puppies...

So it's been four days now since the puppies have joined our family and it has definitely been an adventure. I think that we must have had foggy goggles on when we envisioned bringing the puppies home and everything would be perfect. I think we had totally forgot how much work puppies are in the beginning and how much training and work is needed but every day gets a little better.
The puppies definitely have different personalities. Samson is the scardy cat and takes a while to warm up. Lilo is the brave one and is taking on new adventures like a champ. Hoping that Samson will come around soon and gain some confidence so that he can enjoy the world outside the house as well.
They are sleeping in their kennels great at night and only get up once a night to go to the bathroom. They are however not accustomed to sleeping in yet so they start their morning at 6. Good thing I have lots of coffee. :) They also love their toys, their beds, and chewing up beauty bark in the backyard. Counting down the days when we can finally go on adventures as a family. There is a ton to explore Samson and Lilo and I can't wait for you to experience that.

Big news in the house...

I took a little hiatus from my blog. Basically life got really busy for awhile there and the blog took a back seat but I figured I would start it up again.
Unfortunately this past March we lost our pup Bindi. She lasted a great 15 1/2 years with our family but old age and bad knees finally caught up to her. We miss her greatly and noticed that there was a piece missing from the house. It was a little too quiet.
A week ago Jeff was browsing the pet rescue sites and noticed a black lab puppy that was needing a home. Not quite sure if we were ready to hop on that adventure, he put an inquiry into the rescue just to get more information. Low and behold, the owner of the rescue contacted super early the next morning wanting to chat about the puppy Jeff inquired about. He, along with his litter mates were found on the side of the road in Texas and picked up by the humane society, which then eventually ended up at the rescue. The owner also had a dog named Bindi so that stood out. After talking to her, we decided he would be a perfect fit for our family.
He will by flying out our way in early May so we asked the rescue if they could send us pictures while we patiently wait. One of the pictures was of her dog Bindi toughing noses with the puppy. As soon as I saw the picture I noticed that her dog Bindi had the exact same collar as our Bindi had (lady bug collar) so I took it as a sign that our Bindi was telling us that this was our pup.

Everyone, I would like to introduce to you our new family member Samson. 

And an UPDATE!! Samson's sister's adoption fell through so we decided to have her join our home as well. Everyone meet Lilo!

We can't wait for them to get here and join our home.

valentine's day...

Since I am on the class party committee my job is usually creating fun games. Thanks to pinterest I was able to find a few great ideas. Pin the lips on Mrs. Valentine and a cupid arrow game. And did you notice those super cute valentine's day button cards??

Happy new year...

Another year has come and gone. We had a bunch of adventures in 2015 and I am looking forward to what 2016 has in store for us. I'm sure it will be a wild ride.

Christmas is almost here...

This holiday season is approaching full speed ahead. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season from our family to yours!

pumpkin patchin it...

Since we are nearing closer and closer to Halloween and we had a break in the weather, my family all headed to the pumpkin patch with grandma and grandpa in tow. This was the first time they had been to this particular pumpkin patch and everyone seemed to get into the Halloween spirit. 

We were able to avoid the corn maze this time but Ethan got to try his hand at the apple slingshot. Grandpa was the winner however hitting the target on his first try and winning Ethan a temporary tattoo. We were also able to show them the crazy 3D haunted house as well. 

 And Ethan found one he labeled the ugliest and that came home with us as well.

going back in history...

A few weeks ago Jeff, Ethan, and I hopped in the car and headed over on a ferry to Whidbey Island. We were off on an adventure to tour the island and specifically visit Fort Casey. I had never been and thought it would be a great place for Ethan to get his energy out. (Plus, I hear it's haunted)

The place was great to explore and a few of the areas definitely had a creepy vibe. We were even able to venture up into a lighthouse, fly a kite, and I got to play around with taking photos.

 

 

new wheels...

Since I'm turning the big 'gasp' 40, I figured it was alright to get myself a birthday present this year. I have been riding my beach cruiser lately and it's a great bike to take to our local 7-11 but hills, no way. Since it's a single speed it was really hard to go anywhere outside my neighborhood.
I really like the way these types of bikes ride and have been scouring the interwebs to find another cruiser style bike with speeds and walla, it paid off.
I just purchased myself a PUBLIC bike and I can't wait to try it out. You only turn 40 once so I figured, what better way to feel like a kid again than a cool bike. Do you agree? ;-)

let the party begin...

We just wrapped up a successful birthday party to celebrate Ethan turning 8. He really wanted to have a friends party and we thought, what better way to bring everyone together than a splash park. Plus, it's been 90 degrees here the past week so it was a necessity. Thanks Willis Tucker park and the easy rental system.

This year, Ethan chose the theme Super Mario. Mostly for his love of video games but he is very fond of their stuffed animal options. Plus, that boy plays a mean Mario Kart.

floating along...

Last week I picked Ethan up from camp and surprised him with an adventure out kayaking at Bothell landing. The weather was perfect and it was such a fun time.

Even though we have lived by this for a few years we had never been down to explore this area. We will definitely be back.

check...

One thing off our bucket list is officially checked. Jeff and I got to experience a great dinner and overnight at the Willow's Inn on Lummi Island.

The dinner was an adventure for the taste buds with unique food pairings gathered from nearby. Plus, the lodging was a perfect escape to get away and unwind (and celebrate Jeff's 40th).

We were even able to borrow their bicycles and ride to a local winery. Definitely a perfect weekend escape.

fourth of july - oh my...

This past weekend we were out and about exploring the San Juan Islands to celebrate the fourth of July. 

The weather was absolutely beautiful with temps up into the 90's so we were able to enjoy all of the outdoors and even were able to jump in the frigid water of the Puget Sound. 

Cheers to family, boats, ice cream, and fireworks!!!

Oink, oink...

We have a house guest for a few days and it's like we are on the farm.  Meet the perfect lawn mower,  vegetable compost,  and Bindi's shadow. Puck!

rock 'n rolling through seattle...

 

This past weekend I completed the Seattle Rock'n Roll half marathon. Yay!! I signed up for this race several months ago and was a little hesitant since my last half marathon ended in me puking right after the finish line. Let's just say that the training I originally wanted to do did not turn out like I planned so it is a miracle we finished. But we did and we even ran some of it- go us. 

green thumb...

This is the year that we are planting a summer garden. I have been meaning to start one since we moved and we've now lived here for quite awhile so it was time to start. Let's hear it for cucumbers, squash, broccoli,  and lettuce. Let the growing begin!

float on the waves...

What is better than enjoying this lovely pacific northwest weather?  Enjoying it on a boat. Let the summer adventures begin!

let's go camping...

Our family enjoyed the long weekend spending it in the great outdoors camping. We had not camped for several years in an actual tent so when our friends asked us to join, we were all in. Even Bindi was able to join us. There were a few cold nights, lot's of marshmallows consumed, and scooter riding with friends.

We left the campground on Monday having a greater appreciation for the great outdoors but an even greater appreciation for a warm shower and our beds.

mother's day...

My day started out with breakfast in bed - heart shape pancakes, bacon, and they even managed to make me a cup of coffee. Can I wake up to that every day? 

After breakfast Ethan was very eager for me to open presents. He had picked out the cards this year and of course they had to be musical cards. One was the song 'tequila' which I think he purposely picked out since we had seen Pee Wee's Big Adventure. The second one was a relaxing beach scene. He knows me so well. Ethan had painted a wine glass for me and then my guys gave me a new turtle wall hanging and a black cat necklace. Perfect. 

After soccer and lunch, they let me pick where we were going and we headed into the mountains to enjoy this nice weather and this beautiful place we live in. We took a long drive and hiked the Ice Caves. This is a great hike for starting out the season and we had an awesome time. 

I am definitely the luckiest mama to have ended up with such two amazing guys!

swaying palm trees and sunshine...

We are back from our week long vacation on the big island of Hawaii. We had such a fun and relaxing time it's hard to get back into the swing of things on daily life. I'm also very much missing eating all of our meals on the lanai as well in 80 degree weather. :-)

colorful eggs and stained fingers...

With the beginning of baseball, a new soccer class, and vacations, Easter egg decorating snuck up on us rather quickly this year.

Luckily we were able to fit it in since it is something both Ethan and I enjoy doing together. I have yet to perfect the perfect hard boiled eggs (hence the cracks above) but I prefer to think it just adds a little character.

Ethan was all about the bold colors this year and wanted to leave them in all day if we could. Stained fingers and all, they turned out pretty great.