a week in review

What a great week we had. We had visitors!! Melanie (whom I was inseparable from in high school) and Scott drove out from Tacoma Friday afternoon. We spent the whole night reminiscing, chatting and laughing! It was so great to catch up. As always, wish it could have been longer. Thanks for enduring the drive, traffic, for bringing the best bottle of wine, books which I'm so anxious to read and a local CD which I will listen to as soon as I post this. We had an amazing time! wish I would've taken some pictures but we were so busy chatting non stop and looking at old photos I totally forgot! Next time I will...

Being as I haven't had my hair cut or colored since May, I decided upon dying it myself (to save money) so here is the outcome:
Aunt Marissa made Lexi some adorable bows, thanks! They are perfect

New hair color. I'm not sure what I think of it, I worry it makes me look too pale.

Kyler playing on the computer

a surprise visit!

At 3 am on Friday night, I heard a knock on the door. Jared hops up and says "go get the door", logic told me not to be the one to answer it in the middle of the night but exhaustion won, as logic lost...so I opened the door and what do I see? CINDY and her new husband, Dave, complete with a rose and Super Burrito, my favorite restaurant of all time! She is one of my very best friends, I have known her since I was 4. She drove the 9 hour drive from California after work on Friday to surprise me. Unfortunately she could only stay the 1 day as she had to be back at work Monday.
Saturday Sept 19:
It was a misty day, but as it was they were only here the 1 day, we decided to take them to one of our favorite spots, Cascadia.
Lexi fell asleep on the 25 minute drive.
Cascadia

the kids exploring

the fall colors are starting to show more daily.

Kyler and Lexi

Jared and the kids

squirrels Kyler spotted, they were adorable with orange bellies!

Lexi spotted a salamander walking on the trail towards the river. The picture doesn't do him justice, he was brick red and orange.

fog drifting over the lake on the way home.

Sept 20:

Before Cindy left, we decided to take some goofy pictures together, something we have done since kids.

we're such nerds!

haha!

discs, teeth, packages and fog

Sept 15:
Jared and Kyler went disc golfing!

Sept 16:

Early morning foggy view from our front door.

Sept 17:

My GREAT friend, Erica, sent Lexi a gift card in which Lexi used to purchase this adorable porcelain tea set, complete with a wicker picnic basket. THANKS ERICA!

Kyler lost ANOTHER tooth!!

Sept 18:

$2 from the tooth fairy!
Lexi said she heard and saw the tooth fairy. Kyler said he didn't hear or see anything. HAHA, it describes them perfectly-Lexi is so imaginative as Kyler is logical.

Lexi playing with her tea set.

Pat sent us a package full of rocks she's collected from around the world, sunglasses, bracelets and earrings for Lexi. You're too sweet! Thanks!!

It's been a great week for us, although it has flown by a bit too fast, but when doesn't it? Hope everyone is doing well.

OOhh..I finished reading Interview With the Vampire last week. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the movie, as the book is much more intense, passionate and thrilling than the film. I am currently reading The Tenth Insight, the sequel to my all time favorite book, The Celestine Prophecy.

relaxation

09-09-09
We went to Cascadia.
Lexi took her baby and taught her how to swim, so cute.
handsome guy

oooh the water was cold that day!

they called this their hot tub

we had a blast

rafting with daddy

Lexi and mama

Kyler and mom

9-12-09

We went to Cascadia again today. We had so much fun playing in the river, going down the little rapids, swimming, fishing (the boys), and I even found time to lay on a blanket near the river and read. What a relaxing day.
the drive there, it's only 25 minutes away but Lexi was so tired

haha sillies. Lexi is eating a sugar plum from our tree in our front yard.

roots intertwined

he's getting so big

as is she

going down the rapids with dad

On Thursday, my mom called me in a near panic state. Her brother died. She is really upset and angry, as anyone would be. She started her life with 4 siblings and only 2 remain. In the past 5 years I have lost 3 uncles and 1 cousin. My uncle in New Mexico died this year in April. It's been a devastating year for my family, please keep them in your prayers, especially my mom. However she is remarkably strong. Thank you to everyone who gave their sympathy, love and prayers.

Cascadia

On the drive home...Ipods can be LIFESAVERS!!
(excuse the camera phone quality photos)

5 minutes later...

Cascadia Park

the kids getting ready to hike down...

this is where we stayed and played. Jared caught a medium sized salmon here (I couldn't snap the picture fast enough and the fish hopped back in the water).

Kyler fishing

She played in the FREEZING water the whole time!

we laid down and watched the clouds, afterall it's the small things in life that make it worth living...

perfect reflection on the water

After a very wet weekend, we were able to get out and enjoy the last day off. We went to one of our favorite places, Cascadia. We hiked further this time and discovered some amazing areas. Next weekend is supposed to be in the 80s here so I think we will go back and swim. Hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy the Labor day weekend.

Funny story: since Lexi turned 5, everything is about her being able to do more know that she's older...today I said "wow your hair is getting long again" she said "yeah mom, cause it's 5 year old hair!" haha...that is just a sample, this goes on all day now.