Halloween 2019

Halloween is really not the same now the kids are getting bigger (poor Summer).  Luckily the big kids are still willing to get dressed up for parties, but no trick-or-treating for them anymore.  This year was kind of sad...Jordan was at college, Kya had to work until almost 8pm, Tyson played video games, and I had a sore stomach.  So Mike took Summer out by herself, and once again, she was too scared to knock on any doors.  So she just grabbed candy from the bowls of people who weren't' home.  Kind of depressing.

But she was happy

Pumpkin carving was also kind of sad.  Summer and I were the only ones who carved...and really it was just me because she isn't strong enough yet.  But we both had fun...and kitty had fun licking the pumpkin!

We all did dress up for the ward party (the trunk or treat got moved inside because of the rain), and I came up with a great costume idea for me and Mike this year....well, for those who knew who we were!!

Amy and Sheldon from Big Bang Theory

Canadian Hockey Players:)

Kya ended up having a little party at our place when she got home from work too, which was fun!

Double Homecoming

Kya got to go to TWO Homecomings this year!  Lucky girl:)

Woodinville Homecoming

North Creek Homecoming

First DAYS of School 2019

All 3 of my kids (at home) had different 1st days this year:

Tyson went first 9/4/2019

Tyson started his first year of high school @ North Creek!!  I can't believe it...seems like just yesterday he was starting Kindergarten.  He was a little nervous but came home happy and excited for the year ahead.  He also gets to start seminary this year...not too excited about that, but he has fabulous teachers so I am sure he'll have a great year.  AND seminary is only 4 days a week this year--yay!!!

Kya went next 9/5/2019

Kya started her Junior year!  It really makes me sad to think she only has 2 more years left...and that next year we will be filling out college applications and taking senior photos.  Crazy how fast it all goes.  Kya is in ASB this year, so she had to put in quite a few hours getting the school ready for the year, so she was comfortable and confident when the first day came.  She has some great teachers and gets to drive herself and Tyson to school, so I am sure it'll be a great year for her too! 

And finally Summer 9/9/2019

Summer started Kindergarten with Ms. Hall (she was originally put in with a male teacher, but I called to switch her because she is scared of men--hahaha) at Wellington (Kokanee was overcrowded so they had to send some of the Kindergarteners to other schools, so she will have to switch schools again next year, unfortunately).  Summer went in like a champ and has loved school so far (and the toys I had to bribe her with)...although she has complained about it being a bit of a long day (9:15-3:45--yikes that is long!).  She's only been at school just over a week and she already seems so much older "I can do it myself because I'm in Kindergarten now".  

Look how little she is!  She was complaining about how heavy her backpack was:)

Here she is in her classroom!

It's all so bitter/sweet, but I'm just trying to enjoy it all and soak up every

 good part of each stage of life.

BYUH 2019

Dropping Jordan off at school was hard for me.  Thank goodness we had a few days to spend together to make some fun memories before she starts her new life on her own.  As I sat in the airport ready to get on the plane, I just kept thinking "I can't believe I am leaving my baby on an island in the middle of the ocean."  I wish I could help more, I wish I could visit more, I wish I could buy her more things that she needs!   I just hope she loves it so much...I hope she grows, I hope she flourishes, I hope she treasures the memories she is making for years to come, I hope she is grateful she made the decision to leave all her friends and family and have this experience just for herself.  I love her and miss her already. 

She was not thrilled to take so many pictures by herself...or to wear pants when it was so stickin hot

Her new home...

The courtyard outside her dorm (at night)...

Her dorm is top floor, straight ahead...

Setting up her room...

All done!

Here she is at the beach across from BYUH...I'm guessing she'll be going there a lot

(and I love the cute sign)

Hawaii or Bust

Getting to travel to Hawaii with Jordan was such a treat!  Just the two of us for 4 full days...exploring, shopping, relaxing, and....leaving her (but that's for another post).

Jordan is a huge fan of acia bowls, so when I found out about Bonzai Bowls ("the original acai bowl") I knew we had to check it out!  We ordered our bowls and walked across the street to Sunset Beach to enjoy them.  They were so delicious!!  Now I crave them just about every day.

We went to so many beautiful beaches.  We drove down to Lanikai which I read so many great things about, and it did not disappoint.  When we first got there, it was pouring rain and cold:(  We left to run some errands and then came back and it was absolutely breathtaking!  We also loved Sunset Beach, Turtle Bay, Hukilau Beach and some other random places that I don't remember the names.

We, of course, had to visit the temple grounds!  So beautiful!

We drove along the coast for about an hour every single day, with the ac blowing, the country music playing, good conversation (when Jordan wasn't sleeping).  Sometimes we just had to pull over and enjoy the amazing views up close.

All the Goodbyes

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard"

Jordan really has a lot of great friends (and family;))...which made saying goodbye very hard.  A few of her friends came to hang out the night before we left.  They stayed super late, even though we had to get up way too early the next morning.

 The Last Supper  (Jalisco's)
*of course Ella and Phoebe had to join us--they are practically family

We tried to fit it all in 2 suitcases...didn't quite make it, yikes.

Saying goodbye to Summer...this one got me chocked up.  Summer's really going to miss Jordan.

We had to be at the airport around 6am, so I was surprised anyone was willing to come see us off!  But Dad, Kya, Phoebe and Ella wouldn't miss it:)

I am the lucky one who got to push my goodbye off for a week and travel to Hawaii!!

1st High Adventure for Tyson

Luckily January 2019 brought a policy change for the youth of the church allowing all kids turing 14 within the entire year to participate in High Adventure (and Wilderness...and become a Teacher).  This was a welcomed change for Tyson.  Since his birthday is so late in the year, he normally misses out on all the things the kids his age get to do (scout camp, youth conference, EFY etc). 

Our ward decided to do a Kayak trip for High Adventure this year.  I was a little nervous hearing that the boys had to be "locked" into their kayaks, the trip would be FIVE days long and they had to plan all their own food...and it was in the OCEAN!  Everything turned out great and Tyson had such a good time, made some new friendships and came home with a lot of great memories.  I was very grateful for the leaders who sent continous pictures and updates to the moms throughout the trip:)

The boys slept in hammocks, woke up to raccoons trying to raid their camp, watched deer gobble down someones oatmeal, listened to spiritual messages from their leaders, had a visit from their bishop, saw orcas swimming in the ocean, paddled to an uninhabited island, ran across seals and many more great adventures.  Grateful for all the amazing leaders who planned and attended this great event!

Oregon 2019

When people hear that we've lived in Washington for 6 years and haven't been to Cannon Beach, they are usually shocked (just like me when I find out people who live here have never been to Canada--it's a different country and only 2 hrs away!!).  I decided that Kyla's farewell was the perfect chance to finally check it out.  So it was a great weekend of beach and church and The Boyntons...oh how we still miss them so much.

Cannon Beach was way more impressive than I expected...I guess that's why everyone goes there!  The sand was just like California beaches--heaven.  We will definitely be back (and we'll take Mike)!!

These kids keep on growing!

Kyla is headed to Latvia on her mission!  

We are so excited for her and know she will be a fantastic missionary.