September..in Spokane

And our life has taken a complete 180! We moved to Spokane. We did it. We've been discussing it since Oct.., I came out to visit in Nov.., Geof. in March, and then we moved here in July (Geof. actually came three weeks earlier to get the business started). So far, we are loving Spokane for all the reasons people love Spokane; the outdoors, the beauty, the slower pace of life, etc. It's something we've needed...to slow down and relax and not have the schedule we had in Richmond. Geof couldn't be happier to work for himself, and we can't be happier to have daddy around to actually PLAY with. The downside of this move: we miss RVA! What a heartbreaking move it was! To watch Geof. drive away from our first home..from the life we'd made in Richmond (and we really did create a beautiful life) was one of the hardest choices we've ever made. We had wonderful friends, a beautiful home, and the culture of Richmond was something we knew would be hard to beat...which is why we knew we wouldn't be "beating" anything. We knew going into this move that Spokane would be entirely different than Richmond, and awesome for its own reasons..mainly, the incredible outdoors! We've camped, hiked, biked, swam..all of it! And so close. We've missed the mountains..and the west. There is something more laid back and wild about living up here..somewhat like Alaska. There are less "rules" and more independence. It's a good thing. Our ward has been extremely helpful and kind and good. We live up north in a beautiful area..renting for a year. We'll see if we stay, there are so many pretty areas in Spokane! 

Some of our last days in Richmond.

Lest we forget..

June. She won't be forgotten. The girl is extremely stubborn and has become quite a voice in our family. Her opinions WILL be heard! She's also extremely loving and lovable (as always), and although she demands we take her seriously, she doesn't take any of us seriously. She laughs and giggles (mostly at or with Cole) whenever Geof or I are trying to teach a point, and it's almost impossible to get angry with her. June, thank you for always being such a light to our family. You goof!

When I cut my hair. June brought my pony tail to church mutual that night and was fascinated with it. Had to show everyone. 

She's taking regular piano lessons now and has good posture and strong fingers! 

Basketball. She picked it up!! Made six baskets in one game!

Bon Air's got Talent. Sang, That's No Way to treat a Ladybug, with her friend, Caroline. 

My favorite lunch date. 

Cousin Brielle, Kendall's youngest. 

Finally! Her own AG doll! (;  

..and there's more

Our Dayne..continues on in her creative quests. Geof and I are amazed at what this girl has figured out at a young age: do the necessary (homework, chores, etc) efficiently and without making a fuss, so I can move on to what REALLY interests me (which changes daily; dancing, playdough doll clothing designer, more dancing--which she loves to teach June, and of course duct tape crafting). She is popular at school and happy. Besides her parents, she might have the hardest time leaving Richmond. This year she really has blossomed and I'm afraid to admit that I'm seeing a little bit of a young woman emerge. :((
Lucky to have a heart as kind as Dayne's in our family.

2nd season of basketball. I'm so glad my girls did basketball. I was (am) terrified of this sport. Just want them to be confident. 

And then a few months passed..

..and I felt this urge to write.  To somehow encapsulate my kids in the stage they are now...which is swiftly fleeting. Cole is 12! My baby is twelve. Yes, I know I've already posted about his bday, but I still can't get over that we have an almost teenager in the house. And I can sincerely say that I feel I'm becoming a better mom to Cole and that's nice. So nice. I've let go of all the guilt that constantly nagged at me and didn't even help the situation. What a waste! So freeing to let go of it and accept the present situation, what's happening, and to just live. I did pull Cole out of school two weeks ago, and although I've had to threaten him a few times that I'd send him back to school, overall, it's been a good thing and I'm seeing a much happier, more confident boy. He's excited and possibly a little anxious for our move to Spokane. I hope he thinks of it as a fresh start and a time to make some lasting Friendships. When we drove back from out west this summer, the kids and I stayed at my best friend from middle school, Tiffany's. We told stories all night and laughed and laughed. I want that for my kids. And I know Cole wants a good friend like that. I also know Cole has a good heart and wants to be Good. I think that's why sometimes he isolated himself from kids at school...just hadn't found a group that had the standards that he was used to living. He has developed some new friendships in the last few months, though. So glad.
Cole's favorite, almost daily thing to do, is to go out back, and either with recycling or leaves, start a fire. We don't mind bc it gets him outside and cleans up our yard. Cole has also always been trustworthy with these kinds of things. He seems to be aware of what is dangerous and what's not. Even more than most kids his age. I appreciate that about him. He's pretty self sufficient. I sure love my Cole boy.

Cole made a three layer carrot cake as part of homeschool. Gosh, home school can be great..

Worker boy. Whether it's shoveling snow or rocks, we've kept Cole busy working these last few months. 

Always up for snuggling Junie. 

December 2014..already??!

Cole is 12!! He has already gone to three mutual activities and we're so excited for him to receive the Aaronic Priesthood on Sunday. What a blessing for a man to be given a power from God to bless the lives of others. I hope Cole feels a change in his life and a desire to be GOoD.  He has had such a busy school year so far. Spent six weeks in WA this summer after 5th grade graduation, played in CA and Utah and started middle school off with a bang!! Tried out for soccer, decided to do cross country, broke his arm at sky zone trampoline park, ran anyway, and made it to the county wide meet (oh, and he also rocked rec soccer, as usual). He also started cello this year and although he feels very behind bc of his broken arm, he's pushing himself and I'm sure we'll be great soon. He has a new appreciation for piano now...saying it's "easy" and he "loves it". Nice...
Middle school homework has been quite the adjustment with the introduction to multiple teachers and classrooms and "chromebooks", but he (and his parents) are figuring it out...slowly but surely.

Dayne is in 4th grade and is totally social and a relatively easy, self entertained girl. She misses homeschooling (so do I), but loves to give GIVE to her friends and with her new duct taping PASSION,  she's always creating new crafts to gift her friends and teachers. Wallets, flower pens,  back packs,  purses, bracelets. ..you name it. She and June just started dance, and along with Cole, are also doing bball for the winter and continue with piano. Dayne's getting really good at piano. Unlike me, she can play by ear really well and enjoys memorizing songs. She seems to really like piano...especially if I'm not bugging her to play the right notes or get her timing down. .

June. Little June is not so little. Her clothes are all too small and I can barely hold her anymore!! She's feeling more confident in reading and her teachers all adore her. She and Daddy have bonded quite a bit the last few months. .dancing and singing and playing together. Lucky girls have such a good daddy.June is excited to be starting piano and also is getting ready to perform again in Bon Air's talent show.

Geof and me..in the thick of our kids' busy schedule. Feeling okay with it at this point bc it's winter, but will be ready for a change when the weather improves. I recently got my real estate license after lots of studying and hope to be able to help Geof and my uncle Glen flip some homes. If I have a knack for it. ..I might do it for other people as well..

New York City-June 2014

Just a few pics from our trip. Our kids do so well having us drag them all over the city. This is where Geof. is most happy-exploring. I wish I had his stamina.