Lonely Time...

Wesley has begun something new and completely made up by himself. He gets in these moods and goes and sits alone. The other day Travis asked him what he was doing...he replied..." Daddy, I just need a little lonely time. I need to think about things." Travis then asked WHAT exactly he was thinking about and he said, "I was just thinking about the elephant that we saw at the zoo. I wonder what he is doing right now?" And so has become the habit of lonely time. It is nice actually, sometimes Mommy will declare EVERYONE needs lonely time and the kids and I will sit in silence just thinking and enjoying the quiet. It is really funny! But we are love it!

Most INcredible Husband!

I just have to tell the world what a most incredible husband I have! First of all, my heart's desire is to go see my brother's baby after he is born. I didn't think this was going to be possible due to an assortment of reasons, and then today my dear, sweet, and wonderful hunk of a man told me I could go!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited! My mom is going to travel with me and the kids in December to see my sweet nephew, Ethan Michael! I am beside myself with JOY! I can't wait to see my grandparents as well! When we told my grandmother, she said she let out a huge hoot!

And second of all, Travis is soloing now while flying! He is almost done with his license and then he will be flying me around this country! I will have my very own private pilot! Don't you think I am a very blessed girl! I know so! I thank God on a daily basis for my amazing husband and best friend!

Turning 2:)

Well, we finally celebrated Emmy's 2nd birthday. I kept wanting to deny that my baby is 2. But she is...she is growing up so fast. She is so smart now...talking and wanting to help with everything! We had a few friends over to lunch this afternoon and had cake and ice-cream:) It was a blessing having everyone helping us celebrate:)

Pickin' Berries:)

This morning the kids and I went raspberry pickin:) IT was such a hoot! Wes does great...he picked so many and knew the exact ones to get. But Emmy Grace was another story! She enjoyed holding the bucket, and she liked me handing her the berries to put in her bucket, but she DID NOT like picking the berries herself~! Oh well! We picked enough to make jam, LOTS of jam~

No Words!

How inadequate is our language when trying to express the delight one finds in Jesus! Words just can't do justice to the overwhelming feelings of blessing, joy, and gratitude! Just to sit in complete silence and allow your heart, your emotions, your mind, your soul give praise to the Creator of the Universe...there isn't a word that can describe that earth-shattering moment! Tears fill my eyes and fall freely down my cheeks and my heart overflows with feelings only the Spirit of God can understand! And in that moment, I thank my Savior with every breath that He loves me this much to reveal Himself to me so intimately and lovingly! That still, quiet, perfect moment...where the whole world disappears and you stand in the presence of Almighty God...words cannot speak.

He is the great " I AM". And I, the most unworthy of all, am His daughter! WOW! Amazing!

Fur?

I have to tell a story about the cutest little boy in the world:) The other night Travis and Wes were laying in the bed talking before bed time and Wes asked, "Daddy, when do I get fur under my armpits?" Travis coughed down a laugh and replied, "Why do you want fur?" Wes in turn answered, "B/c when you get fur on you, then you are going to be a daddy."

I love that little boy! He makes me laugh and delight in the life God has given me. He never takes a moment for granted. He is so thankful for everything that comes his way! He loves people and loves to love on people! He makes my heart soar!

A Wonderful Time!

Over all, this was one of the best vacation's I've ever been on! It was so relaxing and enjoyable! I never felt stressed or hurried! Travis was an amazing tour guide...and always an incredible husband! I thank Jesus everyday that He gave me someone who loves me so much and always puts his family above himself. Most guys aren't like that anymore. I am such a blessed girl!

Thank you Jim and Debbie for such a great time. Thank you for allowing us to bum around your house for a week and a half and for entertaining us so well. We love you both and can't wait till May!

Our Trip Part 9-Swimming:)

The day before we left Travis took the kids and I swimming in the Payette River. It was SOOO COLD! But Wesley just dove right in! We had a good time digging in the sand and splashing around in the water. Emmy wasn't so thrilled about the cold but she got used too it! IT was a beautiful spot...the river was so pretty!

Our Trip Part 8- Wes's 1st Fishing Trip

On Tuesday Jim and Travis took Wesley on his first fishing trip! And let me tell you, that kid is a true fisherman! He caught over 30 fish and did everything by HIMSELF! We ate his fish that Thursday night and he kept saying "eat mine mommy, it taste the best!". Travis said he was pulling into the boat by himself and baiting his hook and everything! He said he is ready to show Papaw how to fish for halibut now. We'll see about that. I guess that I should mention that Jim and Travis caught a few too:) I think they all had fun!

Our Trip Part 7- Idaho

Friday we drove back to Idaho and stayed with Jim and Debbie for the next week of our little vacation! We had such a wonderful time! It is so relaxing at their house and they are fun people to be around. That Saturday we drove up to the property and went for a hike. It was hot but good to be outside. They are planning on building a house up there soon and it was neat to see where it will be. God is so good to give us His majestic creation. I praise Him for His unfailing love and goodness!

Our Trip Part 6 -Tillamook Fair

On Thursday we visited the town of Tillamook! Yep, the place where they make that WONDERFUL cheese and ice-cream! YUMMY! We toured the cheese factory and an old WW2 plane museum and then we went to the Tillamook County Fair where we saw Pig and Ford Races! Talk about a day! Emmy almost fell asleep standing straight up! Wesley asked when do we sleep on vacations? I told him we don't...we just go and go and sleep when we get back to Fairbanks! We truly wanted to make the most out of our trip!

Our Trip Part 5- Cannon Beach

On Wednesday morning I awoke to misty skies and water splashing against the shore. We stayed right on the beach, and even though the fog was pretty heavy, it was still so beautiful and peaceful! I got up early and had such an amazing time with Jesus...I praise Him so much for all the blessings He has put into my life. We hung out there in Cannon Beach for awhile, playing by the water and building sand castles. Then we drove into Seattle to shop and eat at the Rain Forest Cafe'. It was a long day. The Rain Forest Cafe' was really neat. The kids loved the atmosphere. They were VERY distracted and didn't eat very well! But either did mommy! I found a plastic glove in my burrito! I think I actually ate a bite before realizing what was going down!!! We still enjoyed the place though!

Our Trip Part 4- The Oregon Coast

On Tuesday we took off the see the Oregon Coast! IT was so BEAUTIFUL! The whole state of Oregon is amazing! If I could, I would choose to live there! We started off in Newport at the Aquarium where Wes got to touch his first shark! It was just a baby one but he was so proud of himself! Then we drove down further to Otter Rock but no otters:( That is okay...the water was beautiful up against the rocks! We drove a little further to Depoe Bay where we watched whales as we ate our lunch on the water! (my favorite part of the trip) And we ended the day at Cannon Beach. This day was by far my favorite day! It was so relaxing and amazing! The kids enjoyed everything and Travis was so sweet to let me stop at every place for pictures!

Our Trip Part 3- The Portland Zoo

So, after the very successful fishing trip, that night Travis and the kids and I drove to Portland to begin our mini-vacation. We stayed the night in Portland at Kristine's VERY cute apartment and then on Monday we took the kiddo's to the zoo and out for pizza! It was so much fun! The weather was perfect and Wesley got to see ALL the animals he wanted!

Our Trip Part 2 -The Monster Fish!

On Sunday Travis and his mom and dad went fishing on the Columbia River. By the looks of the pictures you can only guess how much fun they had! They caught several nice sized sturgeon until that evening! Then, as they were coming back to dock, Jim hooked a GIANT, MASSIVE, 9 foot sturgeon that was estimated at 800lbs!!!!! It seriously looked like the Lochness Monster! The camera couldn't even capture all of the fish...it was just too big! Talk about a fishing trip to remember!

Our Trip Part 1 Cont...Family

Here are a few pictures of our time with Travis' family. The kids had so much fun being with everyone! This trip was a true blessing:)