Falling into Fall

As I type this I am staring out my big picture window at a huge tree that, I swear everytime I look up, has changed colors.   Fall is in full swing.  We have managed to fly through the first two months of school and soccer season.  

 Audrey {#85} played most of the season at Mid-field.  She ran more this year then the past 3 years combined being on the big field and playing 11 on 11. 

After convincing Carissa to give Soccer a shot again she lucked out on getting on an amazing team.  The girls were so wonderful and the coaches were great. 

 

So proud of how well my daughters embraced being on a team!!

Between soccer and school we managed to squeeze in a trip to Portland for the twins 3rd birthday.  You can't have a bad day at a Pumpkin Patch and it was even better with family.



Greyson

Anderson

 

 Such a beautiful family!!

 

 

Since that was the beginning of October we couldn't let the whole month pass without just one more trip to a farm.  Carissa and I went to The Farm in Snohomish with her class and had such a good time so we took the rest of the clan back and explored.



Oh, the knee brace... post for another day...

 

Girls attempting to ride 4 wheel bikes in the mud...  glad Dad is willing to do the pushing.

It wasn't hard for Audrey to pose for this picture.  I think being 11 is a license to be Grumpy/moody/cranky at least 1 time a day.

They still are goof balls around each other.

My prayer - under this glorious blue sky - is that never changes.  I hope they always stay close and are most kind to each.  That they love each other MORE then they want to at times. 

 Now off I go to sip my Pumpkin Spice Latte - this is the life :)

SCHOOL

IS IN SESSION.

Don't be late.  

Third and Sixth Grade.  

Love Oregon Coast the Most

My brother is so amazingly blessed!  He has this beautiful red-headed daughter... (with a beautiful red-headed wife)

these two crazy little look-a-likes...and he lives on the OREGON COAST.

 Some people are the luckiest.  Guess I am one of them though because we got to go and visit and share in his blessings.  Grampa Bruno, Grandpa and Grandma came all the way from Arizona and we hung out all weekend. 

Saw a whale right around here in Depoe Bay.  Definitely a recommended go-to spot!

We took Aida both nights and she was just the sweetest little pumpkin.   We all just loved having her hang with us!

 Since it was the last weekend before school starts we decided to take Highway 101 all the way up the coast.   Our first stop.. Pacific City. 

I could have stopped here and maybe never left.

 Tillamook Cheese Factory was one stop. Super crowded but there is something about factories that is so fascinating to me!!  Then we saw some Paddle Boats in Seaside and had to pull over to climb in.  Not as easy as it looks - but we paddled our hearts out.   

 The whole trip took about 10 hours. 5 hours over the normal time.  But we bonded and made memories and that is what matters, right?

It has been a year since our move from Arizona.  I can't convey how happy I am that we made the move.  There has been no moment ever of regret.  Sometimes you just got to jump in and go for it!!

P.S.  Some people are just "too cool" for life vests.  But I wasn't going to chance it.  Willing to be the lame adult on the river in a life vest. 

Viva Las Vegas

When I think of Vegas, I think of this very Handsome Man...alone!

But this trip was to celebrate Jarett and Kris's 10 year Anniversary and we brought the whole crew.  They LOVED every minute of it (except for the crowds and waiting in line!)  We all bought cute new dresses and enjoyed getting all pretty. 

The primping didn't stop there.  We celebrated in the President's suite of the MGM Grand Hotel and the girls enjoyed all the mirrors and beatifying themselves.  

 Even Miss Lilly tried to get in on the action with the cousins. 

 These two crazies thought the whole things was for them.  Sparkling Cider, riding elevators, beautiful clothes - all up their DIVA alley. 

 And to be together again?  What could be more perfect?

 FINALLY, I was able to get this man all to myself when the adults went out.  Nothing better then being on his arm.  I would let him lead me anywhere!

 Anywhere is actually where we went.  We walked and walked and walked.  I clocked over 8 miles in one day.  The girls never complained.  I guess there was just too much to see.  

 The last day was a little emotional.  We loved the trip and are so glad we made it.  Even if just for a Madee hug!

Look out - she's 11!





Dear Audrey,

Happy Birthday - a little late but, fashionably, of course!  In true Audrey style we planned a fun-filled party for you this year.  It was Oh-la-la Paris theme and we started out with the girls meeting us at the Bella Dolche Salon for Mani/Pedi's. 

 

The girls you invited were all so sweet and I think they felt very pampered.  I can tell by watching you that you make sure every girl knows that pampering is important.  The easiest way I know to lift your spirit is to head right into the bathroom.  A quick beauty routine and you are all good!

 

The party didn't stop there.  We headed back to the house for a Paris themed dinner of Croissant sandwiches, French fries, and fruit.

 

You enjoy a good planned out event.  No surprises for you.  Why take a chance when you can pre-plan and have everything orchestrated the way you want it to go?  (I might have encouraged this...)



 You are a diva through and through.  I know you are getting old and I should treat you as such.  But really it is so hard when I am trying to have a serious conversation with you and you are doing pirouettes around the kitchen table.  Don't stop though- dance your way through life.  I know it brings you joy! 

I look at you at 11 years old and I just can't believe what a beautiful young girl I am raising.  You are gracious and kind to everyone you meet.  You are convicted about loving Jesus and making sure people know that he is part of who you are.  Sometimes you worry and can be a little obsessive but I hope you learn to how to cope with those feelings and that you always know where to turn when life becomes too much for you. 

We love you so much, little bean!  Happy Birthday ~ Love, Mom

The ONP

Couple of pictures from our trip to the Olympic National Park. 

It looks like a picture out of a movie... (Twilight anyone?)  Not sure if my snapshots do it justice though.  

On our way to the Sol Duc Hot Springs.  

  

Carissa seems to find the closest downed tree and climb to the end of it at every opportunity.  

One stop was in front of a HUGE Sitka Spruce true. This one is said to be over 500 years old.  We were imagining the centuries of people that may have walked by.

The Hoh Rainforest was another destination.  Love the moss growing over the old phone booth.  Crazy but it rains over 241 inches in the rainforest a year.  To put that in perspective, Phoenix gets about 7" a year and Seattle gets 32".  The day we were there it was so sunny we got sunburned. 

(I continue to believe strongly God has a great sense of humor!)

Grandma turned six-two on this trip.  Happy we could share the day with her. 

We could just end here... forever.  

The sea stacks on Second Beach in La Push, WA.  

Beyond blessed to live in this glorious state!!