.  Your teacher came out and immediately started speaking Spanish.  (You are in a dual language program so the first half of the day you will only hear Spanish and the second half only English).  I hope you have a good first day of school.  You are turning into a very beautiful young lady. 

Summa Summa Time

Chasing Seagulls at the park

Climbing up the slide

T-ball

Cousin's wedding

Snoqualmie Falls

Playing with sidewalk chalk

Kitchen remodel.  New sink, counter tops, faucet, cabinet hardware and pantry door.

It's been a busy summer already and it's not quite the middle of July yet!  Can't wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store.  We just wish Jacob could be here to enjoy it with us.  He's working up in Canada again.

My girls being my girls.

The girls were playing around on the coffee table this evening and I thought I'd capture them being who they are pretty much all the time.  They are a crack up together.

Dear Linnea

This is a couple weeks late.  You turned 3 years old on the 27th of May.  I can not believe how much you are growing up!  I absolutely LOVE your personality.  You are full of light and energy.  You are beginning to talk a lot more clearly which is nice.  I still don't understand a lot of what you are saying but I've learned to ask the questions "Where is it?" and "Can you show me?".  Between those two questions we figure things out pretty well.  You are interested in My Little Pony, Dora and Strawberry Shortcake.  Your favorite My Little Pony is Rainbow Dash and your next favorite is Apple Jack.  When you grow up you want to be a Zoo Keeper with Emma.  You are all about doing everything and anything with Emma.  You are beginning to be more kind to those around you and are less likely to hit or push people.  You and I talk quite often about what it means to be kind to others.  Everyone at church just loves you.  I am constantly getting comments from people about how happy you are and how silly you are.  I believe that one of your purposes in life was to come to this Earth to make people laugh.  You do it so well.  I hope that your strong personality will stay with you throughout your life.  It is a bit annoying at times when you dig your heels in and refuse to do something but at other times I have to sit back in amazement as you stand your ground for the right reasons.  I look forward to helping you determine which things you need to let go and which things you absolutely should stand your ground with.  You have been given the gift of a strong personality.  Don't let anyone ever break you of that.  Somethings that you don't like are taking baths and then when I finally convince you to get in the bath you will not let me wash your hair.  I have had to be relaxed about this and we have come to a compromise that your hair gets washed Saturday evening before church.  Mommy and Daddy's favorite way to describe you when we talk to you is "Tiny but mighty" you are so small for your age and I love it.  People see this petite little girl and don't expect you to have such a big personality.  We also call you our little firecracker.  Please remember that you have a Heavenly Father who loves you and wants the best for you.  Always be kind to others and don't judge.  Remember to include others in your activities so they don't feel left out and be a better listener than talker. I love you little Nae Nae.

Love,
Mom

Pictures from last year

Thanksgiving Point Museum.  The girls LOVED it.

Linnea and Great Grandpa Willey. 

Emma loves her Great Grandpa Willey

Aunt Kathryn

Aunt Jessica

We went down to Utah the last part of October to visit Jacob's grandpa.  It was a fun trip.

Rowan and Linnea= BFFs

Emma and Niev= BFFs

We went to the pumpkin patch right after we got back from Utah and Jacob left that afternoon to go up to Canada to work for 5 weeks.  He did this a lot last year starting in July and going through November.  His schedule was 5 weeks on 10 days off.  It sucked.  Bad.