Thursday, December 11, 2008

A Sunday Afternoon Matinee

Emily and I joined some of her girl scout troop for a presentation of The Nutcracker. I had a heck of a time finding the theater and made us late, but we still enjoyed most of the show.




On the way home as Christmas music was playing on the radio Emily said, "Mom, can you change that? I'm tired of music with no words.", lol!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Atta Boy!

I'm late posting this, but better late than never.

So proud of our little man...



Blake received an award in recognition of "Positive Behavior" AND was Student Of The Month!

His name and photo are posted at school as well as being run on the school news channel. He was treated to a bus ride to a local favorite pizza buffet to top it all off.

Way to go buddy!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Going Once, Going Twice, Sold!

Last week we got a flyer about an auction taking place in our neighborhood for model home furniture. I went to check it out, but it ended up being postponed. I got the company's web address though and found out that they had two other auctions going on in the area. I had to work Saturday morning, but Sam went and found some great things. By the time I got there it was almost over, but it was a laid back and fun event, not to mention a very inexpensive way to get some furniture! We are now the proud owners of these beautiful tables,


and these chairs,

as well as a mattress set for the guest bedroom.
We're looking forward to Saturday, to attend the rescheduled auction in our neighborhood. Hopefully we can pick up some more bargains!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Congrats Jeff & Shelby

The Wedding



The Reception

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

A week full of thanks

We are home-sweet-home after a week-long trip to Washington. We flew out of Charlotte Friday evening and were greeted at the airport in Seattle by Larry and Greg Gargett as well as surprise guest Don Simmonson! Thanks guys! We met Jeff, Shelby and a few of the wedding party at a local pizza place before checking in to a hotel.

Saturday I met my dear friend of 23 years, Michelle, at the Space Needle for brunch. We had great conversation, fabulous service (being on the VIP list is fun!), and an amazing 3-course meal. Thanks Michelle!


Time flew by much too quickly and we had to rush to change and make it to the wedding. Unfortunately we realized none of us had directions to get there, acckk! With Mike Longton to the rescue, we made it (and weren't the last ones to arrive). The wedding was beautiful and the reception was a lot of fun. Thanks Jeff & Shelby!



After the wedding the guys wanted to drive to Yakima, so we abandoned our hotel room and headed over Chinook Pass. Four hours later we arrived in Yakima where Larry dropped us off to crash at his parent's place. Marj treated us to breakfast in the morning, and we are grateful for the hospitality. Thanks Marj & Len!

Stephanie came to pick Sam up so that we could use their van for the rest of the week. Calvin had gotten it all cleaned up for us, and it was so nice to have our own transportation to get around town. Thanks Cal & Steph!

After a quick drive by our old house and lunch at Taco Time, we headed to Sam's parent's neighborhood clubhouse to get ready for the surprise party. Cal and Steph did a great job putting the event together. Thanks again! We were grateful to finally be able to help them out. We spent the afternoon doing final food prep and decorating. Ray and Madge were coming down to "have their portrait done with Cal & Steph's family". The guests they'd had for the week (Madge's sisters, niece & family) had said they were going shopping, but were really hiding out at the clubhouse. When Cal brought Ray & Madge, Steph and the kids greeted them first, followed by the rest of the family (including Chip, Alyssa, Tracy & Taylor). Madge was overjoyed! When the photographer (great artist and friend Stephen Wolf) asked if everyone was there, we could hear Sam's mom saying "my Sammy's in North Carolina". Stephen asked if she was sure and pointed as we walked out of they building. It was a great moment. When everyone composed themselves, Stephen took some shots for us. Thanks Stephen!


(disclosure: these are my shots, not Stephen's)

A few more shots were taken inside before the next surprise (Ray's sister and niece from CA). Before we knew it, guest started to arrive and the celebration was in full gear. It was wonderful to have so many friends and family there. Thanks everyone! Chip put together a great slide show of photos and video clips through the years and he also gave a touching toast. Thanks Chip! It was so fun to see Ray and Madge cut the cake and share a piece (something the didn't get to do 50 years ago since they eloped).


The time flew by and before we knew it, it was time to clean up. We ending the night by visiting Sam's friend's Steve & Christy for a bit before heading out to crash at my parent's house.

Monday was spent visiting floks around town and enjoying dinner with the Roebuck family.

Tuesday Em and I met my mom for lunch while Sam and Blake met Ray, Cal and Stephen. That evening, my step-dad Jim put on a great get together at their home. We got to visit lots of family and were surprised by some friends that he had contacted. Thanks Jim (and mom)!





Wednesday Sam ran around town visiting again, while my mom, the kids and I did some shopping. I also finally got to eat the food I'd been craving for a year for lunch. Thanks Mom! That evening the kids stayed with my parents while Sam and I went to the pre-opening of Second Street Grill. The place looks amazing and was packed, so hopefully that's a sign of things to come for our dear friends.

Speaking of friends, wow, thank you to everyone who came out to join us. It was so great to see you all! We didn't have enough time with each of you, but thank you for coming!

Thursday was crazy as we split the day visiting with all three families. Apparently, I didn't use the camera much that day =(, but I did get a few shots of family at my mom's. Thanks for coming over Rick, Tracey, Pat & Jami! Your kids are great!



Friday we said our goodbye's before Cal and Steph took us back to Seattle. We had a nice dinner before they dropped us off at the airport, Thank you again Cal & Steph. You two really made the week for us!

It was a great trip, but sooooo busy. We are still trying to catch up on sleep and get back to our schedules, lol. (((((HUGS)))) to you all!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Pumpkin Fest








A cute old town about 15 miles North of here has an annual Pumpkin Fest. We had a fun afternoon pumpkin smashing, pumpkin bowling, listening to music, sampling food, browsing booths, and playing.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Trick Or Treat





The kids had a great time trick-or-treating around our neighborhood. Lots of people go all out with decorations and costumes (even adults handing out candy). Most people sat out side and visited instead of being inside. A few folks had big bonfires and one guy turned his yard in to a haunted "house" of sorts. Fun stuff!