Beautiful ALASKA

The gorgeous Ayakulik

What an AMAZING experience!

Garden goodness

a Goodwill purchase...

Our garden has been FUN and good for the soul!

I hear crying upstairs so I suppose my post is just pretty much pictures for today.

I am trying to get about five loads of laundry done today but also want to enjoy some time outside...

IT'S TIME to get in shape

I just got back from a quick, fast bike ride. It felt good. Three weeks ago I had a doctor appt. It was there that I stepped onto a scale. It had been close to a year probably. I have gained 15 pounds (maybe 20) in one year and I am so not okay with this.  This summer I have lived in skirts and yoga pants. One pair of my jeans fit. When I bike, I feel things have shifted to places I don't want them shifting to. I hired a personal trainer for 3 weeks. His name is Merit and his payment is a pair of running shoes! 

While biking with him he pushes me very hard. This almost thirteen year old has done 150 push ups every day of summer break. He can't wait to do the push up test in Mr. Lindgren's PE class once school resumes.

I reached into the fridge for some cookie dough two days ago and I heard a "uh uh uhhhh" My personal trainer had caught me. And I couldn't enjoy cookie dough with my coffee. I don't need to be thin or have rock hard abs, although both would be nice. I just want to be in shape, exercise daily and make healthier choices regarding food. I eat quite healthy for the most par,t but this summer I have been sneaking in LOTS of treats, Angry Orchards and white wine. 

If I am not excercising daily by the end of the three weeks or haven't seen a change in my body, I will rehire my current personal trainer.

Life on the farm is great. Even in skirts and yoga pants.

She is up for a brisk walk or run most days! As long as it isn't scorching hot. And she is a good listener too.

Gotta run. Time for some squats.

So very thankful, for time together

I am very thankful for time together and memories made.

Oren Paul and Brenda

Estelle

Merit

Brielle, Hazel and Ingrid

Oren

Ingrid

Fun a the park!

Matt and B

Amara and Ingrid

Lesha and Oren

Kai and Lesha

My siblings are truly one of God's greatest gifts! I love them so much! And a weekend with them, I hope we get at least one of these every year.

A weekend to remember



The water park is always good fun!!
Here is some of the gang there.

We had a full weekend!
Rick and Kelly Stiles and their boys came on Thursday. Kelly is a friend of Natasha's. (and now a dear friend of mine too)  They were across the street neighbors in CA. Now Rick is stationed in WA. They made the drive to Moses Lake and we enjoyed a party at the arcade for Seth. Then came here for appetizers, games and fun.
Lesha and kids and Tasha and kids came Thursday too. Matt, Brenda and Phil were here at 9:30 Friday morning. They got up EARLY! They drove the four and a half hour drive and had all of Friday to spend here.
Tasha, Lesha and kids stayed in a condo in Mae Valley. Brenda, Matt and Phil stayed here. The majority of our time we were here. But frozen yogurt, the water park and an adults dinner out was included in our fun... a little thrifting too!  The cousins ran wild, 10 of them! But when Rick and Kelly were here their were 12 children running around. The weather was perfect. Good memories were made.

Lesha is such a good aunt!
She is so fun, so kind!



Daniel and Seth



Will

Kai, Merit, Will, Lane and Phil! Baseball at the park!

This girl has been through so much.
So much.
While here, she learned about some happenings back at home that could have made her stressed. But you know what, she made the best of the time she had, here, with us! I am SO PROUD of her. There is no one like her.

Night out! No kids! Adults only, fun times

I love these two! Cute couple! We enjoy laughing with them and making memories with them.

These people.
They are so good for my soul.
They are therapy through old stories, laughter, forgiveness and grief.
Our times together are too far between.
I love these four!

Time in Lynden with FAMILY



Celebrating Grandma Alma's 80th birthday at Birch Bay was so fun!
A beautiful day!



Aunt Janis is so good with kids! I have so many memories of fun times with her!

Jansen cousin fun and Uncle Guy steps in!
Jason and Jody hosted a fun BBQ



Happy Birthday Grandma Jule!




Hazel riding horse!



Making memories at the Company Picnic

At my dad's
It is so beautiful out there.

The blackberries were DElicious!

Natasha and Ingrid

Collecting shells... the girls loved beach combing