Life in Seattle

We are finally back into the swing of things after a crazy December. The rain is settling in and I have been very grateful for the little blue skies I get throughout the week. Rain hasn't slowed us down too much and luckily it comes and goes so after school we have been lucky to have no rain so we play outside for a little before dinner. Olivia has gone out to jump on our wet trampoline and loves it! I stay inside where its warm and dry to watch!

I got my first ticket a week ago... I was so sad! The max speed limit here in Seattle is 45 and your lucky if its even that!!! All streets except highways are 35!!!!!!!!!!!!! It takes FOREVER to go anywhere at that speed!!! And being a California driver at times doesn't help.... I had just turned onto a street and got up to 50 when I saw a police officer coming from the other direction flip around and turn his lights on... The street I was on should be 45 but its 35 and everyone else was going 40-45 but he got me. Also, every street is a 2 lane road so when you are behind someone going slow (which most people are because everyone in Washington drives like they have no where to go or be) then you are stuck. This city was not prepared for the huge growth and hasn't done anything about it so traffic everywhere is terrible. Anyways, I he pulled me over and was really grouchy. He was kind enough too say I was going 5 over so the ticket wasn't as expensive and told me if I changed my California license into a Washington license that day he wouldn't cite me for that. Then he went on his grouchy way. I ended up following him and not one mile down the road he flipped around and caught someone else speeding. I drove 35 the rest of the day and ugh it was painful... As you can see from the picture of the conversation with my sweet husband, he was super supportive hahaha!!

Michael had an incident with the Washington police when he thought they were pulling him over at gunpoint so he threw his hands out the window but it was actually the car behind him they had at gunpoint and I have been teasing him for months about it hahahaha! The week before our wedding my mom was pulled over because a police officer thought I was too young to be sitting in the front seat. He was a little embarrassed when he found out I was actually 20 and getting married later that week.

 Austin hadn't been able to go to a climbing gym so he thought he would use our front post! haha! We have loved having Austin live with us. Every day after school we ride scooters and bikes out front before dinner and even though its cold its been nice to be outside.

 Ellanore loves to dress her self and usually its a princess shirt which I think may be under her jacket in this picture. With her pattern skirt and striped leggings and kitty jacket I couldn't stop laughing at her little body scooter around!

 The sunsets have been amazing lately. I love pink and purple skies!

 Olivia didn't have school on Monday so we went on a easy hike with Austin. It was so beautiful!! The trees seemed to touch the sky and the ferns were so green!

 Blurry picture but we took Michael to work TWICE this week!! Michael stayed home on Tuesday to hear the announcement about the new prophet then he missed his bus so we drove him into Seattle. I love any chance I get to be with him! Living in Washington has its pros and cons and a HUGE con is how much time is spent driving to and from work. He leaves at 6:40am and usually gets home at 6:40pm. It can take up to 2 hours to get home. I know that this is common for a lot of people but it has really rocked our world. At Oakley he left at 8:30/9:00am and was home by 5:30pm and we only lived 5 miles away. It has been really hard. We are left at the end of the day with our left over emotions so bedtime is stressful and after is usually filled with more work or being zombies... I LOVE WEEKENDS!

 I FINALLY GOT A ROCKING CHAIR I LOVE!!! I have been wanting one for years! We have had it for a week and I love it! A few nights ago I fell asleep in it while I was rocking Ellanore to sleep. We have read lots of books in it and snuggled. Ellanore's room is almost complete! I have been painting a dresser for her so I will post pictures of it next week.

 Walter has been obsessed with Easter lately. He asks every day how many days are left and spends every moment talking about how the Easter Bunny leaves jelly bean trails from their door to the play room to find eggs filled with candy. He is so excited for easter! We have also read this Easter book 100 times!

 If you aren't watching Baby you have to expect some sort of trouble and it usually involved lotion!!

 My brother bought a puppy!!! His name is Beau and he is a golden retriever. We will get him some time this week. Everyone keeps asking me how I feel about it like I am crazy for letting him do it or its rude that he bought a puppy while he is living with us but honestly, Im so excited! We get to have a puppy for 2 months with Austin 100% responsible for taking care of it then it will go home with him! PERFECT! We will get our puppy fix until we can actually get one but that won't be for a while.

 The kids are so excited about it!

 I went to a Relief Society meeting and when I came home I went to check on Olivia. She wasn't feeling well and when I walked in she was sitting up half asleep whining. I got her some medicine, vapor rub, and the humidifier then I realized she had an accident. As I was changing her sheets I looked over at Walter who was rolling around. I thought it would be good to take him potty so he didn't have an accident too since he had already had 3 others this week. I picked him up and he started to pee on me and his bed. I rushed him to the bathroom as I was laughing hysterically. I have been trying to laugh at moments like this more often instead of being upset and overwhelmed. It really was funny!!

 Amazon had their Post-Holiday Party on Friday. It was so fun going on a date with Michael and not worrying about the kids. We put them to bed and left them with Austin. The party started at 8 and it was at the Century Link stadium where the Seahawks play. There were 40,000 people who attended! The entire stadium wad filled with food and activities. My favorite part was the silent dance party. They give you headphones and you dance in this room listening to your choice of the 3 DJs on stage. It was really fun! They had Lorde come perform but I only know her one song Royals and I can't stand it so we listened to her first song and a half then went on to find other things to do. Really, the best part of the whole night was just being with Michael.

 When we were ready to leave we walked out thinking we could quickly hop back on the bus back to his building where we parked but the line stretched all the way around the stadium. It was windy, sprinkling, and freezing, the fees for an Uber would have been expensive so Michael suggested we walk back to his building. The city of Seattle is actually pretty small. Michael has walked from work to meet us at the SafeCo field where the Mariners play right next to the Seahaks stadium a few times. But he has told me how scary a few places are. I was nervous but there was a few other people walking back so it wasn't as scary but if we were alone it would have been really sketchy! There were hundreds of people sleeping in door ways on cardboard with plastic bags on them. We saw a syringe sticking out of a bike you can rent to ride around town!! We said a prayer and even thought we saw some scary things we were blessed to cross the street and avoid other streets at the right time. Im sure we were in no danger but Seattle at 12am is not a place I ever want to be again! Seattle during the day makes me nervous too. It was fun to walk with Michael through the city and talk about life. I am so blessed to be married to him.

 These are the new bio domes right next to Michael's office. They are pretty cool. They have trees and plants growing in them to create a calm place for employees to go work.

 Pike Market at 12AM!

This is the view from Michaels window at work. He sends us a picture of the sunset a few times a week. He is on the 33rd floor with an incredible view!

Baby was here! haha I love finding little pieces of Ellanore around the house.

 It was a busy week but with lots of joy. Im trying to search for the joy in my days and weeks because tantrums and messes seem to fill my life at the moment.

Washington

On January 8th we had our year mark of playing with the idea of moving to Washington. I look back on that time with a lot of anxiety, sadness, heartbreak, fear, uncertainty, peace, hope, and faith. Its amazing how many emotions I felt. It was a very special time full of growth. 

On January 8th my mom and sister came down to our place in Orange County and we went to Disneyland. It was the last time to go before they took all their Christmas down. We met our friends, The Mansfield's, and had a great day! It was dark as we stood in line for It's A Small World when I got a call from Michael. He said something like "I just got an email from a recruiter at Amazon. I feel like I should email him back and pursue this opportunity." I jokingly reminded him that I was at Disneyland with my family and if he wanted to talk about moving away from California this probably wasn't the best time. As he told me this the spirt whispered to my heart that this was going to happen and I needed to be ready for some changes. As I type this all the same feelings come flooding back.  I was so sad but felt peace at the same time. 

A few weeks later Michael had an interview. We talked about every possible situation. We were so happy in California. I saw my family all the time. Michael loved working at Oakley! I loved our ward and especially the youth we were working with. I just started to make friends in the same season of life as me!!! I had been pray long and hard for this and it was finally happening! But, we were living in a 3 bedroom apartment and our neighbors below us probably hated us and I was getting tired of their yelling and fighting. Living on the second floor was really hard with three littles. It made me nervous leaving them in the car to bring them up one at a time or if they fell asleep and I had groceries it was a huge juggling act. The price of rent was going up to $3000 and we had look for other options but nothing was right. Amazon was an amazing opportunity.

We prayed a lot about what to do if the opportunity presented itself to us. As much as I resisted the same still small voice whispered to my heart that this was going to happen and I was given a heads up. I cried a lot. I made sure to go to Disneyland a little more and spent a lot of time with the kids at the beach. Michael's second interview went well and while we were on a trip to Mammoth when we set up his third interview in Washington. My heart broke a little more as I spent time at my happy place with family. 

The Sunday before Michael went for the big interview our young woman president was released. She bore her testimony to the girls and she said something that spoke to me. She told the girls that even though she was only president for a short time it was the exact piece to the puzzle. She had been prepared before receiving the call to be the president and she was prepared during and after. The next president was the exact piece needed for Heavenly Fathers plan as he continues to lay down pieces to this beautiful puzzle. The Holy Ghost once again told me that my piece was laid down and a new piece was about to be placed. After church I had a good cry and Michael sweetly drove me to my happy place as I told him all my feelings. He sweetly listened. We spent the evening watching the sun set on the beach as the kids ran around and played in the sand. My heart ached but I knew I was following Heavenly Fathers plan and I was in good hands.

Michael went to Washington to interview and things went really well. He came home and the next day they called with the offer. Although Michael didn't think it would be that easy to get the job because he had been told how hard the interviews are and how high their expectations were for their candidates. I wasn't surprised that he got the job because I had been told time and time again that this was something Heavenly Father thought would be best for our family. 

We sat in our closet making sure this was the right choice. Michael typed up a acceptance letter and asked me to click the summit key. I cried. I couldn't do it. I was happy where I was. I didn't want to leave. So I asked for a blessing to give me the strength. I don't remember what was said but I knew it would be ok even if it was hard. I accepted the job offer. 

It has been 9 months since we have moved here and it hasn't been easy but I know its where we are suppose to be. I have felt peace and I have faith. 

These pictures are from the field of flowers in front of the church our drive to the beach after church. I love these pictures. They mean the world to me. 

Soul2Soul 2017

For Christmas 2016  my mom gave me Faith Hill and Tim McGraw concert tickets but the concert wasn't until September 2017. Little did I know that we would be moving to Washington. After we got here I saw that the concert would be coming to the Tacoma Dome and tickets were only $22!!! I  convinced Michael to go with me and we had a really fun time being together.

 At first I didn't know if I would be able to go back home for the concert but one night Michael booked me a flight and the next thing I knew it was September!! I was super nervous leaving the kids but once I was on the plane I felt good about this girls weekend.

My parents picked me up from LAX and took me to In-N-Out! It was a great start to my trip. I slept through the night and went shopping for some new shoes and a purse. It was so nice to have some me time and to spend all weekend with my mom.

 before the concert my family went out to dinner at a caribbean restaurant then dessert at Dewars!! It was so nice to enjoy my meal and dessert!

 The concert was so good!! Even better the second time!! Actually, the concert in Washington had audio problems so it was hard to hear the music so it was nice to see the concert again and actually hear them singing.

When I was in 5th Grade my mom took me to my first concert at The Fox Theater and it was Faith Hill. I had a science fair project due the next day and my dad stayed home to type out all my info so I could go with my mom. I had no idea who Faith Hill was at the time and during her concert Tim came out on stage to sing with her. Since that day Faith Hill has been one of my favorite artist and I love Tim McGraw's music. It was fun to be at Faith's concert with my mom again.

 It wouldn't be a trip home without seeing my Grandma and Grandpa. I really miss living close to them. We enjoyed a nice lunch before I made my way back home to my babies and hubby.

It was such a fun weekend. I really needed it. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw announced that they are going back out on tour this year, 2018 and Seattle is on their list!! See you July 13 Faith and Tim!!!

October

Fall in Washington is amazing! I was blown away! I wish I could have spent more time exploring. Last February when we announced our move everyone with a connection to Washington told us how amazing the pumpkin patches were here. It was funny that in February they were raving about pumpkin patches but they lived up to the hype! I took Ellanore and Walt to one and fell in love so much so that I had to take Olivia back because of all my mom guilt! It was such a beautiful day! 

With Olivia and Walt in school I have had so much time with this cutie and I LOVE IT! She is so much fun to be around. I love my time with her!

We made cookies and I saw Walter seeking a lick and it made me laugh! He is so cute! I wish I could bottle up all my kids cuteness and keep it forever!

I decided I needed a trip to the mountains to see the leaves changing and visit this cute German town called Leavenworth but what I "forgot" to mention to Michael was it was Octoberfest... Im glad we went even though there were thousands of people waiting in line for beer every where and the streets were crowded. The trees were beautiful and we saw some salmon spawning in the rivers on our drive. It was a beautiful day. I know there were tons of tantrums and like every outing we go on we were stressed but when I look back at these pictures I just remember the good things.

This picture brings me so much joy! I love my cute little family so much!

We brought the stroller, there was no parking so we had to park far out of town, there were tons of people waiting in line for beer, and the thought of taking our 3 kiddos into a nutcracker museum stressed us out a little so we didn't make it in but for sure we will suck it up and do it next time!

We enjoyed some fun sweet treats at this gingerbread bakery.

On our way home it was snowing over the pass! We jumped out and played for a minute. The kids were in heaven! little did we know that snow was coming soon!

I went apple crisp crazy this fall after picking apples. I made a yummy pan full to take to our game night with friends but someone *cough* left it on the roof of the car hahah!! It was a good laugh and a good thing our friends are great cooks and had already had some yummy pastries for us to try!

This girl has a HUGE personality and is so funny! She is always on the go! I love watching her play. 

Our really good friends the Altom's came to Seattle to visit family and we were lucky enough to spend some time with them. Hayden was Olivia's first kiss and their friendship was the cutest! Olivia was so excited to see Hayden again and they picked up where they left off.

Bode and Walter are only a month apart in age. It was so fun letting the kids run around. I want the Altom's to come be our neighbors again!

Olivia wanted to match me for church one day and it melted my heart. I love this girl so much! She is strong willed and determined to get what she wants. I know she will move mountains!

This is what our walk home looks like most days. Its new for us but we are getting use to it.

I got to go on Walters field trip to a pumpkin patch. It was so fun to go on another fall adventure. The pumpkin patch had the best apple cider, pumpkin, and cinnamon donuts! I am still dreaming about them!

We had so many pumpkins so we decided to carve some on a night dad had to work late.

They tuned out so cute!

I got dressed one morning and without thinking dressed Ellanore in the same outfit. This picture makes me so happy.

For work Michael dressed up as butter haha! He won most creative costume!

The kids loved Halloween especially Ellanore who had to walk the entire way! They got a ton of candy and loved every second of eating it!

We had a couple snowy days! It was so fun! I like living where there are 4 seasons and the kids have enjoyed it too.

After playing a few rounds of candy land with Olivia cheating, Michael took things into his own hands and ended up with the best hand of cards haha!

We all had a good laugh with Walters art project at preschool "sometimes I pout when my baby chokes me" haha!!

This girl and her kitty prints! She will only wear her kitty print jacket when we go out and when she saw this one she wanted it badly!!

She really is the funniest! I love how she tries to be so grown up but in my eyes she is still my little baby.

We had a Monday off so I called some moms in the ward and we went on a fun adventure to Kingston. We took the ferry and barely made it on, we ran up the ramp and they closed the gates after us. I laid on a bench trying to catch my breath for a good 5 minutes after. We enjoyed some yummy crepes and played at a park. It was such fun day.

October was a good month. I love the fall and Washington does fall right!