HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY BLAKE!!!!

It is hard to believe Blake would be turning 9 on May 31. I miss him so very, very much. Oh how I wish I was busy baking him a cake, planning his birthday party and buying him presents...instead just tears for my sweet boy.
I miss the peaceful Blake...

































I miss Blake's smirky smiles...























I miss his sweet smiles...















Happy 9th Birthday Blake! We hope you are having a wonderful celebration in Heaven. I love you and miss you deeply.

Favorite Foto Friday!!!

I haven't done a FFF for a long time so here are a few favorites of Brielle this spring.

Mother's Day

I love Mother's Day! Brielle had a wonderful Mother's Day tea at her preschool. They sang a beautiful song, served us treats and made us precious gifts. On Mother's Day the kids made me breakfast in bed...a favorite tradition. We spent the rest of the day with my mom. I am so thankful for having such a wonderful mom.

Beautiful Hike and Ski

The guys had a fabulous day of skiing at Crystal Mountain. (Mt. Rainier in the background) Tons of fresh snow and sunshine. They LOVE to ski and especially in these conditions.

We hiked 4 miles to Rattlesnake Ridge (I don't like the name, but at least I didn't see any snakes!) Brielle did great as it was 2 miles UP...1,200 ft. elevation gain. It was warm and beautiful. Drew climbed down into this rock which was at the top of the hike. Riley LOVES to hike. She pulled us up the mountain!

Happy Easter!!!

Riley on Easter THIS year...

Riley on Easter LAST year...

We had a nice Easter starting with Easter service at church and an egg 'pick up'. At home we decorated eggs and had an egg hunt of our own where the eggs were much harder to find.

Blake's garden is bright with spring color.

We had an egg hunt at our home-90 eggs!!! It was windy and cold so Brielle got bundled up.

Happy Family Day Brielle!!

On March 22 we celebrated Brielle's 4th Family Day! I can't believe it was already 4 years ago that I brought Brielle home from Guatemala. What a joyous day that was!! Many friends and family welcomed Brielle home at the airport with signs, balloons, flowers, hugs and smiles.

It was so very precious to have all 4 of my kids together!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a happy baby!!! She makes us all smile.

We celebrated Family Day this year by enjoying our 'new' hot tub!!! Our hot tub has been broken for years and our neighbor gave us hers for free! Brielle LOVES swimming in it.

BUBBLES!!!!

Riley LOVES jumping for bubbles! She will leap, jump and chase bubbles for as long as we are willing to blow them. Riley is the same way with blowing leaves and flower petals. She is just crazy on a windy day because there are so many things for her to chase in the wind.