Vacation

We are in the midst of an awesome vacation, as awesome as can be with kids anyway. My vacation goals included, working out everyday (at least every other), drinking in the middle of the day, taking a mid-afternoon nap, paddle boarding, anwakeboarding. All of which have been achieved so far except wakeboarding. Lots and lots of pictures to follow.

The hard stuff

Lots of hard stuff comes along with our new adventure. We are going to miss our friends and family that live in this area dearly. Although the hardest part for me when we started thinking about moving to Spokane wasn't being farther away from people we love, leaving jobs, or everything we know, it was my Mom. It sounds silly since she is no longer here, but that's the part that breaks my heart. I can remember her in this house, I can see her and feel her in our house. Everything in our house reminds me of her and the thought of leaving felt awful. But in some ways it's like that everyday, the kids do something new and continue to grow and I feel the same way, cheated and awful that she's not here to see it. Everyday more time grows between when she was here and gone, so each day hurts a little too. Most days I try not to think about it but it still sneaks up on me especially when life gets crazy. But I have this feeling (sixth sense) that my mom knows I need her around the most so she hangs around (so to speak) to make me feel better. That's what mom's are for right? Not that I believe in ghosts because I don't and they scare me, but I just have a feeling that she is here for me. And I have to believe that feeling won't go away just because we move. In fact I think she's rooting for us and ready for an adventure.
This Carry Underwood song about sums it up and makes me cry every time-
I will see you again, oh
This is not where it ends
I will carry you with me, oh
Till I see you again

Words help fill me up. Probably why I like to blog and read blogs. I believe words can help heal too. There is so so much love, pure joy and happiness, anxiety, stress, and sadness inside me at once that I feel like I could burst at the seams at times and reading helps me sort it all out. And some times it's just nice to be reminded of things we already know.
-We can't wait for harvest time to be happy. Just like we can't wait for the trips to Disney Land and vacations and a raise to be happy. We just can't. We deserve so much more happy than a single day can offer. That would mean hundreds of days of disappointment for one day of joy. It's hard sometimes... so hard. The in between when we see nothing but dirt. But it's worth it. You can do it. Look for beauty in the dirt. -Krissy at Greyson and Parker Blog

Happiness can be a choice. Matter what be happy today, I will. It might take me a minute after working late and only getting a couple hours of sleep but I will......

Happy 5th Birthday Abigail

I can't believe our baby girl is 5! When she was born she forever changed our lives (my body) and our hearts. Loving and nurturing her been one of our greatest gifts. She makes my heart overflow with love and happiness. That is when she is being her usual sweet self (not the sassy or crabby version). We had two great parties and are so lucky to have such great friends and family to help us celebrate.

Kitty pirate party II, decorating treasure chests with preschool friends

 

Digging in the sand for jewels to fill the treasure chest.

 

Jewels

Trampoline

 

Snack time

Pull string pinata

 

 Candy everywhere

Presents

 

Abi got a new baby stroller for her new bitty baby, and matching outfits. She was a very happy girl!

 

Donut holes dipped in glaze frosting (didn't have to make a cake-score)

Oh man, we are going to miss our best friends Jada and Jackson!

 

 

Fam in town, Abi's b-day party

My sister, niece Evie, and pops were in town visiting for Abi's b-day and what else would we do on a beautiful day like yesterday but go to the splash pad by our house. It may be hard to tell but this picture of Evie is pure joy, she had a blast and was soaked in minutes.  

Ben played it cool on the sidelines and Abi splashed a little.

Pops got a rest

And playground fun!

Evie on a big girl swing

Abi helping push

Party time. Birthday party round one with family and friends, round two with preschool friends is still to come. The thing is my sweet girl does not love pictures, especially when there's people around so I don't have a lot of pictures (and I wasn't in the picture mood either).

Evie

Ben styling

Kitty pirate party was the theme so I made a pirate hello kitty cake. She was very shy during her birthday song and refused to blow out the candles, but she had lots of friends to help.

Thanks everyone for coming it was a great time!!!!!! And Abi is one lucky 5 year old girl!

Yesterday was my Dad's b-day and today is my Sister's b-day, Happy Birthday! Also, today is my Dad's last full day of work before retirement, congrats! We had a fun filled weekend at Papa's.

 



 

Pretty country yard

Pool and sprinkler fun

Chocolate frosting goatee

 

French man chocolate frosting goatee

 

Hop on pop!