Freedom At Last

The last nine months were very challenging because Paul has been working on upgrading a  certification for teaching.  There were many nights and weekends where he'd lock himself in the office to get his homework done while the rest of the family would go about our days.  Finally he's done with everything and we're loving the family time together, feeling free to make plans and enjoy each others company again.  We're hoping to embrace the summer over the next few weeks.

We celebrated the 4th of July by having a small bbq at our house.  The kids loved having food, desserts, games, fireworks, family and friends around.

 Water balloon launching was a hit on a warm summer day.  This launcher shoots over 100 feet.

Paul's parents visited the family for a week over Xavier's birthday and the 4th of Julyt.  We managed to make time get a family photo.  The kids love it when they're grandparents visit.

  

 Something fun Paul's parents were able to see is how much Asher likes music.  He actually asks for it in the car or at home.  He'll run over to the I-Pod and sing part of a song he'd like to hear.  Not kid songs....pop songs or songs the family listens to.  Right now two of his favorite songs are hip hop...by Maclamore.  He'll dance with the big kids for a long time and try and copy their moves.  Asher is officially 1 1/2 years old.  He's a full blown toddler and has such a large vocabulary we can't keep track anymore.  He says new words almost every day and has seemed to run faster just in the last week.

Xavier celebrated his 12th birthday and got a big boy gift.  He got his first I-Pod and has had the birthday glow for over a week now.  I told him as a right of passage, going from elementary school to middle school, he has to give his mama bear a piggy back ride.  He was actually able to do it.  I can't believe he's so big now.  I feel so young to have a 6th grader.  Paul had other ideas of how to celebrate.  Big...embarrassing kisses!

  

 

 

 

For Xavier's birthday we went to a trampoline fun zone.  What a great idea for the rainy northwest.  There were six trampoline rooms to choose from with floors and walls to bounce off of.  Out of all the trampoline rooms, Xavier's favorite was the dodgeball room.  Him and Sage couldn't stay out of there.  I love my boys.  Give them a ball and something to throw it at and their happy.

At the end of May Asher took a plane ride with me for a very quick trip to California.  We both flew down with my sister to surprise my mom for her birthday.  She had no clue we were coming and it was a fun filled family weekend.  Asher was elated at the airport to see all the airplanes.

Lauren was a life saver on the plane.  She downloaded some apps for kids and Asher was in heaven talking to Elmo and making trucks and other vehicles make noises.  He's a great little traveler. 

 Happy birthday mom!  Surprise!!!!

 

It was Asher's first time in California.  He now calls my dad Pop Pop because of a playful noise my dad kept making while playing with him.

Beach....beach....and more beach....Aside from family, it's the thing we miss most about living in California so when we visit we try and get a good fill.

 Asher loves his Pop Pop...playing in the truck before we leave for Washington.

Before we left we were able to visit my grandfather Hoho.  He was awake for a few minutes so we were able to say hellos and send our love.  Hoho doesn't remember much these days but having Asher there brightened his spirits.  I love you Hoho!