Seattle

We went to Seattle with my family so they could say "we went to Seattle" LOL. We decided to take the kids to the aquarium. It was to say the least an adventure.

View from the "Sky Bridge"


On the waterfront.

These are those fish from Nemo that make all the fun shapes. =)

Isaiah, Elijah and Taylor in the "dome"

Scuba diver feeding the fish. During the presentation they asked the kids what was the biggest animal in the world. Isaiah raised his hand and they called on him and correctly responded the "Blue Whale" I must admit Peter and I were beaming with pride at our smarty pants.

"Papa" and Miguel.

Exploring

Nemo

Elijah caught me!!

Isaiah, Elijah, Taylor and Mary riding the whale fin.

Isaiah and his Mom. He's not too big for me yet!

Hannah meets her family

Hannah and Aunt Mary
Hannah and Grammie

Hannah and Papa...look at her tongue.

Hannah and cousin Taylor

Week with Our Family

My family flew in from Maine on the 30th for ten days and I can't believe they have already left. It went by so fast. I really didn't think they would make the trip all the way out here to see us but they did. We had such a great time. It was also very bitter sweet because the whole time even though I was trying to enjoy each day with them I knew they'd be leaving and again the overwhelming feeling of loneliness would be back. And I am very sad to see them go. It almost makes the move to Washington harder, because the reality hits home again. But I am thankful that they had the chance to come and visit and meet Hannah. And next year we will fly back to Maine to see them. Here are some pics from the visit.

Here are the cousins all snug in bed ready to watch a movie.

Elijah, Miguel, Taylor and Isaiah.

We had 2 September birthdays so we decided to celebrate all 4 of the kids birthdays since we were together. They loved it. Presents and cake...perfect kid combo.

Searching for sea creatures in Birch Bay right in the village where we live.

We were pretty blessed with the beautiful fall weather. The leaves were amazing and all the colors of fall were a real treat.

Miguel thought he would get on top of the big pumpkin...but it proved to be more of a challenge.

Acting silly on the tractor. Taylor, my dad, Mary, Miguel, Isaiah and Elijah

We had amazing views of Mt Baker all week.

Checking out the animals.

Mary and Miguel.

Making brownies with Auntie Mary.

Forever Cousins, Forever Friends

Elijah (5) Taylor (6) Isaiah (9)

Hannah is 2 weeks

2 weeks doesn't seem like a long time but in the life of a newborn it is. Hannah is 2 weeks today. She's already changed since we brought her home. Her little cheeks are rounder and her legs are getting chubbier. She is awake more and is noticing her surroundings much more. She loves to hear her brothers and knows her daddy, and of course her mommy. We keep commenting that she literally gets cuter while she sleeps.

UPDATE At Hannah's 2 week check up her doctor said "she's perfect"...it's what every parent wants to hear. She weighed in at 8lbs 5oz and 21 3/4 inches long. She's growing!

Hannah's Dedication

We had Hannah dedicated today at church. It was a blessing to be reminded of the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel, giving back the son she desperately desired of the Lord and then in obedience fulfilling her promise to give Samuel back to Him. And so we did the same with little Hannah today. Hannah along with Isaiah and Elijah belong to Him and we have the honor to raise them. It was nice to have my family there to take part in such a special time. We felt so blessed by our church family as well. They were so excited to meet little Hannah and we were overwhelmed with prayers and congratulations.

Pumpkin Patch!

The day was beautiful. Sunny and bright. We enjoyed hot dogs, hot apple cider, and cider donuts.

Here's our ten year anniversary picture...we look fabulous.

Hannah Bear already for her first big outing.

Corn maze Papa, Isaiah, Elijah, Taylor, Mary and Miguel.

Cousins, Isaiah, Taylor, and Elijah

Isaiah

Elijah

Happy 10 Year Anniversary

Happy Ten Year Anniversary to us! I just wanted say a few words about how thankful I am to be married to my husband. For some reason the "ten" year mark has always seemed like a big deal to me. But now as we celebrate our ten year anniversary I realize that it's not making it to ten years that is important but rather the journey we have been on together to get here. And what a journey it has been. From the second we got engaged our lives have been on an amazing adventure, and this year has been no different. We moved to Washington, and we welcomed our beautiful daughter Hannah. I am so thankful for the journey the Lord has brought us on and that He has given me the perfect man to be on that journey with. I can't wait to see what is in store in the next ten years.