Playdate at Bradley Lake Park

Kids on a tree along the path around the lake.

What a great day to play at the park today. The sun wasn't too hot and there was a beautiful slight wind to cool us off at all times. That was good for the pregnant lady in our company today. (NOT ME!!) Thanks to the Finnestads for coming down our way and playing today. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Closing is set!!

Well, we recieved our phone call today. Closing is set for 8/1/08! As long as everything goes according to schedule we should be moving in next weekend. WOO HOO! Oh my goodness, there is so much to do. YIKES!

The Important Things in Life

I was reminded today how important the little things are. Now of course I had plenty on my list to do today...packing, packing, cleaning, packing, etc. But I really felt like the kids needed some mommy time. So, I took the kids to see a movie today at one of the theatres that has the free summer kids program. The movie was Veggie Tales Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. The kids had already seen it once so I wasn't sure if it would keep their attention or not. As the movie started a little hand crept over mine followed by a small voice that asked to sit in my lap. Isabella climbed on and we got to cuddle for the next 90 minutes. When some of the more "rockin" songs came on (especially at the end) my three kids got out of their seats and had a blast dancin' in the aisle. I wasn't worried about what we might look like or what other mom's might be saying around me. I was just focused on my three kids and having fun with them.

It is funny to me how quickly I forget to cherish these days and moments. Of course there are the moments we like to brush under the rug (like bed time last night and all the tears that came with it). But when I stop to think about it, we have so many more great ones than challenging ones. Why is it I get stuck on the challenging ones sometimes. Well, not today. Today I rejoice as a mom who really got to have fun and let loose with her kids. A moment that probably none of my kids will remember in a couple of months but I will have forever!!

FYI - I am trying to finish typing this as my kids have decided today is the day to practice (a lot) on the drum set. Even this moment I am glad for.

VBS-Power Lab

Well, another summer week has passed. I am happy to say that this one was spent winning souls for Christ. We just finished our week of VBS today. It was amazing. As an adult, I expect VBS to be about the kids. But I have to admit the Lord taught me a lot this week. I am definitely a work in progress and I am glad He's not through with me yet. My kindergartener's were full of energy this week. We averaged 29-30 kids each day. Thankfully I had incredible helpers. We saw six in our group make decisions for Christ.

I feel as though I've had a mid summer (oohhh, it hurts to say mid summer already) reality check for what it will be like when we go back to school schedules in September. Is anyone else enjoying the "lazy days" of summer yet? Well, even if they don't get lazy in the next week or two, Sun Cove is right around the corner!!

BBQ Pictures

Sweet Mikayla taking a break from the heat

Greg, the horseshoe champion!

Mom, Jordan & Isabella

Some awesome water fights

Bella playing bean bag toss

I would have published these pictures with the actual blog below but as a beginner on the whole blogging thing it took me 15 minutes to figure out how to get the pictures to show up. I know, I know, pretty pathetic! Hey, we all can't be Denise you know!

Summer BBQ's

I don't know about you but one of my favorite things to do is BBQ. I am one of those crazy's that will do it rain or shine. Today though, we had plenty of sunshine to go around. It was so hot today! LOVE IT! We had a fun family BBQ today at my mom and dad's. We had fabulous food, Greg was crowned the horse shoe champion, the kids had a killer water fight with Aunt Chrissy and Adam, and I ate more calories than I'm sure I'm allowed in 48 hours let alone 3!! Oh well. It's not like I was about to turn down a chile dog, or steak to die for, or potatoe salad, or homemade rolls, or chocolate cream pie. Anyone hungry???

Inspection is clear!

Well, it looks as if we have found the house for us. The inspection went off without a hitch. We've told the bank to move forward with the loan. The house is in a great neighborhood in Puyallup. Sorry for all you friends and family in Kent and Maple Valley. But it isn't Florida!!

We had a crazy week last week. With ambulance rides and 911 calls for Jordan, we are happy to be a little BORED this week. The kids have been attending a neighbor's backyard VBS this week. Wow does that take me back!! You'll have to ask them about "candy stack". It's been a great incentive to bring friends.

For those who haven't heard yet, Jordan WILL be in the first grade this year. We ended up having some confusion (to put it nicely) in the district's offices but all is well and Jordan is so excited to go to public school this year. I am too. Is anyone else surprised by how early the school supplies came out this year. The stores already have dedicated isles to them. CRAZY!