Washington Coast

We spent this past weekend with Justin’s parents on the coast. We stayed in Ocean Shores at the same house we stayed four years ago. We got there around noon on Friday and while Katie (and Justin) took naps, Linda and I took the kids to the beach to see if we could manage to fly some kites. It's important to note (for anyone who may not know) that visiting the ocean in Washington is not what most would think of as a beach vacation... the water is freezing, the sky is usually cloudy and grey, and it is usually quite windy. It was great conditions for flying a kite though and without much effort all three kids looked like pros.

The wind was so strong that the kites basically flew themselves.

Jason was hilarious to watch. He was having so much fun running around with his little kite. I love this next picture of him dragging his kite down the beach hoping the wind will get it back up in the air.

Jason also caught on to the idea of chasing his sisters around trying to get his kite caught up in the string from their kite. It was so fun for me to watch them try something new and have so much fun with it.

Before heading back to the house the kids played a bit in the ocean.

After dinner we all drove down to the beach. Justin’s parents were following us in their car and called us questioning Justin’s judgment about driving on the sand. There were many other cars parked down by the water so Justin confidently dismissed their warning. Of course, less than a minute later Justin had us stuck in the sand. Thankfully there were a few nice people nearby that helped him push while I plowed our way onto more solid ground. Abigail commented that she will remember our first trip to Ocean Shores because she had to go to the ER to get stitches and she will remember this trip because Dad got the car stuck in the sand. Aside from that little adventure, the kids also had fun flying kites and playing on the sand dunes.

I’m one lucky Momma!

Jason discovered the joy of rolling down the sand dunes – needless to say showers were needed before bed.

Saturday morning we headed up north a bit to check out the beaches. I also wanted to visit Seabrook – a new seaside community that I’ve heard fabulous things about. I’ll admit to falling in love at first sight. It’s a little town straight from the movies. Someday I’d like to return for a few days and stay in one of the cottages.

We stopped at played at Pacific Beach. Again, great conditions for kite flying.

But there was a significant difference – can you tell?

Though still cold, the sun was shining and the wind wasn’t nearly as overwhelming.

The kids also enjoyed playing in the sand and attempting to build a sand castle.

Unfortunately, with a toddler around they didn’t get to far.

I was surprised how much Katie enjoyed the beach. My kids typically don’t like getting dirty, but Katie didn’t seem to mind at all.

By the end of the day she had sand everywhere. She was shivering cold (didn’t help that she played in the little stream) and quickly fell asleep in the car on our way back to Ocean Shores.

After we ate lunch we decided to take the kids miniature golfing. This is something I’ve been excited to do as a family for a while now. Unfortunately Katie had only napped 30 minutes in the car the entire day so she wasn't the happiest to be there and was difficult to keep contained on the hole we were playing on. Half way through the 18 holes Justin ended up sacrificing his game to keep Katie entertained. It was still a fun experience though.

Jason had lots of fun though he shows no signs of future golf greatness

Sunday we attended church at the small branch in town and spent the afternoon playing games and relaxing before heading home.

Beach BBQ & Bubbles

I feel like I haven’t posted much lately and we’re already half way through August. This summer is flying by! Our summer continues to be cooler and much more cloudy than we’d like, but we’ve managed to get outside and enjoy it regardless of the weather.

A few weekends ago we were invited to join a couple families in the ward at a nearby lake for a BBQ – again, we were amazed at the beautiful surroundings only 10 minutes from our home.

Even though the lake was ice cold Carly played in the water most of the evening with her friend. Jason also braved the cold water, but didn’t venture too far.

Abigail and Justin topped off the evening playing a little catch. We all had fun and it was a great opportunity to get to know some of the families in our new ward a little better.

Jason’s buddy gave him a bubble wand for his birthday and we finally tried it out last week. The kids had lots of fun chasing the huge bubbles across the backyard. They used up every little bottle of bubbles they could find.

(yep, that’s Katie wearing long sleeves and fleece-lined pants in August)

SOLD!

I’m such an methodical person that I have a hard time posting out of order, but this news is far too exciting to delay… We are the proud owners of not TWO, but ONE home! We accepted an offer almost 6 weeks ago from a family relocated to Seattle from Kentucky and officially closed this afternoon. This past year has been quite the ride - deciding to move, watching our new home be built from the ground up, and selling the home we lived in for 10 years in a less than ideal real estate market. Add to that that just days before we closed on our new home we get the news that Justin’s employer will likely be bought out in the next year. We’ve had every reason to be stressed out – let’s face it that’s a lot going on, especially for a couple as logical, cost conscious, and controlling as us, but surprisingly it’s been one of our best years. Faith, patience, and calmness are not natural characteristics of mine so I know that the peace I have felt through this process have come from our Heavenly Father and in knowing that this move was the right thing for our family at this time. There have been far too many experiences along the way to deny that. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my moments, but thanks to supportive friends, family, and my therapist we’ve endured it well.

I stopped by the house early this morning to pick up the last of our things and was surprised to find they had already delivered the buyers POD in our driveway – a reassuring indication that they were ready and eager to close as soon as possible.

We took this picture of the kids a few days after we got the offer – all four of them were born while we lived in this house.

Lots of memories here. Last night Justin asked me if I was sad to sell it and without hesitation I answered no; it wasn’t until I walked through the empty house this morning for the last time that I felt a little emotional, especially as I looked at the kids rooms. It’s hard to imagine someone else’s kids sleeping in those rooms.

Today is a happy day though… it’s hard to describe, but it kind of feels like today makes our move official.

** I actually don’t have a therapist per say – just a friend that frequently listens to me ramble about my woes and tells me that I’m awesome. I probably should be paying her.

Stats for J & K

Monday Jason and Katie visited our pediatrician for their 4-year and 15-month checkups. They are doing great and developing just as they should. Both were due for some shots – Jason was trying to be so tough and didn’t shed a single tear or complain at all.

Here are their stats:

Jason:

Weight: 43 pounds (90^th percentile)

Height: 43.5 inches (98^th+ percentile)

Katie:

Weight: 24 pounds, 8.2 ounces (75^th percentile)

Height: 32.6 inches (95^th percentile)

Below is a picture that will likely embarrass Jason when he is older. It was taken shortly after Katie was born. I’m sure I was blown away with how big my “baby” boy suddenly seemed when compared to our new little one.

And here are my babies today – 15 months later

I’m sure Jason will appreciate my mentioning that he is 100% potty-trained and has been for quite sometime – so strange to imagine him in diapers.

Jason’s 4th Birthday

Jason had an awesome fun-filled birthday on Wednesday. When I came downstairs that morning this is how I found the three big kids:

Not sure what they were doing (the TV wasn’t on)… maybe they were just admiring the awesome banner I made (I copied a banner my SIL purchased).

Justin was able to take the day off and made pancakes, bacon and hash browns for breakfast. Jason opened up his present from Grandma Kesler – to be honest he had no clue what a Transformer was, but it didn’t take long for him to become a fan. The girls (and Justin) have also spent time transforming Jason’s new toys.

This was also the first time we’ve heard our sweet, innocent little boy make shooting noises (thanks for that Mom) we now have a bona fide boy on hands.

Justin felt it necessary that Jason have a scooter of his own and what better time to give him one than on his birthday. Jason was thrilled.

After Katie took her morning nap we heading down to Auburn to pick up Jason’s two best buddies for an afternoon at a bouncy place. We knew the boys would have fun and that Jason would be thrilled to spend some time running around with his friends. Jason sure has missed seeing these two boys since we moved.

There’s no validity in the saying “threes a crowd” when it comes to these boys – they were inseparable.

They spent most of the time going down the big slide – over and over, and over…

I threw this little outing together way last minute and didn’t expect the boys to bring gifts for Jason, but they did and Jason loved everything.

Mitchell gave Jason a bat, ball, and a bubble wand.

Jacob gave Jason a giant lollipop and a Cars book that the boys were mesmerized with while they waited for their ice cream at Sam’s Club afterward.

We invited Justin’s family over that evening for dinner and cake and ice cream, but since we were running late we resorted to picking up pizza at Little Caesar’s (who did not live up to their “hot and ready” slogan).

After dinner there were more presents

A big ball, water gun and spinney toy from his cousins and cars, clothes, and a movie from Grandma and Grandpa Fletcher

And here’s the most pitiful birthday cake I’ve ever made for my kids and the adorable four year old boy that thought it was fabulous.

07.31.11 – I married a drinking man

for months we’ve been able to buy delicious, rich chocolate milk from Fred Meyer for cheap

Justin can’t resist a good deal like this

and honestly neither can I

darn those calories though

drinking a gallon (or more) a week over the past few months has easily added a few pounds to both our waistlines

07.30.11 - weekend with the Fletcher women

I spent the last 30 hours with Justin’s mom and sister

We spent last night in Leavenworth, WA (a Bavarian village in Eastern WA) and attended Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at an outdoor theatre

Somehow on the way home today we found ourselves at an outlet mall in Northwestern WA

We’re lucky we made it home at all

I left the camera at home and only took this one picture on my phone while walking around the shops in Leavenworth

Jason is

Earlier this year Jason promised me he would stay three forever – then Carly had a birthday and the next month Katie had a birthday and Jason decided he was going to turn four after all. It's so hard for me to see him grow up – I’ve adored him at three! (of course I’ll adore him at four too, but I wish three could last a little longer). I did a little interview with Jason this morning and included in the clip below is Jason’s promise that he will stay four forever (though I sense a little hesitation, I’m still hopeful he really means it this time).

Below are a few other questions Jason answered:

Favorite colors: blue and red

Favorite foods: pizza, sausage biscuits, and pancakes

Favorite toys: cars

Favorite thing to do outside is: play tag

Favorite treats are: cookies

Favorite animal: horse and sheep

Jason at Four:

Wears a size 5 in clothing and size 12 in shoes

Will nap a 2-3 times a week, but it’s harder in the summer with his older sisters home all day

I’ve been told he is one of the most reverent children in Primary

Plays the piano every day. If he has any future interest in playing music I have no doubt it will be easier for him because of how much exposure he gets to it now

Still plays with cars over any other toy

Isn’t attached to any comfort item – he does have a blanket but we recently lost it for over a month and he didn’t even notice

Loves to play the DS and watch TV and movies, but it’s quite limited at our house

Loves to be outside doing just about anything – riding bikes, scooters, etc…

Doesn't like big dogs

Solid sleeper, he doesn’t have any blinds on his window and the light hasn't bothered him at all

Doesn't like crusts on his sandwich

Loves key lime yogurts which his Dad typically keeps stocked up just for him

Doesn’t like to be messy and after nearly every meal, snack or treat he’ll ask "Is my face clean?"

I’m shocked how much this kids knows – somewhere along the way he learned to recognize numbers and letters without his Mom’s doing

If we’re going somewhere he’ll often ask if we’re going on the freeway – if we are he groans a little. Not sure why – he’s an awesome traveler and doesn’t mind being in the car at all, but apparently he prefers it not be on the freeway

Loves books and will often sit on the couch on his own flipping through books. Sometimes if we know he’s not quite ready for bed we’ll let him sit up in bed and look at books.

Doesn’t like soda – I love that neither Jason nor Abigail like it.

Is great at entertaining himself

Still has some sounds that he struggles to form, but I’m totally fine with it. In fact I think it’s adorable and I know I’ll be sad when he eventually gets it figured out.

07.29.11 – bye-bye cardboard

Getting things settled in our house has been extremely slow going. There are lots of reasons: limited fundage, indecision, lack of time, etc… Today we made a tiny step in the right direction by getting blinds installed in the girls’ rooms. I’ve looked at many, many options and have yet to find the perfect solution. There all either the wrong color, the wrong size, or the wrong style of valance. I told myself I wouldn’t settle, but after four months living with cardboard in the window we decided to move ahead. These are the right color and size, but I wanted a simple valance to match our window trim and these only came with a decorative valance (I know wo is me, right?). Anyhow, we only ordered them in these two rooms so we could see if I can live with them before ordering any others. Baby steps…

(I know it’s only been a few hours, but I still hate that valance)

07.28.11 – get well goodies

Could also be called my, “oh, crap I haven’t taken a picture today, but hey, the kids are heading out the door to deliver cookies to the neighborhood boy that fell off his bike and went to the ER, I’ll take a picture of that and call it good” photo

07.27.11 – happy birthday buddy!

07.26.11 - blockade

I asked the girls to watch Katie this morning while I took a shower. This is what I found as I was heading downstairs.

I guess this is the girls way of keeping Katie from going up the stairs unattended.

Lake Chelan

We thought it would be fun to return to Lake Chelan this summer after having a great time there last year. Justin's coworker received an invitation to stay at some new condos right by the lake and he worked it out so we could get the same deal. In exchange for attending a 90-minute tour (sales presentation) we got to stay in a “luxurious" 3-bedroom condo for two nights at a ridiculously cheap rate plus they threw in a spa package and a fancy-smancy dinner.

We got there Thursday afternoon and the kids went straight to the pool and played for hours despite the cooler than expected/hoped for temperature. After dinner we walked down to the lake and played at a nearby park.

Katie really enjoys swinging

She discovered the thrill of tilting her head backward as she swings

Justin pushed Carly as high as possible

Mr. J always wants to do the monkey bars

The kids were pretty excited to hold the green flags at the crosswalk.

There was a grocery store right by our condo so we picked up a container of ice-cream and made shakes before turning in for bed. Yummy!

Justin and I attended our obligatory tour on Friday morning and actually quite enjoyed it (the kids stayed back at the condo with Grandma and Grandpa Fletcher). The guy was really nice and not at all pushy. I went straight from the meeting to the spa for an hour long massage and pedicure - sweet! I could get used to that kind of pampering.

For lunch we tried out a little drive in across the street from the condo.

That’s our place - the Lake House at Chelan

We liked it so much we also returned there for lunch on Saturday. On both days Jason got the foot-long hotdog.

They had the most delicious Reese’s peanut butter cup shakes with the most candy I’ve ever had before AND they sold fries by the bucket – thus explaining why we had to return again the following afternoon.

The weather Friday and Saturday was perfect pool weather. We took full advantage of it. The three big kids were at the pool all day on Friday. Between naps Katie also joined in on the fun. The condo had the perfect raft/floating contraption for Katie. She loved it.

Friday evening Justin and I had dinner reservations at a delicious little Italian restaurant nearby. We were given a $75 gift certificate so that meant appetizers, drinks, and dessert as well. I’m not kidding when I say it was one of the best meals I’ve had.

We got back just in time to take the kids down to the clubhouse for smores by the pool.

Jason is the funniest little boy when it comes to eating messy foods so he was good with just eating one.

An unexpected bonus was that the tour guide/salesperson also gave us free passes to the local waterpark – 5 tickets at $17/each! (Katie was free) Had we thought it through it maybe would’ve been better to use them on Friday instead of a busy Saturday, but free is free and the kids had tons of fun. There were slides for all ages – including four that Jason could go down by himself.

Katie even got to go down the slide a few times.

We stayed at the waterpark for several hours before deciding we should probably start making the drive home. We had such a great weekend and the kids are already talking about returning again next summer!

07.25.11 - banished

I had dozens of things I wanted to accomplish today. We stayed at home and I tried to be productive… yet also present. Overall the kids did great at entertaining themselves, but it was rainy and there were a few moments of rambunctiousness. By the end of the afternoon I shooed the big kids out the door. My office is right by the front door though so I could hear them playing around on the porch.

07.24.11 – pink hippos

This morning as I dressed Katie in my favorite outfit, I realized her pretty little pink shoes are getting too small. I knew I wanted to get a picture of her wearing them before I could no longer squeeze in her chubby little feet, but she was much too busy to cooperate.

Funny story: I actually bought these shoes on clearance at Target.com for a Christmas gift for Abigail in 2009. Did you catch that? For Abigail – just shy of her 8th birthday. They were incorrectly labeled as a size 5 in girls instead of toddlers. Thankfully, I soon found out we were pregnant with a baby girl so I held onto them.

So grateful for this girl!

07.23.11 - a getaway

Just got home from spending the last few days playing at Lake Chelan