time flies

The Lynnwood Riffle clan just joined us for some good diggin' in the dirt fun - Randy is clearly enjoying being a - er HOLDING a tool.

Baker had a blast digging and planting potatoes, and Chris was my go-to girl for planning the beds. And Rex, well - I think the picture explains it all.

The cousins enjoyed themselves, this was a great moment that had us all giggling.

We sure do love when family visits - can't wait to see them again.

it's over and i miss it.

Well - The Riffle extravaganza has come and gone and the memory is sweet. We had an absolute blast hosting this year in Port Ludlow and hope to do so again for many years. The Lynnwood Riffles and Reno Riffles joined us in our celebrating and it was just great times all around. For starters - it was white and beautiful. It actually snowed the day they arrived.

We had great conversation, laughter and food the entire time. This has by far been one of my favorite Christmases, and Tucker was definitely in agreement. I can't wait for many more holidays with my in-laws, I love them all. Oh and Randy - I think you left your vagisil in the bathroom.

Decembery goodness

Well it seems as if life has finally caught up with us. We have been so busy with Tucker, the house, the new job, and I have been working 2 days a week as well. Whew. I fear that we will turn around and it will be Tucker's high school graduation.

Thanksgiving was interesting - holiday family drama made me feel as if I was in some sick movie. My dad had shoulder surgery the week before so he was out of commission and I stepped up to the plate to help my mom with hosting. It was a great group however I really missed my sister and her boyfriend. The morning following Rex and I packed up the car at 4 a.m. and drove to Oregon to visit the beach again. (Have I mentioned how much we love that place?) It was the best black friday EVER.

December is great, we have had most of our shopping done for a while so the pressure of gift buying is minimal and we can just enjoy each other. I will be hosting the Riffle's this year and I can't wait to have our house full with kids and laughter.

Last night was our first snow - and Tucker's first ever (isn't that a weird thought) so we must be off to enjoy, I'm sure I'll have more photos to post then - for now please enjoy these sweet moments.

what do i say about this one? eerie rock formation causes girl to pose rudely.

You can't take me anywhere.

a little more Montana

I loved it so much - it deserves 2 posts.

channeling John Denver

We've just returned from a trip to Montana to visit Rexy's family that I ADORE. We had such a great time, I find everyone there so down to earth and real. We stayed the night in Spokane on the way over and TJ was in his first hotel room! After a short drive to Missoula the following morning - Dar Dar Star Star Mars Bar put on a great dinner for everyone and after we watched the debate, not really knowing each others political stance it was VERY quiet. Krissy put us up for the evening and she is just fantastic, full of energy and hutzpah (sp?) The next day we headed out to the family townhouse on Flathead Lake. The scenery is incredible and the house is gorgeous. Our room had a jacuzzi tub which I had to try out after almost kicking my husbands ass at Monopoly. I am absolutely not a competitive person, so to see the heckling and take part was a blast. I also really enjoyed Bridgers rendition of 'Liquidation' - you'll probably see it on Itunes soon. Shana and I spent a lot of time talking about kids, and she gave me great advice - our parenting styles are very similar. The next day we all drove up to Glacier National Park - as far as they would let us go, it was such a spectacle. I am one of these people that is absolutely amazed by nature, and LOVE to experience new areas. If Montana had saltwater - I would move in a heartbeat. Our next adventure with the Stratfords could possibly be July 4th next year...more good times with Trav's sick sense of humor, Bridger's songs, Shana's sweetness, Finley's 'no no no, not', Billy's jokes (cannibalistic clowns), Dar Dar's warm personality, Krissy's infectious laughter, Jackson's intelligent tween-ness, Zekey's cuteness, and just their all around family togetherness. I love this place and these people. Oh and John Denver? I get it. The skies are wild.

32nd year

So September was a fantastic month. We took a trip to Oregon with TJ, my husband bought me a new purse for birthday/anniversary, I was treated to a 'Missy Day' by my good friend Cat - including a mani/pedi and just some precious alone time, and my wonderful family threw me a birthday party. It was a great time with the Riffles, Tuckers and even the Martinez Family. We also had a visit from Rexy's cousin Conor and his girlfriend Naomi, and I had an evening to enjoy Phantom of the Opera at the Paramount with some good friends from VSC. The icing on the proverbial cake - Rex got a new job at a company he has really been interested in. That means it is time to start looking for a second car again! It also means that he will be happy when he goes to work.

Our son is growing so quickly, last night for the first time he laughed. A genuine 'oh my god mom you are so funny' laugh. It brought tears to my eyes, then I spent an hour trying to get him to do it again. He is such an easy child, he never cries, he smiles all the time, he makes this whole baby thing seem pretty easy. Now I'm on the lookout for a video camera so we can really document all these moments.