Something that made me happy today,was my shitzu Molly jumping up on the coach behind me, putting her paw on my shoulder and wagging her tail at me, then nibbling my earlobe just to say hello and I really love you!!

Daddy's little girl.....

So now that summer is officially over in 2 days, (well according to the school year anyway) I wanted to share 2 of my favorite pictures from this summer. I love these pictures. These two pictures started off our crazy but very fun summer. As I get caught up on my blogging you'll see what i mean! This summer was so full of fun it left no time for anything else! So for those of you who have been hounding me to update; here you go! I know you will enjoy these! I love them.
This is my one of my brothers Geoff. He is a very nice guy and you are never bored when he is around. Always makes me laugh and he loves Sami to death. My favorite memory of him (so far!) and Sami is when he and Sami and my mom and i were in the car. Geoff was driving and Sami was sitting in the backseat behind him. Geoff starting screaming! Sami was probably only 6 or 7 at the time so of course she would imitate him. Which is what I am sure he wanted. They would take turns screaming at the top of their lungs. It was great fun and it bonded them together more that day! Back to the picture...... This is Geoff and his daughter Katie on the day of her baptism in June. She is so cute. She is daddy's little girl. This was the first time Geoff has baptised one of his kids and so it was a very special day for him and for Katie. We all felt like we needed to be there to support them both. It was a great day.

This second picture you can really see Geoffs personality and how much he loves Katie. He is so much fun and when ever I think about him it brings a smile to my face.

Sami

Yesterday Shawn and I took the girls down the Meadow Dale Beach Trail. We had so much fun! The crows had fun with the girls bags of chocolate! Shawn took Molly for a swim in the water! We played horse shoes. (Which I won!) It was a lovely day and the weather was perfect. I took so many pictures that It will be a couple of days before I can go through all of them. For now I wanted to share one of my favorites. It is of Sami. She is getting so tall and beautiful. She is becoming a young lady and I am proud to call her my daughter. She is beautiful inside and out. I bought a new camera a couple of weeks ago. It was definitely a want and not a need but I have been waiting and waiting for just the right one and I am happy with the one I chose. Especially when pictures turn out this great! Memories are priceless.

I just had an awesome afternoon. Normally on Thursdays I would be at work but Sami had a Choir field trip to the Harbour Point Retirement Home. Her Music teacher Mrs. Wagner needed some parents to come and help keep track of all the kids. My friend Sharri (Christabellas mom!)and I rode together. We thought the girls would not like us hanging around them and their friends. They didn't seem to mind. The choir sang a bunch of songs in the dinning room of the retirement home. They sounded so nice. One song was about Elvis! Sami's friend Liam is one of only 3 boys in the choir and he wore this really loud shirt with flames. During the song the choir shouts "Play that thing!" over and over and Liam dances around the room pretending to play his guitar. The audience loved this part! After they were finished singing Mrs Wagner wanted to reward them for giving up all their lunch recess time all year for choir so she had the bus driver take them to the new park they just opened up near Paine Field. I'm not sure what it is called. Sami and her group of friends spotted a spaceship and had their picnic under it. Sharri said it was her mother ship come to take her home! The kids thought that was funny and started calling it that! Today was a pretty day to have a picnic. I was sad when it was time to pack up and go home. Here are some pictures I took. I especially like the one of the mother ship!

Sami and Christabella with their music/choir

teacher Mrs. Wagner.

Sami and Christabella. Two peas in a pod! They look so pretty.





Inside the retirement home. This picture doesn't do the room
justice. This room is gorgeous.




We were following the bus to the park and
girls spotted us through the back of the bus!

The Mother Ship! (Jordan, Christabella, Victoria,

Liam, Sami, Alexis, Rosana, and Elise)

They are posing for Sharri. They think they are cool 5th graders!

From left to right:Victoria,Christabella,Jordan,Sami,Alexis,Liam

Elise,Lyssa, & Rosanna.
The park has this cool teeter totter that bends up and down!
I think the kids liked it!

Sami and her friend Rosanna

The Picnic Point Choir May 21, 2009--Harbour Point Retirement Home/Paine Field Park Picnic

Lollypops and Dum Dums!

This post is dedicated to the coolest dog in the world Lollypop! AKA "Molly" She loves to ride with us to pick up Shawn from work. Then she hangs out the window and waits for him to come outside! It is pretty funny to watch. She has Shawn wrapped around her tiny finger. Or paw in this case! Shawn swears that he doesn't like dogs but I heard him say just today, "I have never loved any dog more than I do this dog." We were bored waiting for him (cause he never comes out when he says he's going to!) so Sami decided to let Lollypop eat her Dum Dum sucker I picked up for her at the bank. Lolly loves Dum Dum suckers! She kept kissing Sami's nose! She smelt like cotton candy for hours after. A step up from doggie breath I guess!

I love this picture!

Shawn, Lollypops, & Sami

May 14, 2009

Brackett's Landing

Saturday were all a little grumpy so after Sami's volleyball game we decided to go to the beach. I grumbled all the way there. I wanted to go home and get Molly our shit-zu. She loves to be outside. Shawn didn't want to drive all the way home just to pick up Molly and didn't. I was so mad! I knew after we got to the beach I wouldn't care so much but that didn't stop me from grumbling. I wish now I would have listened to myself because we had so much fun. I can't believe my bad attitude almost cost us a great afternoon out together. It makes me sad when I think about the lovely afternoons that have been waisted before now. Note to self: Lighten up a little! If Shawn reads this I think he might faint to see me say this. Hopefully next time I will learn to be happy with being spontaneous. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day...








The first two are of course of Sami! I especially love the first one. She is so cute! She is holding a dead crab and is fascinated by it. She suggested that we should give the crab a proper burial so they burried Mr. Crab and hand made him his own grave marker!

We came across this mermaid sand sculpture! When I first walked up to it it kinda freaked me out. It looked so real I had to take a picture. Sami thought it was "cool but scary!" Doesn't it look like there is a real person underneath? I hope not! If there was they were washed away when the tide came in!

Shawn and Sami are excavating a tunnel. I love this picture because their faces show how much fun the are having together. It was a lot of fun and nice to see them both so happy.

On the way out of the park I told Shawn I wished he would steal the camera from me once in awhile and take a picture of Sami and I. I have all the cute pictures of the two of them and hardly any of me with Sami. No fair!! I was there too.

He took the first one and then told us to make crazy faces! I like to scrapbook (when I have time) and was already composing a layout in my mind and made Sami and Shawn pose for 2 more pictures. I think they turned out nice. Sami was so funny! She makes me laugh all the time! The pose for their crazy picture was her idea. "Deep Thoughts" by Shawn and Sami!

BRACKETT'S LANDING PARK EDMONDS, WA 09 MAY 2009

"George Brackett founded Edmonds in 1876 and established the first sawmill here in 1899. Logging and shingling were at the centerof Edmonds' economy. At one time fourteen mills lined the shoreline from Brackett's Landing to Olympic Beach. The last mill in Edmonds closed in 1951.





This site was purchased in 1963 and named in honor of George Brackett. The jetty was constructed in 1989; in 1993 upland improvements were completed.

In 1970 the city created the adjoining Underwater Park; a 27 acre marine preserve and sanctuary. It was one of the first underwater parks on the West Coast. The site includes tide and bottom lands developed with features and trails for scuba divers. Collecting marine life, fishing, or using motorized boats is prohibited."

Can't wait for next Saturday to come. What fun adventure will it bring?

Sami has been really sick for the last couple of days. We took her temperature last night and it was 103.5. That was kinda scary. We bought 2 separate thermometers and both of them broke. Next time we buy one it will be me that goes in the store and picks it out! Poor Shawn had to make 3 emergency runs to the store for medication for Sami! The first run Sami asked for a Giant sized Peanut Butter cookie! We said yes to the cookie because she hasn't been eating for the last week. Shawn forgot the cookie so we just went home because Sami was miserable and wanted to sleep. Soon after we arrived home Shawn decided Sami needed some juice. So off to the store to get some juice! He came home with a giant peanut butter cookie but when he opened the new medicine the seal had been broken! So off to the store for the 3rd time! Such a good sport. When he came home he brought these for Sami, So sweet it made her smile!!!!

My digital camera is dead right now so all I had to take this picture was my cell phone. I think it turned out pretty good. I wanted to get a picture for Sami before they die. Can anyone see the hidden object in the picture!!!???? I didn't see it until I downloaded the picture!

Tid Bits of This and That

Well, this no TV thing is really hard to get used to but we are surviving! Shawn has been good about it. . I haven't heard to much complaining! On the upside my laundry room has been cleaned out. No more Rubbermaid buckets to run into or card tables falling with a big boom every time you shut the door. I can actually open the door and walk in! Maybe now all the laundry will be washed and dried and put away. Maybe but I doubt it!! The best part of not having the t.v. blare constantly is how quiet the house is all the time. I have read 3 books and counting since the change. I wish Sami enjoyed to read.




I was happy to hear for the first time in awhile the sounds of Sami's cello coming from her bedroom. She could be a great cellist someday. She has decided next fall she is going to try the Flute or Clarinet. There has also been talk of the Saxophone. Secretly I hope she picks the Flute! She loves the Cello but I think the decision has come from her being sick of carrying it around!




In July we are going to Utah!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait. Stadium of Fire here we come. I remember going as a kid. My Aunt and Uncle took us. It was so much fun. I have always wanted to take Sami. I am happy this year I get to. I will be sure to take earplugs when they announce "The Jonas Brothers"! We have extra tickets and I asked my brothers if they wanted them and they laughed and said they aren't going anywhere near that place. I wonder why! Party Poopers! Sami's best friend Christabella will be in Utah with us. She is very excited to finally show her all the places she has told her about. The list is long! I can't wait to take a million pictures. Hurry up July and get here; You are coming to slow!!!!!

What's a "Book"?

In an effort to reconnect as a family we have instated this ban.................


This was easier to instate than I thought it would be! There were no tears, no arguments, no pouty faces until I suggested more time for some of these..................

I am the only one in the house who enjoys reading. It is so relaxing. I tell Sami it's just like watching t.v. only the images you make up in your head.

We have also decided to start having family game night. We all love to play board games. A couple of nights ago Sami's best friend slept over and the 4 of us played Uno. It was so much fun. The 2 girls and I ganged up on Shawn and he never won a single hand! Poor Shawn is always so outnumbered! He is a good sport.

We bought a very inexpensive temporary kitchen table until after summer vacation when we can afford a nicer one. Last night was the first night the 3 of us had sat down at our own dinner table since Sami was born. It was nice to have an actual conversation over dinner with my family instead of with the television.

I am looking forward to spending real quality time with my family. And also of kicking Shawn's but at uno again on game night!

They grow up to fast.........

Exactly one year ago I took this picture of Sami and her best friend Christabella selling Girl Scout cookies.

And today I took this picture of the two girls.........

I can't believe how much of a difference one year makes. They are becoming young ladies and have broken out of that little girl stage. It makes me happy but also a little sad. Sometimes I wish I can put little moments in her life in a bottle and fasten the lid down tight so they can't slip out. Before I know it, it will be time to tell her goodbye. So for now she has to deal with me taking lots of pictures. Keepsakes that I can hold and look at when the time comes for us to let her venture out on her own. Unless she forbids me to take anymore!

Hot dogs arent just for baseball games....

You know that saying "The 3rd Times The Charm"? It is used for many various situations. I used it while in a Wienersnitzle restaurant while visiting Utah. One of my sisters favorite places to eat! When we lived in Utah there was only one in the area. Every time she'd come to visit there was always a trip scheduled to visit this blessed Hot Dog Heaven!!!! I must confess it is one of my favorite places also. When we first moved to Washington I was sad because there would be no more chili dogs. Imagine my excitement while exploring with my mom one afternoon & we came to the most beautiful red and yellow building you'd ever see! I was like a little kid jumping up and down in my seat! Of course we had to pull over and sample some of the yummy cheesy goodness (but very bad for you and only a once in awhile treat!) stored inside. Back to the reason for this post! While filling ourselves with chilidogs; (You did not want to be in the car with my child afterwards! Oh wait I wasn't! Sorry Uncle Scott!!!! All the way to Temple Square!) I asked the 3 girls to make a silly face while I took a picture this is what happened......




They looked so funny that Shelley and I were laughing I and couldn't hold the camera still. The first picture came out blurry. But then on the 2nd picture......




my 2 nieces Michelle and Donavan were laughing so hard at each others faces that they couldn't stop!



Finally on the 3rd try I managed to hurry and snap a clear picture!

SLEEPY HEADS!!!!!

Traveling makes you sleepy. Especially if you travel in the worst possible way. Driving. I absolutely hate to drive when we are traveling. I would much rather fly and get there faster but someone is afraid of flying! Not me. I love to fly. My favorite part of flying is the take off. For most people that is the scariest part. Because my other half will not step foot on an airplane I am doomed to a life of endless roads and barren hills seen from the inside of a cramped rental car. (Hey at least it isn't the "Black Bomb"! awhh the "Black Bomb has thankfully gone on to another world apart from ours. But that in itself is another story for another time!) Though I hate to drive to our destinations I love the time I get to spend with my family. It is impossible for me to sleep in the car. I try every time we take a trip. Others passengers don't seem to have the same problem I have..............!

Pretty funny I know. My favorite part of this photo is the person sitting in the middle! This kid can sleep anywhere! She slept pretty much all the way to Utah in December and all the way home. Check out her expression and the hoodie over half of her face! Her cousin Donavan sitting next to her was probably thinking "Well if she is going to sleep the whole way and not talk to me I might as well sleep too!"

Half way to Utah I was really getting bored so I took out a notebook and started writing a story. I wrote a couple of sentences and passed it to Sami. She'd add a little and pass it on to Donavan and then my sister Shelley. Shelley's parts were always funny and it was hard adding to the story after she had her turn! It was a silly story all about the girls and our dog kia. Some day I will type it up and add some drawings of kia and the kids and have it bound for them to keep. It was fun doing this until the girls became bored and found other means of entertainment!

Those are Jolly Ranchers in their mouths! Who knew Jolly Ranchers could be so much fun until................

They get sleepy and fall asleep again! The Hoodie Gangsters aren't so tuff when they are asleep are they!?!

Especially not when you wake up and mom pulls your hoodie strings so hard you loose all but your eyes and half your nose!

Even though I can't sleep in the car and I hate to drive while traveling I wouldn't trade it for flying and miss out on all the fun we have and crazy things we do along the way.