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Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Last Summer Getaway

Summer is winding down over here in WA state. I'm filled with both excitement and anxiety. I'm looking forward to putting both older kiddos on the bus for school, leaving me a great deal of time to spend with Timothy and to concur my to-do lists. But my nerves over sending Molly to Kindergarten with a teacher I wouldn't have picked for her, and this Mama's heart wondering if she will shrink in on herself or blossom in a new, bigger environment has me teetering on the edge of puking. 

But, you know, past experience has taught me that all will be well in the end and I needlessly worry about things I should not. And experience has also taught me that just because I have three children, does not mean they are all the same. I tend to impose Anthony's personality and my caution about a sensitive nature onto Molly, and she is far from sensitive. So maybe I should buck up just like she has and just let it go, let it goooooooooo. 

Haha

This past weekend we stole the chance to get out of town for our last summer getaway. We headed over to Black Diamond in the King County area of WA to the Bertch residence, where Grandma Cathy's friend Jonie (who is also Sam's Godmother) and her husband Mike reside. There we enjoyed a few days of relaxation, pool fun, and back to school shopping!

The pool was definitely the highlight of our stay, as it always is. The kids would be in there all day if we allowed them too. All three enjoyed themselves splashing around, sharing life vests so they could take turns swimming in the deep, and shooting everyone with water cannons. 

In the back yard, Mike and Sam helped the kids make a tree limb structure that they ran around and played in while practicing their Bigfoot calls. Timothy got his hands dirty playing in a dirt pile and then again while he and Molly enjoyed making beautiful chalk pictures on their sidewalk. We don't have a place to draw with chalk at our house, so that was a special treat. 

Somewhere in between all the pool time fun, we found the time get Papa and Molly a hair cut (and I had highlights put in) as well as do a little back to school shopping! Anthony had a tummy ache (probably from too much time spent in the pool and in the sun!), so he didn't have as great of a time as he could have, which bummed me out. But the rest of us really enjoyed our back to school shopping adventure! It was so fun watching Molly's eyes light up while she picked out her very first pretty folder and then agonized over which new shoes she wanted to buy for school. With school lists filled, we were able to do a little fun shopping, which included a $40 maxi summer dress I scored for $12 and $90 boots I got for $30. Awesome! Mama likes bargain deals. 

BBQ ribs off the grill, mini key lime pie in mason jars, pizza, smores.....just a few of the delicious foods we are on our last summer getaway. We were definitely spoiled. And the icing on the cake was a large stack of magazines specifically set aside just for me to sit and go through; one of my most favorite things to do while at the Bertch residence, and they know it too.   

Sunday morning it was time to pack up and head out. We had a leisurely drive home, stopping first at Costco and then at our favorite large fruit and antique store. After getting home, there was an unpacking frenzy! Thankfully we got it all done just in time to head out to our friend's house in town for a family movie night where we, and other friends with their kiddos, enjoyed popcorn, snacks, candy and an outdoor showing of The Goonies. 

What a wonderful weekend we had! So thankful for the amazing people in our lives who open up their homes to us. 




With love,
Mama Hauck

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Kiddo's Homecoming and Surprise Tree Fort!

Sammy and I are so very excited to be building a tree fort for the kiddos!! Sweet Anthony has been wanting one for sooooo long. He has even drawn up his own blue prints....twice. Complete with multiple levels and a fish pond.

While this tree fort will only be one level and contain no fish pond, I do think it will meet the expectations of our three very patient and deserving children. 

This tree fort has been a huge labor of love! We worked on it constantly while the kids were away with their Grandma and Grandpa in CA for three weeks. We aren't done quiet yet, there's still LOTS to do, but the outside building is complete with board and batten walls and the metal roof is on. We still have to do the railings and such on the front porch and other fun add-on's like a mail box and house numbers. The inside has been insulated with a bit of electrical work done, and plywood has been put up that we've primed so the kids can pick out what color they want to paint the walls. After the walls have been painted, we will trim the windows and will work on shelving for toy storage as well as a seating area and other fun things. 

It's been TONS of work, but oh soooo fun!  


In progress....


The outside so far! Just have to paint, do porch railings, and all the fun add-ons. :)


Kiddo's homecoming....


We are very happy to have the kiddos home now! They love the tree fort and are excited to help us finish.  

And may I just add, in the three short weeks the kids were gone, I had forgotten just how chaotic the house is with three children in it!  Haha! Good thing school starts soon! 

With love,
Mama Hauck