Celebrating 7 Years

Anniversary Dinner

Yesterday, was our 7 year anniversary. It has gone by so fast...but when looking back at when we first got together it does seem ages ago. So much has happened since then. We have lived a lot in those seven years. Seattle was our gift this year, but Will managed to steal the show (again) with the card he gave me. I am not going to lie, I was in tears. It was so sweet and just summed up where we have been and where we hope we are going. I am one lucky gal. I cherish those words more than I could any gift. I love my husband so much.

 

We had babysitters in the area, so we headed to Eugene for dinner. We chose a new place, Ox and Fin. It had a great ambiance and the food was delicious. We started with grilled pear appetizers. I was not sure about cooked fruit, but I loved it. Then I ordered a rigatoni dish (delish) and will had a fancy steak dinner (also delish). I tried a new drink (I was being adventurous) a bourbon with fruit puree, soda water and lemon. So good!

 

The past 7 years have been filled with its own share of ups and downs - but I would not change any of it. We are the couple we are because of everything. I am so fortunate to have found my best life partner and my best friend. Love you honey!

 

Lake Day

We live near a beautiful lake that the kids just love to go to. We discovered a park at the lake that is perfect. It has a section of the lake that is shallow enough for the kids to play, they provide life jackets (which is just nice), and it has a playground as well. We just discovered this area a few weeks ago, and have gone several times since.

Colin is obsessed with learning to swim now. I am so glad, he was so timid before. So, we go to the lake so he can practice. I need to get him into lessons soon.

Such a pretty area

A few weekends ago, Will and I went to a friend's house to shoot their bows. Will was a natural and did very well. Pulling back a 70lb bow for the first time is not easy. I was very impressed. I did a 50lb bow. I was surprised I was able to shoot it. I did not think I would be able to pull it back. My friend said it took her a few weeks to move up to that weight. So I was excited. I did have trouble with her view. I guess I am left-eye dominate, which I think makes it harder being right-handed. So, it was really uncomfortable trying to get situated to aim. I may have to work on using my right eye. We are thinking we would like to buy some bows. It would be a fun hobby.



First time with a bow

While Will was at work, I took the kids to the lake again. We had so much fun. Meli is my little water baby. She was pretending to be a mermaid. 

my water baby

silly kids

it was cold at first

Playing well together

such a beautiful view

The first B Family Pets

The kids earned their first pets by doing chores and good behavior. Colin got a betta fish and Meli an aquatic (African dwarf) frog. Colin named his Bubble. Bubble B. Meli's is Ribbit. Actually, Ribbit Ribbit. Not quite sure she understood what I was asking. 

We will see how this goes!

Doing it Right

So tired

We have been very fortunate to have kids that seem to have a pretty good immune system. Occasionally, they get  colds or may seem to have a bit of a fever...but usually you can only tell by a slight grumpy behavior and runny noses. Or the fact that I will end up sick. When I was younger, I would rarely get sick. Now that I have kids, I seem to catch it anytime their noses start to run. Thankfully, not usually bad. Just enough to be irritating. Colin has had the flu once, but that is it. Knock on wood. Randomly, Meli caught a cold a few weeks ago...and it just put her out of commission. It was so obvious she did not feel well. She does get sick often, but when she does she does it right. Meli and I spent almost a week laying around feeling yucky together. Colin manage to escape it. He acted grumpy and was not sleeping well, but otherwise he was fine. He actually was getting so stir crazy from not doing our normal activities.



She slept a lot

Things are now back to normal. We have been enjoying the last few weeks of summer. Colin is excited for 1st grade. We started getting back into "homework hour" to get ready. Meli has been doing "homework" too. She wants to be just like Colin. The kids started a choir chart this past week. They enjoy getting their stickers for each task. She is almost always in underwear now (except at night)...she still has a problem telling us about #2. Very annoying. I know she knows to tell us, she just has decided she does not want to yet.

Peek-a-boo



She wanted a flower in her hair

Meli loves to pick out her clothes. Sometimes it is a very interesting combination.

her outfit she picked, plus accessories

The kids are working on earning a pet fish (or two). Hopefully, this weekend there will be a new addition to the B family.

 

My garden is going crazy. The bell peppers are doing well and we have tomatoes at every meal. Hard to keep up. The cucumbers are starting to show up now. I am excited to look at the next season veggies soon.

Playground fun

Colin tidbits:

C - "Mom, we need another baby. I want a brother. Your belly is good for babies"
Me - "what do you mean my belly is good for babies"
C - "oh, you know"

Me - "what if you get a sister?"
C - "um....well, I would really like a brother"

Colin has been learning prayers at nighttime. He is so sweet. He told God what he was thankful for, then he asked for what he wanted. The first night, his "wish" was to be nice to everyone. Love my baby.

when she was still recovering