Halloween

The kids loved being able to trick or treat around the neighborhood. They were only able to go to about half of the houses til Xavien decided he couldn't walk another step. Maybe next year we will be able to hit the whole neighborhood.

The trunk or treat at the ward building was great! There were 2 bouncy houses that Xavien and Ivie would not leave. Ivie decided she didn't want to jump anymore when one of the houses collasped with all the kids in it. But I think the bouncy houses were a great idea. Plus someone brought their alpacas for all the kids to pet!

First day of school

School starts late here...after Labor Day. It worked out well for us because we were still moving in. Xavien and Kanayla were excited to start at their new school. Kanayla is in 3rd grade and Xavien is in Kindergarten.

Mt Baker

We took a drive up to Mt Baker today. We were able to see some beautiful waterfalls, glacier lakes, mountains, and even get far enough up the mountain to play in some snow. On the drive home we took a scenic highway that followed the ocean. So in one day we got to see a 10,000 ft. mountain and the Pacific Ocean! Pretty good!

Things I learned during the drive today....

• There are not enough public bathrooms for 4 year old little girls who suddenly tell you "I have to go NOW" in national forests.
• There is no such thing as too many flowers or rocks. And flowers do NOT belong in lakes.
• Always bring a sled if there is even the possibility of running into snow.

The ocean from Hwy 11.

The Nooksack River.

View of Mt. Shuksan from Picture Lake. (one of the glacier lakes)

New Home

We have finally arrived in Washington.
The drive across country went well...the kids did an amazing job.
Once we got to Washington we ran into a lot of last minute loopholes with our lender. But 2 weeks later than originally expected we closed on our first home.

I'm going to add pictures to this post later tonight but so far everything is great in the house. It will be a while before everything is how we want it but that is ok. The kids love their rooms and are excited to start school next week. There are still way too many boxes to unpack but progress is being made.The purple room is Kanayla's and Ivie's.
The blue cubby area is in our dining room and the kitchen will be painted the same color soon.
The last picture is of Xavien's room which is a green color with a brown accent wall.

To be continued....

Matthew has received a promotion at work. We are moving to the Seattle area in about a month. Life is crazy with plans for a cross country move.

This weekend we are house hunting so any prayers or wishes of luck would be appreciated! :)

Zoo

We recently went to the zoo. We were able to purchase a membership so I am planning many more trips to the zoo during the summer break. These are only a few of the pictures that Matthew took but it was a great trip! The zoo in our area has several interactive exhibits that I can't wait to take part in...like feeding the giraffes or riding a horse(pony) for the kids. This was also the first time Matthew and I had seen a Galapagos turtle live and moving!

I included a picture of Xavien. He is growing so quickly. Loves animals and everything that is related to boys...but Xavien also has a sweet, soft side. He loves to dance, is suprisingly gentle with younger kids, and still loves cuddles. Xavien starts school in the fall and it will be a bittersweet time for both of us. I know that he will have a great time but Ivie and I will miss his antics during the day.

Baby Sea Turtles

When I was a sophomore in high school I had to make a working model of a sea turtle. Ever since I have a special place in my heart for sea turtles. I find a lot of peace and relaxation watching sea turtles swim. My kids have inherited (or been forced) into a love of sea turtles too. We are planning a beach trip this summer to watch a sea turtle hatching. I can't wait! Each of them have their own stuffed turtle and play countless hours of pretend play with the turtles.
Xavien and Ivie play 'baby sea turtles' everyday. Their turtles have names, personalities, voices and everything you can think of. I love that all my children have such a love for animals. I love the creativity I get to witness when they do not realize I am watching or listening.

The sea turtles in the picture includes Aunt Heidi's turtles as well.