Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Already Saying Goodbyes

It is official.....we are moving to Indianapolis! Our emotions are so conflicted- we want to scream and shout with excitement yet we taste the bitterness of closing a chapter on our journey.  We will be moving around August 15 to make the trek back across the country.  We did it 6 years ago with 3 kids, a baby, and a dog.....this time 4 kids, 2 cars, a dog, a bird, and 5 fish (yesterday it was 6 fish- but I killed one of Sammy's fish yesterday-so sad).

The journey here in Washington has been sweet and full of so many memories.  Our kids have grown here!!! Through tears and laughter, so much of who they have become is because of what the Lord has done here in this little sweet town.  The people here have been such a part of moulding our children (and us).  So as we start out good byes the sadness is deep within our hearts.  Although we do not leave for a month, we will take a vacation in the middle of it so we are feeling quite a crunch to get our goodbyes taken care of.  There are so many fun times and we sure are enjoying ourselves!!!

Joseph and Matthew---lifelong friends met when we first arrived and always on a team together supporting and encouraging

Goodbye to neighbors......just doing nothing!

Hikes with the Martell's. This is up at the cabin but Sunday afternoon spontaneous hikes up Beasely are cherished memories


Anna and MacKenzie--couldn't have asked for a better role model for my sweet young lady

Both girls have almost passed up Anna :)

Last soccer tourneys with a great team!

While in Leavenworth for a swim meet- we had to "experience" all the Leavenworth things- especially the hat shop

We have done swim team for 5 years-- all 4 kids and great summer friends!

Parties to celebrate!

The Tran's and the Hock's....10 kids!

And the Weirsma clan

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy 10th Annabelle!

Our sweet Annabelle turned ten last weekend! The tradition in our home is that the 10th birthday is the last party...therefore they are allowed a big bash, inviting anyone they want, and whatever theme they want.  Annabelle followed in her brother's footsteps and wanted an Amazing Race birthday party.  There were 18 little girls, 7 other siblings, and 10 adults helping!!!  I can't believe we pulled it off with everything else going on, but it happened wonderfully.  They travelled all over town and completed various tasks for about 2 hours.  As usual- the video camera was out of battery and I couldn't be everywhere they went so we only ended up with a limited amount of pictures.  It seems that no matter how hard I try-- that video camera never has it's battery full!!

All I can say is- Happy Birthday Annabelle- you are an absolutely beautiful young lady!!! We are so privileged to have you in our lives.  Your tender heart towards God and others impacts all those you come in contact with!  We love your diligence, servant's heart, and desire to follow God.
Let the games begin

Happy Birthday Annabelle

Finding the balloon with "the mark"

Brain Freeze!

More brain freeze

Racing through Walmart

There she is!

The food challenge....Lanni had Flaming Hot Cheetos