Port Townsend Road Trip

Jason had a work meeting to attend in Port Townsend, and since going to Port Townsend means a ferry ride, I asked if we could tag-along for the drive. He said yes, so yesterday we headed out on the road trip. While Jason was working, the kids and I had an amazing time in Port Townsend. First we enjoyed the ferry ride. The we hit up a local candy store, where they each filled a bag with goodies. After that, we walked over to a waterfront park and enjoyed our treats, climbed rocks, and played. Next, we walked to the toy store where we found some great kites and then hit the beach to fly them. The kids did a great job flying their kites and when they got tired we hit up another park where according to Isabel they played "until their sides split" Finally, we drove over to a local pizza shop where they had a claw candy game that just let the kids play for free...I mean could it get any more fun!

Sled kites are the best, and yes the kids really can fly them on their own

The kids found this unbelievably long stick which provided at least a half hour of entertainment

Josiah enjoying the water views

They found this really great tree to climb, just their size

Enjoying their treats and having fun on the beach

Did I Mention A New Car?!?!

We had the most amazing blessing happen to us a few weeks ago. My step-dad called me and said that they wanted to buy us a new car! So they sent us out shopping for a wonderful new mini-van to bring home our new baby. This is such a wonderful gift and we are so incredibly thankful! I really don't think we will ever be able to say thank you enough...thank you, thank you, thank you!

Our shiny new mini-van

Isabel loves to take it out for a "drive"

Josiah, who is normally the driver, doesn't even mind being the passenger in this beauty

The kids enjoying their favorite part, the built-in DVD player

Goodbye Richardson Family

My dear friend Erica and her family are leaving Seattle for Minneapols this week. It has been so bittersweet as I know God has amazing plans for their family, but in my heart I hate to see them go. Just to let you know how dear they are to me, I have known Erica for about 7 years now. She and her husband were two of the first people I met when I became a Christian. They led the communty group where Jason and I met. Erica was instrumental in helping Jason pick out my wedding ring. Her boy and my girl are two weeks apart, as are her girl and my boy. We started a co-op preschool together. She is like a sister to me and I love her kids as if they were my own.

The other day I made a musical slideshow of all of our memories and I couldn't stop crying. I am going to miss them so much! Thanks for all of the memories and I look forward to making more! Even if they are fewer and farther apart! I love you guys!

Gabriella and I hug goodbye. We got her to smile, but not before many tears

The "sisters"

James, Ibby, Gabby, and Josiah...close as cousins!

(We love our John too, but he was at school this day)

Make Way For Baby

The kids have been having a blast as I indulge my nesting instinct and get everything ready for the arrival of our baby boy. Just as I get everything set up the way I want it, I find them having lugged all the baby items into the living room and playing mommy, daddy, and baby. This is pretty much a daily battle, but my nesting instinct will win! Either that, or they will just get really bored with acting like a newborn.

Isabel and the mama getting ready to burst!

Now really, where can you find cuter babies?

Summer Fun

Okay, so God has been so good to me this year. I was so sad that with Baby Boy arriving late June that I would totally miss summer. Warm weather doesn't usually arrive here until July. But this year we have had the most amazing summer. I don't think we've had a day below 70 this whole month. So the kids and I have been thoroughly enjoying ourselves, hitting up every spray park and playground in town and even making a water park in our own yard to be enjoyed by all. It has been a blast thus far and I am looking forward to one more week with hopefully ample opportunities to get some sun. Here are some pictures of all the the sunny fun!

At a local spray park, where Isabel felt like queen of the water ring

Josiah must have hurt himself 5 different times on this ride, but he couldn't resist getting back on

After months of an intense slide phobia, Isabel finally conquers her fears

At Forest Park with an amazing petting zoo with bunnies, horses, and where goats roam freely! Fun!

My boy, who really is always the life of the party

Josiah and our next door neighbor Sullivan enjoying a beach party

Isabel getting her slip and slide groove on