Moonwalk

We waited for dusk to set in and then told the boys to dress in a warm jacket, hat and put on their headlamps. They were a little bewildered at first but ready to comply. Christian was the first to suspect that we were going on a walk to look at "supermoon". With a bowl of fresh popcorn and a thermos of hot cocoa in our backpack, we headed down to the lake. A few red streeks of sunlight were still visible in the western sky. We settled on the dock and focused our gazes east, where the profile of the Stuart Mountains was still quite visible. We suddenly realized that we had no idea how long it would be before the moon would "rise". Our waiting time was spent by telling some of our childhood moonlit adventures to the boys. Maybe we were giving them some stories of their own, that will be retold some day as well. It wasn't long before we saw a disticnt brightness behind the mountain, and soon after, the beautiful moon rising. I'm always in awe of the moon, no matter where it's positioned in the sky. I'm not sure if on this night it looked any bigger or brighter, but I'm glad we went out to check.

Bellingham Day

It's been eight years since we moved to this corner of the United States. We loved it then and continue to love it now. We instituted a family holiday for this week to celebrate and hopefully help us not to take for granted the beauty around us. The stipulation for our holiday is that we either go explore a new place we have never been to, or do something that would not have been possible back in the Midwest. Last year we had a fire by the beach, this year the boys all wanted to go skiing at Baker. I asked if they were not tired of skiing yet and I got a big unanimous NO. All right, that qualifies, so off we went.

I donned my snowshoes instead and took in the peace, solitude and beauty of the snow covered wilderness.

We finished the day with dinner at "Chair 9", a place we had never been to. Great wood fire pizzas, buffalo burgers and the best dark ale Shawn thought he ever tasted.

I should have kept my sunglasses on, as it happens quite often, I blinked. Actually I think I'm squinting, we are now Washingtonians and do not know what to do when the sun is out! Besides, it was hard enough to get this one family portrait, I wasn't going to push my luck by asking for a second posing. This will have to do!

Scout Update

We are proud to present the newest boy scout in our family.

Nolan is very enthusiastic and excited about this new stage of his scouting experience. He is working hard fulfilling different requirements, sometimes even a little too hard, like the 100 push ups he did the other day! Last weekend he went camping with his new troop for the first time, and like a good scout, not even the cold rainy weather stopped him.

Conrgatulations my son!

More scouting fun this weekend:

The Pine Wood Derby

When The Cat is Away, The Mice Will Play

The first week I was gone was a tough one for all left behind. There were many commitments to attend and many unforseable kinks to the plans. Thet did live through it though, and were blessed with a great week at the Firs with lots of powder and in the company of many great people including their uncle and cousin.

Family Time in Brazil

I had not yet met her, but I already loved her so much. I knew her smile and her sweet embrace would captivate me. I had to wait eight months but I finally had her in my arms. My little niece Ana Luiza.

Two years ago there were many dreams and plans of new babies. I jokingly said that when there were at least three new ones added to the family I would come back. A couple of months later I was told to book my ticket, their part was done, the babies were on their way.

Nice little staircase! Spending time with my mom was of course, another reason to go. Countless hours were spent talking, laughing and remembering.

Another blessing was catching up with childhood friends, which actually started at home. I was able to fly to Brazil in the company of my dear friend Karin P., who was returning home after a tour of North America.

Here is a friend whom I had not seen for about a decade, since she moved to Australia. This time around, our visit to our homeland coincided.

What a great trip filled with family and friends. I'm thankful for my time there, and I'm thankful for being back safe in the arms of my husband and sons. I also owe a big thanks for my dear mother in law who helped out in the home front while I was away. You are all so dear to me.