Abigail’s 15th Birthday

Being an off year from having a birthday party Abigail got to choose something fun to do for her birthday instead (experiences over stuff).  I had a mani-pedi groupon down in Kent that needed to be used so I proposed she come along and get one too.  She was happy to oblige.  So the day before her birthday we headed down to Kent right after school and got pampered.  We’d passed Café Rio on the way so we had to double back afterward and enjoy a yummy dinner.  We also hit up Winco since we were in the area and then I dropped her off at the church for youth just a few minutes late.

Abigail was up bright and early on her birthday for early morning seminary.  I had a cinnamon roll for her to enjoy and the birthday banner hanging from the mantle.  She was spoiled at school by her friends.  One friend woke up at 5am so she could make Abigail brownies.  Several posted “shout outs” on Instagram.  I shared this picture on Instagram with the following caption:  15 years ago today I became a Mom and pretty much hit the jackpot #ilookterrible #60lbsfor9lbs #pushedforhours #rippedtoshreads #worthit #bestjobever

Abigail went straight to the library with friends after school to study for finals so Drew and I had plenty of time to finish up her volleyball birthday cake and requested dinner of chicken biscuits.  I also made a yummy corn dip as an ‘appetizer’.

Drew was happy to help clean up the frosting mess.

Gravity really isn’t my friend with these ball cakes and I won’t be sad at all if I’m never asked to make another.  The birthday girl (and her little sidekick) loved it though so it was worth it.

Since Abigail and I went out the day before her birthday she decided that Justin should be able to take her to Red Robin the day after her birthday to redeem her birthday burger.  She was pretty impressed that Justin also had a coupon for a free meal so they walked out only paying for the tip.

Then on Saturday she got to go out shopping with Grandma Fletcher.  The girl loves to shop so it was the perfect way to celebrate.

I truly do feel like the luckiest Mom to be blessed with Abigail as my daughter.  She makes me look like I’m the awesomeist Mom and I’m so grateful she’s mine.  Happy Birthday Abigail! 

Christmas Break

I was really looking forward to Christmas Break this year.  We came into it with zero plans, but I’d hoped for lots of fun family time at home and some productivity mixed in there for good measure.  It was all that and more. 

The kids had the entire week off of school before Christmas.  Unless I have a picture marking an event, sadly I don’t remember what we did.  My memory is toast.

December 20:  We were all grateful to be able to sleep in on most days.  Now that Drew is out of a crib and potty trained it makes it easier for me to sleep in.  Jason and Katie should be able to help him with anything he may need, but on this particular morning he wanted me to get up to help him with breakfast.  Apparently, he waited next to me so long that he fell back to sleep.  My phone stamp has this pegged at 9:59am – I can still sleep in like the best of teenagers!

We weren’t entirely lazy.  I still tried to get to the gym a couple days a week and since both girls weren’t doing anything active during break they were “required” to exercise at least two days a week.  I did a little elliptical along side the girls tonight before trying out a new yoga class.

While the kids and I were at the gym, Justin was off with an old college buddy shooting.  Justin and I both went through the accounting program with Ryan and he lives in the area and sells guns on the side.  According to Justin’s Instagram:  “The last time I shot a gun was probably a Boy Scout campout in the 80’s.  {tag to our gun-loving friend Benjamin} I’m in need of some target practice.  #steadyhandiamnot”

December 21:  Justin had several days he needed to take as vacation before the year ended.  Today was the first.  He went running this morning along side Jason and Carly who were riding their bikes.  Burrrr!  We’ve had a very cold winter this year!

Justin and I went into Bellevue for lunch at Daniel’s Broiler.  I’ve been carrying around a Daniel’s gift card with a small balance for years and was glad to finally use it up.  After lunch we went to see the new Star Wars movie and then we hit up a few fabric stores on before heading home for a necessary reupholstery project.  Day dates are some of my favorites.

December 22:  Today we took the kids into Seattle to see the Harry Potter gingerbread houses at the Sheraton.  We waited in line for about 10 minutes and then decided we’d just walk around the back of the displays and skip the long line.  The displays were pretty amazing – moving staircases and trains, etc… The details were impressive.

December 23:  This evening we took the three littles down to Center street to see Santa who was hanging out at the temporary ice-skating rink.  Drew was excited until we got there and then had zero desire to sit on Santa’s lap.

The kids were totally unprepared to ask Santa for anything – I think Katie replied Legos and Jason said “something cool”.

Santa was super friendly and kept trying to engage Drew.  Finally Santa just scooped Drew up onto his lap.

Justin and I hit up Brunello’s for dinner and then I started on our reupholstery project.  We bought our dining room set way back in July 2001 (15 1/2 years ago!) – the white fabric has been in dire need of cleaning (or replacement) for many years.  We didn’t use the set very often in Auburn, but since moving here it’s become the place where the kids do all their homework and projects.  One of the chairs recently split open so it was time to do something about the nasty seat covers.  I couldn’t justify getting them reupholstered – even at $50 per chair that would be a $300 investment in a set I don’t love.  So, Justin and I picked up some fabric, borrowed a staple gun, and I channeled my inner upholsterist and got to work.   It wasn’t difficult, but it was time consuming (I spent 5-6 hours working on the six chairs).  Getting the corners pulled and folded consistently on each chair was tricky, but I’m really happy with the results and kicking myself that we didn’t do it years before. 

December 27:  This morning we met up with the Reynolds for the long-talked about shooting date.  Benjamin is WAY into guns and we’ve been talking about going shooting with them for years.  Sommer hadn’t been shooting with Benjamin since before they were married and I don’t recall ever shooting a gun so Benjamin had his work cut out for him with three greenies.

He brought a couple different types of guns and lots of ammo.  He’s a member of an outdoor shooting range near the Falls so we were able to join him as his guests.  I was glad to find that I’m actually a pretty good shot.  I was super excited that Justin had taken some video of me hitting a golf ball for the first time. 

By the end of the two hours we spent at the range I was pretty consistent hitting the balls.  Super fun date and I’m certain it won’t be long before we do it again.  We both have prime cards so we headed to a local restaurant with the Reynolds for a 2-for-1 lunch afterward.

While Justin and I were out playing with our friends the kids were back home sorting through all the craft stuff we had pulled out of the kitchen and laundry room cupboards.  I was relieved that the girls were ready to get rid of most of it and they had organized what they still thought we should keep.  Decluttering makes me so happy!

The T-Mobile Tuesday promo today was any movie for $2.  It wasn’t hard to convince the Reynolds and Olsens to join us to see Passengers that evening.  All the kids convened at the Reynolds house and the big kids played XBox while the little kids watched a couple movies.  Fun today from beginning to end.

December 28:  Justin and I had reservation this morning for brunch at the Salish Lodge – another 2-for-1 on his prime card.  When we moved to Seattle 16 years ago I told Justin that someday I want to eat at the restaurant on top of the Space Needle and stay at the Salish Lodge.  We still haven’t done either, but this morning was a step in the right direction.  It was delicious and something we’ll definitely have to do again – perhaps even as guests.

I’m so grateful to live is such a beautiful area.

Back at home we dug in deep to our kitchen cleanup/reorganization.  The goal was to empty every single drawer and cupboard, clean it (inside/out), sort through every single item we own – getting rid of anything we don’t need/want and then put it back together in the places that makes the most sense.  We’ve been in our house nearly six years now and there were several drawers and cupboards that we changed based on what works best for how we use our kitchen.  I took this picture when only about half of the cabinets were empty. 

It was a huge job but I’m loving the results, but we’re all still getting used to where to find things.

December 31:  Our New Year’s Eve wasn’t very exciting.  I don’t remember much about the day, but this about sums up our evening.

Carly spent the evening with friends.  Abigail went to the big church dance – though because of an impending snowstorm they celebrated the new year at 11pm so she was home just before midnight and able to party with Justin and I.  We’d thought about keeping the littles up until midnight but I think they were getting on our nerves so a super late night was a no-go.

January 1:  A new year meant our ward moved from 9am church to 1pm.  The later church was welcome after a late night and even more snow flurries.

A new year also means new classes for the kids.  Drew advanced from nursery to sunbeams – which means we have officially graduated from nursery.  Drew was excited about going to primary.  Katie walked him in the room chatting it up and making it such a big deal that Drew started to get pretty nervous and didn’t want to sit down in the row of sunbeams.  It took some coaxing from the sweet primary leaders to help him feel comfortable.  He was all smiles when I picked him up from class two hours later.  That evening I got a text from one of the Mom’s of an adorable little girl in sunbeams informing me that apparently her daughter had initiated quite a bit of smooching with Drew during class.  No wonder he was a happy little boy!

January 2:  More snow! 

It sure sounds like Justin and I left the kids a bunch during break – and perhaps we did get to go out a bit more than usual, but they had a great time as well.  Time with friends, babysitting gigs for the girls, super late nights, shopping, and of course we played some games and did a puzzle or two.  I bought this 1000 piece Mickey puzzle while in Disneyworld and oh, my it was a bugger!  Pieces that fit in multiple places – it was a challenge for sure.  I’ve already passed it along to another unsuspecting family :)

Then it was all over and we were back to the grind of early mornings, school, homework, sports practices, regular workouts, carpools, etc…

2016 Christmas Card & Letter

The Fletchers officially cruised through 2016 having just returned from a Disney Caribbean cruise over Thanksgiving.  We met so many Disney characters, ate and ate some more, hiked on Virgin Gorda BVI, and enjoyed the beach and sunshine at St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.  Other family adventures included camping trips with friends, a visit from Holly’s brother Tyrone and his girls in June, girls camp, EFY, volleyball camps, and Cub Scout camp.

JUSTIN completed the Spartan Trifecta which consists of 4, 8, and 12 mile obstacle courses, visited friends while on business in Dallas, and climbed Mt. St. Helens this summer.  HOLLY snuck away on girls’ trips to Catalina Island and to see Adele in concert in Vancouver.  H & J enjoyed the best of company on a couples’ trip to Sunriver, Oregon in May while the kids loved having Holly’s Mom and Val come up to stay with them. 

ABIGAIL (14) had a great season playing volleyball on the JV team this fall and is excited to start her first year of club vball.  We’re a little sad to no longer see her play on the soccer field and basketball court. Fall was crazy busy as she balanced a rigorous vball schedule, playing flute in the pep band, starting early morning seminary, refereeing soccer and maintaining her 4.0 GPA.

CARLY (12) joined the braces club and excelled in the classroom as well as at basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and her first year of volleyball.  She continues to love to create – making her own Halloween costume and creating fun sewing projects.   She worked hard this summer running a trash container cleaning business, but prefers earning money by less filthy means as a babysitter.

JASON (9) played soccer and two seasons of basketball and enjoys attending Cub Scouts. He loves playing games, Legos, and doing anything outside with neighborhood friends.  He got his first gear bike this summer and enjoys riding along the many local trails.

KATIE (6) started first grade in the fall and also played soccer.  She tries to keep us all in check, but is also the most affectionate and playful little girl.  We love that J & K can now walk to the new school in our neighborhood. 

DREW (3) has the smile and blue eyes that can brighten anyone’s day.   He seems to be everyone’s favorite and makes each day an absolute joy.  He has no problem keeping up with his older siblings and makes just as many messes.

We want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!

Christmas Day

Christmas landed on a Sunday this year so our morning routine was a bit different than usual.  My alarm went off at 7:30am and I was surprised that we hadn’t already been woken up by any excited children.  While I got ready the kids started waking up and we were eager to bust downstairs to check out their stockings. 

We bought our Christmas tree back in 2003 (after Christmas clearance) and we’ve had issues with a couple strands of lights for the last few years.  After Christmas we gave the tree away to a young couple from our old ward.  Guess we’ll be getting a new tree in 2017!  I HATE fluffing the thing so we paid Carly $10 whopping dollars to do it for us.  Justin and the kids did all the decorating of the tree this year – Jason found some random orange ribbon and wrapped it around the tree a couple times and then tied each end to a branch.  It wasn’t the most impressive tree, but that’s how we’ve always rolled around here.  A few years ago Santa started a tradition of hanging candy canes on the tree when he visits.  The kids love it.  

I love that the kids still get excited about the lifesavers, toothbrushes, and oranges they get in their stockings each year.  Santa keeps it simple – just like we like it.

Our Sunday church service was moved from 9am to 10am with only a sacrament meeting service and we were combined with the other ward that meets in our building.  After digging through our stockings we enjoyed a delicious Waffle Luv style breakfast and then headed off to church where it was nice to focus on the Savior and enjoy many beautiful musical numbers shared by members of our ward.

The second we got home the church clothes got thrown off and the pjs put back on.  It was time to unwrap all those gifts under the tree!  The kids may say I torture them by not putting names on any of the gifts I wrap.  Instead of names I’ve been hiding a small number or letter on each gift and I have a master list on my phone of which goes to who.  We only goofed on one gift.  I’m pretty sure my mom did this a time or two because I was a gift counter {shocker!} and sorted the gifts under our tree often - keeping close tabs on how many everyone had.

We told the kids not to expect much for Christmas.  We just got back from an ultimate vacation and typically keep things pretty inexpensive for Christmas anyhow.  As December wore on the gifts under the tree seemed to be multiplying on a daily basis.  As I mentioned Abigail was really excited about giving gifts to everyone this year and I really found some killer deals that I simply couldn’t pass up.  T-Mobile had a couple fun Tuesday promos in December.  One week we got $15 per line (we have five) to a website that sells fun and unique gifts and knick-knacks.  I found some cool stuff that we were able to get basically for free.  Then another week they gave $25 per line (that’s $125!) to Zappos.com.  We scored some awesome stuff that was already on sale – Sanuk sandals and a gym bag for me, slides for Carly, flip-flops for Justin, and a new pair of shoes for Katie.  Amazon also had some amazing deals – it seemed we got a package a day – putting our Amazon Prime membership to good use.

Anyhow, the kids felt like they were spoiled when quite honestly we spent very little.  Win-Win!

Abigail received some new film for her Instax and an album to hold all the Instax pictures she’s taken so far.

Carly was thrilled to get the converse and booties she really, really wanted – she had to use some of her Christmas money to pay for one of them, but has been very happy with her new footwear.

Jason got a couple Lego sets and a new basketball (since I ran over his the week before – totally not my fault since it was left loose and had rolled under the van).

Katie and Drew got a few clothes and some Magformers toys to share with the fam.

My Mom and Val bought gifts for Katie and Drew and sent money to the three oldest and candy to all.

Drew loved his Mickey hat and Big Hero toy.

Katie scored two Lego sets on her wish list from Grandma and Val.

The opening of sibling gifts is always so fun to watch.

Abigail bought Carly a cool earring holder (Carly had been using a earring holder she crafted out of Legos) and Carly got Abigail some fuzzy socks filled with candy kisses and gum disguised by being carefully wrapped in dollar bills.

Carly bought Katie a big package of pez candy with a Santa dispenser.

Jason was so excited to get his own dot-to-dot book from Abigail.

Jason picked out a mega hauler truck for Drew to play with all the hot wheels cars we have.

And Drew got Abigail a much desired baseball hat.

Drew seemed to have all the big boxes under the tree.  Abigail wrapped up a Nemo ball for Drew in this huge box.

Drew didn’t want to get clothes on after church so clearly he didn’t

Justin and I typically don’t exchange gifts, but I did buy him a pull-up bar that he’d been talking about wanting.  We won’t get into the drama he caused by snooping around in my Amazon cart and discovering that I was looking at them and then trying to passive-aggressively hint that he didn’t really want a pull-up bar after all, but little did he know it had already been purchased.  Nope, we won’t get into that at all. :)

Our family room was quite the scene by the time we had everything unwrapped.

The afternoon passed quickly and then it was time to head down to the Baumgartner’s to celebrate with the Fletcher Family.  Dinner was delicious and we had a great time visiting and exchanging gifts. 

We stayed way past bedtime and Drew was so conked out that he barely woke up as we brought him into the house and helped him into bed.  A very Merry Christmas indeed!