Day 212/365

Katie and Andrew playing "Knights & Princesses."
A dragon had just been slayed with a cork gun on the stairs.
Ours is a magical house.

Day 211/365

I had a date with Andrew.
Red Robin.
A special "Game" before leaving.
Oreo Milkshake.
Then, a new bike helmet (his broke).
The ONLY one in the store that fit our boy's head.
(He has LOTS of brains.) :)
It's crazy but he LOVES it.
Wore it through the store, in the car, during dinner, swinging, in his PJs.
It makes me smile.

Day 210/365

Dan took this photo without me knowing.
He's getting great about taking Project Life photos.

Matthew and I spent an hour in the sunshine reading in the backyard during quiet time.
It was pure heaven.
I lost my sunglasses during our beach trip.
I was missing them in this photo.

Day 209/365

Skin testing today!
Andrew did great.
Wheat Pollen and grasses are Andrew's biggest Allergens.
Holding off on shots as long as possible...
His discomfort was rewarded with a 10 am milkshake.

Day 208/365

I turned around to see Andrew like this.
Washing his feet in the sink after playing outside..
Such a funny little guy.

Day 207/365

Andrew goes to the Eye Dr.
And lost his excuse for standing right next to the tv.
His vision is just great!
Will go back in two years b/c I had glasses at an early age
and "Nearsighted parents often have nearsighted kids."
Until then...hooray!

Day 206/365

This photo was actually taken by Winnie when Dan and I were away in Seattle for the weekend.

Winnie recently sent it to me and I just loved it, so it's the picture of the day.

A Jacuzzi Bubble Bath in Mama and Daddy's bath tub.
A favorite luxury (for more than just my 3 little loves).
3 Pampered little kids.

(I especially love Andrew's little feet). :)

Day 205/365

Anabelle had to be tucked in because she "was so worried."
3 nappers today!
Everyone is still recovering from the beach trip.

Day 204/365

Mandy's family (who live in Kansas City) came through town after we got home from the beach today.
We had a great visit over pizza.
A dear friend from college, I was so happy to have a little time with her.

Day 203/365

My cousin Dennis, wife Cheryl and kids Amber and Aiden.
A very sweet, down to earth family.
We so enjoyed our time with them and left wishing that we all lived closer.
We'll miss them.

Day 202/365

Amber was so proud of her new hat.
Mike nicknamed her "Miley."  :)
A sweet, sweet girl ~ Katie adored her, and Amber was so kind to her.
I honestly don't recall a fuss, complaint or unkind word from her mouth all week.
I'm going to miss her!

Day 201/365

A family day trip to Cannon Beach with a stop off at Manzanita for some photos.
My favorite photo of the day.

Day 200/365

A rare extended family photo in Lincoln City, OR.
We all traveled in from Washington, New Mexico and Arizona for a week at the beach.
We are off to the Aquarium and Newport, OR!

Day 199/365

Andrew and Aiden on the beach.
Second cousins meeting for the first time this vacation.
An instant friendship!

Day 198/365

Another long day of travel.
Left Idaho Falls at 6:30am (our time), arrived at the Oregon Coast at 10:30pm.
Dan and Mike watching their movies in the back seat.
Traveling together worked out really great.

Day 197/365

In front of the Falls in Idaho Falls prior to Aaron's service.
Dan had the honor of being a pallbearer.
It was a beautiful service.
Aaron's sister did a fantastic job honoring a life well lived.
Including lots of laughter ~ which was completely appropriate for Aaron.
He will be greatly missed.

Day 196/365

A long day of travel to Idaho Falls to remember our friend Aaron..
13 hours from start to finish.
Michelle and I in the back seat, watching the Harry Potter series in preparation for the finale.

Day 195/365

(This was actually taken the day before, but I spent this day trying to get ready for our two trips and wanted to include this photo instead).

An adventure!
2 friends from Pre-school days
3 stops:  The Bonneville Dam, The Fish Hatchery, and a hike to Multnomah Falls
Saw fish swimming up the fish ladders, fed more at the Hatchery and saw some HUGE Sturgeon.

Day 194/365

We lost a friend today.
Much too soon.
A devoted husband & father.
Not in the cliche' sort of way, but in the get-in-there-and do the dirty stuff sort of way.
And in the thinking of others before himself, sort of way.
The kind of way that has other moms/wives elbowing their husband and whispering,
"Take notes."
A friend whose gentle manner & smile conveyed kindness and sincerity. 

Words are inadequate.

Remembering him and his family with much love....

Day 193/365

After sorting, sorting, sorting, we have officially finished cleaning out the Bonus room toys.
What a job!
It was a family affair.
Truth be told, I enjoyed it. :)
The boys are enjoying the results, but the process was painful at times.

Day 192/365

Katie loves to water the plants.
She's undiscriminating.
She happily waters the weeds too.

Day 191/365

Matthew made a "sword" out of a branch from the backyard using the jigsaw that Dan got when he was a young boy.
He was thrilled.
So was I.
These spontaneous little moments of fun are exactly what I was hoping the summer would be for the kids this year.

(Don't worry ~ the spinning circle by his hand is just sandpaper.
Dan demonstrated to me how it wouldn't cut his finger.)

Day 190/365

A small gathering (us, B's, and S's) to celebrate Hannah's 9th birthday.
BBQ Chicken, Limbo, water balloons, cupcakes and mai tai's for the adults.
A very fun night!

Day 189/365

Lists are being made, emails are flying back & forth, errands are being run...
One week until we leave for the beach!
We're getting ready to go!

PS.  The purchase of sunscreen (bottom right) is quite the bold and optimistic move.
Keeping our fingers crossed that we'll break 70 degrees while we're there..I'll even take a sunny 65.  The forecast is low 60's  (but sunny!) right now...we'll see!

Day 188/365

The Grandparents, 4th of July 2011.
Our kids are so lucky to have Grandparents who love them so much!

Day 187/365

Yay for cousins!
I hope these two always love each other as much as they do at the age of five.
4th of july 2011.

Day 186/365

Happy 83rd Birthday, Dad!
Matthew is overly tired, thus very emotional as you can see in the picture.
We brought lilies and went out to lunch to celebrate Dad's birthday before returning home today.

Day 185/365

4th of July "silly cousin picture."
5 cousins exhausted from a full day of swimming at "Grandma Glenda & Uncle Dale's" house.
It was a festive, fun-filled, yet relaxing day!

Day 184/365

Off to Grammie & Grandpa's house for dinner.
Dan and I were off to dinner at Anthony's with Mike & Michelle.
Everybody wins!
:)

Day 183/365

Nana had this little dream come true waiting for Katie upon our arrival today.
"I need to go outside and dance!!" was the immediate response.
And dance, she did.

Day 182/365

I was treated to an unexpected visit from my sorority sister, and very dear friend Diane.
It was a wonderful treat.
I only wish it happened more often...if only we didn't live 6 hours apart.