Where it all began (Part 2)

The next day we met Ryan, Shannon and the girls back at the hotel after lunch.  While we waited for their plane to arrive, we decided to eat at Sizzlers.  Their all-you-can-eat salad bar was totally over-priced and grossly under-stocked.  But I do have to give them mad props for their fresh, hot rolls accompanied with the most delicious honey-butter.  We had very little time with Ryan, Shannon, Leyton and Ellis, as our plan was to depart at bedtime.  The girls had a blast, though.  They ran around the hotel room acting silly and played with all of Leyton's toys while we visited.  I only took out my camera once, actually twice.  The first time was to attempt a granddaughter shot in coordinating outfits for Gramma. And the second time was a quick shot of my brother and I right before we left. Time was just too precious to be spending it taking pictures.  The morning after, McKinley woke up and immediately told me she was sad. I asked her why and she said she missed Leyton and that Leyton was "her best cousin ever." We were so blessed to have my brother and his family stationed in San Diego for the last three years.  We hope they'll return to Cali after their tour in Japan.

Getting dressed for the photo shoot.

Test shot.

Getting set up.

First attempt.

So sweet!

I love that Piper is holding onto Tessa's ear.

I also love how protective McKinley and Piper are of Tessa. Each one must have a hand on her...

….even while she's goofing around with Leyton.

Jammies!  We were so thankful that all three girls slept the entire drive home to Newberg.

Where it all began (Part 1)

On their way to Japan, my brother and his family had an over-night layover in Seattle.  We knew this could be the last time we saw him, Shannon and the girls over the next two years, so we booked a room at the Embassy Suites and drove up a couple days before they arrived.  Benji and I had talked about bringing our girls to Washington to show them the old stompin' grounds, so this was the perfect opportunity.  We took the ferry over to Bainbridge Island. We had hoped to walk around downtown and visit Rockaway Beach, but it was just too rainy, wet and cold.  So we settled for the driving tour and then headed towards Silverdale.  After stopping at Momma's old house, we swung by the Waterfront Bakery in Old Town to get cookies.  Then we took the scenic route back to Pouslbo and decided to show the girls the church where it all began. We walked into North Kitsap Baptist Church and started inquiring if Pastor Terry Tharp was still around. I needed to use the restroom, and while I was washing my hands I heard screaming.  I see Benji talking to a woman, and as she turns around I instantly recognize her.  It's Jill Ray; the Jill I use to work with at Navy Region NW, the Jill who I sang on the worship team with, the Jill whose small group we attended, and the Jill who sang at our wedding.  I couldn't believe it!  On the drive up to WA, I had told Benji that if we had had more time, she would've been the first person I wanted to see.  And here she was.  It turns out that as she was walking up the stairs, she instantly recognized McKinley and Piper (not having ever met them in person), and started screaming. Thank you Lord!  We visited for a while at church, then she invited us to her house to surprise Rick and Ian.  We wanted to stay longer but also wanted to get back to our hotel for their complimentary happy hour.  Even though the weather had forced us to change our plans on the Kitsap Penninsula, catching up with our dear friends made the whole adventure worthwhile.

For some reason, I took a lot of pictures while we were waiting in the lobby.

The ferry returns to pick up its Seattle passengers.

One of the best gifts ever: coincidently running into Jill while visiting North Kitsap Baptist Church.

Jill meets Tessa.

The girls stand on the stage where we got married.

We visited with Ian, Rick and Jill at their house in Poulsbo before boarding the ferry back to Seattle.

The ferry ride back was beautiful.  Blue skies and no rain!

Hope to see you again soon, Seattle!

Love

This. Is. Love.

A little flashback

Rewind to October 12th, and the amazing ladies at Newberg CrossFit threw me a baby shower.  They all put balloons underneath their shirts to compete in a 2-part WOD: max kettle bell swings and pushups in two minutes.  Afterwards I opened presents while we all snacked on some paleo treats.  My favorite treat was the chocolate-dipped, coconut cream-filled, pumpkin donut that my friend Becky made.  Rachel, who took these photos, runs her own screen printing business and designed the cute CrossFit onesies you see below.  Then Patricia, who is a certified midwife, painted Tessa's position on my belly. I am truly blessed with this community of people who I work out with!

D. Q. Date

Before Dadda went back to work, Momma and her big girls went on a Fancy Nancy-inspired date to eat some parfaits.  So we put on our fanciest ensembles, complete with accessories, and drove to Dairy Queen.  We scarfed down some burgers before picking our banana split toppings.  McKinley wanted strawberry, Piper chose caramel, and I picked marshmallow.  As we ate, we kept our pinkies up and called each other darling.