Minor Mishap...

Here's what Kaia discovered in our backyard this morning, after yet another windstorm last night.

That's our tree that pushed the fence down into our next door neighbor's yard. Check out the top of the tree...

It fell into a second neighbor's back yard. Fortunately the damaged was only to the one section of fence, which Mike and Kellen repaired this afternoon. Just in time, because the next windstorm is scheduled to start up in about an hour from now!

Seahawk Sweethearts!

This Valentine's Day the romantic in me got everyone Seahawk Superbowl Champions tshirts! Hey, don't judge me! The girls' ones were pink with hearts, so kept with the theme, and we all "love" our Hawks! Here's Josh showing us his from college...

A week ago I took the girls to a local pottery painting business so they could paint Mike some Valentine gifts. Here are some before and after shots.

Yep, Mike looks a little under the weather. He has quite the cough going on and seems to enjoy showing me what comes up with it. Thanks Babe! He is determined to run the Fort Ebey Kettle Run half marathon tomorrow. I am not sharing his enthusiasm, especially for the inch of rain that is predicted in the next 24 hrs.! Stay tuned for the outcome and photos....

Indoor S'mores!!!

Who says we have to wait until summer to camp and eat S'mores? Yesterday, amongst yet another freezing day (minus all the snow that everyone else in the country has been getting), the girls and I made Indoor S'more Sundaes. They were a fun and sweet treat, and even better, easy to make! Ours weren't as pretty as the photo posted on foodnetwork, but looks are over rated, right?

First the graham cracker crust.

Cover the ice cream with marshmallows.

After an hour in the freezer and 30 seconds under the broiler, enjoy!

Not as pretty as below, but tasty! I forgot to drizzle the chocolate before the photo, and it actually was more like a plop!

What it was actually supposed to look like!

 If you like, you can check out the original recipe here.

Tumblin' Time...

The tumbling season is amongst us now, as last weekend Kaia had her first competition. In the double-mini event she took home the first place medal overall for her level. She is preparing to move up a level in this event; all she needs to do is get the confidence to do so in a meet, which we are working on. In trampoline she was on the medal stand for third place overall. And in power tumbling she moved up a level from last year, and took second in her flight.

Not a very clear picture, but we were sitting in the balcony!

Speaking of last weekend and competition, Joshua wrestled at Pacific University in Oregon. He ended up taking fourth in his weight class. Since it was near family, my parents were able to go cheer him on.

We are hoping to go watch Josh at Central Washing University in early March. Today we head to Kirkland for Kaia's second meet. Tomorrow? Let's just say there's kind of a big game that we will be cheering loudly for!

Forward Step...

I was thrilled to see this commercial on TV a couple days ago. A complete step in the right direction! Not there yet, as the commercial is specific to the "disability," but forward nontheless.  I look forward to the day when it is not newsworthy that someone with a limb difference, or any other "disability," is in a commercial just because...

Post-Holidays...

We extended our holiday by getting a Post-Holiday visit from my parents. The weather was unusually warm for this time of year, so they enjoyed taking the girls to the beach, and walking around town. We also played a lot of X-Box. The bowling warmed us up for the real bowling we did as an entire family. Crafts, and a lot, and I mean a lot of Mexican Train were also part of our fun weekend.

These Pom-Pom puppies were NOT as easy as advertised!

Jaelyn vs. Papa

Intense game of Ping-Pong

This was our last hurrah of the long break. Despite the trials early in the break, it was a wonderful time.  We also had to say goodbye to Josh as he headed back to school. We were very proud of his success at his first semester at WSU, and proud of Kellen's success in school too. I just realized that if they keep up this pace, they will be graduating from college at the same time!

Great Day...

Our Saturday began with our favorite hike through the woods, and down to the beach. After the last few days of steady rain, were were all itching to get out and about, including the dogs!  Now mind you, there was still plenty of wind going on, but we had to get it in before the next wind/rain storm hit (and before the Seahawk game started!).

Despite this walk being one we frequented this summer, we had never seen the tide this high. That didn't stop the girls from enjoying it though. I love the sound of the tide retreating over the rocks. If you listen closely, you can hear it.

Shortly after videoing this, a soft rain began to fall.  By the time we reached the wooded area, the rain was more steady, but we were under the cover of trees.  The last part of the hike, through the fields, was a full on downpour.  No regrets though.

The rest of the afternoon was spent eating nachos and cheering our Seahawks to victory! Perfect combination for a great day!  

And Happy Birthday to my mom!