Time with Grandpa & Grandma

Matt's parents, from Indiana, were here for a visit last week. We had a lot of fun together . They even fit right into our homeschooling schedule. The kids loved having Grandpa and Grandma help them with their school work. Thanks Grandpa Larry and Grandma Carolyn!!!! We love you!

Field Trip to New York??

Okay, we didn't actually go to New York but we did see a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty. Does anyone know where this is (hint: it is somewhere in the Seattle area)??

It's in West Seattle at a fun beach called Alki Beach. We took the kids there for a field trip a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful Fall day and we walked, explored and even had a Starbuck's treat! I love a good adventure!

Luke being silly....even though it really does break his heart to see signs like this! =)

Highlights from my 36th Birthday

So...on September 21st I turned 36 years old. That feels pretty old to me, because now I am closer to 40 than 30! Boohoo! Birthdays aren't quite as fun anymore, but I have to admit this year was a really special birthday! Here are a few of my highlights:

*My Sister came up a few days before my birthday to help celebrate. We did some shopping and she made me a yummy meal (including my favorite banana cake). Wow!! She spoils me too much!

*My dear girlfriend sent me a beautiful "Edible Arrangement" (totally made of fruit). Boy, was I surprised to see that delivered to my door. How thoughtful is that!?!

* My sweet hubby took me out for a special birthday dinner for two. I got to sport my new polka dot dress (I might add that I got it for less than $10 at Value Village). What a find! We enjoyed a yummy Chinese meal together!

*My favorite kiddos loved on me all day. Giving me lots of birthday hugs and homemade cards. So sweet!

* Many other friends did thoughtful things to make my day so memorable!!

Thanks to everyone who made me feel special on my 36th birthday!

The kids were all excited to take pictures of Matt and I before our big date. They did a pretty good job!

The yummy Edible Arrangement!

School Time

Today was our first official day of school! It went pretty smoothly....with only mild grumpiness here and there. It was encouraging to begin our first school day with devotions and prayer, and end it with some sharing time. We are excited for the Fall, and look forward to all the new opportunities that lay before us!

Asha is our big 4th grader now. Below Asha is helping Rusty with his school work! Boy, is he spoiled!

Lana is in 2nd grade. She was very excited to start learning cursive today.

Luke is also in 2nd grade. He created this desk in his room all by himself, and is eager to do his work at it. Way to go, Luke!

Jeffrey, who is not pictured, is continuing some preschool work. Mostly he bombs around the house looking for trouble and listening to music when he can.

Let the school year begin!!!!

The Oregon Coast

We were greatly privileged to get some time away with my family this summer. We try to do this every summer, and we always are counting down the days until this time comes!!! With five adults and ten kids running around (though 2 1/2 are teenagers now), it certainly makes the time full of laughter and adventure! This year we chose to go to Rockaway Beach, Oregon...we had three condos right on the oceanfront. What a view and how great for the kids who could walk a few feet and be on the beach!! My personal highlight was waking up early each morning and running on the beach with my sister, and then stopping by the local coffee shop for our morning latte (we'd usually run into my Dad too). I could get used to doing that!! I have a ton of pictures from our time...so I'll let these pictures tell more.

Jeffrey at Rockaway Beach. I love those rocks in the back ground!

Opa with his sweet May May!

Ernst, Kristol, Dad, and I walking on the beach.

Cousin Time!
This is where we ate most of our meals. Right out on our joint deck overlooking the beach.

One of the nights we decided to make a bonfire and roast marshmallows. Unfortunately, we chose the coldest of the nights. Brr....

We got to enjoy several beautiful sunsets over the beach. Truly breathtaking!!

I think Matt thought this picture was a bit cheesy, but at least it shows some creativity. =)

On our last day there we got to celebrate Malaya's 3rd birthday. We went to Tillamok Creamery for some serious ice cream. The two Jeffrey's loved it!

The girls had "cake batter" ice cream. They had way too many flavors to choose from!

There's the big birthday girl!! Pretty and pink!!!

What a memorable time!! All thanks to the Lord!

2nd Annual Neighborhood Block Party

I'm a bit behind on blogging these days! Our neighborhood block party was quite a while ago in the thick of summer. Wow...is it already September?!! Where did the summer go?

This year at our block party we had two surprise guests. The first one was the rain! It rained the entire day. We thought about canceling it, but instead we forged ahead and it turned out to be a great time regardless of the constant drizzle. We had it mostly in our garage...and it made things very cozy. The rain didn't seem to keep very many people away.

The second surprise was the Shoreline Fire Department came for a visit and brought their big truck. The kids were so excited as they got personal tours of the fire truck. The firemen even stayed and chatted with us for a while. What a great neighborhood and community event!! Here are some pictures of our time.

Some of the kids with the firemen.

Three cheers for the Shoreline Fire Department!!!

Matt grilling in style! Thank goodness for this little tent covering!

Rose Gardens

One of my favorite places to visit in Portland is the Rose Gardens. This past weekend I was able to take my whole family (Matt and my kids had never been there before). It is 5 acres of roses of all colors and varieties. Truly an amazing sight! It also sits up on a hill that has incredible views of downtown Portland and Mt. Hood. I took a few pictures while we were there. I don't have a fancy camera, but the ones with the kids I thought were sure cute! Enjoy!

Luke being silly with his cousins! They all enjoyed walking amongst the roses.

Jeffrey taking time to smell the flowers.

These were my favorite. Love the purple mixed with fuchsia. Wow!

Asha's favorite.

Sweet Malaya couldn't get enough of the roses. She wanted me to take her picture again and again. How could I resist!!

My sis and I...this picture doesn't capture this beautiful yellow flower!