Where do we begin?

It's no secret that it's been awhile since we have posted anything. These last few months have been crazy for our family. We have been up to many things these last several weeks. There have been several activities especially with school coming to an end. Zeke has been traveling back and forth to Utah working for Quest while I have been at home keeping up with the kids and trying to keep a clean home to show at a moments notice (with a 1 year old). With all this going on something had to give and unfortunatly blogging was what had to be cut out for awhile. But now we return and hopefully we'll be able keep this site updated occasionally.

For those that haven't heard, last week our family decided to shut down the "moving business" (quoted by our kids). We have been faced with many decisions during this whole process. I could try and explain all that has happened but honestly, I don't even know if I could possibly make any sense. In the end Zeke decided to take an offer to go back to his former job in Bellvue, where he works on a committee researching the Microsoft/ Real Networks Anti-trust lawsuit.

There were so many things our family looked forwarded to in Utah, yet at the same time we were sad about leaving Washington. We could be talked into either place and at times felt like it was impossible to make a choice. Maybe in the end it was the losy housing market that determined our decision.

This has been a very emotional and stressful time in our family but overall we have felt the lord bless our lives and teach us a few lessons along the way. We don't quite know what the future holds for our family but for now our family is looking forward to having quiet relaxing summer.

So here are some highlights from the last 5 weeks.

(They all really deserve there own post)

School Play:

JUNGLE BOOK

May 17th 2008

Staring: Landon Evans as an Elephant

Also starring: Mason Evans as an Elephant

The school play this year was really cute. Each song was coriographed and the costumes were so cute.

Science Fair
May 30th 2008

Having two science experiments at the same time was some what crazy, but we managed to get them done and the boys had great time they can't wait until next year.

Landon's experiment tested the power of yeast. He made three types of bread with variable amounts of yeast.

Mason choose the power of air in a bounce and he recorded how high a ball would bounce with varible amounts of air.

Memorial Weekend Camping Trip

May 2008

Carnation, WA

How can you not love to camp with scenery like this?

For several years our family has gone camping over Memorial Weekend. The Tolt river in Carnation, WA is one of our favorate places to camp. Over the years many other family friends have joined us making it a annual tradition for all.

Mason enjoyed telling ghost stories around the campfire.

On Saturday we spent the day at Remlinger. It's a country fair park that is perfect for families and young children. Landon and Mason are slowly growing out of it, however they have such fond memories of going for many years they still loved it.

The weather was perfect and the lines were short, so the kids rode this roller coaster close to 20 times. I love seeing my kids have so much fun.

We took a few rides on the trian as well.
Pure Joy!



Jacob was a great camper.


These are just some of the kids that camped with us.

Fun times!!

Uncle Josh McKinney

Josh and his family were here last week. It was great to see them. Jacob took right to Josh. In fact he pushed me away right before I took this picture. Josh has the touch!!

Sound to Narrows 12K

June 14th 2008

My good friend Holly talked me into running a 12K with her. I have to admit I was not very excited about running a 12K. All I had ever heard about this race is how hilly it is. I tried to talk her into the 5K portion of the race, but to no avail we signed up for the 12K. In the end, it was great, and I was glad Holly pushed me to do it. The race runs through Point Definance Park along the sound. It was beautiful! I hope to do it again next year. Later, that afternoon we met a man in Safeway, who said this was his 36th year running the race, WOW!

He had to be at least 70.

Jacob participated in the diaper dash, crawling race. He's kind of lazy when it comes to walking.

Go Jacob!!!
Landon, Mason and Lydia ran the Junior Shuffle 2K. This was Lydia's first race, and we were so proud of her, she ran the whole time smiling. Each of them recieved a medal when they finished, and also a loaf of bread.

My favorite Mother's day present ever!!

Ever since I became a Mom, I have loved Mother's day. However, one Mother's day is unforgettable. Five years ago on Mother's day, Lydia was born. She has been the best Mother's day present ever! This year, it was her birthday on Mother's day. I was happy to share my day with my sweet little girl, who has been such a joy to our family. It was fun to have her join me for breakfast in bed on Sunday morning, she thought that was pretty neat also.

Happy 5th birthday Lydia!

This year Lydia wanted a Ballerina Party.

She had been waiting all year for her birthday.

Her party was the Friday before her birthday, at 4pm. It was a long day waiting for all her friends to arrive.

Then they came and the dancing fun began!

One of the games was a Freeze Dance

Ballerina Favors

Ballerina Slipper Cake

On Sunday she blew out candles again on 1/2 the cake. She had a heck of a time blowing them out, which made us all laugh. She told me later that her wish was just have a happy birthday.
I'm pretty sure her wish came true.

Spring Weekend!

Spring has sprung and I love it!! Last Friday, my mom and I took Lydia and Jacob up to Skagit Valley, Washington for their annual tulip festival. It is such a beautiful valley especially in April!

One stop was made to Tulip Town were there are rows and rows of beautiful flowers.

Lydia shares my love for tulips, she enjoyed seeing them as much as I did!

Heaven!!!

Rosengarde, was another stop we made. Jacob enjoyed himself as well. Last year when we visited the tulip festival, he was only a few weeks old. This year he let out many shouts of joy.

We were happy Grandma came with us, it was a lot of fun. We even stopped by a favorite bakery in La Conner for a yummy lunch and treat.
What is Lydias's favorite tulip? (Pink of course)





Saturday was the Husky Experience. An hour before the Spring Scrimmage, the field is open to Husky kids. The boys and Zeke went last year and had a blast, so they were very excited about it this year. They got a free tshirt and a free lunch and an hour playing football on the field with the football players.

Zeke signed Lydia up this year as well. She gave him the funnest look the day before, when he told her she was invited. It wasn't quite her thing but she had fun being with the family.
Go Huskies!

It got a little more exciting for her when the Angels came onto the field advertising for Cirque Du Soleil

It was such a beautiful day that after the game we went on a walk around the University of Washington Campus. It was fun for Zeke to show the boys were he had some of his graduate classes. The boys were amazed that the UW has 17 libraries.

There were many of these beautiful blossom trees on campus, we couldn't resist getting some pictures of the kids in them.

Lydia

Mason

Landon

Our baby is ONE!

Last Friday was Jacob's first birthday. This last year went so fast, yet we feel like Jacob has been part of our life forever. We can't believe he is entering the toddler stage because he is still our little baby boy!

To celebrate we had a small gathering with Grandma and Grandpa McKinney. Jacob understood that it was a party, I just don't think he understood it was all about him.

Of course the cake is a big part of a first birthday, so for Jacob I made a small cake that was a replica of his favorite toy, a small soft ball. For the rest of us we had cupcakes with pictures of Jacob on them.

The older kids enjoyed Jacob's small party, probably more than he did.

"So what are you giving me here"

"I don't think I want it"

"I guess I'll eat it"

Jacob didn't exactly dive into the cake like we thought he would. In fact he shuttered with each bite, which was exactly how Landon and Mason were on their first birthday.

Old man winter gave Jacob a snow shower on his birthday.

And we thought spring had begun!