3 amigas

Avary, Evalyn and Madison. 

Maybe they won't notice me?

Our sweet dog had to have a tumor removed today. She was hilarious!  We walked into the vets office and she walked over to a chair, stepped up onto it and sat down. I swear she was trying to go unnoticed. Much to her dismay, it didn't work. Surgery done, in recovery and soon to be picked up. 

He did it again!

Every month the students in each class at our elementary school vote for a fellow student that leads by example. This month Griffen was chosen for fairness. 

It's kinda a cool thing really. They call it 'Character Counts'. Each month focuses on a specific character; fairness, kindness and so on. The student body votes leaving only the teachers knowing who won. They then notify the parents and ask that it be kept a secret. The only yucky thing about it is when 2 of your children walk into the cafeteria and see you sitting there. Both of them hoping you are there to see them be awarded this special award. Breaks my heart, but as they say.....it builds character. 

Congratulations, Griffen. We lub you and are so proud of the character you're becoming. 

Broken RC cars be warned.

You will be dismantled. By children wearing sunglasses and headlamps. 

7 minutes ago they were beating the sh*t out of eachother. Now, the car. Good news is they don't hold grudges.  Bad news is I'm thinking the car just needed new batteries. 

Gotta do what ya gotta do!

Even if it means practicing lacrosse in the dark.  With a head lamp. 

Higher!

Tree swings are simply the best!

Father, Daughter dance

They did it again!  They danced the night away with friends after a triple dinner date and fro-yo to wrap the night up!

Dear Griffen,

This is not your ball bag. 

Love, mom

And p.s. that's a sad soccer ball. 

She's back!

Basketball season is in full swing around here, again!  Avary is on a 3rd/4th grade team and they are FUN to watch!

First game = first win!

Our favorite Annie orphans!

Avary and I were able to hop onto the ferry headed to Vashon Island to see our sweet little friends Molly and Emma perform in their local production of Annie!  I love Annie, but even more with these two in it!!  They did awesome!!

Craig's 21......again.

Happy 42nd Birthday to Craig!  

Putting together his new toy. 

Fire pit!

Having a lazy day with the dog. 

Our tradition of going to hibachi continues. Over eating does as well. 

Here's to many more!

Just HAD to share.

Too powerful to not. 

http://new.damn.com/3-fearless-girls-got-national-television-shocked-everyone/

This makes me smile

Holidays are fun.
Getting holiday cards from friends near and far is even more fun!  

I think I love this the most about this time of year. 

Yup.  I do.

Hmmmm

thank you?

Happy New Year!

2014 will forever be one of my favorites.  We continue to be a healthy, happy family.  And equally important, we have been so blessed with amazing friendships.  Like last year, we spent time on Vashon Island this New Years Eve with the Deines family.  And like last year, we made more memories.  

Last sunset of 2014.  

The kids spent time playing games while waiting for the clock to tick tock its way to midnight.

We continued our tradition of having a Shrimp and Crab boil.

Only rule of the night at the dinner table is;

YOU MUST ONLY USE YOUR HANDS.  

ABSOLUTELY NO UTENSILS ALLOWED.

a.k.a. Pirate Night

The kids think this is great.  

S'mores for all!

Arts and crafts were also used to pass the time away.

This year we tried something new.  Vashon held a Masquerade Ball in an old warehouse.  The girls all made masks to wear while the boys wore little glitter top hats.  At least one boy did.  

Craig and I!

Blythe and Matt!

Blythe and I, as masqueradey as we get.  ;)

This kid cracks me up.

This kid is trying his best not to have a good time and be embarrassed by his family and friends.

As if a UniBrow isn't embarrassing.

We tried the lanterns again this year, but the floating kind.  Problem was the tide was high and crazy and the wind was strong and noncooperative.  Silver lining; we came across this little starfish while walking along the water line.   

The Masquerade Ball was a hit with the girls!  They got to shake their booties in the shadow box and wave their hands in the air like they just didn't care!

East coast celebration with confetti!

First sunrise of 2015.

Jumping on the trampoline in 30* weather.  

Crazy kids.

Griffen got a metal detector for Christmas.  He and Molly spent hours walking the property looking for special treasures.  

to be continued...........  

Emma and Avary getting their chop sticks on.

And last but not least, we were together to watch the Ducks win the Rose Bowl.

This got us in the 'Spirit'

Santa made a surprise visit to this years staff/family brunch at my work.  He is one of our customers and Santa at heart.  The sweetest Santa ever.  I truly believe that he enjoys it more than the children.  At least more than Jackson.

Run Forrest, Run!

"Mom, is it true that Forrest Gump is the fastest man in the world?"

~Griffen