The Dog Days of Summer

We have know since before school got out that this would be a very adventurous summer.  We started officially packing as soon as school ended and have already had at least 2 hotel stays with the kids.  We have also been to Cub Scout Day Camp at Camp Akela aka Day Camp part 1.  Even with all the chaos this has been a very different summer. John got reassigned at work.  We were excited for the new opportunity then they decided to change the workload completely from what was anticipated and hence John has been working Monday through Friday in his new office in Puyallup/Tacoma while the kids and I have been in Sequim with almost weekly visits to Tacoma/Olympia.  In between all the driving we have also been packing up the house.  I think John actually planned it this way so he wouldn't have to do very much packing.  We are down to the final 10 days in Sequim and so far the yard work has been done (we may have to mow one last time) the kids bedrooms are completely empty as 3 of 4 linen/coat closets. The master bedroom closet was emptied and then became the boys temporary bedroom (it is big enough to put both mattresses with an isle in between. Juli's matress is on the floor by our bed and all of the other furniture in our bedroom has either been sold or moved to the garage.  The living room looks like a disaster but when you consider that is really all misc stuff from packing the rest of the house, I guess it isn't so bad (oh yeah, the kitchen is about 70% packed too).  Next week is Cub Scout Twilight Camp at the Fairview Grange in Sequim aka Day Camp part 2.  I think I will actually be able to get a lot of cleaning done in the afternoons with Andrew gone. There are also some wonderful Relief Society sisters that have volunteered to come over and wash walls and windows before we load the truck on Thursday night.  So far this summer has been a complete blur hopefully  it will slow down a little once we get back in to our home in Lacey.  It never ceases to amaze me how much we try to cram into our short summer vacations just to be able to say we did something exciting or fun.  In Washington it becomes so much more challenging since summer unofficially starts on July 5th.

Summer Recipe

Our annual Relief Society movie night sing-a-long was on Friday.  We watched "My Turn on Earth". The theme for the night was Pigtails, Pajamas and the Pre-Existence.  We encouraged all the sisters to come in pajamas.  I didn't think any would really do this so I was super surprised when I arrived and almost everyone was in their pajamas.  It was really fun!  We had a potluck for our meal/snack and my good friend Dede brought the best Caramel Apple popcorn.  I could have stood in the back and eaten it the whole night.  I couldn't remember her exact recipe (she is really good at creating things on the fly!) so I check when on Pinterest to find something similar.  Here is what I came up with (not exactly the same but still good)

1/2 C Brown Sugar
1/2 C White Sugar
1 packet apple cider
1/4 C Karo (dark Karo makes it take more like cracker jacks)
2 T    Water
1/4 tsp Cream of Tarter
1/4 C  Butter
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
2 cups dried apple chips broken into bite size pieces
2 bags microwave popped popcorn (un-popped kernels removed)

Preheat oven to 350 and line 13x9 baking sheet with foil.  Spray foil with cooking spray and set aside. Place apples and popped corn into a large bowl. In a saucepan over medium heat combine Brown Sugar, White Sugar, Apple Cider, Karo, Water, Cream of Tarter, and Butter.  Cook to soft ball stage (about 4 1/2 minutes after it comes to a boil). Remove from heat and add Baking Soda.  Pour over apples and popcorn.  Stir until evenly covered. Pour onto baking sheet breaking up any big chunks. Place in oven for 5 minutes, stir and then return to oven for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from oven stir again and let cool.  Make sure to break up big chunks while it is cooling!

The kids like the popcorn they weren't so sure about the apples.  I thought it was pretty good!

10 Years and counting....

On March 22 we reached the 10 year mark in our marriage.  In keeping with tradition we didn't celebrate that day instead we waited until May and went to Disneyland!  Our last big vacation was in 2007 when we went to San Diego.  Yes, they have been few and far between.  Originally our plan had been to go on a Disney Cruise but due to unforeseen challenges with our house in Lacey, we changed that to Disney World since we had already purchased the plane tickets.  Then while booking tickets for BYU Women's Conference we found out that our flight to Florida had been cancelled and John was fortunate enough to get an agent that agreed to refund out non-refundable tickets.  So we found a fabulous deal on airfare to Long Beach and decided to go to Disneyland.  Don't they say that things come in 3's?  It definitely did for us and really for the better. Our kids had never done anything Disney and Disneyland is really the best jumping off point.  In addition to our first trip in 5 years it has was the longest trip away from home since we got married!  It ended up being 10 days.  John wasn't in a position to really take 10 days off of work so we got a little creative.  Our schedule was as follows.

Wednesday, May 9th - kids go to school/John works in PA. Head down to Tacoma, Bridget cuts hair check in to Hotel

Thursday, May 10th-John works in Tacoma, Bridget & kids head to Point Defiance Zoo, early afternoon head up to Sea-Tac airport.  Have dinner at airport and catch flight to Long Beach.  This was Juliana's first time flying and we got to board and disembark from the tarmac!  Arrive in CA get a quick bite at In-n-Out and head to our Hotel

Friday, May 11th- Met up with our friends Bill & Bethany Sweet and their kids Willow and Gabe. Spent the day in Disneyland

Saturday, May 12th-Spent the day in California Adventure and then went to Disneyland for fireworks.

Sunday, May 13th- Went to church in Newport Beach, happened to be the ward of a guy I went to high school with in Lacey, WA. Saw the Newport Beach Temple. Wanted to go to the beach, it didn't work out. Tried to go to the CUBE science museum but the reciprocity wasn't what we thought it was so we decided to head back to the hotel and let the kids swim in the pool.

Monday, May 14th- Spent the day at Disneyland.  John had it mapped out using an online program so we didn't have to wait in too many lines, except to see the princesses.

Tuesday, May 15th-Spend the day in California Adventure again using software and fastpass to avoid lines.

Wednesday, May 16th-Got early admittance to Toon Town then spent the rest of the day in California Adventure.

Thursday, May 17th-Used our Magic Morning pass for Disneyland and ended up spending 6 hours at the park before we were done.  Headed to Seal Beach to burn some time before heading back to the airport to fly back to WA.  Since our plane didn't get in until after 10 we stayed in a hotel in Southcenter.

Friday, May 18th- John checked in at work in Tacoma and then we headed to Point Defiance Zoo.  Got lunch and then headed back to Sequim.  Since we were home in time we went to the ward activity that night, too.

It was good to finally be home and have the kids back at school.  We really enjoyed our trip.  It was nice not to have to worry about deadlines, cleaning the house, getting places by a certain time.  It took a few days but even John was eventually able to loose himself in just being a kids in a huge amusement park!  We are already planning our next Disney adventure.  Our goal is Disney World as long as all the kids continue to grow so we can enjoy all the rides, too!

BYU Women's Conference 2012

Let me start off by saying our family doesn't travel much....So this year is definitely the exception.  In April I had the chance to go down to BYU Women's Conference with Becky, Kristine & Linda and by a stroke of luck I was able to spend my flight to Boise with Kelly.  Spending time with family can be lots of fun, full of stress and an opportunity to get to know each other in new ways.  Although it wasn't planned Kelly and I happened to book the same flight to Boise, ID.  She was going to a Scentsy Boot Camp and I was meeting Becky so we could drive down to Kristine's together.  As luck would have it, I was able to score a ride up to the airport with Dan & Kelly, so much better than taking the shuttle from Tacoma.  It was a good flight, however, I would not pick a seat over the wing in the future.  Kelly is a slightly nervous flyer, but she did great!  When we landed Dave picked us up and we met up with Becky, Michael and Sam for a quick dinner before Becky and I had to say good bye so we could get to Kristine's at a reasonable hour (if you consider midnight reasonable). We did arrive safe and only a couple of scenic turns.  Women's Conference was Thursday and Friday.  Since I didn't attend BYU, I got turned around many times while on campus.  They didn't have to send out a search party and I did get to all of the right places, eventually.  The classes were alright, they speakers had many interesting things to say, but it really wasn't my thing in the end. I defiantly decided I need to be in a more interactive environment.  Saturday, I went for a 6 mile walk/run around Lehi while Kristine was delivering cakes and Becky was meeting up with a friend.  My sister Brooke and her kids drove down to Lehi after Emily's soccer game and I took them out for a picnic lunch at the Mt Timpanogas temple. It was good to see her , the girls, and Xander for the first time.  After a quick lunch they headed home and I attended a temple session with Becky & Kristine.  Then it was time to head back to Boise with Becky, we had a good drive and it was really great getting to know who Becky really is.  Sunday morning Dave took me on a tour of the Scentsy campus before dropping me off at the airport.  You can tell he really loves working for Scentsy.  It was a long weekend and I was really glad to get back home to my family.  I think they were glad I was home, too!

Are we old enough to have an 8 year old?

Andrew turns 8
Andrew turned 8 on Feb 16 and made the decision to be baptized.  This is a big step for him and he was a little scared.  He didn't have a friend birthday because we were having a luncheon & cake following his baptism but we did take cupcakes to his school class and  go out to dinner.  Since I was being a little lazy (and their school allows it) we made homemade cupcakes.  I don't think I will do that again.  It is cheaper but store bought are so much easier, especially when it is a 1/2 day at school.  For dinner Andrew picked Applebee's.  The kids did very well considering it had already been a long day (& week).  Andrew was pretty tired by the time they brought out his birthday ice cream.  I got one too since my birthday was the next day.  Juli & Chase shared mine. When we got home Andrew wanted to know if there were any presents for him.  He was pretty sure there were since he likes to snoop in our closet (he has been warned that if it happens again there won't be presents).  He got a big cars 2 pillow for watching movies, Cars 2, Cars 2 stationary set, & some new clothes.  

On Friday, there was no school so we got the house cleaned up for Grandma & Grandpa's arrival.  This is the first time my parents have made the 2+ hour trek to our house (p.s. we are moving in 6 months and have been here 1.5 years).  We were glad to have them here and the kids really enjoyed spending time with them on their own turf.  Grandma helped the boys cut our "Holy Ghost" jigglers for Saturday and Grandpa spent time playing checkers with them.













Saturday was a busy day. I volunteer with Bountiful Baskets and this happened to be my week to work. After going to bed around 1 am, I was up at 7 getting last minute things put together and heading out the door.  Thankfully everything went smoothly and by the time I got back everyone had had breakfast and 1/2 the family was dressed for the baptism.  We finished prepping food (I was waiting for my basket for the fresh lettuce & tomatoes) and loaded up the cars.  John & Andrew went ahead to make sure the font got turned on in time. We had set up the tables/chairs & Primary room the night before so we just had to add tablecloths/centerpieces when we arrived about 30 minutes later.  The baptism went off almost completely without a hitch (technical difficulties on my part, sorry!).  Bro. Bean presided & conducted, he missed part of his daughters ball game, but we are glad to have had him there.  Grandma & Grandpa, Grammy & Papa, and our home teacher, Bro Judd all did a fantastic job speaking. We were able to record the first 2 but I didn't realize where the camera was until the end of Jason's talk so we didn't get all of that one, total bummer.  Andrew's good friend from church, Espn Judd, gave the closing prayer.  He was pretty nervous but he his awesome (especially since he is only 7) Following the baptism we had a light lunch make-your-own croissant sandwiches, chips, jell-o jigglers & Costco cake (white cake, strawberry mousse filling, Chocolate frosting).  We are very grateful for all those who attended and helped make this a special day for Andrew and us.  Grandma & Grandpa Parsons, Grammy & Papa Tilton, The Judd family, The Hawkins Family, Bro & Sis Rutherford, the missionaries, Bro Bean.

After being "dunked", Andrew told John that he was, "scared to death, but proud."  We are proud of him too for the choice he made.  We hope that he will always remember this day and be happy about his decision.  We also hope that he remembers that his Heavenly Father loves him and is proud of him.  Andrew decision is a great example to his younger brother and sister. They can't wait to turn 8 and be baptized, too!  

















On another note, Andrew starts Cub Scouts this week.  His first official meeting will be the Blue & Gold banquet on Thursday.  He loved it last year as a perspective scout and has been waiting all year for his turn to participate.  

Mariners Fan Fest 2012

With all of John travelling and my work weekends we haven't been able to do much outside of the house as a family.  John decided to plan a family outing for us this past Saturday.  We got the kids up early and told them to wear warm pants and their Mariner's shirts that Grammy & Papa had gotten for them.  We told them we were going on a little trip that would involve a ferry and meeting up with Papa.  Our kids are a little "surprised" out after our Christmas Mystery.  Once we got to the ferry terminal (we weren't sure we going to make it as we let 15 minutes later than scheduled) and met up with Papa, the cat was out of the bag.  The first item of  business was Juliana opening her birthday present and getting her new "grammy dress". If you give this girls clothes she will instantly put them on, which she did.  New pants & sweatshirt with her Valentines dress over the top.  Next item of business was feeding the seagulls.  When Andrew was about 3 we went on the ferry, bought tater tots and Andrew got to feed the Seagulls.  This is one of his earliest memories and by far one of his favorites.  Anytime we go on the ferry he asks to feed the Seagulls.  Well, they don't have tater tots any more so the birds go jojos instead.  They didn't seem to mind.  The boys (John, Andrew & Chase) had a great time. Juli even tried her had at it.  After arriving in Seattle we parked the car, bought tickets and got in line.  We picked the much shorter, non autograph, line.  30 minutes is a long time for our kids to wait in line.  Makes me wonder how they will do in Disneyland in May.  We had a really fun time at Fan Fest. None of us had ever gone but I think we will go again next year (no ferry though as we will have moved back to Lacey).  The boys played catch in the outfield (Juli & I watched from the front row), we toured the Mariners club house, tried out bats against Felix, brought the heat against the speed monitor, played on the play ground (Andrew got a bloody nose), the kids even joined the Mariners Kids Club and got t-shirts, hats, bags, lanyards, pins & official kids club cards.  We are glad that Papa was able to come with us!  The kids are planning next years trip, maybe we will stay the night before in Seattle???  Thanks John for planning a fun day out!

It doesn't snow in Sequim...

At least that is what we were told BEFORE we moved here a year and a half ago.  Last year we had 2+ feet of snow.  
This year it looked like it might stay mild all winter and then BAM!  It snowed for 3 days straight.  Friday, Jan 13 was a half day for Andrew and no school for Chase followed by the MLK holiday on Monday. The kids all prayed really hard for snow, apparently, Heavenly Father finally gave in and it snowed, and snowed, and snowed.  16+ inches of snow.


Since we live on a private road it doesn't get plowed and the road we live off doesn't generally get plowed either.  It isn't until you get to the highway that the roads get plowed and even then, it is somewhat hit or miss during the early parts of the storm. School ended up being cancelled for the ENTIRE week, which wasn't that big of a deal except that John had a snow weekend planned with his brothers & cousins in Oregon and would be leaving on Thursday, snow or no snow. On Tuesday John put the chains on the van so that he could go into work and get a snowboard.  (The BMW can't handle snow and chains are somewhat out of the questions as it has such a low profile.)  

He only stayed for part of the day.  When he got home we loaded up the family and went for a drive to get a few provisions from the store.  On Wednesday we took a second (more exciting trip for John) out to Mervin Manufacturing where John had made arrangements to pick up a wider snowboard and demo bindings from his friend Dalyn Mitchell.  John was pretty excited for the hook up and to have an expensive board to ride free of charge at Mt Hood. By Thursday, I was totally ready for the kids to be back at school.  It is hard to be home with everyone without the option of going anywhere for a break.  John loaded up the van and took off in the afternoon.  His job was to pick up Dave at the airport in Portland. In the end everything worked out.  The kids got an extra week off of school, John went on his trip, I even made it to church with the kids by myself.  I am glad that we were in Sequim.  Lacey got his harder than we did and many of our friends were without power for several days.  It does snow in Sequim.