This guy is registering for high school this week.

Unfreaking believable. 

"Not I'm my net"

I'm not sure where he gets it. This child has so much courage. He LOVES to play goalie in soccer and now lacrosse. No fear. As I've said before, he's my old soul, sweet boy and stronger than many adults. 

Say what?!

Jackson is playing lacrosse!  Yup!  He watched one of Griffens games and caught the bug. We are super proud of him for trying something new. He's always been a soccer and nothing else kind of guy. 

Lacrosse in the harbor really begins when you hit 3rd grade, so he is a bit behind in talent, but quickly achieving some experience. He's not getting much playing time, but that will come. 

Where's Waldo??!!

He's the one in the black jersey and black shorts. Right there. There's a number on his jersey. See him. 

Just kidding. Look for the orange cleats. That's him. 

Palm Springs get away!

We did it!  We found the sun. And it gets even better.....it was at Goose and Gumpys house!  The kids have this thing called Mid-winter break, which translates to a week off of school. So we took advantage of it and flew down to see Craig's parents in Palm Springs. And, his sister in Huntington Beach. It was just what we needed. Sun, relaxing and warm soft hugs. (Craig's mom has the best hugs, and the softest skin. Better than a teddy bear). 

The kids swam everyday, I almost fell asleep on the chaise lounge everyday and Craig was able to get some handyman work accomplished. It was a win win. 

Until next time. 

Supporting the Hawks!

And looking tough while doing it. 

12 Christmas dinners, Easter brunches and Thanksgiving feasts.

It did us well. Dining tables are kinda a silly thing. You use them very rarely. They are usually in the room that no one even looks at as they walk by. But, they are a safe place. A place every family needs. A place where school projects are worked on. A place game boards are set up and puzzles are put together. A place where memories are made. A place where friends and family gather and giggle. A place family members, that we have lost, have sat. And let's keep it real, a place you don't want to sit too long because the chairs are super uncomfortable. 

We just recently sold ours to a family that I know will do the same. Our new home that we are getting ready for has no dining room. So a new era must begin, although it's a little sad to end the previous one. I think I want my dining set back?!

Good by dining room furniture. You did us proud. And, I'm sorry for under appreciating you while you were with us. 

Oh deer!

Eating our roses. So rude. 

Young family meet Lacrosse,

Lacrosse meet Young family. We have stepped outside our sports box and tried something new.....LACROSSE!  Who knew how cool and fun and confusing this would be?  Apparently most of Gig Harbor because "everybody's doin' it". Griffen had his first real game last weekend. I say real because his first first game ended early when the referree heard word that all but 2 of the opposing team members were protected down there.  So lesson learned on both sides of the field, no cup, no game!  

The second first game was intense. A lot of our players were not there to play because of basketball playoffs. Again, another sport taken very serious here in the harbor. Anyway, they planned that just right. Freezing cold, rain not only falling from the sky, but I swear blowing horizontal. There was no escaping it. But, the boys played awesome!  I think. I admit I missed most of it not only because I was hidden under my umbrella and blanket and the rude lady who stood right in front of my chair, yes, you rude lady, but Griffen says it was FuN!  Our team lost, but the best part was when Griffen was awarded a special honor. He now sports and Excellent Sportsmanship sticker on his helmet!  The opposing teams look for certain players who represent their team well. Yup, that's my kid.

 So, there ya have it. New sport, new rain jacket and boots, stack of blankets in the car and a reminder by the back door sports rack, 'DON'T FORGET YOUR CUP'. 

As if this child's head wasn't heavy enough already. Let's put a helmet on it and see if he can even left his head enough to find the field. 

Padded gloves to protect those sweet little hands that still like to be held. 

J snapping the safety strap. I think this was the moment Jackson decided he wanted to wear equipment like this, I mean, play lacrosse.  This topic is to be continued......

Here we go!

Griffen doing the face off to get the game started. 

What a session!

Avary played another session of basketball these past 8 weeks. She enjoyed every minute of it. They even went undefeated!  

Now, a two week break until we start all over again.  yay.  (Notice lowercase). Momma needs a break. But, go team!

You nose what?

You're looking at a cancer free doggy here!  Thank goodness for awesome vets. 

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.