another day at the beach

 Kaleb has been longing to explore some tide pools since we breathed word one about Seattle. That kid just loves exploring nature. We have yet to find them but we had fun discovering small crabs, shells, & the ever present seagull.

Mama has bangs again. Trying to stay hip in the big city.
Also, trying to keep an eye on my young boys
as the girls volleyball tournament was happening in the background.

Really?

These are good times, and you & me are havin' 'em.

Matt & I had our first real date night since moving. I called it "Garbage Gourmet." We visited Po Dogs & Mighty O's Donuts. AMAZEBALLS! It was so good.

Vegan donuts, only in Seattle.

The "Don King," chocolate with coconut & French Toast.

Chicago Dog, pickles, tomatoes, peppers, onions & spicy mustard.
Seattle Dog, cream cheese & scallions.

Just the thing I needed in my funk.
To spend time with the person who knows me best.
(And loves me anyway!)

"These are good times, and you & me are havin' 'em." That is a toast from my dear father, shared with me by my mom recently. He was an alcoholic, so I am sure he knew a few things about a good toast. ( I am just sayin'.)

crash

It hit. The aloneness of this journey. It found me.

Not that I expected sunshine & giggles but we were seizing the day, you know? And I am finding that those anthems, CHOOSE JOY or LOVE WINS, ring truer in these times. They will be the song of our summer. That life is what you make it, enthusiasm is a divine possession, & hakuna matata. We will cling to precious words of encouragement  because they are so desperately needed, not easily cast off as they sometimes are.

Thank you again for reading this journal and on occasion, responding to it. It means so much to me & now more than ever.

one week in

Well, a week later we are still standing. The Grandmas invaded and it was splendid. We had good food, late night chats, laughs, & navigated a wicked case of diarrhea. (Yes, you read that right, nothing brings a family together like diarrhea.)

This guy got plenty of birthday love.

The park has a zip line!

So there was more time at the beach, the park, pizza stops, & of course I continue to unpack. There are a few small moments around the house that feel like home already.

Aden chats with the neighbor, Zander.

Xander's older brother, Eli, is nuts over Kaleb.
There have been so many dots connected for us already in this short week.
Great neighbors is one of them.

More of the awesomeness that fills the Archie home.

Still trying to capture the beauty of the rhodie in the yard.

So a visit from my mom & her mom was just what I needed. My 82 year old grandma has an enthusiasm for life that is so inspiring. I listened to her stories of struggle & triumph over the years, leaving me encouraged, thank God. Because, in reality, the house mostly looks like this:

the graduate

Our firstborn had his last day of elementary school last week. The school went all out with performances from each 5th grade class, award ceremonies, & a dove release.

I have said it before, it all goes way too fast. It does not help that from the moment I locked eyes with Parker James, I knew he was here to wreck me. To shake up all my preconceived notions, break down my walls, & tenderize the deepest parts of my heart. What a glorious inconvenience.

Then, Grammy Annie treated us to Dairy Queen. Marcela & her boys joined in the fun, too. She kept laughing so I would not have a break down.

oh what fun

Aden Mathew is witty & delightful & today, he is seven years old. We had dessert for breakfast at the French Bakery, Bakery Nouveau. We drove to a magical forest wonderland park to play & hiked to the beach. And it is not even 12:30 yet! More surprises to come...Grammy Annie is visiting!!! Shh...it's a surprise!

westside story

Let me just say, we are loving West Seattle. The neighbors, the community, even the spring weather.

Marcela said the house needed something pink & sparkly.
Well, check out what grows at the end of our driveway!

Aden has been doing this happy dance since we arrived. Cracks me up, that kid.

Remember I said we would fill the house with awesomeness?
This is what I spoke of. AWESOME.

Fresh eggs from the neighbors chickens. Squeeee!!

Life is good. More to come.

brick 29 bistro

Lindsey, Kylee, & a super lucky me.

Before the big move some of my very best friends took me out to my very favorite place in Nampa. The Brick 29 Bistro is just a few blocks from our old house.

I was breathing in a bag about all the details but what do you know? I look pretty happy here.

Double the fun, Marcela & Andrea met me on another night, same place.
How bad can things be with these friends & that dessert?

Thank you ladies & everyone who pushes me to be my best, strengthens me with encouraging words, & puts up with all my mess. I am missing you already.