The Goetsch Gang

U is for Up!

2011-08-28T16:11:00.001-07:00

Jump UP and throw your hands UP if you love the Mariners! :)

T is for time...

2011-08-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Time:

to finish the alphabet blog..

to start a new job...

to get my priorities in life straight...

I have accepted a new nursing position at St. Clare. Starting this fall I will transition out of the ED manager role and into SWAT. Time for a change and time to get back to what I love about nursing. I am ready for a new chapter to begin. It's time.

S is for softball

2011-05-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Abigail on opening day 2011.

Slammers uniform.

Yeah, that's no mistake!

Fun hair accessories for the Slammers... Thank you Cruz family for making them!

Grace in her Yellow Jackets uniform.

Ichiro's number! :)

Slammers- pregame.

Grace and Alexis

Yellow Jackets lining up for pics.

Sierra, Ibby, Abby and Misha! Cute pic!

Abby running home in the pitch, hit and run contest.

Gracie at the plate!

Abby

Abby at the plate.

Abby running home.

2011 TCFA Season

R is for running

2011-05-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

Christine, Grace and Abby running in the waves at Nye Beach in Newport, Oregon.

Q is for quinoa

2011-02-27T13:17:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to get my family to enjoy this grain. I need some good quinoa recipes.

P is for purple!

2010-10-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

Andreas and I went to the UW game last night in Seattle. The Dawgs beat the Beavers in double OT... 35-34! Go Huskies!

O is for Oktoberfest

2010-10-09T20:31:00.001-07:00

We went to the Oktoberfest today at the Puyallup fair grounds.

Yummy food! (A couple of weiners eating weiners!)

Bier!

We love Oktoberfest!

N is for new blog

2010-10-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to the blog Abby started today...

http://misscrabigail.blogspot.com

enjoy!

M is for messy

2010-09-25T19:16:00.000-07:00

Brayden's first birthday is October 2nd, but Ashley and Watt had a party early this weekend since they are moving to Oklahoma and Watt had to leave today. Brayden really got into his cake, as you can see. Ashley added red food coloring to white cake and chocolate frosting! Happy 1st Birthday little Brayden! We love you and will miss you and your mom and dad so much when you move to Oklahoma!

L is for Lincoln City

2010-07-28T20:13:00.001-07:00

Mom, Dad and Amanda came to visit from Ohio and we joined with Mike's family in Lincoln City, OR for a few days at the beach. We rented a beautiful house, had awesome food, and it was so nice to spend time with my family. We sure missed Adrienne and Katie and their families. Maybe they can join us next time!

K is for kites

2010-07-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

Andreas and the girls flew some kites at the beach in Lincoln City.

J is for jamboree

2010-04-25T21:13:00.001-07:00

Both girls are back on the 10U Yellow Jackets softball team for the 2010 season!

Abby pitching in the first scrimage game on Opening Day.

Gracie on deck.

This is our 5th season in the TCFA league. The girls always have a great time! Go Yellow Jackets!

I is for ice skating

2010-04-24T11:05:00.001-07:00

I had to think long and hard to come up with an "I" post. Plus starting my new job and school since we got back from vacation... needless to say, I've been a little busy.

This is the girls first time ice skating. They ice skated at Sqaw Valley at the top of the mountain at High Camp. The rink was built for the Olympics in 1960. As with most things, they took right too it and had a great time!

H is for heart

2010-03-27T08:56:00.001-07:00

Can you see the heart in the clouds?

G is for Grace

2010-03-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

My Gracie! Energetic, busy, funny, goofy, happy, always singing! Love this girl!

F is for family

2010-03-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

taken on March 18th, 2010 leaving San Francisco, California.

E is for evergreen

2010-03-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

Actually, they are giant redwoods in California... but they ARE evergreen trees and I couldn't wait till R to post this awesome pic of the redwood trees!

D is for dim sum

2010-03-18T21:37:00.001-07:00

We had awesome Chinese food in Chinatown, San Francisco. I don't know what these little delicious things are called. Andreas and I ate and ate! The girls were not as impressed with the dim sum... they just waited for their fortune cookies!

C is for Circus Circus

2010-03-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

We drove through Reno on our way to the Tahoe area for skiing. We stopped at Circus Circus to eat and play for a couple hours before we drove into Truckee, California.

B is for Birthday

2010-03-12T20:43:00.001-08:00

Happy 47th birthday to Andreas. We went skiing at Mt. Bachelor today. (B was going to be for Bachelor but it was blizzarding so I didn't get good pics!) After skiing we had a nice birthday dinner at the Deschutes Brewery. Here's to many more, Andreas!

A is for Abigail

2010-03-10T21:12:00.001-08:00

My beautiful, first born daughter. She has brought so much emotion and joy into our lives! Abby is funny, smart, loveable, creative, athletic, stubborn, emotional... and we wouldn't trade her! I love you, Abby!

ABCs

2010-03-10T21:08:00.000-08:00

Each day, I am going to embrace my creative side and post a letter from the ABCs with a picture. I figured this is a fun way to try to blog more and creatively use the pictures that I take. I hope you enjoy...

Mariner's Fan Fest

2010-02-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

As you know, we are big Mariner's fans. In fact we usually turn out for 5 or 6 games a season... especially on bobblehead night. Andreas & the girls went to Fan Fest at Safeco Field. (I had to work...)

Grace & Abby... and Edgar.

Abby getting an autograph from Dan Wilson.

Grace getting an autograph from Edgar Martinez.

Gracie getting face paint!

Abby getting face paint. Can you see the S for Seattle?

Can't wait for tickets to go on sale for the 2010 season! Take me out to the ball game!

MLK Jr. school program

2010-02-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

Grace, along with the Seven Oaks third graders, performed some songs for MLK Jr. Day. (This picture is not the greatest, the gym at the school has the oddest light and it makes pics from my camera blurry.)

Girl Scout

2010-02-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

Abigail has been in Girl Scout Troop 504 for about 2 years now. She enjoys earning badges and going to her weekly meeting with the girls. Cookie time is also a busy time of year for the Girl Scouts. Abby pre-sold 223 boxes of cookies and still has booth sales during February and March!

Happy New Year! 2010

2010-02-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

We welcomed the new year with our neighbors. Connor, Abby, Thomas, Grace and Kaelyn took a moment from the Wii to get a pic! We hope 2010 has great things in store....

Getting ready for Halloween

2009-10-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here at the Goetsch house... we LOVE Halloween! Andreas got the decorations out of storage yesterday and he decorated the front yard. All the pumkins are from our garden, we grew them this summer! A few more days till trick or treat!

New Addition

2009-10-13T21:27:00.001-07:00

Ashley and Watt welcomed their son Brayden Michael in the early morning hours of October 2nd. Here is a pic of a tired mom, Ashley and baby, Brayden. Grandpa Andreas and Grandma Donna (Ashley's parents).

Andreas and his grandson.

Auntie Abby holding Brayden for the first time. Auntie Grace checking him out!

Little peanut with Aunt Grace.

He really likes to suck on that bottom lip!

Proud papa! Watt got to come home from Iraq for 2 weeks for the birth of his son. He returned to war on the 11th of October and we pray for his safe return in the next year!

Back to School

2009-09-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

Abby and Grace started school today. Abby is in 5th grade and Grace is in 3rd. They were super excited to go back to school and I was super excited for them to go back! Only 9 1/2 months till summer vacation!

Girl Scout camp

2009-08-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

Troop 504... or most of them anyway, after we dropped them off at Camp St. Albans. Ready for a great time!

Who is this big girl and what did she do with my little Abby?

Salmon fishing 2009

2009-08-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

Abby and Grace with the catch of the day from the first day of salmon fishing on the Columbia.

Andreas on the last day of fishing.

Grace and Abby on the last day of fishing.

The Goetsch Gang

2009-08-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

Our most recent "family picture." Taken by Mariah the last day (8/23/09) we were all together in Chinook for salmon fishing.

Summer so far...

2009-07-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

Some pics from our awesome summer so far. Amanda & Bubba came to visit from TX. Mike, Mariah & Christine came to visit from OR. Watt and his guys departed for Iraq. Lakefair. Parties...

We love summer!

Plentiful Garden

2009-07-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

OK, not the greatest pic cause I took it with my phone. This is the girls this afternoon in our garden with our second yummy zucchini! We had it for dinner! Our garden is exploding with veggies! I have looked out the window several times today to see the girls pokin' around out there, just checking things out! We have had lots of salads with the lettuce we've grown, radishes, spinach, and now zucchini! Tomatoes and peppers are going to be plentiful, as well! I love our garden!

Fantastic 4th!

2009-07-07T15:10:00.001-07:00

We had a GREAT Independence Day this year at our friend Bob's house on Long Lake. Here are some random pics from the day!

Andreas fresh outta the lake.

Grace came back from a boat ride and said "daddy caught this fish with his teeth!" I don't know, but sounds like a fish story to me!

Abigail.... being crabigail!

Bob... the hostess with the mostest! :) It's a "pith helmet."

Ashley & Watt and their little bun in the oven.

Anni, Carrie & Cassie.

This shot was actually taken BEFORE the 4th, but I had to include it cause it's a good one! Grace, Watt & Abby on the surf board! Say HI!!!

Grace & Marley on the surf board.

Me & Donna.

Watt

Ka Boom!!!

Long Lake

2009-06-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from the day we spent at Long Lake last weekend playing on the boat. We had a great time and the weather was perfect!

Every year I think it's a good idea to go on the stupid tube...

Andreas water skiing.

Kids on the Hot Dog ready to go! Grace, Connor, Abby and Thomas.

Hanging on the dock... Carrie, Watt, Ashley and Andreas.

Look ma! No hands!

That's our boat!

Trip to Utah

2009-06-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

Andreas and I took a whirl-wind road trip to Utah last week. We spent some time with Aunt Kathy and Uncle Dan as well as Jim and Jo Denslow on Thursday evening when we got in. On Friday we went golfing, my first time ever at El Monte course in Ogden. I had a great time and hope to go again, soon! Then Friday evening we went up Ogden canyon to spend time with my BFF from high school, Crystal and her family. Crystal got married in the mountains near a beautiful river on Saturday. It was perfect, she looked great and it was just the way she wanted it! I am so happy for her and her new found happiness with Dustin. Then we headed back home Saturday night/Sunday morning! The driving sucked but it was great to see friends and family in Utah!

Some of the best things about Spring...

2009-04-27T22:09:00.001-07:00

1. The girls are playing softball again.

2. Mariner's games with the family.

3. Warm weather and working in the yard.

4. Arts Walk.

5. Easter.

6. Ashley's baby bump.

Finally a nice day!

2009-03-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

Today turned out to be a really great, sunny day. I got my bike out, loaded it up, and went to my old favorite Woodard Bay bike trail and rode 6 miles. Whew, it's been a long winter and I am outta shape! Hopefully the weather will hold tomorrow, too, so I can go again!

We love Ralphie May!!!

2009-02-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

Andreas and I went to see Ralphie May perform at the Moore Theatre last night. He was hilarious! His comedy show lasted over 2 hours! After the show, he was so gracious and signed autographs and took pics with EVERYONE who was waiting! If you get the chance to check out one of his shows.... do! We laughed until we cried!

Trip to Ohio

2009-02-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

I flew to Ohio on the 11th of February. Mom has been pretty sick for the past few months and I needed to go to help her get better. We went to her doctor and also to the diabetic educator and dietician. I think over the few days I was there, she was getting better each day. I also got to see my new neice, Layla who was born in December. She is so tiny and cute. Just absolutely perfect! My other neice, Lia, is almost one and was on the verge of walking while I was there. She is "sooo big!" And loves to show her tricks to anyone who will watch! Here are some pics from the visit.

Adrienne, Lia and Layla

"Soooo BIG!"

Helping Aunt Sarah cook while she sits in her high chair.

Sleepy baby Lia

Mom

Adrienne and Layla

Whew! It's exhausting taking care of all these babies and mom and dad, too!

Layla had to try out the high chair at dinner time, and see..... she liked it!

Ski trip, January 2009

2009-01-26T21:23:00.000-08:00

So, we hit the slopes on Saturday the 24th for a little skiing and snowboarding. Ashley and hubby, Steven aka "Watt" went with the Goetsch Gang. We left the house super early and drove to White Pass. Abby, Ashley and Watt were the snowboarders. Watt is from Texas and never went skiing or snowboarding before, but he had a great time and got the hang of it fairly quickly! Way to go, Watt! Andreas, Grace and I went skiing. Grace was a little reluctant to go on the lift and go down the big hill, but with a little coaxing, she went and we couldn't slow her down!

A great time was had by all!

Happy 2009!

2009-01-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

We stayed in this year to celebrate New Year's Eve at home with our friends and family. Carlos & Karri and the kids, as well as Phil & Nancy and the boys came over to our house. We had snacks and drinks. Everyone enjoyed playing some PS2 and Guitar Hero!

Pretty girls, Grace and Paige wishing you a Happy New Year!

....5 .....4 .....3 .....2 ......1.....Happy New Year! Welcome 2009!

Here's to a great year to come! Out with the old, in with the new!

Christmas pics

2008-12-28T18:53:00.001-08:00

Santa was good to the Goetsch Gang... even if the girls (and parents) weren't on their BEST behavior this year. Hope your Christmas was great, too.... BUT I am soooo glad it's over with for another year! Whew!

Favorites of Christmas '08

2008-12-25T18:18:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite things from Christmas this year are....

* Slippers and staying in jammies till waaay past noon!

* Guitar Hero.

* Watching the girls open presents in a frenzy!

* Talking to all my family on the phone and hearing what Santa brought.

* White snow on Christmas Day!

* Christmas dinner- ham, acorn squash, garlic mashed potatoes, veggies & dip, bacon wrapped scalops, shrimp tray, egg nog, wine, rolls.... you get the picture.

* My new Beyonce CD!

* Not having to go to work!!!

* Watching Abby brush Gracie's hair for her before we went in at Omi's house.

* Raspberry Almond M&Ms.

The Newest Member of the Family

2008-12-23T21:49:00.000-08:00

Layla Jane Krizan born 12/18/08 at 0946. She weighed in at 5lbs 6oz and 19 1/4 inches long! Tiniest little peanut born in this family for a long time!

I love this pic! It looks like she is looking at Adrienne and smiling!

And this one, too! She is paying close attention to what Grandpa says!

Welcome to this C R A Z Y family, Layla Jane!

Snowy December

2008-12-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

Since we rarely get snow in Western Washington that last more that a few days, this early winter storm has been a lot of fun for the girls. School was cancelled the last 3 scheduled days of the year because the roads were so horrible. They don't have snow plows in WA, apparently!

Here are Abby and Grace all bundled up to go sledding.

Wave at mommy! Have fun, be safe!

This is our house with our Christmas lights and the snow.... Looks pretty festive, huh?

On Friday the 19th, we went sledding/skiing/snowboarding a Lydia Hawk Elementary School. Andreas used to go to school there..... waaaaay back in the day, and they have a great hill for sledding!

We saw this deer on the side of the road on our way to go sledding. Poor thing probably can't find any food!

Abby with all her gear ready to practice snowboarding!

Gracie sledding down the hill! This kid is fearless!

Abby and Grace.

The sun caught Gracie in the eyes!

This is me, trying to get a self portrait without looking like I'm "smelling something," as Mom would say!

Andreas is trying to teach Grace the basics of skiing before we take her skiing this year. Last year, she just wanted to drink cocoa in the lodge, forget about skiing or snowboarding! But, he got her to go down the hill doing the "snow plow" a few times at Lydia Hawks. She hasn't quite figured out how to stop yet!

Abby shredding on her snowboard! She hasn't forgotten how since last winter!

Even though we have been enjoying the snow, Andreas has not been able to work due to the road and weather conditions! I have been lucky enough to get to the hospital to work all of my shifts, though, and even a few extras! We are ready for a white Christmas at the Goetsch house! Hope you all have a Merry Christmas, too!

Riggs Family Holiday Sweater Party

2008-12-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

Last night we had a great time at Erin and Ashley's Holiday Sweater party! Here are just a few of the pics I took. For some reason, the more I drink, the more pics I take and I took like over 60 pics in the 3-4 hours we were there! Happy Holidays!

Christmas time with the Goetsch Gang

2008-12-12T17:44:00.000-08:00

This year, we started looking for our tree at Andreas' co-worker, Blake's property. We didn't find the perfect tree, so we went to Eaton Creek Tree farm where we have found our tree for the past few years.

Here is Andreas loading it in the truck.

The next morning, the girls and I got all the Christmas decorations out and decorated the house and the tree.

This is our mini tree with the fiberoptic lights. It used to go in the girls room when they shared a room but now since they have their own rooms, to avoid a fight, we just put it up in the living room or dining room.

The stockings hung by the chimney with care (or the fireplace....)

Our house in the dark with the lights on. It's hard to tell, but this year we added the 8 foot blow up santa by the chimney on the roof. Thanks to Andreas for all his hard work on the lights for the house! I can't wait to see the electric bill in January!

More lights in the yard....

Merry Christmas to all. I'm sure I will post more pics from this Christmas season, stay tuned.

New furniture!!!

2008-11-19T06:06:00.000-08:00

Last night we picked up our new furniture! Merry early Christmas to me!! A new sectional L shaped couch and a recliner. Our first ever BRAND new, not hand-me-down furniture! I love the colors. It goes really well with the paint colors that Andreas chose. This collage shows the different angles I could shoot. And yes, my counters are messy, again!

cute or what?

2008-11-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

Lia in the tubbie! How adorable is this pic!? I wish she lived closer to us so that I could eat those adorable cheeks!!! :-)

Seahawk Sunday

2008-11-02T20:01:00.000-08:00

Andreas and I went to Seattle today to see the Seahawks play the Eagles at Qwest Field. We drove up early and tailgated with some of the guys that Andreas works with.

Andreas having a beer... WHO cares that it's only 10:30 in the morning???

Andreas and Pat

Me in the midst of "tailgater's heaven."

This is us after quite a few beers. (Him more than me, of course!) I just have a stupid expression on my face and this was the second time we tried this shot!

Andreas on the way back to the car in front of Safeco Field. Somebody had too much to drink!

What a fun day to spend with my hubby!

Spook-tacular!

2008-11-01T23:30:00.000-07:00

Halloween was especially fun this year. The girls are the perfect age for Trick or Treat! We had the neighbor kids (and parents, too...) over for food, fire and fun after running the neighborhood for loot! Here are the pic highlights from the evening...

Follow the Yellow Brick Road!

"Spiderella Sparkle"

Reminds me a of a scene from this movie I saw one time...

Treats for the boys and ghouls!

Andreas and one of his creepy masks.

Our grave yard... and yes that is a scary green van STILL sitting in my yard!

Our pumpkin Ralph.

The gang getting ready to Trick or Treat

(Benjamin, Abby, Grace, Connor, Andreas and Thomas)

Kaylin as Elmo. Her face was so sticky she had red fur stuck to it!

The group of kids, again.

The haul the morning after!

My BFF

2008-10-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

LOVE YOU MOM! I'm sad already that you went home today and I don't know when I will get to see you again! Glad you and dad got a chance to come visit us!

Costume decisions

2008-10-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

The girls are getting so excited for Halloween. Abby asked if she would still be able to Trick or Treat even though she has her braces on now. I told her she could go, but I'm guessing she won't be able to eat 99% of the stuff she gets. Oh well, more candy for mom and dad! This is a pic of them this morning pouring over the Party City Halloween Costume advertisement flyer for about the 100th time. They are both still deciding what to "be" for Halloween.

Braces

2008-09-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

Abigail got her braces on Tuesday the 23rd. She will be wearing them for the next 18 months to correct her under bite. She was really excited/nervous to get them on, but now that they are there, she is finding it a bit challenging to eat! Especially with the bottom retainer! Tylenol and soft foods have been her friends for the past couple of days. She got a lot of advice from Auntie Chang. I will post more pics as her teeth start to change, I'm sure!

Waiting for the bus

2008-09-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

This year, I have started going out to the bus stop in the mornings with girls. Friday morning I got my camera out and took some pics of the kids before school. It was an awesome, crisp autumn morning!

Abby looks so grown up and beautiful!

Gracie with the sunshine on her face.

Abby, Grace and Tanna huddling together because it was a little chilly at the bus stop.

The kids started collecting "helicopters" from the maple tree near the bus stop and throwing them up in the air to watch them spin down.

Connor and Thomas finally show up to the bus stop, barely awake!

Good Morning Thomas!

The bus is finally here and the kids line up!

Bye mom, see ya after school!

Labor Day Camping and Fishing trip

2008-09-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of our pics from our camping/fishing trip to Chinook and the Columbia River. Mike, Mariah and Christine joined us this year for camping and fishing. Unfortunately, there was only one salmon that we could keep! But we had a great time and not too much rain. Maybe we will have better luck next year!

Berlin

2008-09-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

We went to Berlin in August, from the 12th to the 26th. We went to visit Andreas's dad and family! Here are a FEW of our pics from the trip! We took probably about 1300 pics in all... way too many for myspace or the blog!

Opa Uwe, Asco the dog and Abby and Grace going for a walk.

Daniella, Uwe and Andreas. Dani is Andreas's half sister. They met for the first time when we arrived in Berlin at the airport. This is a pic from Dani's house in her back yard.

Here are some pics from our camping trip in Zabakuck in East Germany. We stayed for 3 days. Andreas's family has a permanent camping place with 2 camping trailers and a covered eating area. The plot is surrounded by a hedge and fence so Asco can be contained. There is also a little lake there where the girls got to swim and play in the sand. Grace spent 98% of her time attached to Markus (Dani's husband).

Abby and Grace got to go horse back riding with Andreas's cousin Annette and her daughter Patty. They have several horses and Patty rides dressage. They got to brush the horses, feed the horses and then go for a ride!

Andreas and the girls on Kurfurstendamm in front of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. It had just rained!

Me and the girls on Kurfurstendamm in front of this cool Berlin statue!

Here we are at the Hard Rock Cafe eating burgeres and fries after a day of shopping and sight seeing on Kurfurstendamm! Damn, those burgers were good!

This is from the New Palace near Potsdam. It was the home of some German royalty in the 1700s. We got to go inside, but we could only take pics outside. Look how tiny the girls look in front of those statues! There were hundreds of statues around the palace. I think Andreas took a pic of each one!

These are pics from the Turkish Market in Berlin. A lot like Pike Place only more crowded and smellier!

Dinner at Utta and Dietrich's house.

Here we are at the Brandenburg Gate (raining again!)

Our brief visit to the Berlin Zoo.

We had a great time, but it sure was good to come home! I think if we visit Germany again, we might go for less time! I would also like to see West Germany and some of the Bavarian areas of Germany.

Charge Nurse

2008-07-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

I'm convinced that no one reads my blog, since no one leaves me comments... except Erin, that is. Anyway, I am blogging about my night last night and my opportunity to be charge nurse at work. So, Monday I was off work. Spent the day with the girls doing laundry, etc. Work called in the afternoon and left a message that they were short a charge nurse on nights and could I come in and work a night shift and be charge nurse. I was excited at the chance to be in charge because I recently applied for one of the day shift charge positions and I was wondering to myself if that is really what I want to do, or if I could even do it. So, the night was really nice. In fact, it was DEAD in the ER. I think in 8 hours we only had 3 or 4 ambulances. I handled a little staffing issue, and helped the nurses as much as I could. I was relieved because after I agreed to work the shift and be in charge I was asking myself... what's the worst that could happen?... and then when I thought about it, there was a lot of really awful scenarios running through my head. Plus, I wasn't sure if I could stay awake till I got home at 8! All went well, I think (know) I can do a good job as charge, even if more challenging situations come up. I hope I get the opportunity to at least interview with the managers for the day shift charge postion. I didn't get to sleep much today with the girls being home, but it is almost their bed time and I will crash out, too!

McCord Air Expo

2008-07-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went to the air show at McCord AFB. It was nice and warm, the planes were cool and the we had a great time! I got a little too much sun!

4th of July F U N ! ! ! !

2008-07-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Some pics from our day at the Tacoma Freedom Fair in Old Town. We took the bus from the Tacoma Dome down to Old Town. There was a nice air show, good food, lots of people and the rain stayed away for most of the day! After we got home we had a nice dinner and spent time with our neighbors blowing up a bunch of fire works and drinking at their house! Glad the 4th of July only comes once a year!

(PS Thanks Erin for telling me how to do the collages!)

Tacoma Tall Ships

2008-07-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

This morning we set out from Zittel's Marina in Olympia to check out the Tall Ships coming into port in Tacoma. Here are a few of our pics of the many ships we saw. The weather was a little cool and rainy...c'mon it's July 3rd... where's summer?? After we started watching the ships come in and we sat in the boat, I started to get sea sick. The water was pretty choppy from ALL the boats in the bay looking at the Tall Ships. We took a little cruise north and saw the CGC Eagle, a really cool Coast Guard sailing vessel (Andreas' favorite)! Then we came back and saw more of the ships in the bay and I was really, really sick so we only stayed a bit longer and then headed back towards Olympia. My favorite was the HMS Bounty, it looks like a pirate ship and in fact was built for the movie "Mutiny on the Bounty" and also used in Pirates of the Carribbean II and Sponge Bob Square Pants! The girls had a great time, too! They are good crew members since their momma is a "land lubber!"

First Summer Swim

2008-06-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

Grace jumping off the ladder!

Abby's turn to jump (it took us 3 times to get this shot!)

Grace being silly!

Abby being a cheeser!

Today was the first day that the weather was actually warm enough for the girls to go swimming. Unfortunately, the pool water is still a bit on the cold side, so the girls only stayed in about 5 mins! Maybe a weekend or two of sunny weather will warm up the pool so the girls can swim and enjoy it some more this summer!

Shark fishing!

2008-06-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 21st, we took our boat out for the first time this year. We launched at Zittel's marina and headed out in the Sound. The weather wasn't great, but the fishing wasn't bad. Check out our sharks!!!

Me and my first shark! (OK, Andreas baited the hook for me!)

One of Abby's sharks... she caught a couple!

This one bled all over Gracie's arm, leg and the boat, and had a missing eye! EWWWW!

Andreas with the "big momma." The girls kept saying this one was pregnant cause she has a big belly!

We had a great time and I didn't even get sea sick! The wind picked up in the afternoon and we brought the boat in.

Tootsies

2008-06-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, school is out, the girls have been begging to have some Teva sandals "just like mom's!" So yesterday we all got matching shoes! Abby's are the same color as mine, Grace picked a different color. Now if we could JUST have some summer weather!

Birthday Qween

2008-06-13T08:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, June 12th, was Gracie's 7th birthday! WOW! She is getting old! Seems like just yesterday she was born!

We made funfetti cupcakes with white frosting and pink and purple sprinkles to take to first grade!

Abby made her sister a card, a "Birthday Qween" crown and breakfast! If only they got along this good everyday!

Sunday BBQ

2008-06-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

We had a BBQ on Sunday. Andreas has been wanting to try a beef brisket on the grill. He got it all reay the night before, marinating in some special "rub." The brisket cooked ALL day on the grill with apple chips and cherry wood to give it a yummy smoky flavor. I made a salad and a "semi-homemade" apple pie. We had the neighbors over to eat with us: Phil, Nancy, Connor, Thomas, Kaylin and Bob. Andreas and Phil finished off a 1/5th of Jack Daniels, after quite a few beers.... they were HAMMERED!!! Now, if only we could get some WARMER summer weather!

Busy Weekend- Memorial Day 2008

2008-05-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

We started the weekend off by picking up our NEW 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo! It is really awesome! It's a nice champagne color, called Graystone (I think)! Black interior, new car scent. It's great! The first BRAND new car we've ever bought!

Andreas and I went to Seattle with out the kids for dinner and a show...

When we got to Seattle we had and hour or so to kill before dinner, so we stopped in to Purple Cafe and Wine Bar. A couple of glasses of wine later, we headed across the street for dinner...

We had a nice dinner at The Georgian restaurant inside the Olympic Hotel in Seattle. It is an old hotel, the first in Seattle to have air conditioning! Pretty fancy schmancy for my taste, but we had a nice dinner!

Then, Andreas and I went to Seattle to see a Cirque du Soleil show, Corteo. It was really fun. We have seen one other show in Las Vegas. Corteo was at Marymoor Park in Redmond. They don't allow pics inside the big top, but I recommend Cirque shows to anyone who has a chance to see one, they are fabulous!

Home Sunday... races tonight, and BBQ tomorrow. Does it ever stop? :-) I'm lovin' life!

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

We had a nice Mother's Day this year. The day started with Andreas and the girls making a yummy breakfast, one of our family favorites, eggs benedict! After breakfast, we went to an early movie to see IronMan. Action/Adventure... what more could a mom ask for? Later in the day, we worked in our back yard, the girls played on the trampoline, and we grilled some steaks for a nice dinner!

girls and dogs

2008-05-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Andreas took the girls and dogs to Luhr's Landing near the Nisqually River delta when the tide was out on Saturday to play in the water and mud. Mom had to work, too bad! But they had a fun time. Lila sure likes the water, but Brutus isn't too sure he does. He knows that he likes to be out of the back yard, though! What nice weather to play out side!

Yellow Jackets

2008-04-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

The girls are playing softball again this year. The league mixed two teams so the girls thought a of a new name.... The Yellow Jackets! They are doing so good! Who cares if they win or lose, it is great to see the girls learning skills and improving each year. Grace is a great hitter and probably the fastest runner on the team! Abby is a leader among the girls because she is one of the oldest girls on the team. She is also a great hitter and can throw and catch really well! Go Yellow Jackets!!

Happy Easter

2008-03-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. For our family that means:

A visit from the Easter Bunny, who usually brings candy and treats for the girls.

Dinner at Omi's house and more junk from the Easter Bunny.

We went to an egg dash at Saint Martin's University this morning. This is the first year that it didn't rain at the egg dash in a looong time!

When we got home from the egg dash, we colored eggs, about 2 dozen. Grace and Abby ended up with colored fingers when we were all done!

Happy Easter to all, hope the Bunny visits your house.