Building a Fortress

So it turns out I sort of like having a little boy.

Mischief

Cute . . .
. . .but messy!

On a positive note, we're pleased that Kaylee has taken such
an active role in our recycling efforts. She attempts to sort it
on a daily basis. Thanks for the help cutie!

Misconception

I was totally wrong. Who knew mini-vans were so hip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4

It was time.

Last year when we were looking at cars after Matt's 96 Toyota Corolla died, we considered buying a mini-van. Instead, we opted for a Volkswagen GTI to help make Matt's miserable commute a little more tolerable. We knew we would want a mini-van in the next few years, but didn't realize how soon. Our move to Washington has decreased the amount of air travel we've been doing, but has significantly increased our car travel (except, ironically, for Matt who now enjoys a mere 10 minute commute each way in his luxurious GTI).

Over Easter weekend, we decided to take the beagles with us to Richland. The Honda Accord had been fine for previous drives to Idaho and Richland, but this was our first trip with two kids, two dogs, and two adults. On the way there, Daisy and Dozer spent the entire 3 hour drive on my lap in the front seat. Beagles are not meant to be lap dogs . . . especially not in pairs. For the return trip, I opted to give up my seat to the dogs and squish between the car seats in the back. Despite hours of meticulous vacuuming, dog hair still stuck to our black fabric seats.

And so, with many road trips planned for this summer already, it was time. Though we shopped and made decisions together, Matt surprised me by finalizing the trade in for a van while I was away in Richland for a few days (Without the dogs. I can only handle so much car vacuuming in a month). As Matt put it, "I don't feel old because we own a mini-van. I feel old because we're so excited about owning it." And we definitely are. I LOVE our new Slate Green Odyssey.

We gave it (still working on a name . . . any suggestions?) its first real test drive on Mother's Day. After a luxurious afternoon nap, we loaded up the family and a picnic dinner. Look at all that space!! Room for everyone.



We drove north to Camano Island and enjoyed a quiet picnic on the rocky beach. It was so peaceful to walk along the deserted beach hand in hand with those I love. Nothing says Happy Mother's Day like a baby trying to eat sand instead of sandwiches and a little boy squealing with excitement about every piece of driftwood or shell he can add to his collection.

How humbling to look around at all of God's incredible creations - the mountains, sea, forests - and then at two of his most precious - Danny, Kaylee. He has entrusted me to help Him with those two little ones. Wow.
Hope everyone else out there had a wonderful Mother's Day as well. Happy driving.

Hiking

Waterfall trickling,
Quiet granola bar break,
Surrounded by green.

Getaway

A few weeks ago my friend Kristen had the brilliant idea of taking a day trip somewhere. Though no two days are ever quite the same when you're a mom, there's still monotony in the daily dressing, feeding, and cleaning that goes on. We agreed a getaway was just what we needed, so we loaded up the kids and drove to Leavenworth for the day. It was about as perfect as a day can get for Danny.

He had a best buddy, dagger, and nonstop movies on the two hour drive.

There were tons of fun shops with interesting things to look at like "cowboy" hats, rifles,

electric guitars. . . oh wait. Just another gun.
a Medusa hat, and a scuba hat which Danny insisted was a "knight" hat.We ate a perfect lunch of bratwurst and lemonade supplemented by goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, pretzels, ice cream, grapes, carrot sticks, and a gumball that was bigger than Danny's mouth. Life doesn't get much better for a 3-year-old.
And then, to top off Danny's perfect day we went to Smallwood Farm to run around, pet the animals, and play.He even got to try out a real lasso. What a great day for Danny!

Kaylee couldn't have been better herself. She napped and ate when we needed her to and she didn't fuss at all until we were almost home. Most of the day she was nothing but smiles.

As for me, I returned home feeling rejuvinated. There's nothing like a getaway with good food, good conversation, and a good friend to help you re-energize. Thanks for a fantastic trip Hamburger Head (aka Kristen).


If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?

Bottle of Laughter

I've always wished I could bottle up this perfect sound. Then I could carry it around in my pocket and anytime I was feeling blue I would just open it up and listen to this contagious laughter. It brings a smile to my face every time I hear it. What sound or image does the same for you?

Orange and Pink

Missing All Y'all

A few weekends ago we were able to take a quick trip to Houston using unused plane tickets from Christmas. It was wonderful to see friends and family that we've missed TONS! We had fun playing games, eating out, shopping, and making a day trip out to the countryside to enjoy the Blue Bonnets. Here are a few lists and pictures to summarize.

Top 5 things we have not missed since moving:
1. Long, long, long commute
2. 90% humidity . . . almost every day
3. Living in a gated community with gates that don't work and massive speed bumps
4. Hurricanes
5. Fire Ants

Top 5 things I didn't know I would miss, but really have:
1. Flip flops and capris every day (It's April and I'm still wearing sweaters here!!)
2. Chic-Fil-A, Kohl's, Wal-Mart, & Ross only 2 minutes away (Thanks for some fun shopping trips Anne & Mindy)
3. Having 6 good friends in the neighborhood who could lend you an egg or an onion so you don't have to load up the kids and drive 10 minutes to Albertsons.
4. Huge, bright, sunny skies

5. Texas Pride (I have yet to hear the Washington State Pledge or even see a Washington State flag . . . Nor have I heard Deep in the Heart of Washington on the radio. Where's the love??)

Top 5 things I knew I'd miss and still do:
1. Spring Ward Family - Love you guys tons!
2. Having my sister practically next door.

3. Cousins .

4. Best Friends
5. Blue Bell Ice Cream

We sure do miss all y'all!

Robin in the Rain

We do get quite a bit of rain here in Seattle, but the locals don't mind a bit.

Spring Holiday Highlights

I'm not sure where the last few weeks have gone, but somehow I've felt too busy to blog. We've had a lot of fun celebrating, especially since we have officially sold our old house. $ is in the bank and we're THRILLED to no longer have double the bills. Here are some highlights of the last month of celebration.
Video warning - these are long and not that cute, but I thought the grandparents would enjoy them.

St. Patrick's Day Feast -
corned beef, red potatoes, cabbage, beer (root that is),
green and white parfaits, and golden chocolates
I caught a leprechaun!

The week leading up to Easter, we had an egg hunt with our friends at the park.

We made chick eggs to send to our family.

We laughed and danced to Grandma Hong's bunny surprise.

And we had a family night with the Resurrection Eggs
to reteach and remember the story of Easter. We hid these on Easter as well and then retold the story at Easter breakfast. I'm excited to make this part of our Easter tradition.

Easter weekend was spent in Richland with my parents and brother.

Decorating eggs is serious business here. Notice the orange pirate Grandma did for Danny.

Kaylee had fun hunting for eggs and trying to eat them.

She also was an excellent guard baby . . . making sure the dogs stayed in their place during the egg hunt and didn't steal any chocolates.
Grandma made a beautiful coconut bunny cake and of course we had the traditional ham, asparagus, orange jello, and deviled egg chicks.

It was a relaxing weekend. I love when General Conference and Easter coincide because I feel like so many of the talks focus on the Savior and help me better understand the Atonement and Resurrection.

And just in case you didn't think the first bunny video was sufficient, here's one more.