Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #1

{ School's out - another year with a fantastic aide. }

Myriam had a full week before catching up with Addi and Charlie on summer vacation. Once she was done, we immediately began the fun! Our first stop was Summit Trampoline to bust out some crazy and take advantage of small crowds. Of course, the kids were ready for treats which made Edaline Ice Cream in 

Fairhaven the perfect tasty treat. 

 { Jumping beans. }

 { The training continues with the team. }

I'm so proud of this here group. Many of them are new to trail running and doing amazing. Some minor injuries they're working through but this team is dedicated to making the fall race a success. Hoping we can get our entire team (13 of us) together on the trails soon! When most of the team are project managers with jobs across the country, it makes for a true challenge to get everyone in the same spot at the same time!

 { Father's Day with Papa }

Since Daddy was out of country on Father's Day, we decided to spend the afternoon at my parents. The picnic never moved out of the front yard while big kids took to the bike jumps, playing basketball and others sneaking popcorn next to Papa. 

 { Greater Vancouver Zoo }

Cupcakes & Cider

Today was a good day. 

The kind of day that allowed Myriam to play hooky from school and do all things Auntie's favorite with Papa and Nana. From hiking at Lake Whatcom to dingy rides in Bellingham Harbor, playing at parks and lunches at the Web Locker... all things that brought joy to Auntie Traci. 

Today would have been my sister's 40th birthday. 

And as crazy as it may be, I wanted to remember and celebrate the day my mother gave birth to the oldest daughter; my big sister. 

A day that no mother will forget. 

So, we did just that. My parents played, the kids sang the birthday song, we ate cupcakes and gathered as family to remember, laugh, catch up and have reason to toast the life we all loved so much. I imagine my sister beaming with pride seeing family join together with reason to party. 

I caught myself smiling randomly throughout the day reminiscing over childhood birthday parties and all things celebratory. My sister was the best when it came to birthdays and honoring people. Gifts for no reason, confetti in cards and every gift having reason or connection to what that person adored. 

She never was without thought or concern for others. 

A gift she gave to all that had the blessing of meeting her. 

Happy 40th birthday sister. 

{ There are decades of memories on the water. }

{ Cupcakes & Cider }

 { Mom & Dad... they celebrated well. }

{ Even our flower girl came to celebrate today! }

Ah Chew... Bless You

The symphony of sneezes are in full swing in our home. The itchy nose where you just can't seem to reach, watery eyes and repeat sneezes are the first indicator things are ready to burst into color and sounds of lawn mowers becoming the normal outside back ground noises. 

It appears all of us, to some extent, have been fighting seasonal allergies and getting 

worse with every year passing. 

Even with the annoying symptoms of allergies, we still find time to play. 

The ladies have had a few days of fun together exploring Boulevard Park, feeding the ducks at Whatcom Falls, catching up on homework while the younger two burn energy off at Perch & Play, rolling down hills at the "Red Park" and meeting the needs of our taste buds with gelato and bread sticks. There's also been fitting room fashion shows which is quite comical I may add. One of those years where Addison has shot up resulting in nothing working for summer attire, Myriam not quite tall enough to fit Addi's hand-me-downs and Baylee on her own needing a few fill-in items to prepare these princesses for summer. Thank goodness not all will be teenagers at one time or we'd need to find some money tree seeds somewhere. I love watching each relationship grow, challenge and inspire the other. 

A while back, the ladies were playing together and one made the remark, "Hey, we all have a different Tummy Mommy." Hearing that made my heart stumble a bit, but also soar, knowing God knew our family dynamics long before I was ready to step into this role as Mom to all three. There are frustrations, struggles, joys and lots of laughter with each one. Each daughter has something special about themselves making them unique in their own way. Having these special girl dates makes them that much more special simply because God saw each of them needing one another. 

{ Fairhaven Explorations }

 

{ Whatcom Falls & Cornwall Neighborhood Red Park}

{ Morning running buddy. }

Research & Play

{ LaConner Town Tour March 23, 2019}

My partners in crime. Researchers with a sweet tooth. 

While Charlie was playing basketball at the Tulip Tournament in a tight gym with limited seating, the little girls and I went west to complete the final details for the Just Us Amazing Race coming up in May with NCCTK. 

As part of the Couples Getaway, the team and I reconstruct a mini version of the TV show game throughout LaConner, WA, while executing Route Info, Race Challenges and Road Blocks all to get to the final Pit Stop. 

Myriam & Baylee were my assistants tasting treats, taking lots of pictures, posing in front of statues and taking in all the sunshine on this Saturday covering over three miles of ground. 

We even managed to take in some glorious daffodil fields as the "joy" spread across multiple fields. 

My heart was full. 

Some days can be extremely challenging, stressing, and trauma driven, but this day had

laughter, connection, sweet words and play. 

My sweet ladies and I all needed the research party and play!

{ The girls were loving the selfies. }

{ Spring sass soaking up the sun. }

Be Gone Iceland

When all the leaves have fallen and the air turns cold, we wish and pray for a white Christmas to come and stay around to play long enough for Olaf to entertain our front yards. 

Winter didn't arrive until February this year and then thought to overstay it's welcome. 

Our snow has finally melted, but if the wet blanket Myriam and I laid on Sunday was any indication, the ground certainly has not dried out yet from the gallons of precipitation. 

Now begins the massive clean up our beautiful trees dispersed throughout our yard. Thankfully, we only had one large branch come down and it was away from the house. Our home may not be perfect shape, but it kept us warm and secure during winter's storms. 

Here are some other winter updates from our home...

{ Kids got skills. Playing his favorite... Michale Jackson. Yes, he knows worship songs too. }

 

 { Busted out to Uncle Jason's place to sled & tailgate with family. }

{ Sisters on snow days. }

{ Papa turned 70 & we surprised him at dinner...although, somehow he dodged the group selfie. }

What's Going On?

 

Well, I was not expecting the wave of grief that slapped me across the face on Thanksgiving. Mom had the table set up days before the meal was even in the oven having everyone sitting just so. What she didn't take into account was that dinner was served during Baylee's nap time leaving an open seat at the table empty. Dad said "Amen." We all looked up, and in unison, our eyes fell to the empty plate and 

seat that instantly provoked tears. 

There is this oddly strange feeling of tug-of-war between joy and sadness. The bi-polar opposite of having no words, no measurement to explain the longing I have for my sweet sister and in the same moment experiencing overwhelming joy knowing she's free of pain and disease. I would, simply put, explain my condition as being an, at most times, hot mess! 

Thanks to the glass of wine it took the edge off and allowed me to relax some with the family. 

No guarantees for Christmas on having my crap together. 

We celebrated Myriam's sixth birthday with a Pinterest attempted Pony Cupcake Cake! Oh, she loved it! Can't say Addi and I nailed it, but at least you knew what it was suppose to be. Baylee helped herself to the leftovers the next day as we set up Christmas lights outside. She obviously enjoyed the treat as did Myriam sneaking many herself.

He Provides

“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “ On this mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” 

Genesis 22:13-14

It is an undeniable truth: we live in a land rich with fertile soil providing crops for consumption and fuel for our animals; landscapes to explore and gaze at in all directions with heights from snow peaked mountains to ocean waves lapping on the sandy shorelines. Communities of neighbors and relatives engaging, nurturing and entertaining each other. God will need to hand pluck me from this community if He ever plans on me going somewhere else, as I’m not sure it gets any better, other than Heaven. 

The Mill Inn

I was going to do a 2016 recap, but there is only one main event that deserves its own recap. There were many other amazing things that happened, people we met, places we went or little ones that joined our family, but this, this I am so proud of for many reasons. 

Let me explain and be the first to introduce...

(Well, I'm not really the first as this is months late past the formal introduction.)

The Mill Inn. 

Summer Park Adventures

This summer, the kids wanted to explore as many parks as possible. From Lynden to Bellingham to Blaine and Ferndale...We have enjoyed playing on familiar parks and some newer ones too. Myriam, Miss Bee and I wasted time in the Maplewood neighborhood and found a small park along with new friends Myriam quickly made. We had picnics and sacked lunches at many local parks and some splashes too when we needed some cooling off. There's never enough time to visit all of them, but we certainly made memories at those visited. 

Here's a little of our park tour through Whatcom County...

The kids have really enjoyed the newer Blaine Marine Park. It's the perfect blend of young and old for our kids. There are so many slides to choose from and a fantastic pirate ship to climb on for younger kids. Bathrooms near by and rocks along the water to explore. Walk down the road a bit and you can find the statue Orcas to climb on. It also helps that Edaline Dairy is through the round-about to assist in cooling down after a little running around of tag on the play ground. 

Elizabeth Park has always been a go-to for us in the spring and summer. The park provides ample shade and bathrooms for last minute potty breaks. I've never had a problem chatting with other moms and have found all to be extremely pleasant.

It always helps to have a beach, rocks to flip in search of critters and a few short trails to hike on all with a view of the San Juan Islands. Larabee State Park has so much to offer and we will definitely be going back before the summers end. 

Ferndale recently opened up a new park similar to the one in Lynden called the Star Park. I was really impressed with all the different elements at this park for both young and old. Charlie was in his American Ninja Warrior glory with so many obstacles to tackle. The only downside to this space was the lack of visibility and fencing. I struggled to have eyes on the kids at all times and worried about someone walking off or running off with one of our littles. After a picnic style dinner supplied by Papa and Nana we enjoyed a few more moments in the sun. Bring your own shade to this place as not much can be found here. Thank you to the planning committee for keeping outhouses on site! That had to of been a mommy behind that choice. 

Located between the school and Bellingham Aquatic Center, this huge playground has become another favorite for the kids. Menchies is a short walk across the street providing a sweet treat after playing. This day we took Annie with us to go on our park adventure. 

Fisher School is visited often as it's a short walk from home. Notice the bare feet...we find it impossible to keep shoes yet alone socks on Myriam!

Zuanich Point Park is the perfect place to fly a kite, lay in the sun, ride some bikes or just walk around to watch the boats sailing in Bellingham Bay. On this afternoon, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Web Locker before playing at the park with Papa and Uncle Jason. Oh, and yes, there are bathrooms here too! A must with young kids on the explore. 

Being so close to home, this park is a no brainer. Myriam goes between the two play areas as Miss Bee would rather sit and smile in the swings. Bring a towel because undoubtedly, the kids will get wet wading in the creek or throwing rocks for the biggest splash.

Auntie Traci came with us this day to play and have some fun. With the zipline broken, the kids were a little disappointed, but never had a lack of fun. You can imagine how black they were from climbing on the scooter slopes.

This was a special day as we visited this historic park on my birthday. The kids ran around checking out all the animals, playing at the play ground and climbing the tower before we took off to the short trail walk in the tall grass. Best part was coming up on a pretty large gardener snack the kids thought was pretty cool. After this park, we grabbed lunch at Subway and then scooted to the new Star Park again to play. 

We visit this place often as there are so many different avenues to explore from a few beach fronts, coffee shop and trails along the water to adventure on. And every mom's favorite...bathrooms. Melissa and Michaela came with us on one of our last park adventures this summer. We spent quite a bit of time looking for clams, dead crabs and pretty shells in the shallow end as we sipped on our Wood's caffeinated treats. The dinner bell was ringing so after we made our way back to the car via the boardwalk we stopped at La Fiamma's Pizza to entertain our pizza cravings. 

Until next year Summer. It's been grand. 

A Drive, A Hike & an Ice Cream Cone

On the heels of our family camping trip came an all day hike up Hannegan Pass with Grandpa Doug and Aiti (Terhi - Finnish word for Mom which all the grandkids call her), M & M and our tribe of six.  The morning started out chilly, but don't worry, it was toasty hot up in the hills. After we made our way through the curvy roads and last mile or two on a dirt, pothole laced road we made it to the trail head. 

Our adventures started out stinky as Miss Bee pooped up her back before even stepping foot on the trail. After a little clean up, we all had potty breaks, checked our shoe laces, applied the sunscreen and marched forward towards the peak. Uncle Ryan and Charlie were out of sight in minutes while the lady crew and Tim slowly made our way three miles in. Myriam made sure all we passed on the trail were greeted with a proper "Hello" or "Have a nice day!"

The sights to see were spectacular with high lines of flowery fields, green pastures, rocky cliffs with trickles of water, snow caps and pesky flies that some weren't too fond of. Yes, they bite. Miss Bee sang and talked most of the way until we stopped in the shade to have some lunch. Recognizing the fatigue on the young ones, some of us chose to turn around before reaching the top four point eight miles in. 

This was Doug's first hike since crushing both his heels a year ago making this an accomplishment towards his recovery. On the way down, Tim showed the girls how to drink from a stream and thankfully, no one got sick from the two sips. Myriam went down about a mile from the car and Uncle Ryan stumbled slicing his knee, but otherwise all were injury free. 

After making our way to the car, I took the little ladies to cool our toes in the refreshing and chilly stream. Miss Bee was not a fun as she's a warm water only baby while Myriam could have dipped her wholeself in if we allowed her too. 

And to sweeten the deal on the drive home, some of us indulged with ice cream at Graham's Store on our way off the mountain. 

It didn't take long to have all but a few of us sleeping from tired legs and exhausted bodies. 

I was shocked from how well all the kids did; the girls a total of six miles and Charlie rounding out at almost ten miles. According to my Fitbit, we climbed 95 flights of stairs making this single track trail an easy one for kids if they don't mind getting sweaty, stopping to fuel and going slow to not tipsy top over the side. Myriam only made me nervous a few times otherwise it was safe for even the youngest ones. 

I can't wait until the next hike!

{ A hiking we must go. }

{ Sandwiches, cheese and meat sticks and fuel bars to keep the feet moving. }

{ Grandpa Doug's coffee bean. }

{ Hot and thirsty. }

{ Tim assisted all the ladies with holding back hair for a sip. }

{ Mickey's face flinging flies is how some felt the entire time. }

{ Snow capped peak to cool off in at the top. }

{ Charlie and Uncle Ryan conquering the trail with confidence and speed. }

{ Getting ready to dip our toes. }