Day 315/365 ~ 2012

Happy 39th to the love of my life.
Dots Doughnuts.
A chilly birthday walk by lacamas lake.
Lunch at Twilight Pizza.
Steak dinner.
Apple crisp pie with vanilla icecream.
Happy to have an opportunity to show some love to this fantastic husband/father.

Day 309/365 ~ 2012

Christmas card picture day!!!
Is it just us, or is it horrible for everyone?
I was so happy to check this off the list and come home and order cards.
I don't want to ruin the surprise of our card photo, but Dan and I took a couple of us too.
I just love Dan's smile.  It's really his smiling eyes that I love.



I've reached the point where I don't like my photo taken.
I've never been photogenic. (No false humility, between my crooked smile and droopy eye I'm really not and that's okay).
But adding the little differences I'm noticing in my face (why do we see this more in photos than real life?) and I'm finding that I am much more comfortable behind the lens.  But I want the kids to have photos of me too.



I was setting the exposure and Dan was being a character. That's my guy.



We attempted a tripod with Matthew pushing the button and while there are things I don't like about our pose, it's nice to have a photo of us.  We don't have them taken very often.  I'll share the rest closer to Christmas!!!  :)   

Day 285/365 ~ 2012

This photo made me pause and wonder when Kaitlin became such a big girl. 




Little big girl.



Katie adores Gracie and it will no doubt be difficult for them to be separated next year.  Probably harder for Grace who tends to be more shy and sensitive in groups.  Katie provides security to her much like Claire took care of Andrew when they were little.



Waiting to begin.  Grace brought Ryan to open house and she was just beaming with her Daddy.  It was so sweet.



The kids showed us their "circle time."  Katie did the calendar.  She looooooves to be the center of attention and was more than happy to stand up and be front and center.





"Oh my, it's getting late!"
Singing their pumpkin song, which was so cute.



Me and my Bugaboo.

She has feminine tastes and interests like me, but is also so much like her Daddy.  She has such confidence, such spirit.  It is a joy (not to mention highly entertaining) to watch her grow up. It will be so much fun to see the person that she grows into.

She is my delight.

Day 245/365 ~ 2012

Our first family golf outing!



I thought of my Dad so often on this day.
Memories of hours spent with him on the golf course came flooding back.
He would smile to see his grandchildren at the golf course being introduced to the game he loved so much.  I would have loved to have had him there...giving pointers and cheering on great strokes.



I was quite rusty. My first swing (above) was a terrible slice. But the last (9th) hole I played down the fairway.  I still do so enjoy the game.



We were a little liberal with who drove the golf cart.  The kids' favorite part.




Finishing up at the 9th hole and heading off to the clubhouse for lunch.
A wonderful way to spend the day!

Day 221/365 ~ 2012

My 20th High School reunion is this weekend!
Getting excited and ready to go catch up with old friends.

Day 217/365 ~ 2012

As I took this photo I was in awe of how picturesque this setting was.  The lake, the trees, Mt. St. Helens as a back drop.  We enjoyed such a beautiful day boating with friends.



Don't let the smile fool you. Our little fish was a little fearful of the boat/lake and shed some tears.  But did summon her courage enough to swim in the lake and ride the tube with Daddy!



I heard it was the hottest day in 3 years! Dan said it was his favorite day of summer. A very special outing for our family.



Our happy hosts.



Katie was so sweet to brave the cold water and try to help Matthew and Andrew ski. Neither got up but both gave a good effort and I was really proud of them for trying!



Truth be told, I have a fear of water. Not swimming pools, but you won't find me swimming in a river, the ocean and or a lake...at least not without some serious anxiety.  But I was game to float on top of the water.

Thank you so much friends, for such a treat of a day ~ it will definitely be one of the highlights of our summer!

Day 130/365 ~ 2012

Happy 14th Anniversary!
Dinner at the Spaghetti Factory with the kids.
Not the most romantic of anniversaries, but we'll have a dinner out with the 2 of us later.



After all, we got to sit in the trolley. That's pretty special, right?  :)
The kids certainly thought so!
We were together...that's all that mattered.
And happy to step our of our routine and take the opportunity to celebrate our marriage.
It was a lovely night.