Sister Bond

Sometimes I am reminded by my children what a difficult experience the last year was for them. I believed that when we were all home together, the sadness and worry would disappear. It has for the most part, but now again they voice their concern.

Last night while I was lying with Ellie during bedtime she said the sweetest thing. It's no secret that Ellie has a gravitational pull toward her little sister, and wants to be with her at all times, but this was too cute.

Elle: Mom, can Mia sleep with me.
Me: No, not tonight honey.
Elle: I really really want her to sleep with me though
Me: I know, maybe someday you two can share a room
Elle: Can we share a room tonight?
Me: Not tonight, but you can snuggle her in my bed tomorrow morning. (Ellie's morning routine)
Elle: I will hold onto her like this (wrapping her arms around me)- this stems from the million other times she has asked if Mia could sleep in her bed and me telling her no because she will roll off.

Me: I know, but sometimes when we sleep we might let go.
Elle: Mom, I won't let go... please?
Me: You really like your siss huh?
Elle: Yeah, and I want her to sleep with me
Me: Maybe when she's a little older
Elle: Mom, is Mia gonna go away?
Me: Nope.
Elle: We get to keep her for a long time?
Me: Yes, a long long time
Elle: Can we keep her as long as the guy in the field? (I have no idea what that meant-maybe she saw an elderly man in a field somewhere.)
Me: Sure.
Elle: Mom, when Mia is a little old lady can I still keep her?
Me: Yes, you can still keep her.

That's what I call dedication

Jense really likes T-ball, so much so, that he gets ready the night before. Love this kid!


Jense running to soccer- He has had so much fun this summer doing swimming, soccer, and T-ball. Is it just the first kid thing or is it unique that he always packs his own water bottle and snack? I couldn't get Ellie to pack her own stuff if I tried. I love the dynamic that this little boy brings to our family.

It is sad that he will be in school and I won't have my #1 helper anymore. He is sooo excited for kindergarten and is very proud of the fact that he will be the oldest. Missing the deadline by one day was a blessing in disguise for us during this past year.

I will save all of my rantings about this kid for his birthday post!

Baby Animal

This is my baby animal, in her natural habitat. I could eat her up!!!

*Mia's nursery was painted by miss princess pookie. The room is darling- thanks JoDee! I had so many wonderful friends getting my house all fancy and sparkling clean while I was in the hospital. I haven't taken picture of it, but I love my house!! Thanks guys!!

One last thing before I go... actually one last picture to share...



Mees taking a stand! She's not quite ready to attempt it solo, but still- she's standing.


UPDATE:
One of Mia's heart brothers who needed a heart/lung transplant returned back to heaven. We will miss your smiling face Bridger!!

WHIDBEY

For the 4th (yes over a month ago) we took a ferry ride up to Whidbey Island. My mom grew up on the island and every time I go up there I wonder why I don't pack up and move there myself. It is quite charming with all of the open fields, blue ocean, rolled hay, and homemade jam for sale signs in front of quaint little houses. It is like an entirely different world up there. My aunt and uncle live just a few miles from my grandmothers house. Their property is the home to every type of plant known to man (or that will grow in the NW. When you pull into their drive way you cannot see anything through the millions of plants most of which is bamboo. If you are wondering how many different types of bamboo there are... I will tell you, the varieties are endless. Many a bamboo can be found at their house, growing in abundance taller than I can reach. The bamboo is just the beginning...there are fruit trees in rows like an orchard, a pond, a massive garden, and flowers everywhere. It is a horticulturists haven, and every time I leave I swear to myself that I am going to try harder at being a better gardener. They (Brian and Ellen) even water all of their plants by hand!!



Down the road? Why the ocean of course. The greatest thing about the beaches on Widbey is that no one is EVER there. I maybe see one or two other people during my visits. The shoreline goes for as far as you can see, and there is not a sole in site. I tried my hand and finding some agates, but was unsuccessful as usual.



Camera Wars with my uncle Brian.



Jense with his signature walking stick. He seems to find a big stick every time we are out doors.



She's mad at the ocean



The ocean got mad back. The tide is so unpredictable...luckily my uncle was right there when Ellie almost got pulled in. She wasn't worried about her wet clothes, just her crab.



Rick and Lani enjoying a moment together



Ellie will fix that! She didn't let Rick out of her sight!

I spent the day taking photos, eating as much food as I possible could, and forcing feeding the babe. The kids stayed busy playing hide and go seek with my cousins, picking up crabs, throwing rocks, hunting for jelly fish, not leaving uncle rick's side, (Ellie) and lighting fireworks.

All of my mother's siblings were there except for one, and it was so great to see them all and to have them meet Mia. It was a wonderful escape for our family, and we even came home with a planter full of bamboo. Thank you so much Brian and Ellen for a fantastic 4th of July! We loved it!!

Has it been six or seven?... I forget

SEVEN! SEVEN YEARS! That's a whole lotta years!

pictures as promised of what my man pulled off on our anniversary. This is what I saw on my way to church last week.




I really like the warning behind the anniversary sign. DETOUR AHEAD!

When I was taking the picture and read Happy Anniversary Mimi- my eyes were immediately drawn to the detour ahead sign. I wondered if he had placed it there on purpose. Hasn't he had enough detours lately? This family knows a thing or two about curve balls.

Our anniversary was spent much like this one, minus the cafeteria food. My expectations of what celebrating a anniversary is- have taken a detour. Here's to Seven years!! I definitely have to agree with this sign-