Let's Get Out Of The House!

It was one of "those" days! There seemed to be nothing but crying, whining, and fighting all day long. Nothing really got done and nothing seemed to go right. I felt like I wanted to scream. So......I told everyone to get in the car because we were going for a little hike. After a few minor setbacks(i.e. poopy diapers and lost shoes) we made it to Pt. Defiance.


Marley carried Ephraim in the Ergo and I carried Jairus in a Mei Tai. We hiked through trails and then down to the beach. It's so cool when you can just stop a bad day in it's tracks and turn things around. The day had felt oh so horrific and then all of a sudden everyone was smiling,laughing,running and happy. It made me glad that I didn't give in to the urge to lock everyone in their bedrooms for the night:) We found interesting rocks and shells. Jairus spent a good five minutes popping those air bubble things in the seaweed. Marley and Townsend spent their time trying to pry barnacles off the wall.
We found a curvy tree. They were all in awe of it and wondered what could have made it grow that way. We explored hidden trails and found interesting flowers.

It was one of those nights that reminded me how fortunate I am to be a mother. I love my kids beyond expression. I love watching them learn and seeing their faces full of wonder. I love their weird quirky personalities. I am thankful to be able to spend so much time with them.

Birthday Baptism!

Yesterday my little guy turned eight and I realized he's not so little anymore. As I'm sure every mother does, I began to wonder where the time has gone. It really was just yesterday that I was snuggling a chubby wonderful little baby Townsend. He was the best baby ever, he never cried and was just always good natured and mellow. He may not be quite so mellow now but he is good natured. I am proud to be his mother. He is so smart but also has kind heart. There's nothing better than one of Townsend's hugs.

Just like Marley, Townsend was able to get baptised on his birthday. It was a special day. It was cool to see him feel so important. Here are some pictures of baptism day.


Townsend is gigantic but he still looks small next to his dad.

This one's my favorite! He cracks me up.

The Simmees

I was just using Sarah's computer to type something up for the shop and I found these pictures from I think three years ago. I was pregnant with Jairus and just starting to show. It was the first of many little vacations with our awesome friends the Simmons(or as Aislyn calls them, the Simmees).

We went to Victoria and it was so very beautiful! We went to high tea and ate delicious(although way overpriced) scones and sandwhiches. We went to Buchart Gardens....breathtakingly beautiful. But best of all we were hanging out with the coolest friends in the history of the universe! You may be wondering if "coolest friends in the history of the universe" might be a bit of an exaggeration. But I tell you it's not. They are the most thoughtful and generous people around and awesome business partners to boot. Our family has so many wonderful blessings and the Simmons family are certainly one of them.
We love you Barry, Sarah, Johanna, Aldus, Payson, Kohl, and Finn!

Where's Aislyn? / Sleeping Beauty

It was quiet....too quiet. Thomas and I embarked on a housewide search for our darling Aisyln Francis. We found her peacefully sleeping in the grass next to her masterfully dug dirt hole. As always she was filthy as can be and yet there is nothing quite so sweet as our Aisy J.