Hoopty

Going through pictures, I found these of Dallin from this last winter. He played on the school team. His height ensured him a spot:) This boy wears size 13 in MENS!!! He found a new love. Basketball is a way more athletic sport. It requires a ton of running and teamwork. Plus, it is held INDOORS...a plus for the fans. I think it is easier for kids too because the pressure isn't all on one player (ie the pitcher or batter in baseball). He loved practicing at Nana and Papa's house. This year, we'll be at a new school, though. His PE teacher met him and smiled up at him, "Ya play basketball? Let's go against your old school next year!"

Scabooty's Birthday

What a cheeseball. I sure love this guy. He is just a silly, fun-loving boy. Scott is 7 this year. It is hard to believe that my "baby" is so big. He is very proud of being a big boy. He was looking in the mirror at his tummy. "Mom, I look soft." and then, rubbing his big belly, he said, "Ooooh, I am soft!" He cracks me up daily. Those big blue eyes...

This year was a fun one for baseball. The boys' regular season went really well for them. It was fun watching Michael really start hitting and pitching. He was the starting pitcher for his lil team. Scott was in minor prep...still learning the basics. He practices so much with his brothers, that he could really smack the ball out there. Dallin...oh, Dallin. He was really "disappointed" in only getting 6 homeruns. Poor buddy:) He is such a perfectionist. Baseball is not the sport for perfectionists. His papa had to remind him after every game that he was doing great. Even the pros strike out, throw balls, and walk people. It is interesting to watch Dallin grow and struggle through this. He had a great coach that we will really miss. He got to know Dallin over the last 3 years and knew how to work with him.

Fancy Schmancy

My favorite restaurant is, unfortunately, extremely unaffordable. Ouch. It is one of those places where you only go once every few years, but oh, it is worth it!! Costco started carrying some discounted gift cards for El Gauchos, so Mom, Dad, Tom and I decided it was high time to return. Oh, it did not disappoint. MMMmmmm. I can still taste it. I was super impressed when the waiter made the caesar dressing for Mom's salad right at table side. FAB FAB FAB. We even got to dress up:) I soaked up every moment of that night. I was in heaven.

Surfin' USA

WOW! We are finally online again. It took a few months for us to find internet access in booniville, but Tom's relentless search has finally connected us to the web again. We have been in our "new" home for a little over a month now. It has been a ton of work, but we sure love having a home again. Aaah! We should have a comlete kitchen this week. YEAH! very exciting stuff, I tell ya'.
I wanted to post the pictures from Dallin's birthday. He's 11 now, so we focused on getting him all geared up for scout camping trips that are sure to fill the next 8 years. Tom really liked the backpack he found for Dal on a military style site. I think he was a bit jealous:)





Then we went to our favorite pizza place in town. It was nummy and fun to be with family.




We sure have a silly Papa! Then, Tom and Betsy showed up with a fishing pole...Dallin was beyond happy!!

UPDATE

Two weeks from now...we'll be signing papers on our "new" home!!! For those of you who don't know, this has been a LONG haul. It will be 13 months since we have had a place of our own! I never thought I could make it through this. AND yes, I have learned a lot along the way. This has definitely changed me. The boys are so excited. They just wanna get started on their new fort. The home sits on 5 acres, so they'll have plenty of forest to explore, too. Tom is excited because there is already a huge barn\shop. It has a full loft, which will be great for storage. Plus, I will finally get the big craft room that I have always wanted. MMMM...dreamy:) The house needs a ton of work and updating, but I don't mind one bit. Actually I can't wait to paint and redo the kitchen and bathrooms:) I have plans, baby:) I'll post some "before" pictures as soon as we get the keys.

Tacoma Narrows

We planned to spend the day at the zoo a few weeks ago, but there was not a single parking spot to be found! So, we decided to take a hike across the new Tacoma Narrows bridge. It was a gorgeous day!! So perfect. We could see the Olympics and the Cascades covered with snow. The view was spectacular. We had to start from pretty far away, so it took a while to just get to the bridge. It was way far up...up with the sky and the wind and all...(quote from BOB:)) I was glad we did that. We are really trying to take more time to just get out and enjoy where we live. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place.











Then, we found this lil' hole in the wall deli in downtown Gig Harbor that had the most delicious parmasean crusted scallops!!! NUMMY
This was the view