The DeVlieger Family

First Snow!

2012-01-21T20:02:00.000-08:00

The kids were proud of there first snowman of the year! It was a big one!

Snowshoeing Mount Baker

2012-01-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month we traveled up to Mount Baker for our second snowshoeing adventure this season. This time we went with our friends, the Warrick's, and had a wonderful time. The weather was not as nice as they fore casted but we had fun nonetheless.

That's Lila in the window! She was the hit of the day and kept everyone entertained!

The End!

SNOW DAY!!

2012-01-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Carving 2011

2011-11-15T20:45:00.001-08:00

Our good friends PK and Kristen had a pumpkin carving party again this year....it was a fun evening!

Weird! Jill found a baby!

I carved the pumpkin of a horse, which was "supposed" to have a pumpkin rider, which became headless during the carving process, and then some punks turned into a unicorn! The riff raff around here I tell ya!

Toy Story 3

2011-11-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

We headed to the Comcast Arena in Everett for the Toy Story 3, put on by the Disney on Ice. They do a very good job! The kids loved the story, Abby was movin' and groovin' with the songs, and they both were excited about getting to stay out late on a Thursday night! The next morning was pretty tough to wake up for school though.

Halloween Pics

2011-11-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

I had to work Halloween this year but that didn't stop the kids from having some fun. Jill took some neat pics of the kids before they unloaded the neighborhood of their candy stores!

Prosser Balloon Rally

2011-11-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

We traveled to Prosser, Wa for the balloon rally.
The kids liked everything but the early morning!

Cody turns 7!

2011-10-23T20:52:00.001-07:00

Rrrrg!
Cody celebrated his seventh birthday with a bunch of friends and family. Cody picked out a pirate theme this year and Jill had a lot of fun putting the pirate ship cake together....

with tons of treasure!

big ships!

big guns!

and strong winds!

Couple Favorite Hawaii Images

2011-10-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

Traveled all the way to Oahu for a picture of this exotic bird!

Favorites from the Ride

2011-09-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Shindy....looking relaxed on the wide glide.

I held the camera next to the gas tank and took this shot while riding into the ocean mist. I kind of like the way it turned out.

Joe out front, followed by Paul, and Pat chewing up the tarmac.

Cody woke up early the morning after I returned home and helped me wash the bike. The first five minutes of our ride included a small rain squall, which left the bikes pretty dirty for the rest of the ride.

Oh yeah! The open road....and nice warm temperatures to boot.

Ocean Shores Ride 2011

2011-09-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

Little video of our Ocean Shores ride. I couldn't help myself....I had to put a little 80's hairband in there. Thanks to Pat, Paul, Dave and Joe for a fun trip.

Colin's Birthday - Shelter Bay

2011-08-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

The Birthday Boy! Big #2

PK and Kelsey going for a little stroll!

Addie....cute as a bug!

Todd The Grill Master! It was some amazing fish!

VanderWoude Reunion 2011

2011-08-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

Slide show of the Reunion. Resolution is poor so
I recommend watching it small.

Couple of my favorite pics

2011-08-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

The fearsome foursome! Team VanArendonk and Team DeVlieger were seen cruising the grounds a bunch during our stay!

Chico Hot Springs

2011-08-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

The kids and I spent the morning of day 3 at Chico Hot Springs getting a little exercise. It is like swimming in bath water, very warm, almost a little creepy warm! The hot pool is even warmer still! Good fun!

Day 2 Gardiner MT

2011-08-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

I love those Montana sky lines. This shot was taken about 0530 in the am. My usual habit of waking up early, pacing the house, reconsidering and then wandering back to bed until the kids wake me up. This is truly a beautiful spot. I could definitely hang out for years!

Montana - Smiley Family

2011-08-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

A short little slide show of our time spent in Plains, MT. The quality is fairly low so I recommend watching it small, it seemed really blurry when I made it full screen.

Minnesota Trip - Day 2

2011-08-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

Logan was an awesome little kid and was always first to volunteer at meal time to pray. He was pretty entertaining! We stopped in at Camp Bighorn, a Christian camp for youth, for a tour. The kids had a good time expending a little energy scrambling around on the rocks and touring the grounds.

We went for a little hike up the hill behind the camp to the overlook. The weather was pretty nice! Cody took a rock in the knee which would leave him stiff-legged for the next couple days. The long car rides left him pretty stiff every time we stopped.

The top! It was nice to get a little bit of exercise in before being cooped up in the car for our next leg of the drive.

We crossed the street to see the horses of Lone Ram Ranch, the ministry that Darren and Mylinda operate. The kids loved being able to give the horses treats.

Abby was really excited about the possibility of getting to attend one of the camps next year!

Minnesota Trip - Day 1

2011-08-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

Full Car
We kept on cruizin until we hit Montana state line and by then the dinner options were quite limited. The kids wanted a cheeseburger so we ended up at Frosty's for a little gut rot. They said yum!

We stayed with Darren and Mylinda Smiley in Plains, MT the first night. Darren was away for military training but that did not stop the kids from having a blast together. They ran around the property, checked out their fort, played a little xbox, and generally had a good time. Mylinda and I enjoyed a nice visit while enjoying the Montana sky.

Minnesota Trip 2011 - Prep Day

2011-08-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

Mr Attitude.....it's gonna be a long, long trip!
Empty Car.......Full Car will follow!

Abby helping with a little cleaning before we hit the road!

Yet another Rainy Day!

2011-07-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

We spent all day yesterday helping out the in laws, butchering chickens and stacking hay. I was supposed to have a work day at the house and get a number of things checked off the list. However, the weather put a damper on my mood, raining once again. So the kids and I broke off the seal of a Life game.....that has been sitting in our game closet for at least 10 years and spent a few quality hours livin' it up....no pun intended.

Outlaw Chicken Slaughter 2011

2011-07-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

Jill was behind on picture editing so the kids and I headed down to the "outlaws" to help butcher some chickens. They had 33 little yard birds that went from the yard to the freezer!

After we were done with the chickens Cody and I went over GG's (Jill's Grandmother) to help throw a few hay bales into the barn before the rain hit. It seemed like the first day of summer we had, it was quite warm! Cody had fun riding the trailer until GG gave the truck a little too much throttle and his face was pelted with mud!

Smiling Now!

Pics of the Kiddos

2011-07-17T14:45:00.001-07:00

Jill took a couple fotos of the kiddos when she went up to a clients house one day. The sky and landscape was pretty cool!

Abby's Birthday

2011-07-17T14:24:00.001-07:00

Here is Abby next to her cake. Hard to believe that she is 9 already! Time sure does fly! Seems like only yesterday that she was our little miracle baby. We thank the Lord for every minute we've had and pray for many more wonderful years to come.

Cody's Cake!

2011-07-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

Rainin' in Washington again.....so I thought I would do a little catching up! Here is a pic of Cody with Jill's Custom Cake! His birthday was in October but it still almost feels like fall around here.

Pike Place Market

2011-02-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

The last time we went to Pike Place Market was during a riot in Seattle and Troy and Emily were visiting.....seems like yesterday.....seems like forever ago! We didn't even have these two crazies then and Troy and Emily were kid free too!

The kids checking out the menu at the Hard Rock cafe

In typical Seattle fashion we were able to witness a fist fight while we ate dinner, see Seattle's finest respond to the call, and watch a couple of 'slightly' inebriated individuals get hauled off! Kind of like dinner and a movie....just different.

Ergomania 2011

2011-02-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

In 2008, Firefighter Matt Durham rowed at 2000 meter race at the NW Ergomania in Seattle, WA. Matt and I had talked several times about doing the race again together. Since he passed away December 30th, 2010 I decided that I would row in his memory and honor.....just a little something that I could do to remember him by. I plan on rowing every year.

I was fairly unprepared for the race this year.....I looked the race up in early Jan and with the race on Feb 5th, I didn't have much time to train, so I decided that I would just show up and race....which is pretty much the way Durham would have done it. He used to drive our physical fitness guys nuts a work. He would never stretch or warm up... he would just GO. I've heard Matt say several times..."I can't warm up for calls, I just have to go. Why would I train any other way!"

I pulled a very good first half to the race....but I bonked out big time in the middle! I still managed a 6:40.....which is definately NOT collegiate level. Maybe I will have to get one of those fancy rowing suites....I am sure it is the wind resistance that is slowing me down! It was a good time and I had Jill and the kiddos cheering me on!

Model Train Show

2011-02-12T17:45:00.000-08:00

Grandpa "Trucks" DeVlieger called the other day and invited us to the model train show in Monroe, WA. We left Jill sleepin' and went and check it out. It was pretty neat. I was quite surprised how much there was to see. The whole arena was packed with displays and stuff for sale. If trains were your thing....this was definately the place to be.

I liked this setup due to the fact that it had a couple Matson containers. I've hauled quite a few of these cans down into the port. Some of the detail these guys put into the models was pretty cool.

First Ever! A Snowshoeing Adventure!

2011-01-30T21:35:00.000-08:00

On the eve of the New Year we traveled with some friends over to Hurricane Ridge and tackled a little snow.
I was worried about the snow shoes being a problem for the kids to figure out. I was very wrong, they took off like rockets and didn't stop running for about 2 hours! It was quite fun to try something none of us had done before.

It was quite beautiful up there. It was nice to get some fresh air, enjoy God's creation, and spend time as a family

Back to Drivin'

2011-01-25T21:53:00.000-08:00

With both of the kids in school and Dad in need of a part time driver I have started turnin' a few tires again.

It has been fun getting out on the road again...

2011-01-17T22:15:00.000-08:00

HDR Images

2011-01-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

Jill received some new software for image editing just before Christmas. I still made her open the boxes for them on Christmas day.....she didn't seem too surprised! Weird! One of the image editing techniques she has started using more is HDR (High Dynamic Range). Give the photos kind of a neat look. Both photos taken the same day as the family pictures. The bench photo was taken at Legion Park in Everett, Wa

Some family Pictures!

2010-12-14T21:00:00.001-08:00

We took some family portraits at a Howarth Park in Everett. There was a fair bit of running for Mom as she would make all the adjustments, set the timer, and then run into place. We still had a good time even the weather was fairly cold. (Notice the two layers of coats on Cody in this picture!)

Warm Beach - Lights of Christmas

2010-12-13T16:36:00.001-08:00

The kids checking out the toy train!

We have wanted to visit the "Lights of Christmas" at Warm Beach for several years but never made it for one reason or other. We had planned some family time one day after school...the weather was nice and crisp.....so we made a last minute decision and trek up to Stanwood to check out the lights. We enjoyed it very much and the kids had a blast.

A little fun with the Christmas lights. Shot with a 50mm f2.5 - 3 tenths of a second at iso 100, and of course a little camera "shake." Makes me a little dizzy though.

Break Time!

A little more fun with the lights. Shot with a 50mm f2.8 - 4 tenths of a second at iso 100.

Modern Art!

Washington - Winter Wonderland

2010-11-23T18:31:00.000-08:00

I have been updating our blog with pics of Yellowstone...nice warm summer pics but this is actually what we are experiencing in Washington now. The news calls it an "Artic Blast" but the kids just call it "A Blast!" They have been having lots of fun in the snow but the snow has been too dry to make good snowballs or snowmen.

Another Cold Chain!

Much nicer...warmer....pictures to follow on the update catchup of 2010!

Yellowstone Trip - Still Catchin' Up!

2010-11-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

The Chico Hot Springs were 10 miles from where we were staying so we ventured over for a visit and we all had a nice time swimming. It really was like bath water and the small pool was like a hot tub!

Abby snapped this shot...I don't know why my hat is never on straight! Must have an uneven melon!

Abby chillin' at the cabin....the little white spec above her head is a pelican.

These three showed up across the river from our cabin in Gardiner, MT.

Yellowstone Trip 2010 - Catchin' Up!

2010-11-19T22:24:00.000-08:00

The North Entrance to Yellowstone. We stayed the majority of the time in Gardiner, MT. So we used this entrance several times.

Cody doing his log dance! Maybe we should have let him out of the car a little more....I think he might be going a little crazy!

Old Faithful.....starting up!

This bison was "not" exceeding the posted speed limit!

I love those Montanna nights. We saw a lot of beautiful country....really didn't care for the bugs though!

Yellowstone Trip - Jackson Hole and Grand Tetons

2010-11-19T21:17:00.000-08:00

We acted like celebrities for a couple hours wandering around Jackson Hole, the tourist trap town! A lot of shops, a lot of garbage, but we had some really good ice cream!

Nicest guy in town right here. Stoic and quiet......perfect!

This is where we are! This is the way Dad went! I know I am still smiling but I really don't know why!

On our way up to Yellowstone through the Grand Tetons. This also is some beautiful country. It was a little hazy due to some of the fires in the area, not the best for photography, but nice to look at nonetheless.

Yellowstone Trip Cont'd

2010-11-19T21:10:00.000-08:00

On our way from Boise, ID to Idaho Falls we stopped at Craters of the Moon National Monument. The visitor center was closed but the kids liked checking out the rocks.

Bike riding starting in Kathryn Albertson Park and along the Greenbelt in Boise

A quick stop at Cabela's for some nice refreshing AC

Road trippin' and roughin' it!

Yellowstone Trip - Highlights - July 2010

2010-11-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

I know we are a little behind....but I thought I would share a little bit of our Yellowstone Trip. We started in Boise for two days. We explored the Old Idaho Penitentiary, Botanical Gardens, Kathryn Alberston park, and the Capital. The kids enjoyed making their own pizza at Flat Bread the best though!

Mmmmm! smell those pizza's cookin'

Doing some hard time!

Camp 4 Star - Visit with Christy

2010-09-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

Those sure are some pretty blue eyes!

Jill's good friend Christy was in town from Wisconsin. Jill met with her for the day at Camp 4 Star. They had fun catching up, letting the kids play, and taking pictures of all the festivities!

They also traveled to Saltwater State Park....the kids had a fun time playing in the sand!

Jill's Birthday Celebration - The Big '34'

2010-09-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

Look at that cute Kali!

Drool, drool, and more drool!

If that face don't look like trouble I don't know nothin'!

Typically we go to Sunlakes for Jill's birthday. This year we went a little early so we could go with our good friends the Horton's. This year we were able to spend Jill's big 34 with the Barrow clan. Adam and Jenai were here from Minn. so it was fun to spend time with all the kids.

Home made card....necklace taped in the shape of a heart....pulled out all the stops for this birthday allright!

It was a cold summer day! a very cold summer day! Tank tops and stocking hats......a custom Northwest wardrobe....just like socks with your sandals! Jenai and I were both really sneaky for Jill's little party we followed Jill around the farmers market and everytime she said "Oh! I really like that!" we logged it in our brains and cruised through later and picked up some birthday goodies!

No way! These two could be sisters? I am amazed!

Don't mess with this boy! He will make you oh so wet!

Lemonade Stand & Haying All In One Day.....

2010-09-21T21:50:00.001-07:00

All the kiddos set up a lemonade stand up at Lacamas during their Farmer's Market ....they sold a lot more lemonade than I thought they ever would! We made batch after batch and had a large number of repeat customers! Good summer fun!

What a stud!!!

Fun Pregnant Photoshoot

2010-09-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Kristen was kind enough to let me take pictures of her pregnant. She is so cute, and with such a cute belly. I talked her into this pose.....I thought it was really cute with the blocks!! I made this picture (above) into a gallery wrap....that is why it has such a big border. It turned out really cute!!

She had a sweet baby girl the week after these pictures were taken. I have yet to take the baby's pictures....but will soon!

Jenai's Kids - July 2010

2010-09-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

Jenai came to visit in July with the whole family. She came up to our house and got some pictures taken. Here are some cute ones....

Kali (3 months)

Krista (5 years)

Jacob (3 years)

Look at those eyes!!

Sun Lakes 2010

2010-09-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

Sun Lakes 2010 - slide show

We love to go camping! Here is the fun we had at Sun Lakes this summer. I love this place and have requested to go there for many years. The kids have a great time in the lake and the pool. We go on bike rides and even do some miniature golfing. This year Chad did some real golfing.... and had a great time breaking the rented clubs.

Ocean Shores- June 2010

2010-09-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Ocean Shores -June 2010 - slide show
A few pictures of our trip to Ocean Shores with the Wigals. The are so very generous and let us come with them to share their cabin on the beach. It is so fun to wake up and see the water....then head down the stairs and get right to the beach. As you can see the kids have a blast.....playing in the sand, flying a kite, and looking for fairy's nests. Jill even has a little fun digging in the sand (see the frog she made).

Sand & Saw Festival - Ocean Shores

2010-09-12T15:54:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of pics from our trip to ocean shores....we stopped in at the sand and sawdust festival.......A lot of creative castle builders out there.

Sweet set of wheels!....Foot vent control too!...Nice!

This one is a picture of Chad!.....can you see the likeness!

Well, the hair anyways!

Jill plans on entering some of her castles next year....I think I will rent a backhoe! That is a lot of sand.

The Wedding - Tammy & Pat

2010-09-08T23:08:00.001-07:00

Just a preview of some photographs that I liked from the wedding! If you want to see them all....go to my website!

This is a design I made for a proof box. I took some pictures of the final product...I will post on the final design later. The front cover is the one with the date...the big L is the binding...the part with two pictures is the back of the box. It turned out pretty neat!!

Rosario Beach - June 2010

2010-09-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

Rosario Beach - slideshow maker We went to Rosario Beach to check out lay of the land before taking wedding photo's. It is a beautiful area and was very sunny that day. The wedding was the next day, it didn't rain...but is sure wasn't as nice. The kids love the beach!!!

Karis.....Photo Time!

2010-08-22T22:50:00.001-07:00

Karis came to visit had a little photo time with Jill....She is a little cutie!

Cute Baby!! - Photoshoot of Dominick

2010-08-22T22:46:00.000-07:00

A couple of Jill recent pictures of Dominick. Cute little Mister! I might not be able to help my better half in the photography side very often but Dominick wanted nothing to do with the ladies on this particular day....but he was all smiles for me!

Cody - Mr. Smiles! - Lost the First Chomper!

2010-08-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

Cody lost his first tooth....finally! He has been waiting on this moment for a long time. All it really took was Auntie Andrea to give it a quick yank and out it came!

Harley - My Old Pal!

2010-08-22T22:36:00.001-07:00

Well.....Harley's had a rough little go here lately. I thought for sure he was off to the glue factory....he even had a date for it once.

His mother and a sister recently got a little dirt thrown on top of them so I guess maybe I will use that for a little pre-dispositioning.....

It started with just a little looking tired....progressed to the old "can't get up" routine and got to the point where I had to help him get his feet under him just to walk just a couple steps outside. The loss of appetite...going days without food and water...blah...blah...blah. Thought he was a goner!

Won't open his eyes!

Thought we were taking his last photos....so sad!

I decided...after I had to help him up for a day, before I went to work for a 48, that I was not going to spent any more money on a 9 year old dog that had lost a mother, a sister, and a brother within the last 6 mo. His time was up and I was not! going to throw good money away on a dog who's time was up. I thought I was going to take him for a "walk" but the more I thought about it the more I decided I was not going to be able to pull the trigger. So, on my way home from work I made some phone calls and made an appointment...the deal was made, he had an eta for some very good drugs.

However, when I got home it turns out that Harley heard of my phone call through some sort of dog network and he started to act "chipper" again. I...big old softie that I am ...changed the appointment with "doctor death" to just "doctor", a hundred big ones in drugs and I was out of there! Oh ya! they recommended X-rays, ultra-sounds, blah..blah...blah but I almost stuck to my guns on not spending any big cash on my old mut.....for now! More on that later.

A few weeks later...a newly re-vitalized Harley went back down to the "outlaws" for a bit so we could take our trip to Yellowstone. When we got back from our trip the plan was to leave him down there until we planned to attend a wedding in Oregon. However, we got an emergency phone call on Harley...his neck had swollen to the point that he could barely breath....I made a speed run to meet Jerry and Marne down in Tukwila so I could pick him up.....after a date with the Vet. Jill took him (I drove truck for Dad)....and a few missed phone calls between Jill and I...we have now spent the big money on a 9 year old dog! He received a couple drain tubes in his neck, some stitches, etc. He has now fully recovered and survived another potentially fatal moment in his life! My Old Pal!

Our Anniversary - Taking pics of the mountain

2010-08-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

Jill and I celebrated our 11th anniversary this year! We were down at the "outlaws" so we left the kids with grandfolks for a bit. We went and took some pictures of the flowers and the mountain since is was such a beautiful day, tried to go to Cabela's but they were closed already, so we went to dinner at the Ram and then headed off to a movie. Nice and relaxing.....

These two pictures were taken at a Tacoma Fire station that Kyle works at. Kyle is a long time friend that I first met at WSU Fire Services, back in the day, and he is responsible for most of my WSU allum information. He is very good about keeping tabs on folks and making the rounds with the phone calls. Of course he is the one who just had the baby in the previous post, so now that he is a "dad" his life just got a little busier. As you can see this station will be 100 years old next year. It was pretty cool to walk through and see pictures of the original fire station. When horses were used to pull steam pumpers, when fire poles were still in operation, and see all the bracing that had to be retro'd into the building in order to support modern fire apparatus.

The kids enjoyed the station mascot which you see below.

Fun Birth Announcements

2010-08-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

Our friends Kyle and Abbey had a beautiful little baby girl! We were lucky enough to visit them, meet little Lucy, and Jill snapped a bunch of photo's of her. Jill and been using few programs and making little announcements and such. Here are a few examples of her work:

Pretty cool if I do say so myself! It is fun watching her be creative and making her photo's pop!

Trip Home from Pullman

2010-08-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

We spent Saturday night up in Spokane after our Pullman and Moscow trip. We let the kids swim in the pool and went for a stroll on the River Walk. It's funny since we used to go to Spokane a fair bit when we were in college but we never really spent any time checking out any of the local attractions. Spokane has some pretty neat stuff, we even walked around an art festival that was going on before heading home.

The kids and I went for a little Sunday morning stroll, letting our breakfast settle before going for another swim before we headed home. We let Mom sleep in....we're so nice!

Cody and Abby taking some pictures from the back seat! Cody wearing the earphones we purchased before our Minnesota trip....they make for a pretty quiet car!.....Mom and Dad can even have a little conversation and listen to a little music without living in the world of Disney or Veggie Tales!

Exit 237....only a few hundred miles till home!

Ian's Graduation - Pullman, Wa

2010-08-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

We drove over to Pullman for Ian's graduation. We woke the kids up nice an early for the six hour drive so we could make the party. Ian, was the ring bearer in our wedding and now he is heading off to college! Kind of makes Jill and I feel our age a little bit, time certainly flies!

I believe this is a local Pullman created game. I think they called it "kelly ball" they were using a tennis court, a basketball, and four players with baseball bats. It was pretty entertaining but now that I'm feeling older and perhaps a smidge smarter a few helmets might have been in order!

Abby and Cody enjoying the playground and some of the nice east side sunshine. Once again as we headed East we left Marysville in the rain and the weather got better and better as we continued the trip.

They had a buffet of food and the the kids ate until there belly's were full. The cute girl on the right is Riley, Ian's "little" sister. Riley was the flower girl in our wedding and had her 5th birthday on that day. So, we said happy 16th birthday a couple weeks early.

We toured the city of Pullman a little bit and checked out a lot of changes. The campus was beautiful and green. I never thought I would miss the Eastside of the state or Pullman but going back after almost 6 years I felt very nostalgic. Smelling Whitman county all the way out when the wheat was still lush and green and knee high like tall grass. It was beautiful and brought back a lot of memory's.

There's Ian again! Seems like yesterday I would babysit and make him walk on the ceiling by holding him up-side-down! Congrats Ian and good luck at college!

Mazama, Wa - Memorial Day Trip - Goat, I mean Bear central!

2010-08-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

We took a little trip to Mazama, Wa. over Memorial Day We spent some good times with the Wigal family and enjoyed a little sunshine - which the West side of the state did not. It also, turns out, that a bear liked to visit the area we were staying. He decided to pay us a visit while we were cooking over Todd's world famous wood-fire grill. I spotted him swimming the river, he took a gander at us, decided we didn't smell good, and took off. The kids thought it was pretty cool to see a real live bear in the wild though.

Abby and I just chillin' by the river.

This is the Mazama playground! Kids will be kids no matter what, huh! I was hoping they didn't come up with a swing, at least not for now!

Takin' a little break from our bike ride. Abby made it almost 12 miles solo! There was more than a couple little hills in there too! Cody road the tag along behind my bike and like dodging the occasional horse land mine!

I know! a funny face no doubt, but really what would your face look like if you were cleaning dog landmine off the bottom of your wife's shoe!

Cody, mister serious! It seems like yesterday he was just a little guy! Now it seems like he is growing more and more each day. It is tough to believe that he is five already, and a "legend" no doubt!

Cody's Pre-K Graduation - May 2010

2010-08-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Here is Cody graduating from Pre-K in May. Now he will start Kindergarten in one week....I can't believe how fast the time has gone.

My little boy is growing up......it is so sad.

Mazama Trip - May & Ocean Shores - June

2010-08-08T13:36:00.001-07:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you.
Click here to view photos

I thought I would try this link......it might only work if you have a snapfish account. These pictures are of our trips to Mazama and Ocean Shores with the Wigal Family. That is why you will see a lot of pictures of their kids. I have a weakness for cute kids!!!
I will post more pictures of our Yellowstone trip soon....I just need to edit them.

More March Photoshoots

2010-05-20T13:48:00.001-07:00

Colin and Addie I wish I could do that.....must taste really good!
Oh! Jill you are so funny.... they don't taste good, they taste great!!!

Aren't they the cutest brother and sister ever!! I love to take their pictures! See you soon Addie and Colin.

March Photoshoot

2010-05-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

Payton
Maddy

Isn't he the cutest thing!! I took this in March and just thought I would share them.

Soccer Practice at the Park

2010-05-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

This year we signed up both kids to play soccer. Cody had a really good time and is quite good at keeping control of the ball. Abby did it last year...but she still needs to grow into her long legs. It is only a 6 week class, Friday nights, and it just teaches the fundamentals of soccer.... no real games.

Notice them in jackets and pants....it was so cold for those two hours. Cody's class was first and while he was in class, Abby and I (or Chad) kicked the ball around to stay warm. Then during Abby's turn....Cody and I (or Chad) toddled around the park. This was during tax season so it was Chad who took them most of the time....while I was slaving away at work.

More Pink Pics!!!

2010-05-13T20:45:00.001-07:00

These are the cherry blossom trees from the front of our house. I am going through all my picture folders this week and am going to try and post our life in the last couple of months. So stay tuned for more pics....

Ida McKinley President Puppet Project

2010-05-12T21:56:00.001-07:00

This year Abby is in 2nd grade...thus more projects and homework. Every year this school has a President's Parade. They assigned all the 2nd grade students to a President and their wives. Abby got to be Ida McKinley......William McKinley the 25th president's wife. She learned a lot about her and all the difficulties that she faced in her life. She had two children that died....one at 4 months and the other a 4 year old. It was sad to read about that with Abby.... because she knows about the babies that we lost. Well enough of that! Abby had to write a report, make a puppet, dress up in 1850's clothes, and recite three facts in front of the school and all the second grade parents.

Here is the puppet she made!! The face is a photo copy of Ida's real face onto fabric. The hair is Alpaca wool from Abby's Alpaca. She sewed the dress, glued on buttons and ribbon all by herself. Of course I had to have my hand in it and helped a little. Ida looks so real it is kinda creepy! I think we might enter it in the Lacamas Fair this summer.

Here is Abby in the dress that we found and altered. We bought this older looking wedding dress at Goodwill, cut off the bottom, took off the train to make a bussel, and added a few ribbons. I thought she looked like she came from the 1800's.

The broach came from Grandma's collection of fine jewelry. Thanks Grandma!!!

Here is Ida and William together!!

Ida with some famous woman painter...I can't remember whole she was?

Ida with Helen Keller.

Ida and William together again.....a little happier to be together.

On stage reciting her facts. I would have died when I was in 2nd grade if I had to speak in front of a very large audience. Abby was very good....said her part and got off the stage.

Very fun and time consuming school project. Right now we are doing a poster and model about the Nervous System. It's a good thing that I like crafty projects. Chad helps with the woodworking, gluing, and paragraph writing.

Firefighter of the YEAR - GO CHAD!!!

2010-05-10T00:18:00.000-07:00

Chad received the Firefighter of the Year award this year. We are very proud of him and all his hard work. He is in charge of the vehicle maintenance ....so a lot of work with getting new parts and then installing them.
All the award winners for Woodinville at the Lake City Elks Club.

Cherry Blossoms - Bellevue Botanical Gardens

2010-04-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

Tax season is almost over and spring is here!! I am just getting back into the posting mood. Hope you enjoy these fun pictures....more posts to come!!

Jill's Photoshoots - Valentines

2010-03-01T20:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple of shots Jill took over the last couple weeks.

Visit North

2010-02-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

We met up in Mount Vernon with the Maas's. Daryl and Christianna were here visiting from CA. It was good to see them again, its been quite awhile. Their kids are growing up fast! Eve Marie seems to have grown inches. Her smile and giggle lights up the room!
Johan was a busy guy. He made letters and presents for our kids before they arrived. He was always busy building stuff and having a good time.

Abby read several books to all the kiddo's, but Eve Marie seemed to sit the longest. The boys seemed to have a shorter attention span and were still busy running around most of the night.

The Campout!

2010-02-15T12:06:00.001-08:00

the kids test driving the new low profile camping chairs in the driveway. Abby reading a story or two to Cody and just enjoying the sunshine!!!!!

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day Pictures

2010-02-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

Jill turns our living room into a photography studio.
The kids always have fun helping set up and getting a few trial pics to get the lighting right.

George has a rough Weekend!

2010-01-31T19:56:00.000-08:00

Abby and her classmates take turns taking care of the class critter "George" on the weekends. This last weekend was Abby's turn and good ol' George had quite the weekend!

He watched Old Yeller.
He got sick and Abby gave him some good doctoring.

George play a couple games of Quirkle with the kids.

He ate a "truck-load" of candy! Which may be why He got sick!

He also took a little tumble so Abby had to give him a couple casts to set his broken bones!

Just your typical weekend for George.

Abby goes for a new look! no pun intended!

2010-01-30T16:59:00.000-08:00

Abby gets a set of glasses. She says they help things look "bold" and easier to read. The Dr. says she does not have to use them all the time, just when she reads and if they help see the board in school. They also said she should outgrow them in a year or so. I think she looks pretty cute in them, although she did get a hard time for them at school!

A Couple More Fotos

2010-01-30T16:50:00.001-08:00

Chad and Jill's Weekend Out!

2010-01-24T15:25:00.001-08:00

View from Larrabee State Park - water's edge.

Picture of some of the cool rocks at Larrabee

The paperazzi always follows me everywhere! uh! so annoying!

Jill and I had a nice little overnight getaway! We enjoyed a scenic trip up Chuckanut Drive stopping at Larrabee State Park. We continued up to Bellingham to take in some of the sites and got turned away from the Bellweather Hotel (I guess that's what you get when you try going with "no reservations," ....it always works on TV!). After spending almost two hours looking for a place to lay our heads we spent some relaxing time at the bookstore, ate some very good food, and just took it easy.

The next day we spent checking out a few spots in Birch Bay, walked along the ocean for a bit, and tipped over a few shops.

All in all it was very relaxing with absolutely zero agenda. We did more driving than we had planned on but most of that was due to "no reservations."

Cody and Mom - A Walk in the Park!

2010-01-24T14:45:00.001-08:00

Jill and Cody went for a little walk at a Wildlife Refuge near the Boeing plant while waiting for Abby to finish up school for the day.
The walk started really well. They both had some fun, a few laughs, and a nice walk!
There was only one point where the "walk" turned into an "emergency run!"

Thank goodness for the old Honey Bucket!

Abby Gets A Professional Haircut

2010-01-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

The Final Result
A little nervous Abby!!!!

Abby - you look a little scared

Slideshow of Christmas

2010-01-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

The pictures below are some from Christmas morning at home and at my grandma's and parents house later in the day.

Cody got some Transformers and a Crash Airplane. He really wanted that airplane and has been crashing it all over the house.

Abby got a Fur Real Kitten .... it is in one of the pictures on the back of a chair. Christmas morning I was taking pictures of them opening presents.....and a box under the tree is meowing!!! Lulu meows, wipes her nose, and rolls over on her back to be loved on. Abby couldn't believe there was a cat under the tree.....of course she had to open that right away!

The cousins Spencer, Karis and Kennedy made the picture gallery. I can't resist the cute little ones. Karis looked like a little elf!!! The ones taken in front of Grandma's mirror are my favorites.

Christmas Day - December 25, 2009

2010-01-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

Ornaments!!!!

2010-01-03T22:51:00.001-08:00

I am also done getting caught up with all the Christmas festivities!! Here are some fun pictures of our tree and its ornaments.

Christmas Eve with the DeVlieger's

2010-01-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

We went to the DeVlieger's house for Christmas Eve and had wonderful dinner. We also played a few games and opened presents. Here are the kids talking to Nana through the window as she gets dinner ready. Cody playing underneath the coffee table.... this was before the opening of presents. I guess he needed something to do, he was so excited for the presents.
Chad with his short hair cut!!! He lost a bet and had to shave his whole head!

Abby and Cody being silly as usual!!!!

Papa and Nana's tiny Christmas tree.

Opening Presents!!!

Making Christmas Cookies!!!!

2010-01-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

Abby's Christmas Concert

2009-12-30T19:31:00.001-08:00

Here is Abby singing at her Christmas Concert. The school is so big that they have to many concerts throughout the month of December. This one was the 2nd and 3rd grade classes only.... and it still had about 180 or so kids singing.

Abby had a hard time finding us in the crowd....so Chad had to take this picture and then she followed him to where we were sitting. She looked scared the whole time until she found us.

Here is the whole group of us in her classroom after the concert.

Snoqualmie Falls

2009-12-29T21:40:00.000-08:00

On the way home from sledding we stopped to see the iced over Snoqualmie Falls. You should have seen all the people taking pictures of it. I butted my way it and got a couple of shots myself.

Sledding On Snoqualmie

2009-12-29T21:04:00.000-08:00

The day after Abby's birthday we decided to take a trip to the mountains and do some sledding with our friends. It was so fun and we hope to do it again soon.
Abby wants to do it every year for her birthday!!!

Abby Turns "8"

2009-12-21T13:03:00.001-08:00

Abby had a wonderful ladybug birthday party. She even helped make the cake!! The little ladybugs on the side are her creation. I made the cake with fondant and it turned out so smooth this year. All it takes is marshmallows, powdered sugar, and a little muscle for the coloring.....it actually tasted pretty good too. I couldn't buy the pre-made stuff, that just sounded gross!
Abby is such a big girl these days! As you can see in the pictures she has grown so much in the past year. In attitude and height!! We love her and are happy we could celebrate another birthday with her. Happy Birthday Abby!!

Abby's Ladybug Birthday Party - Dec 11, 2009

2009-12-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

Cody's Christmas Concert Night

2009-12-18T20:22:00.000-08:00

Here is Cody all dressed up in his Christmas attire with his teacher. Cody loved his clip on tie and couldn't wait to wear it...... he does not take after his Dad! Isn't Cody a cute Joseph?
Singing his little heart out!! Look at the video below for a preview of one of his songs.

Cody says his Christmas lines!

2009-12-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

Harvest Parties

2009-12-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

We went to a couple of different Harvest parties this year. This picture is at Abby's school party. They made these turkeys with an apple, toothpicks, and gummy dots for the tail feathers. Very cute Abby!!! After church we participated in the next harvest party....where I had to paint the faces. The kids were waiting patiently in lines to get a famous Jill painting. HA! HA! Here are a couple of them.

Abby and her cake walk prize.

Yes! that is me getting laughed at!

Catching Up!!!!

2009-12-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

I am going to start the update by going through all my pictures from November. These pictures are of Kennedy and Karis, my nieces. Andrea drove all the way from Tacoma to our house just for me to take their pictures. I have a lot of fun with babies....especially smiley ones.

Andrea liked them so much that she even made a couple of them into canvases.

They turned out great.

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-11-01T17:11:00.000-08:00

Abby and Cody on Halloween night. Abby is a "Cowboy Bunny" and Cody is a "Pirate."

Carving Pumpkins

2009-11-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

Cody "The Pirate"

2009-11-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Cody look likes such a mean "Pirate." Ha!! Ha!!

He was so excited to wear it to school and get his face painted. We had a great time making his costume this year.

Old clothes and some scissors will do the trick.
I took school pictures this week at his preschool and then left up all my stuff to take these "Fall Pictures." They had their Halloween party and all the kids were dressed up for it. It was a perfect picture opportunity!!!

Fun in the Fall Leaves

2009-11-01T14:59:00.000-08:00

Chad was raking the leaves last weekend and the kids had a great idea. "Can we jump in the leaves while you take pictures of us?" It was their idea....see how cute they smile when they "want" the pictures taken.

Cody's 5th Birthday

2009-10-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

Cody turned 5 today!! He had a great time at his party. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful gifts. The theme this year was "Cody's Birthday Concert." He loved the guitar cake....and even played us a little tune.

My School Pictures

2009-09-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

We had a little photo session with their school clothes. Chad actually took most of these.....I was on the couch directing. It was Labor day and I had the flu. We already had the background up for some senior pics...so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take some of our kids.

That is probably why they smiled so nice.....it was Dad. Mom doesn't get very many good smiles these days.....

Cody's in Pre-K

2009-09-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Cody has only one more year to be home with us in the afternoons. He goes to school Monday- Thursday from 8:50 - 11:50. Then has two hours to entertain himself before Abby comes home. Next year it will be so strange to have them both in school all day. I enjoy my quiet afternoon's with Cody. In front of his classroom. He is so happy to have the same teacher as last year.

Look at all that concentration!!! Writing your name is serious work.