Washington

Quick post...we made it to Oak Harbor, Washington. Our house it 3/4 unpacked. I love it, and so do the kids. Jennifer has been fighting over the thermostat setting and wearing a jacket.

We had a great Christmas with Jennifer's family, and a great day after Christmas with mine (and TJ).

more posts to come...

Under way

Well, the time has started again, packing has begun. Yeah us!

You know your from the south when...

Your four year old makes "ICE SKATES" out of a piece of construction paper, two pieces of string, and four pieces of tape. I think we will go ice skating after the move so she can see real ice skates.

Saying bye

I had my final flight with my current squadron. Just so you know, I love my job. :-D These pictures are before we dropped down and were flying at 500 feet around some ships. My favorite is when we drop down to 200 feet, 200 knots over the open ocean...what a rush! It might be an old ugly plane but it sure can be fun.

Christmas tree project

Kaleb had to decorate a Christmas tree for a school project. I think he did a pretty good job, don't you.

Funny Story of the Day

So last night the kids and I were watching TV. Emmi and I were on the couch, the boys were on the floor. Well Emmi had her legs draped over mine and I felt them. They were really smooth. (She has decided she needs to shave her legs now, which I am really sad about) I commented on them and asked her how often she shaves. She replied about 1-2 times a week. Ok. Brody then says "I shave my legs too!" I about fell off the couch. Why is he shaving his legs? His reply, "I heard about Emmi doing it and I wanted to try it. I only did one part though." My son is pretty crazy, just like his Dad!

Story for the day.

So, last night we were getting ready for family prayer. It was Mia's night, and in our house, the person praying gets to choose our seating arrangements.

Mia said, "Sit where ever you want, even in laps."

She then proceeded to sit in Jennifer's lap. Emmi called and tried sitting in mine (she's 11 now).

Kaleb said, "I call Brody's!" and commenced chasing him down. Through our laughter we had to tell him he was not allowed to sit in Brody's lap.

Out of the mouths of pre-teens...

The kids ritual is to watch one rated G movie every Sunday. Brody picked the movie "Curious George" to watch today. When Emmi heard which movie, she let out a disgusted grunt. The conversation continued as follows:

Me (Scott) - "What's wrong with Curious George?"

Emmi - "I'm too old for it."

S - "I'm older than you and I think it is great."

E - "Well, I'm too mature for it."

She got me on that one.

What would you do....

What would you do for a cup of Hot Chocolate?

The weather has cooled down a little here, yesterday's high was 71 degrees. The cooler weather has cooled off the pool considerably, in addition to turning of the solar heating tubes. I checked the pool water yesterday and it was a balmy 64 degrees (we kept it at 84-6 all summer). Jennifer dared me to jump in, and I have no common sense, so I agreed. Jennifer bribed all the kids to jump in too, with the promise of a nice cup of hot coco when they got out.

So around 5:00 yesterday afternoon we lined up and jumped into the pool, kind of a last chance jump (we move in three weeks).

It was cold and makes for good memories. Now, as long as no one gets sick!

Unfit pet owners

Last Saturday we went to an animal shelter to let the kids play with the cats and see the dogs (they don't let you go in and play with the dogs). Anyways, we found a one year old coonhound mix named Tuscon that we fell in love with. We took him out on the leash for a walk. He wasn't leash trained, but he was very well behaved. He didn't jump up on or lick any of us. When Jennifer was seated on a bench he did place his paws in her lap though. The entire time we never heard him bark either. He was just a mellow dog needing a home.

With the move coming up we debated for a few days, but finally decided to put in the application for him. I filled out the application and handed it to the lady behind the counter so she could proof it. She looked over it and said everything looked fine, but I would probably not be approved because I answered the questions on where he would spend the days and nights as outdoors. They don't usually approve people who want outdoor pets.

The next day I wrote them a letter explaining why I wanted an outdoor dog and asked them to attach it to the application. We didn't hear anything the next couple days, so finally today I called to find out if the application had been processed.

It turns out we are unfit to be dog owners :-(

I'm sure they will find him a great home with some apartment renting people with no yard who kennel him all the time.

Calgon...Take Me Away!

So Scott left on Friday to go up to Oak Harbor for work. Friday when the kids got home from school they were something else. They were horrible in fact. (I think they were just so tired after a long week and trying to adjust to the new time change) Brody was yelling so loud that I finally took his arm and led him outside to the back and locked the door. Next thing I know he is trying to push the swing into the pool. I was talking to my Aunt on the phone, and she suggested that I just go get a pizza, pop in a movie then send them to bed. So that is exactly what I did. The evening went much better after that.

The next morning I had plans to have a fun day out with the kids, but Brody woke woke up with 102 fever. I took him to the dr. monday and he has strep throat again. (We have be to the dr. 3 times in the last 6 weeks because of him having strep throat) Now he is on a new antibiotic and he seems to be doing better today.

Last night I was watching TV, all the kids were in bed when Mia woke up from what I thought was a bad dream. She was still half asleep and I was trying to calm her down. I took her in my lap and keep asking her to tell me what was wrong, when all a sudden I feel something warm. At first I was taken back, until I realized that she was peeing on me. It wasn't just a little bit, it was a lot! She got me soaked, both couch cushions and the carpet. I cleaned us both up and went to bed.

This morning is Veterans Day so the kids are out of school, and I wake up to them fighting. I am thinking this is going to be a great day. All the kids get to help clean the house, (manual labor is what they get for fighting) After I had a clean house Mia comes to me with the thermometer in her mouth saying she doesn't feel good, and it read 101. Scott was supposed to be home Sunday, but the plane broke and he won't be home until tomorrow.

Calgon Please Take Me Away!!!

Bragging rights

So the elementary school had an awards ceremony today. Jennifer went to see what the kids earned...

Emmi was the only sixth grader to earn straight A's (hence the bragging rights).
Kaleb was one of six or seven fourth graders to earn straight A's.
Brody also earned straight A's.
Mia can write an A (she isn't old enough for Kindergarten yet, but I couldn't leave her out).

I love having able body and minded kids. They are amazing and we love them.

A little embarassed

is what Emmi was when I dressed up and went trick-or-treating with the kids. I know I am extremely scary and one ugly woman, but it was good fun. I even earned a sympathy sucker (and a lot of laughs from both women and kids).


WARNING.......PARENTAL ADVISORY......MAY SCAR OLD AND YOUNG ALIKE!

Piles in the south...

When you have a pile of junk sitting out, it becomes a nesting ground for all kinds of creatures.

A stand holding miscellaneous parts for a shed and metal frame fell over a while ago back where I park the truck. With the cooler weather I ventured outside and decided to repair it and re-stack all the components. I had expected to see some creatures, so I put on my gloves to protect from spiders. However, I had no idea the magnitude of life I would find.

Ants were crawling everywhere when I threw a piece of siding, containing their whole colony and all their larvae.

Lizards took off scurrying every which way.

Roaches, so fat and slow they only walked, didn't even scurry, didn't appreciate having to move. I managed to snap a picture of one medium sized one as it lumbered past my foot.

Tickle-me-Elmo

So, Jennifer went into Kmart the other day, and near the front door was an older gentleman (75-80) standing near a display of Tickle-me-Elmo dolls. He was offering $5.00 off one of the dolls.

They were talking for a little, then asked her if she wanted a Tickle-me-Elmo. Jennifer responded, "If I want to tickle something I will just go home and tickle my husband."

The mans eyes became about the size of a platter and his mouth hit the floor.

Jennifer quickly stated, "I didn't mean anything dirty!" (you can imagine the shade of red she was turning at that point).

The man started laughing and told her she had just made his day.

Oh those precious moments! :-P (and dirty old men)

Rollerskates

When was the last time you went rollerskating? Personally, I hadn't been since I lived at home, and Jennifer hadn't been since maybe middle school. (sorry about blurry pictures, no flash on the camera phone).

Well, Kaleb was invited to a skating birthday party, so we decided to go skating as a family. It was funny, the first time for all the kids. Lucky for Emmi, her rollerblading crossed over and she did fairly well. Kaleb did descent.


Brody and Mia both improved. Mia made both Jennifer and myself fall at different times. Her skates like to wander around, sometimes right into ours.

Bike ride

So the weather finally cooled off a little here. We decided to take advantage of it and go for a family bike ride. There are some trails right across from the base I work at. It was the first time I've taken the kids off road. We had a good time and the kids did great.


There was a tower we rode to. It was pretty tall, but didn't give us much of a view because the trees were still taller.

The fountain of youth...

comes in the form of a mossimo hat.

Today when we came back from dinner at a friends house, our neighbors garage door was wide open, light on, and no car in the garage. I decided to go over to see if anyone was home, and if not, close the door and run out before it closed. Anyways, my neighbor was home but she didn't recognize at first. She said I look 16 with my hat on backwards, and thought I was just a neighborhood teenager.

When I told Jennifer the story she laughed at me and told me it is because the hat covers all the wrinkles on my forehead. HA HA.

Date night

So I took Jennifer to a concert the other night. It was a good time but I must be getting old. The next day my ears were still ringing and I felt like I had been hit with a sledgehammer.

Anyways, we went and watched Brad Paisley. I know some of you are probably saying, "Who?"
Here is a good video of his.

I guess this comes from living in the south so long, and appreciating music you don't have to sensor for the kids.

Father/son campout

We went on a father/son campout this weekend. My nephew Keenan came along with us, along with Grandpa K. It was fun and we enjoyed the water. I would have enjoyed a cooler night for sleeping, but I guess you can't have everything.

The boys are combing the beach exploring Saturday morning.

They found two hermit crabs. They played with them for a while before they released them back on the beach. You can actually make out the crab in the shadows if you zoom in.

The boys out enjoying the surf with one of their friends, Donivan.

This is Keenan, my nephew, what a character! He can't swim yet and didn't venture as deep as the rest (luckily).

Testimonies...

So today was Fast and Testimony meeting at church today. The bishop started it off by refreshing some ground rules and etiquette (I guess things must have been getting out of control). Anyways, halfway through I got up and proceeded to disregard some of the "advice" given at the beginning. Is this why I am always kept with the young men?
Scott

The negatives of moving to Washington...

Coats, boots, hats and gloves cost a lot more than swimsuits and flip flops. We will have been in the south four years when it comes time to move.

Is it weird I am looking forward to freezing my butt off in the dry, cold mountain air when we go tubing?
-S

Orders at last...

Well, at least I was told I will be heading to Whidbey Island, Washington next. Yeah for me! It isn't Hawaii, which I had hoped for. Actually, I didn't expect to get Hawaii, it costs too much to send our large family over.

We should be moving sometime around December again. We don't have many details yet, but at least we know where. There is probably only a 5% chance they will change their mind.

Scott

Family visits

Jennifer's Aunt Dani and Grandma Nelson came out to visit. It has been a lot of fun, but unfortunately Dani left us today. While they were here we went to the Orlando Temple, Sea World and of course, out to Grandma and Grandpa K's house.

Here they are leaving Sea World, Orlando.

A picture as night is falling at Grandma and Grandpa K's house. Included is our family, Dani, Grandma and Grandpa K, Ben, Michael and his family, and Great Grandma Nelson.

Saturday Sessions break...

So if you've ever wondered what we do with ourselves between Saturday (or Sunday for that matter) sessions, now you know.

What are they teaching at school?

Is what I ask myself. So yesterday Mia was teaching Brody what she learned at school. (She goes to a Lutheran preschool) She has her hands up in the air saying "crazy Lord" then brings her hands down and says "Hallelujah." After a few times of watching this thinking I need to talk to her teacher, it finally dawned on me that she was supposed to say "Praise the Lord."
Tuesday is cooking day at school for Mia. She came come with a pretzel in the shape of the letter M. She was so excited to try it. After taking one bite she spit it out. I told her she didn't need to eat it if she didn't like it, but she was determined too. After the next bite she said that it didn't taste so bad all she had to do was to pretend it was a smoothie. She didn't end up eating anymore after that, I guess pretending it was a smoothie was only going to last one bite. I thought it was pretty funny and wanted to post it so I wouldn't forget.

Saturday Fun

So yesterday I asked the kids to clean up the toy room. They had a half hour before I set the timer for 20 minutes. After the timer went off, I went in the room with a trash bag to clean up what they hadn't finished. By this time we were all upset. Then the doorbell rings. I am still in my yucky pjs with hair that has not been brushed. Who is at my door? The kids go running to the door, and it is their friend Jacob's mom. (Whom I have never met) Ah crud, I am not in the mood. So I go to the door with the trash bag in front of me, (who wants to see saggy boobs, not me) She had just wanted to introduce herself and see if her son could play, but I think with the screaming kids in the background and me looking wonderful she asked for my phone number so that next time she could call in advance. After closing the door Emmi is yelling at Mia, "Mia you are not a princess, you have to help clean too, we are not your servants!" Mia yelling back "I am a Princess, I am a Princess!" Kaleb whining in the background says "Saturdays are supposed to be fun!" I know Kaleb, I know.

More Virginia

Kaleb and Avery showing their stuff. Are you scared yet?



I can't tell if Mason and Brody are supposed to be mad or tired? I'm sure they were a little bit of both by the end of the day.


Here we have Teri and Jennifer enjoying a good book and some ice cream on the front porch. Don't they look so cozy? All they need are some gray wigs and walkers.


This isn't the trip, but I'll throw it in anyways. Jennifer helped make Sushi for the first time the other day. Here are the kids chowing down. Luckily I had my helping first, otherwise I would have been starving because they ate everything that was left.

Labor Day weekend pictures

For Labor Day we decided it was time to visit some friends, so I took an extra day off work and we drove to Virginia for the weekend.

Here is their son, Jake, showing us the finer tips on handling snakes.

Their daughter Carlie (sorry if I spelled her name wrong!), and Emmi showing off some of the other snakes.

Here are all the children, except Jake, in colonial Williamsburg. We had to do something educational because the kids did miss one day of school.

Jennifer and Teri finally were brought to justice. (un)Fortunately their sentence was reduced and they left with us the same day.

the gift

So Jennifer went and donated blood the other day. The people must have been pretty bored, but they created this cool bow for her to wear.

Mama's boy

So are you a mama's boy if you ask for advice when you get your monthly chat with her in the Philippines?

Another hard day at work

So I had another painfully excruciating day at work again on Tuesday. We flew down to the Florida Keys for some practice. Key west was beautiful.

I love my job!

Book rack

So Jennifer was laying there reading a book, and I had a thought. Women have it made. I've tried lying on my back reading a book but my arms get tired from holding the book up high enough to read. Women have an advantage because they don't just have a rack, it doubles as a book rack! (Hope you don't mind my warped sense of humor.)

Anyone for a good book?

I was reading a book to the kids the other day and Jennifer took this picture. Don't I look so comfy? On a side note, when we went to the library, the kids did not want to go, yet they each came out with books they couldn't wait to read or to have Scott read to them.

Taking advantage of the good things

The pool is the best part of our living arrangements. When we first showed up here, Mia wouldn't put her face in the water and Brody was barely swimming. Now Mia can make it the length of the pool, Brody and Kaleb both hang out in the deep end, diving the nine feet down to the bottom, and Emmi has started swimming across and back in one breath. It is amazing how much they have progressed.

The trip home

from preschool is only 0.75 miles, and Mia loves riding the bike. Well, this particular day the afternoon thunderstorms came a little early and caught us. Lucky for us, Jennifer was waiting to capture it on video for everyone to enjoy.

Back to School! :-)

Well, the time has finally arrived.....summer is over and school has begun again. Monday the 24th was the first day back to school for the kids. Jennifer has been anxiously awaiting this day. The three older go to school all day, and Mia has a three hour preschool every day. Enjoy the pictures from their first day back.

Emmi did not want to smile, so here is her sarcastic smile. (She takes after her mother!)


These handsome boys either are best friends or worst enemies, depending on the hour. Here they were friends.


Mia was extremely excited to be starting school. She was even happier it was every day (last year Jennifer participated in a preschool co-op which was only two days a week).

Our old daughter...

If you can believe it, is now 11 years old! I can't believe how quick it has gone. She is growing up so fast I don't know what to do. Stan and Ralph, you still haven't gotten back to me on good handguns. Sixteen is just around the corner.

The kids preparing to fatten themselves on the birthday dinner. Emmi requested Meatball Marinara subs and Frog-eye Salad. Jennifer did an awesome job as always.

As per her request, it was a Strawberry Jello cake if I'm not mistaken.

Random pics

The kids playing in the splash zone at the zoo.

Kaleb posing at the Zoo.

The family watching the Clyde and Semore show at SeaWorld.

Here is Jennifer and Mia in the front car of the Shamu Express at Sea World.



Our friends from Texas came to visit. The are climbing the palm tree in front of the house and eating the palm dates (look like apricotes).



Brody and Kaleb are preparing to ride the flying fiddler at Sea World.



Emmi and Courtney on the Flying Fiddler.



One of Mia's many drawings. I try to remember and take pictures before I throw them away.