Birthday Surprise!

33 years ago this Wednesday I was born on my mom's birthday. Every birthday since, except one, we have spent together - just the 2 of us. We shop, have lunch, get pedicures...whatever we feel like doing that day. Then my Dad takes us to dinner. This year, it just wasn't going to happen and my mom and I were both pretty emotional about it. A couple weeks ago, my Dad called and asked if he could surprise my mom by bringing her here for our birthdays after a quick trip for the two of them to Vegas. I was so thrilled and instantly teared up! Tomorrow, they arrive and Wednesday will be our day. My Dad will watch the boys (Good luck, Dad!) and we will enjoy our day together! I am so lucky to have such an amazing mom and to be able to celebrate the gift of life with her!

Summer Dreams

We have been dreaming of spending lazy summers by the lake ever since moving to Spokane. The idea of our kids growing up around water and having family memories at a special place mean a lot to us. After scouring for places we could afford and would fit our busy family we decided to purchase property on Deer Lake. It is a little less than 30 minutes away and we hope to build in the near future. This was our favorite lake due to it's proximity, size, and close to nature feeling. This summer, we plan to camp on our property and spend weekends swimming in the lake. I can just picture it now...only 13 more days of teaching to go...

Where has the time gone?

I can not believe that my last post was seriously in December. So much has happened since then! The boys have celebrated their 5th and 3rd birthdays, we spent Spring Break in Florida where we saw Bama (my Grandma), Nana and Papa (my parents), Aunt Patty, and Uncle Corey. The boys loved spending time swimming in the pool, going to the beach, visiting family, the Naples Zoo, and the Easter egg hunt at Nana's church. We scared a few poeple out of their seats on the plane. It was funny that they moved the second the saw the boys and then the plane was in the air and the boys did fantastic! Recently, Connor has started to read to us which is very fun! He loves words, talking, writing, and reading! Owen has learned to ride his "big boy bike" with training wheels but he likes Connor's bike better. We are looking forward to a lazy summer at home at the pool, in the yard, and at the lake!

Christmas 2008

Christmas is a day of miracles. Last night 8 more inches of snow was added to our existing few feet. A winter wonderland for sure! Needless to say, we did not venture out on the roads to go to church. Instead, we stayed home and read the Christmas story and the boys filled in parts where we stopped. We had cake to celebrate "Jesus' birthday" at Connor's request. We listened to Christmas music and enjoyed a nice dinner together with our friend Heidi. We also taped the boys getting in their PJ's and singing which I will post. We thought it was such a relaxing night! Then came bedtime....Connor's tummy hurt and he couldn't sleep. Owen couldn't stop fidgeting and moving all around his bed. They were a little too excited. This morning the boys were awake around 6:30, their normal time. We got up and found them both under the covers of Connor's bed just giggling. Apparently, Connor was so worried that since Owen wouldn't go to sleep last night, Santa may not have come so he had already come down to investigate and found carrots nibbled on, cookies eaten, and an empty glass of milk. He was reporting his findings to his brother. We all raced downstairs to see what was happening and they were sooo amazed by all of the presents. Connor raced through his presents and Owen took a little more time. Scott and I didn't get a chance to open any of ours until theirs were all out of their boxes. (The people who package toys are psychotic!) They have played all day long. Scott spent much of the day, bless his heart, constructing a marble maze with Connor that had like 500 pieces. He looked like he enjoyed it as much as Connor! These boys continue to be our miracle and their love and good nature (even when they are avoiding sleep) amaze us each day. We know we don't get to spend these holidays with our families since we live all the way out here, but we hope they know how much we love them and how much a part of our life and traditions they are! Blessings to all and Merry Christmas!