We have been busy. I guess thats what happens when you don’t come back for a year. On Wednesday we went to our friends new house in Covington. It was great. They have 2 girls, the same ages as our boys. Andrew and Nicholas had a blast hanging out and playing with toys, games and bikes. We also went to the park and swimming.

Thanks Mark and Julie for a fun time! We appreciate your friendship.

The last couple of nights we have stayed with some friends in Edmonds. This is the home we lived in for several weeks last summer as we were in transition. We had a great time catching up and sharing what God has done over the last year. Amy and her husband Nick spent the evening with us too. We are grateful to have had time with the Hood family.

Ron, Beth, and us

Andrew and Nicholas had a chance to sit on Nick’s bike. They loved making the noises and pretending. Its amazing how boys “just know” what to do!

Nicholas

Andrew

I had my haircut today for the first time in over a year…more like year and a half.

We spent a day in Edmonds, the town I grew up in.  Not a lot has changed in a year.  It is still a cute town with lots of old shops, a movie theater, Claire’s pantry (where Chad and the boys used to dine for breakfast) where Chad and the boys dined today for brunch.  We played at the beach and enjoyed the relaxing morning.  We also spent time with my grandma, who is 90 years old.  We went swimming at her pool and had a nice dinner together.  

First stop after landing in Seattle…a walk and dinner at IKEA.

Made waffles at Nana’s house

Rode bikes (Thanks Tony)

Climbing, playing, running around with Yoda (the dog) at Auntie Bekah’s house

Berry Picking

Were helpers with dinner

Playing games

Rode the go-kart into the ditch…

Played golf, not mini

Spent time with my sister

Finger painted

Rode on several lawn mowers

Went swimming

Saw Uncle Greg

Went to a Mariner’s Game…it was cold!

Became Rock Stars!

Saw friends

Played with Tulla and Tessa…some nice dogs

Quality time with friends

just to name a few things we have done so far. Stay tuned for more adventures in the Northwest.

The boys and I began our journey early this morning.  We had a flight to Dever with a bit of a lay over, and then on to Seattle.  I was certainly glad I packed some extra clothes for Nicholas.  The boys were so excited to fly.  As we were boarding the first plane, Andrew greeted the flight attendant, and asked if he could speak to the pilot.  So both boys went and introduced themselves to the pilot…Nicholas calls them “pirates”, and they learned a bit about the controls.  The flight was smooth.  Nicholas did dump his Sprite on his lap, so he sat in his boxers for the rest of the flight.  Once in Denver, we had several hours, so we took our time and got some lunch, watched a movie and walked around.  During the time the boys were watching their movie, Nicholas had an accident.  So we changed clothes again.  As we were boarding the second flight, Nicholas took the lead in introducing himself to the “pirate”, and his brother.  He was convinced that the “pirates” were brothers.  The flight attendants and pilots got a kick out of Nicholas.  This time as they were looking at all the controls, the boys were telling the pilots what they had learned from the previous pilot.  It was cute.  Once we were on the ground in Seattle, our first stop was…dun dun dun…Ikea.  Yes, it was.  It was a chance for the boys to play in the kids area, and for my mom and I to walk around while having a bit of retail therapy.  We ate and had a nice time.  We have now made it to Centralia/Rochester where my parents live.  We will be here for 4 days and then on to our next destination.  Check back for photos.

People tell me on a daily basis how much Andrew and Nicholas look alike. But boy are they as different as Night and Day. Today they played in the backyard in the pool and then decided to play in the garden box. Some how Andrew came out pretty clean…and Nicholas was covered with dirt!

Check out Mike’s blog…he says it well! Here are a couple of pictures of 3 of the brothers.

Nicholas and his new friends 3 and 4 years old brothers.

One of the twins and his 4 year old brother.

Tonight was our weekly community dinner, where we invite neighbors, friends, co-workers, lacrosse players and others we are journeying with.

Tonight we celebrated Susanne’s birthday.

Nicholas enjoyed playing with new friends.

Andrew enjoyed shooting some hoops in the street.

Happy Birthday Friend! You are an amazing woman of God! You are honest, true and VERY self-less! As Mike says, You are a Super-Mum to your boys and mine. We are so blessed to be living in New Orleans, next door to you and sharing in this journey of life together. We honor you today this special day…your birthday!

After the boys had a play date we went for Sno Balls. Its the best thing on a HOT summer day in NOLA.

Our first fireworks display outside of the Northwest was tonight. What a spectacular view! We sat in chairs right along the Mississippi River and straight in front of us was the barge with the festivities!