Lummi Island

We just returned from a great little trip to one of the San Juan Islands, where we shared a nice beach home with 2 other families. Lummi Island is a quaint little place with beautiful scenery and beaches. We could not have asked for better weather. We are excited to return sometime soon.

Our vacation home for the weekend:

McKenzie enjoyed climbing the rocks and hanging out with the girls.

Brynn ate a ton of marshmallows. She could live on those things.

Here is Evan finally getting to eat his own smore after helping kids make some. Can you believe this picture was taken at 8:30pm? It stays light so late now!

The gang.

Kat and I thinking we should do this every weekend.

Brynn enjoyed her smore.

Karen and I had just finished a run around the island.

Looking West

Brynn and McKenzie spent a lot of time throwing rocks into the water. Oh, to be a kid.

All the kids watching a movie before bed.

Home

Between packing up our old home and unpacking our new home, there has been little time to blog. But here is a quick update:

We arrived in Seattle on March 19th, and moved into our Redmond Ridge home on the 20th. My mom was here to help us that weekend, which was wonderful. The girls were a bit confused so having another relative for them to hold onto was helpful. At first we plowed through boxes, then slowed down as we lost our umph. We still have those two annoying boxes of random stuff that I dread unpacking. For the most part though, we are almost finished. We are getting there. Slowly but surely our house is becoming a home.

A few more from the last couple of weeks:

It is also very nice having my aunt, uncle and cousin nearby. Evan's brother Luke also lives close by! We love being able to hang out with him often. We are lucky and blessed to have family around us.

We have a long road ahead of us. Still many friends to be made, and directions to learn but for now we are having fun exploring our new surroundings. I have learned the important stuff, like where the best place to run is, and the quickest way to get to target or Costco. The beauty of the trees here is honestly breathtaking. Our new life is becoming a reality as we come out of the crazy stage. It is both scary and exciting. I'll try to focus on the latter. We honestly feel blessed to be here and hope that WA will feel more and more like home everyday.

"Daddy has to work"

As I was getting out of bed this morning, I overheard McKenzie talking to Brynn in her room. Evan had just left for work and Brynn was crying. She is quite the daddy's girl and gets upset whenever he leaves. McKenzie tried to console her (in her mothering voice) by explaining, "Brynn, daddy HAS to go workout alright? He has to make money for us so we can eat cookies and go to the beach sometimes, and go to disneyland, and have a warm house in Seattle, and wear cute clothes. Alright? Ok? So, don't cry. Daddy will be right back sweetheart." I just sat there listening to this funny little conversation. She is pretty humorous. I don't remember the last time we went to the beach (unfortunately) and Disneyland isn't really in our near future...but we'll let the kid dream. At least she understands that we have a hard working dad!

Catie

A dear sweet friend of mine passed away last week after battling cancer for three years. She was an amazing person, full of kindness and laughter. She always made everyone around her feel loved and uplifted. I love that when the cancer returned to her lungs she launched a campaign in her home called "Choose to Be Happy."

Catie, I promise to keep our friendship in my heart. You have changed my life for the better because I have indeed been touched by your happiness, warmth, optimism, and incredible faith. Your beautiful smile will live on forever.

To read about Catie's story, visit her blog.

www.steve-catie.blogspot.com

A New Chapter

This is our new home, according to McKenzie. (Kim is our real estate agent)

We are opening a brand new chapter of our lives. We are nervous and excited to move our family to Redmond, WA next month. We have worked hard to save over the past few years to be able to invest in a home. Owning a house will be a lot of work, but we are ready for the challenge and responsibility it brings. We look forward to living closer to Evan's job, exploring a new beautiful state, and making new friends. Not having to pay state taxes is even a plus! Evan and I used to talk about living in Seattle when he was in Grad school. It is crazy that it is becoming a reality. Some may call it a self fulfilled prophecy; we call it meant to be. Moving is never easy, we know. But we are going to try hard to love our new life and raise our family in a great area. It is comforting to know that Evan's brother Luke lives up there, as well as my Aunt and Uncle. It will be nice to have family nearby. We hope you will all come up and visit us. I am sure we will be back fairly often, as we are going to miss our friends and family very much!

Christmas Pictures

Lots of time with Grandma. Brynn loved every second.


Cousin Love.


Uncle Sam love.


Ho Ho Ho...


Hanging out on Christmas Eve.


We found these two holding hands on their own.


McKenzie was so afraid but somehow managed to pull of a (fake) smile.


The kids in the infamous Christmas PJs.


Ray, Evan, Sam, Hannah, and Luke. (Boz is missing!)...part of the gang at Grandma Rae's house.

We had a fun Christmas at the Millar Ranch. Now on to the New Year. We'll take these memories with us. It was a fun family holiday.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

McKenzie hanging out by Santa while Mom and Dad argue over which tree is better.


Brynnzer enjoying the hunt for the perfect tree.

It's fun to hang ornaments with Kenz! (Not so much with Brynn). The older she gets, the more she understands spreading them out!

The finished product, complete with gifts from Grandma Liz. I love how cozy a tree makes a home.

Grandma and McKenzie enjoying the Christmas parade in downtown Pleasanton on Saturday night.