Love you Mara

Thursday was Mara's turn for some one on one time with mom. It started with a trip to Starbucks, a haircut and then nail time. Mara is such a wonderful little girl and I just love her with my whole heart. The smile on her face, her funny humor, the attitude, her kindness and her love are the wonderful characteristics that make her such an awesome daughter.

Old Stuff

For the past 6 months I have been helping take care of my 95 year old aunt "Auntie". Auntie grew up on the family farm and is a strong old horse. The lines on her face, the arc on her back and her old hands are all signs of her age but the smile she brings to her face is that of a child. Auntie doesn't remember much curent day info but the past is what keeps her alive everyday. Simple things amuse her such as raking leaves with her hands or stacking bricks.

As I walked thru the yard today I caught some pictures of these old things. Almost every item to include the bricks came from the family farm in Puyallup. The farm is now the home of Good Samaratin hospital but its memories still live on.

Auntie working in the yard (she will turn 96 in September)

Old bricks from the farm that she stacked

Old Milk Jug

Very old wheel barrow

Farm tools that stay stacked in her carport. Don't ever try to get rid of these things you may need them someday. It may look a little Sanford and Sons at times but to her it is her life!



I have been so lucky to have gotten this time with Auntie. I took it for granted as a child and although there are timess that she drives me nuts with her repetitive stories and habits I wouldn't trade it for anything. Auntie has made me a better person and has taught me to appreciate the little things in life!

Gorgeous

Here a couple photos I took this week of some flowers in bloom. I am still dreaming of using a great camera someday but these are not to shabby. Although I don't really think it is my photography skills at work here,it's the flowers themselves.


Lilacs in bloom

Beautiful Dogwoods in full bloom

UPS PT/OT

Gracelyn finished up her OT at The University of Puget Sound this week. It was a fun 4 weeks of new faces, fun and games. It was really neat to see the many different kids that attended. I also got the pleasure of spending 4 weeks with one of my favorite teachers form Bellarmine Highschool. Ms. Hussey was there with her daughter Lilly who has Down Syndrome. What a little cutie she is! Boy does she have her mamma wrapped around her little finger!

Clara got to come with us this week and the girls had such a fun time playing musical chairs and the balloon game.

Thanks guys for such a fun 4 weeks. We can't wait to come back in the fall!

A Day at the Beach

Last week the girls and I along with some friends took advantage of the beautiful weather and spent the afternoon at Owens Beach. Miss Elle joined us as well as Joey. The kids built castles, discovered rocks and shells and the big kids managed to haul drift wood out of the water with their big muscles. It was beautiful, relaxing and so much fun to watch them all.



Wouldn't be a day at the beach without a little booty crack!




Cheers to many more days of sunshine to come. We are so ready for it!!

Oswalds play Date

Last week Mel brought the munchkins over for a play date. Nathan and Madi just love coming over and playing with Gracelyn and Mara. It was hours of fun and while they were off being kids I got to get my baby fix. I held baby Drew the whole time and was in heaven. What a lil peanut he is and a complete clone of his brother. Thanks Oswalds for such a fun afternoon. We love you guys...

Fun with Friends

Last Saturday I got to attend the school auction. Kelly was my date and we had a great time! I purchased a centerpeice with pictures from the school and Kelly bought baby glamour shots. All I can say is maybe one to many red wines! :)

Sunday Tara and I surprised Renee at work for her Birthday. It was great catching up and celebrating the big 33!!