Aunt Mari

Mari came over the last Sunday John worked and played with the kids, and gave me a big break! She and Luca played pirates for two hours in the backyard. Imaginary play is remarkable gift, few adults are able to do!  Mari and Luca have wild imaginations and Luca had a magical time! Then she played music and read to Juliette! So thankful that Aunt Mari is in all of our lives! We love you! Thanks again for coming over!

Cute kids

Lily and Naomi came over for dinner last night. Lily was in Luca's class at preschool last year.

The kids were so cute together. Here are a few pictures!

Happy 33 Birthday to me!

I had a great birthday last Sat! Thanks to everyone for the cards and calls!
A few highlights from the day were:
John took a vacation day so he could be home
Making waffles with Luca and having waffles and whip cream breakfast as a family
Going running with Mari at Discovery Park
Having Grandpa Don and Grandma Martha over for dinner
Going out bowling with friends in the evening! (as seen from the picture below, the first game I bowled 136, a record by far for me!) Jamie made a delicious chocolate cake for the occasion! It was a blast!

 Juliette wanted the hat and the ear muffs on that morning, she keeps us laughing!

 Breakfast with my kids!

 Juliette's first ponytail! So cute!

 Blowing out the candles!

 My high score! Do you see the four strikes in a row? Unbelievable!

 Love you friends! Thanks for coming out to make my bday so special! I feel loved!

 The girls who made it happen...Mari and Brooke helped me plan the party, wouldn't have happened without them!

 Me and my honey! Having fun, love seeing Amy and Ryan in the background!

Welcome to the world, Baby Dahlia

I am a month late in writing this post as I begin catching up my blog but we are so thrilled that Dahlia Blue is in the world and thankful that she lives just a short mile from away from us!
I have loved getting little times of holding this sweet bundle and can't believe how fast she is growing!
Juliette loves seeing her and says "baby, baby, baby"
When we arrived last time Scarlett said to Luca, "please don't touch my baby." Luca said, "don't worry, I won't"
But I did catch Luca admiring her and he said, "she is so tiny"
It is so fun to have another baby around and I look forward to seeing the friendships grow between the kids as they get older!
We love you already sweet Dahlia! (this is Evan and Alicia's baby and Scarlett's little sister)

O Happy Day

Luca started preschool again today at Boren STEM school (finally)! It was a wonderful morning for everyone. Luca loved being back in his old class!
He will be attending another preschool on Tues and Friday called The Playgarden! It is a really neat place and mostly outdoors! We are thrilled to have him back in school and he is too!
Also, we got a van earlier this summer. The blue one in the picture. It is so great to have Luca be able to get in and out of it by himself! We are thankful for it.

Juliette at the zoo!

Here is an adorable picture of Juliette at the zoo!

 And Juliette protecting her apple. I think of Layna everytime she wears Layna's hand me downs! Love them as it reminds me of Layna too!

Maya turns 4!

We had so much fun at Maya's beach breakfast birthday party! I can't believe it was four year ago the first time we met this dear one for the first time!
One of the highlights for me watching Maya's uncle John orgaized a baseball game and put Luca as the pitcher! Luca threw the ball and "Uncle" John hit it! It was so special to see Luca participate in this game and be able to throw the ball for him to hit! Very empowering.
The food was also increadibly tasty (just ask Scarlett and Juliette) and Jamie brought so many fun toys....what a special morning to celebrate such a special little lady!

Mount Rainier

John, the kids and I went to Mount Rainier last week and rode the gondola up to the top of Crystal Mountain  John got to go on a little run while I walking around at the top with the kids and Juliette fell asleep in the stroller so Luca and I had ice cream the restaurant located on the top of the mountain.

Off roading.....

Bethany Staff retreat

I went to a very restful, energizing, and meaningful two day, one night retreat in the Cascades with the Bethany Ministry Team. Since I work part-time, I miss a lot staff meetings and all staff events so it was great to have an extended chance to interact with other staff members and hear about each other's ministries. It is very incredible to work at a place with individuals so passionate about making Christ visible to the world. I also loved being in the mountains at a German style chalet! Brought back great memories of my youth and restores my soul!  And thanks to John for being home for two days with the kids!

 Holle and I enjoying an amazing Brazilian BBQ meal. Holle says. "and truly the keep bringing me more of this good meat!"