Summer is here!

The girls and I are having a great summer so far. The weather has been in the high 80's and low 90's all week. They have gone to Wild Waves, Mt. Rainier hikes, hanging at the mall with friends, and masses of slumber parties. I think I had girls over every night for the first 2 weeks of summer. I don't mind though - I would rather them be here than anywhere else!

Kati and I had a wonderful Father's Day weekend visiting my stepdad, Brent - he is so wonderful to me. I love my peaceful visits at thier home. Dad took us out to dinner at this amazing restraunt that has the best filet mignon ever! He spoils us rotten! I made an incredible Key Lime Poke Cake for dessert.

My sister Erica was here during the 4th of July weekend and will be back next weekend as well! I am so excited to spend more time with her! Last weekend was July 4th. We played games at Kirsten's house and had a bbq. Tani and Wydell came with their boys and dad showed up for a little while. Afterwards, we went to the Puyallup Fairgrounds where my church put on this big concert and incredible fireworks show! We had such a great time!

I am continuing to work 2 jobs, but the girls have been helping me out to alleviate some of the stress and, at the same time, are able to spend more time with me. I was given notice last week that the real estate office will be closing their doors at the end of the month. Good news - That means I only have 1 job! Bad news - That means I only have 1 job! I'm doing lots of praying and I know that thi8ngs will all work out - I just know that God seems to test my faith at the most inconvenient times! HAHA! just kidding!

Kati and Ashley get their braces installed (installed??) this next Thursday, July 15th! They are so excited - they can hardly wait! I realized a couple weeks ago that if I didn't have Kati's done immediately she wouldn't have them taken off in time for senior pictures - SENIOR PICTURES!! I can't believe I'm having to think about that already! They are going to the same orthodontist I did and 75% of the original staff are still there! I think that really says something for the office/doctor. I will be sure to post pictures and blog about that experience. I don't think they'll be so excited the day after!

Until next time - God bless you and yours!

Aly in Seattle!

Erica's oldest daughter, Aly, is staying with us this week. She flew into town last Friday and will be here until April 10th. Kati, Ashley, and Aly all went to get pedicures on Saturday for some well deserved pampering. They are all such great kids!

We had Tani and her boys and Jeremiah and his girls all over on Saturday for the Dye Party! Tani's boys had never dyed Easter eggs before, so my teenagers had to show them how it's done! We brought out the crayons and had them draw on them and then dipped them in the dye. It was so much fun! I forget that they are boys and they tend to be a little rough compared to girls. Ella and Betsy would patiently wait for the their eggs to be dipped in the dye, but Preston and Jacob would launch their egg and 80% of the time you would hear it crack. Cutest thing ever!

Easter was a great day. We had an incredible church service on Sunday and I was so pleased that Tani and Wydell decided to join us for Easter Service. After church we had snacks and fun at Kirsten's house and BBQ'd the turkey. I have to tell ya... I was a huge skeptic about the bbq thing, but it had such amazing flavor! Great job Jeremiah!

I love family get-togethers!