We have been trying our hardest to enjoy the beautiful weather and can hardly believe that it is almost over! Although we hate to see the sunshine go, it is an exciting time for our family as we anxiously await news of more interviews and hopefully on December 1st we receive an acceptance letter! But until then, we hope to enjoy the changing colors, and look forward to our holiday traditions. Malia has already decided on a costume. 
But, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves… here’s a little of what we’ve been up to.
We’ve had some awesome heat spells, and had fun cooling off at Horse shoe Lake. Malia is becoming quite the adventurous swimmer (still with the life vest) and Allie… well… Allie has to do things her own way, which consists of no life vest and walking out until her toes can no longer reach BY HERSELF. She’s a daredevil.
I had to work on my birthday (the big two-SEVEN!), but actually had a great day. The girls at work spoiled me to pieces. At home, Aaron was stuck with two sick girls (the flexibility of his job is much better than mine)… BUT… he is so amazing that he still managed to make the most delicious sweet and sour meatballs from scratch AND bake a cake! I would not have been so diligent; sick girls to me means all day pj’s and laziness. I love my husband!
We went boat camping with some friends over labor day weekend. It was a very relaxing weekend. Our kids are seriously super awesome campers.
Allie was a year older this year and really able to enjoy the boat rides!
We took the kids to Bonnevile Dam to watch the fish ladders. If you’ve been there before, you can appreciate why our kids were more intrigued with the stairs and rainbow carpet. Here’s us in front of the dam.
We went on the most kid friendly hike thus far to a beautiful falls called Lower Creek Falls in Carson, WA. Malia walked about half the time, and spent the other time riding on Aaron’s shoulders. It was a bit of a drive, but totally worth it.
Malia was showing us her balancing skills.
When we move, this sort of thing will be sorely missed.
This would have made a perfect family picture had Allie not fallen asleep right before we arrived! But, I was not going to wake the beast, it just wasn’t worth it.
We took the kids to crown pointe on our way home from the hike. I just love the view and scenery.
This is a very special place for Aaron and I… it’s where he proposed! We were hoping to enjoy the moment like all the rest of the couples up there… you know, hold hands, kiss, stare into the sunset… but, no, the two little girls we brought put an end to the romanticism.
End of summer marks Malia’s first day of preschool! This is her second year. She was super excited to go to a new school (since moving) and loves the new friends she made. She especially loves the inside play area she says (complete with at least 5 play structures) and keeps whining about how it doesn’t rain, because when it doesn’t rain, they play outside. After a little rain she’ll start whining about not seeing the sun…
I’ve also already been at WSU for a few weeks now. It’s been busy, but we have been blessed with the ability to make it all work. Looking ahead at this semester (three classes with three separate labs), I just couldn’t see how I would have time for school, work (I’m still working 2-2 1/2 days a week), homework and my family. But now that it’s happening, I am finding that I have plenty of time (it’s very well organized and dedicated), I am able to finish my HW within the confines of “after bed-time” and “early mornings”, and our weekends are mostly spent with play. Of course I couldn’t do it without the support of Aaron. He is such a good father and husband, and goes above and beyond at taking care of ALL of his girls. We both have prayed and feel that this decision for me to go back to school is right and look forward to the opportunities it will provide to us in the future. Aaron is even thinking about getting his MBA over the four years as well.
Both girls are doing great with the new babysitter too. And actually, the worst part so far was when Malia left to go to school. Allie was so sad to be left behind. These girls can be so mean to each other, but really do love one other. Allie tries to be a mini Malia and can’t understand that she’s too small to do big girl things. It’s fun to notice that everyday they play more and more together, and we look forward to the day they become best friends!
