ooops:)

So I have been out of the blogging world until I decided I better get the computer hooked back up and get somethings you cant do with a smartphone done. Blogging is one of those things. I have to restart the computer for the massive updates that I have missed from being off line, but tonight, I will try my darnedest to post what we have been up to for the past two months!

Swimming

Abra has had a new swimming break through...she can swim!! Here are some videos of the little swimmer in action. She usually does better "big arms" but she was intimidated by swimming the long way instead of the short way.

Camping the new improved way

We took the camper out this busy, wet weekend up to Stubbs Stewart Park. It is only a 20 min drive and our phones still work up there..well Rich's did and mine did until Abra dropped it into Shias water bowl. I tell you that the trailer is much more comfortable then the tent!! Yeah, we sold out for comfort, who cares! We had all the kinks worked out by the end of our weekend and have a few ideas of how to make things better for the next trip and the "big trip". I even brought the boys up with me on Friday afternoon for a little fun in the rain. I was really hoping it would hold off long enough for us to play on the playground or go for a little hike, but we decided to try a weekend with the Carlsons when it warms up more consistently (and we can pry Amy and Rich from work!)

Abra and Chris roasting their hot dogs

Carl roasting his hot dog

Shia didn't like the gravel on her toy so she would shake it off if it landed on the ground

Camper

 

It is official, Rich gets all the toys he wants:) This one actually has a purpose. For sabatical, it will make the trip easier and cheaper. Big fat road trip here we come. Here are the basics: 2011 Jayco jayflight. 19 ft with all the extras (nothing says camping like digital tv, airconditioning and stereo system) I should point out that the extras come anymore if you want them or not.

Here is our bed. It is right as you walk into the camper to the right at the very front end!

The view standing in front of the bed.

Standing in the dining area looking towards the front

2nd tooth

I feel bad because I never actually posted a picture of Abra after losing her first tooth. Well, this weekend, she lost her second tooth and this time she didn't swallow it AND the Toothfairy wasn't skimpy with the cash! She got a whole dollar..verses a quarter for the first. That was the last time Daddy "talked" with the Toothfairy!

Early "anniversary" presents

Rich and I will celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary next weekend. We made some purchases yesterday and to validate them, we said they are our present to eachother! We have a home gym now:) Our presents were fitness equipment so we would be able to love eachother longer!! We came home with great deals:

We got this weight machine from VanDerJagt for a steal and went to Play it Again Sports for the weight discs. Buying them used, we saved 1/2 of buying new. On this adventure, we discovered that there is in fact a Togos in the Portland Area. It is the ONLY one in Portland and there are only two currently in Oregon, but one is opening in Medford. Rich was SO EXCITED!! He even called his co-worker to inform him of the find! I guess they talk about foods they miss from Cali. Togos and Caspers are the top two!

We then debated on getting cardio equipment..Me: I want it but we should be saving. Rich: yeah but if I look hot, you need to also. Me: true and I would use it more then not. Rich: plus I would use it too.....This actually went on all afternoon, until Rich decided we would go to Dicks and look around. We saw this and it had the stride I liked, it was reasonably priced, and Rich said it was sturdy enough! So we got it!!! Dicks also has a 50% off their clearanced merchandise, so Abra and I picked up sandals for a few bucks each!! Eventful, and now it is time for my work out!

Front yard step one complete!!

For starters, who remembers this picture?

Believe it or not, we had already strated getting rid  of things in this picture. It actually doesn't look that bad when everything is in bloom. But check this out...

Well. here is to a new beginning! We have taken most everything out and started to put up the wall. The next step is to rototill again to get most of the roots out, build the wall and start moving the dirt around and getting some fill dirt to level things out a bit!! This spring, the hope is to have grass in the front yard!!! In addition to this, I will continue the "weeding" process on the sides of the house now! There are some NASTY things growing along that fence that needs to DIE!!

Welcome 2011!

Well, it has been a while since my last post. In fact, we have entered a new year:) The past few weeks have been filled with doing Christmas things like the church Christmas program where Abra was an angel with the other girls

Having the christmas party at school and loosing her first tooth (photo to be added later).

We got to see Santa SEVERAL timed this holiday season, but we especially liked when he was at the neighbors house the week before Christmas. Mrs. Claus even came down some days, but not the day we made it over.

We made a trip down to California to spend Christmas with Grandma Dorothy, Grandpa Jim, Uncle Matt, Aunt Jennifer, Ethan, Andrew and Collin. That was a lot of fun!!! We got lots of fun things and best of all, we got to spend Christmas with family!

The trip was cut a little short because of snow expected to shut the passes down, but that was good because we got home and everyone needed a few days recovery from the fun!

Now, we are back in the swing of things. Rich is working and trying to figure out away to squeeze fishing and hunting in his schedule. Abra is busy with preschool, dance class and we added swimming to her activities! I am busy cleaning up after them both and working on the yard!! ONE MORE WEEK and then the front yard will be clear of green vegetation!!!!! Then we can start working on making it look pretty and getting the side yards cleared and finally, THE BACK!!