December 31, 2013

The board is out and the game is set up.  It must be New Years Eve.  This year we have Jordan hanging out with us!  

Best wishes to our friends and family all around the world for a happy, healthy 2014.

Fox Island, Washington

December 30, 2013

An E-normous tree!  From our deck it doesn't look too big, but up close it's a different story.  This lower hanging branch is larger around than my body!   I just love how the branches grow down, then curve upward.  It also provides lots of cover when the rains get heavy.

Fox Island, Washington

December 29, 2013

Glorious, blazing sunrise one day to subtly, quiet sunset another.
Fox Island, Washington

December 28, 2013

My driveway.  Since November we've had some rain, but not much.  Some freezing rain, frigid temps, freezing temps, sleet, snow and frozen roads.  So when did this find the time to grow here?!?! Yes, it's bright and beautiful, but somewhat treacherous at times.  We might have to do something about this...

Fox Island, Washington

December 27, 2013

This is one of the benefits of getting up early to run in the woods with a fabulous group of ladies.  Witnessing A-MAZ-ING sunrises.  I think this is the best one I have ever seen.

Gig Harbor, Washington 

December 26, 2013

Here is one of the gifts I received for Christmas. A delicate but sturdy silver ring created by Zach. Just beautiful! Thanks big guy!
Fox Island, Washington

December 25, 2013

This was my afternoon pick me up today.  Getting to use a few things from under the tree already.  I so needed this.  I was up at 4am.  Not because of the kids.  I was SOOOOO excited for Christmas morning!  I will say, Zach texted me at about 5:15am and asked if he could come down.  What a wonderful morning!  We decided to stay very low-key this year so there weren't any 'wowza' type surprises, but the kids has such a great time opening gifts and watching the others open theirs.  That's what Christmas is about.... giving, sharing and celebrating with family and friends.  

Fox Island, Washington

December 24, 2013

I'm now officially ready for Christmas morning.  That's right.... the cinnamon rolls are prepped and ready to go in the oven first thing tomorrow. The kids have informed me they don't want to get up until at least 7am.  What?!?!  Hopefully the smell of these baking will encourage them to get out of bed.

Fox Island, Washington

December 23, 2013

Sam decided to get a little creative in the kitchen this morning for his breakfast.  This is an apple swan.
Fox Island, Washington

December 22, 2013

We celebrated Nate's 15th birthday by going to the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma.  Sounds like fun, huh?  Well..... Dave really wanted to see the model trains exhibit they've got going on there, so he kind of tricked us into going.  No worries.  Everyone had a good time.  On the way home, we stopped for his requested lunch of jo-jos and chicken, groceries for the requested dinner of hamburgers and chips and the rental of an action movie.  We had also planned to swing by Baskin-Robbins for the birthday cake, but they apparently went out of business last month.  Jordan came to the rescue and made this cute, super moist, triple chocolate cake.  Happy Birthday, Natey B!

Fox Island, Washington

December 21, 2013

Dave and the bigger guys finally got the train out and set up around the tree.  It's been tradition to get a new train car every year.  I think we are foregoing the tradition because we don't have enough track or house space to set up the entire train anymore!

Fox Island, Washington

December 20, 2013

We got snow!!!!!!  A 2 hour delay for school is an awesome thing for the last day before holiday.  Peaceful, non-rushed morning watching the beautiful snow falling outside and we don't have to make up a school day at the end of the year.  Love it!

Fox Island, Washington

December 19, 2013

The stockings were hung by the..... ummm..... staircase with care. We are ready!
Fox Island, Washington

December 18, 2013

After getting the members of my house out the door for school, work and play, I got down to the business of putting presents under the tree.  I spent most of my "free time" cutting, wrapping and taping goodies and gifts.  

Fox Island, Washington

December 17, 2013

Today I ran on pavement with some of the Dirty Girls.  Our bonus challenge this week is to run this  almost 5 mile monster hill route and contemplate why we are grateful for hills.  Thanks for running with me and keeping me on track this morning Julie!

Gig Harbor, Washington

December 16, 2013

We saw a little bit of sunshine today.  It was out there.... over the water.  Somebody caught a few rays if they were out on a boat!

Gig Harbor, Washington

December 15, 2013

Jalapeno and cheese stuffed chicken breast over roasted vegetables.  Yum!

Fox Island, Washington

December 14, 2013

Sam needed a sport to take up per mom requirements.  Since he doesn't care too much for prolonged exposure to cold weather and will run only if being chased, he decided to try his hand at water polo.  In this area for the kids under the age of 14 years the program is called Splashball.  Essentially, water polo for younger people using a smaller ball and having loads of fun.  Sam likes the game and is learning quickly.  The coaches like that he's a natural at the sport and is a lefty...

Gig Harbor, Washington

December 13, 2013

One of the best inventions ever!  Nothing better than instant warmth from the heated seats in my car after 6 miles on the now thawed out muddy trails with the Dirty Girls.  

Gig Harbor, Washington

December 12, 2013

It looks dreary outside and soggy with rain.  Yes, rain.  That means the temperatures have climbed back up out of the freezing zone.  I never thought I would be excited for high 30's.  Even Sam was commenting on how warm it was as we walked to the bus stop.  High 30's, warm?

Fox Island, Washington

December 11, 2013

We finally have all of our stuff in one location. When we pulled out the boxes to deck the halls we found our long lost Nativity set. Dave brought this set of miniature painted mud figures home from his first deployment way back when.

Fox Island, Washington

December 10, 2013

Here it is!  This is our snowfall accumulation.  It's not very much, but it's our snow and we're happy to see it.  Actually, I'm more happy with the warmer temperatures.  Enough of numbers in the teens.

Fox Island, Washington

December 9, 2013

This is the waterfall feature at the school bus stop just up the hill.  Everybody around us (and even those who are close by) is talking about their snowfall and I'm just green with envy!  Where's my snow?!?!  It's just been too cold. Instead of powdery white blankets we have ice covered rocks and waterfalls.  It's beautiful.  But, shhhh.... I think it's snowing right NOW!  I even saw a snow plow at the store!

Fox Island, Washington

December 8, 2013

My treat for completing one of the more difficult races I've ever participated in. The Grinch half marathon trail race with rough, frozen terrain and temps as low as 19*. Thanks Julie Sams for keeping honest and moving! Congrats to you for finishing your first half! Great way to kick off my 25 day challenge with Kristin English Sharp starting tomorrow!

Purdy, Washington

December 7, 2013

Every December Gig Harbor High School hosts the craft fair and fundraising event 'Tide Fest".  Over 50 artisans from around the state come to sell their wares for the holidays while many of the school clubs sell various foods.  Since the boys are involved with the French club, we helped out here.  Pain au chocolat anyone?

Gig Harbor, Washington

December 6, 2013

This is the first year in 15 years in which we've had a real tree for Christmas.  That means it's the first real tree ever for both Nate and Sam and Zach was too young to even remember a real one.   Here they are doing all the work of decorating.  I still had to go back and adjust later, but they're getting pretty good at this.

Fox Island, Washington

December 5, 2013

Pretty frosty sights this morning for our long walk.  The boys are hoping for snow tonight!

Fox Island, Washington

December 4, 2013

Me oh my, was it COLD today!   The frost layer was heavy and thick and all over everything.  But.... the sun was shining once again.  It made for a peaceful, bright and colorful sunrise.

Fox Island, Washington

December 3, 2013

Very cold outside, but the sun was shining.  Such a beautiful day.  From inside.
Tacoma, Washington

December 2, 2013

Last of the Fall foliage on the ground. Winter is definitely in the air around here. Most of the surrounding region is expecting snow and icy roads sometime this evening. Our little island was the only area without cloud cover today. 

Fox Island, Washington

December 1, 2013

The boys were very excited about starting their Advent calendars this evening.
Fox Island, Washington