Valuable Lesson

Jason taught me a valuable lesson tonight. As I was relaxing on the couch with the girls watching TV, which I don't do enough, Jason went and grabbed the camera on his own will and thought it was a moment to capture. When my husband is grabbing the camera period it means that it is a very special moment. Lesson learned- Slow down and enjoy life before our kids are out of the house and we wish we would have sat on the couch and cuddled with our kiddos, even if there is dishes in the sink and laundry piled up.

What we love about Washington

I am missing our home, friends, and family in Alaska and thought it would be helpful to focus on the things we are enjoying here in Washington instead of focusing on the things we miss in Alaska. These are just a few of the things I love about Washington and hope to add many more as the days pass by...

*Cleaner toilets (there must be something in the water)!
*Constant predictable temperatures!
*Sidewalks and paved streets!
*Riding your bike in the middle of winter!
*Having a garage to actually park in!
*Living close to Olive Garden, P.F. Chang's, and the
Old Spaghetti Factory!
*Outlet malls!
*Being just around the corner from family!
*Cheap plane tickets (not too far from Seattle so I can meet buddies there)!

Future Rock Star

Alese is already following in BIG Sister's footsteps. She loves to rock out with Hannah's microphone. She has the greatest head bob.

Pro Ball Player in Training

They start the kiddos young here with basketball. Mayah's team consists of 4, 5, and 6 year olds. This was her first game! It is so fun to watch her with all her might try and get the ball to reach the hoop! Fortunately, they do not call traveling and they have surprised me with how well they are doing for being so young.

Mayah's New Kindergarten Class

The new Kindergarten class has been an adjustment. Her teacher is wonderful, but the schedule is a little odd. Mayah goes all day Monday, Wednesday, and every other Friday. On her off days we have "home school" created by me. She is becoming a great little reader and loves math on most days.

There's No Place Like Home

There is nothing like a little snow to remind you of home. Within the first 48 hours of arriving from Florida to Spokane there was at least 24 inches of snow. Schools were closed and many large stores (Fred Meyer's and Wal-Mart) had to close for a few days due to their roofs collapsing from the weight of the snow. It is amazing how much snow we have had in addition to those first few days. Also, it is also crazy at how not prepared this area is for large amounts of snow. People literally are stuck. Thank goodness for a four-wheel drive rental and finding Jason's truck right away. After four weeks, we are still awaiting my vehicle and all of our household goods. Hopefully soon, if it stops snowing! It is expected to arrive on Tuesday, January 6th! It really makes one appreciate the small stuff, like silverware, when you have been using plastic for a while. Also, since our snow gear has no arrived Hannah and Mayah have been decked out in Kylie's snowboarding pants and 70's rainbow bibs. It has been wonderful to be close to Kylie and Ryan and little Kyra.

Disney's Blizzard Beach

It truly amazes me that when we left Alaska we were freezing and all bundled up and then you arrive in a place where they can actually where flip-flops year round. I thought this water park was a perfect reminder of Alaska but with some serious heat!

Disney Detour

We were blessed with a detour to Disney World when we left Alaska. It is such an amazing place where the magical moments never end. It helps me see thru the eyes of a child. Hannah's favorite ride was Mt. Everest at Animal Kingdom, Mayah loved Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom, and Alese loved anything with animals and music. Jason and I figured the best way to document that we were there together was for one of us to hold the camera and the other one to squeeze in close. It always amazes me how you can take a long vacation with the one you love and there are not any pictures of the two of you.

Alese was mesmerized by all of the characters. Goofy was her first encounter.

Nana and Papa and Aunt Charity met us in Orlando for a full jam-packed week of fun.

Pampering!

Rene's very first pedicure!!!

After a very crazy few months, it was time for some pampering with the girls. Toes all around and some ladies went crazy and did their hands too. It was wonderful to relax and have some girlie time.

The Cleaning Crew

I would never have made it those last few days if it hadn't been for the help of wonderful friends. Many of you helped with the kiddos and several packed boxes. We were cared for with good food and laughter at all hours while we packed the last few boxes and cleaned the last wall. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!