The end of summer

One member of our family got a lot of use out of the backyard pool in August. He would run outside and go down the slide in to the pool first thing in the morning.


We made it to a Mariner's game on a beautiful Saturday in August. Kids did amazing. I think we made it to the 7th inning. They loved the SAFECO kids playground and seeing the moose. Before the game we spent some time hanging in the city.

Summer 2011 Bucket List

This year we wanted to be very intentional with how we spent our summer months. I had read an article that encouraged readers to make a summer "bucket list" and plan your calender out accordingly, so that come September you can look back on your summer and not feel like it passed you by. Who doesn't remember that feeling as a kid? So we came up with the list as a family but each person got to put an individual activity or two on the list. Here is the list we came up with the first of June:

- Disneyland
- Drive-in movie
- Swett Family Reunion
- Day at the beach or lake (Lyndsey)
- Baseball game with Daddy (Liam)
- Ride bikes on the trail as a family
- Hopscotch
- Lemonade stand
- Sleepover at Neicey and Pop's (Lexie)
- Water ski or boat ride with Pop's
- Hand's on children's museum
- Golf Tournament (Travis)
- Outdoor BBQ with friends

Can't believe we did almost all of it. Also had plenty of down time and lazy days, something we don't do much of after September. Making a list like this really helped us manage our time and make memories together. My goal is to backtrack and attempt to blog all these adventures, both big and small, so the kids can look back on it all someday.

The Happiest Place On Earth

Our sweetest family vacation to date

We have been talking about going to Disneyland for years. When we first got married, we said we would do it before the kids came. When that didn't happen, we said we would do it before Trav turned 30. Then that milestone came and went, and at last we finally agreed to stop putting it off. I found a great deal on hotel and airline tickets. My energetic mom graciously agreed to come and help be a extra hand for the kids. Everything fell into place and I am so glad we did it.

We left on the 4th of July around nap time. The plane ride there was a dream. We took a risk by not buying a seat for Liam (20 months) and it payed off. On the way there, both him and Trav ended up getting the whole row to themselves because the plane wasn't full. He slept for most of the flight and was happy to just play with his cars when awake. Lexie (3.5 years old) was a breeze, perfect age for flying. She read books, talked Neicey's ear off, and snacked during the two and half hour flight.

Lex watching the planes taking off with Neicey at the airport on the 4th of July

When we arrived at the hotel, we grabbed some lunch and headed to Downtown Disney. Travis had never been to Disneyland before and it had been 11 years for me. There was so much to see and do outside of the park alone. Got the kids back and in bed. They missed the fireworks but we could see them from our room.

Linebacker checking out the rooftop pool.

She had just wrapped up swim lessons + the water wings = unstopable


The next three days, we spent at Disneyland. My mom and I had so much fun watching Travis react to everything. Seriously, this is the guy you want to bring for vacation. He was crazy about the characters and I am pretty sure security was keeping a close eye on him. As soon as one would appear, he would get very competitive about getting in line and making sure the kids got a picture and autograph. We had to remind him that the characters were really just 16 year old kids who happen to be 5 foot 7. He got upset when we had to break it to him. I loved watching him on Pirates of the Carribean and Splash Mountain. Pretty sure he thought Disneyland with the equavalent to The Puyallup Fair until he saw it with his own eyes.

Stage-Dad Orchestrated this for sure

T-Brock knows how to vacation

Up, Up and Away

Stage-Dad Travis made sure his kids got only the best when it came to the characters.

licensed and ready to give mom a ride.

Oh yes, the kids had a great time too! Neither were scared of the characters. Lexie has both her parents thrill for roller coasters and rode the Matterhorn and Big Thunder Mountain.She really loved it all. Liam loved Dumbo and It's a Small World. The lines weren't bad for it being summer, we used the fast-pass as much as we could. I think the longest we waited was about 35 minutes for the Finding Nemo Submarine. Both thought it was awesome cruising in the cars, all around a pretend highway on Autopia. Lexie drove me around and I am thankful it will be another 13 years until that happens again. It was hot (about 85 the whole time.) so we made sure they got tons to drink and spent a small fortune on that.

Each day, we followed close to the same schedule we have at home. Got the park early, wore them out and headed back to the hotel for naps (nice part about the hotel only being 500 ft away.) Liam napped and Lexie swam at the pool with one of us. When it started to cool off again in the late afternoon, we headed back for more and stayed until they were done. Disneyland at night is one of my favorite memories from being a kid and it was so fun to share that with my family. The rides and sights seem extra special at night. One night my mom hung back with the kids, who were asleep so Trav and I could do some rides together. We were all so blessed by her coming. She has an amazing amount of energy and a child-like heart, exactly why she is such a great grandma.


Trav and I (without kids) waiting at The Haunted Mansion

Small World is amazing

The last night day we spent a couple of hours at California Adventure. Wish we could of had more time there but at least we got to do the new Little Mermaid attraction (Liam has a major thing for Ariel) and meet Woody. Then we headed to our last dinner of the vaca at the notoriously overpriced, yet memorable Goofy's Kitchen. Waiting to be called for our table there, was really the only time we had a full on melt down. Liam was only content laying on the floor whining. Lexie wanted to join in. They called our name and said it was our turn to take a picture with Goofy. The picture they took was awesome, both kids crying, Travis looked like he wanted to beat somebody up, and I had the perfect fake mom smile. Once we got in, all was good. Got to spend quality time with Donald, Chip, Dale, Minnie Mouse, Fairy God-mother, and Snow white. The food was similar to that of the Old Country Buffet. Yes, that good.

Neicey and I on A Small World

A picture of our brief trip to California Adventure

The boys love Woody

This would be proof of the memorable melt down at Goofy's Kitchen.

The look says it all.

Flight home was a little more exciting. Turns out parents should communicate at airports. Travis and I checked in separately and both accidentally checked that we had Liam on our lap. We tried to ask the ticket counter to assist with taking him off one of the tickets, knowing it will look odd and effect the plane count. Well the always helpful (sarcastic) ticket counter couldn't figure it out. We had no problem through security or getting on the plane. Then once on the plane and everyone is secured and ready to go. The flight attendant asks over the intercom if "The Brock's" are aboard (uh-oh, here we go.) So we have to raise our hands in front of the whole plane. Flight attendant comes over and said she just wanted to make sure we were here (uh-huh, I am so sure.) More awkward silence and the pilot comes on the intercom to say that they are having some problems with the boarding list and there will be a bit of delay. Flight attendant comes to me and asks my date of birth, then about ten minute later Travis's. At this point, we are not the most popular people on the plane. Super embarrassing. Liam is ready for a nap and starts fussing. Basically, the whole plane was delayed because of our lack of communication and some less then helpful ticket agents. Oops. After what felt like FOREVER, pilot finally said they got it figured and we are good. I was half wondering if we would be hauled off the plane or if Travis was a person of interest in a Disney character stalking suit. Once in the air, both kids were angels. The risk payed off again and somehow Liam got his own seat for free. We opted to ignore some dirty looks from other passengers, funny how you get skilled at that after your first kid. Arrived safe and sound and Travis and I are signing up for communication 101 :)

I guess he is comfortable enough with his masculinity to use a girl blanket.


All in all, it was such a sweet trip. Getting to introduce my three favorite people to Disneyland, countless memories made, happy faces, great pictures, much needed Vitamin D...worth every penny. So thankful we were able to do it!

Pumpkin Patch Heaven

Maggie and Lexie hitting up Maris Farms

One of the benefits of living in the country is that you are never more then 10 miles away from at least 3 good farms that all offer a pumpkin patch. October ended up being a gorgeous month, the kiddos and I soaked it up and spent time exploring all the country has to offer.

These pictures are taken of a sporadic trip we took with Maggie after swimming lessons one Wednesday morning. It was just a gorgeous day and I couldn't let it pass by. It was so nice, the farm wasn't busy at all and the kids really got to get some energy out. But chasing 3 kids under 3 was a total workout for me. We all napped well afterwards.

Lexie taking off on the cow train

11 month old Liam is taking off...

Liam taking off on the tractor

They are everywhere

In the corn pit

Liam looking tired. Mission completed!

Fall happenings

Early morning view of the mountain.

Fall has been beautiful in out here in the country. September and October have kept us busy as can be. Here are some highlights of our fall thus far:

Lexie started swimming lessons at the beginning of September. We have had our highs and lows with it but overall I would say she is doing well. Doesn't particularly like to get her head wet. She enjoys the interaction with other children and I enjoy longer nap times. Liam and I cheer her on 2 days a week early in the morning, it's been a fun way to add more structure into our daily lives.

I ran my 2nd half marathon at the end of September in Tacoma. It was a rainy day and then I forgot to eat breakfast. I still managed to beat my old 2006 time by 3 minutes, my time was 2:18, nothing to brag about but for my own record anyways :)
Sweet Maggie, catching some Z's at naptime.

We started watching our niece Maggie 2 days a week. She is a character! She is doing swimming lessons with Lexie as well. They keep everyone laughing, the teacher thinks they are a hoot together. It is fun for us all to have more time with her around. And she is a great napper!
Travis went hunting with the Brock boys in the middle of October and got a nice deer. I didn't ask for many details but happy that he's happy. He got to spend his 31st birthday doing his favorite thing!
We started doing a home school co-op with some friends from church, just getting the 3 year olds started with numbers, letters, shapes, and bible stories. Lexie is doing very well. We have 8 3 year olds at our house (and 4 younger siblings) every other week for "school." It has been fun helping to prepare the lessons and I just hope the kids are soaking in some of it. Not really thinking about homeschooling more then preschool but it is fun and cost effective for right now.

Liam started walking in September and I truly feel like this made his heart content (at last!) He has been all smiles ever since he took those first steps. He has enjoyed our fall trips to the park.

A perfect trip to the East Side

Lounging in the 80 degree sunshine on her birthday!

The week after Lexie's birthday party, Travis had a Safety conference in Spokane booked. The kids and I thought it would be a great idea to tag along. Disclosure here, I apparently have no pictures of Liam on this trip. I blame this on his new walking skill and not being able to sit still for one second. Nonetheless, I have some major mommy guilt about it and will make up for it in my next blog.

Travis told me that he had booked a room right in Riverside Park. Too bad I didn't look that up before hand, definitely would of brought the double stroller. The park was gorgeous and the kids and I were entertained for the whole day. There is walking trails, beautiful views, a carousal, park with a HUGE wagon for the kids, and a mall right across from the action. Our hotel featured both indoor and outdoor pools (with a slide.)

The slide on the famous wagon

At the gorgeous Riverside Park

With Keith Oord (our little ring bearer) who will be a big brother in April

The weather was 80 degrees on Lexie's actual birthday, that was September 29th. We spent her birthday laying by the pool, going down the water slide, and having a picnic in the park. When Travis was done with his conference we met up with our dear friends, The Oords, who live in Spokane. We dined at Red Robin and then played in the warm fall air until 9pm in the park. Liam started walking really well around this time and wore himself out during the day..worked out well for me at night.

One last ride before the drive back home...

The kids did well in the safety truck on the way home. Although, apparently not well enough for Travis to continue thinking we should drive all the way to Disneyland with them someday :) We stopped at our Alma Mater, CWU, for a trip down memory lane. Let the kids play at a park in Eburg and grabbed a Starbucks. It was funny that I graduated over 6 years ago and most everyone I went to school with has moved on, but when I pass through the town, it feels like I could still find my friends in the same places they once lived (dorms, apartments, houses, and places that we worked.) I wonder if it will always feel that way when we pass through? Fond memories for both of us of our time there.

Jump for Joy! Lexie Faith is 3!

All my good intentions of blogging more of our summer fun looks like it is going to fail. In an effort to not get more behind I will jump back in to the blogging world with a snapshot of our favorite little girl's birthday bash!


First of all, we were blessed by having an absolutely GORGEOUS day out here in the country. I woke up early that morning to get things ready for the party and I could not stop looking at the mountain and sunrise. Well my view got blocked when this thing got delivered for the party....

The big purple dollhouse bouncy has arrived! And the birthday girl wasted no time enjoying it before her guests showed up.

Some of the cutest tots that came to celebrate

Look who got behind the wheel while everyone was distracted with the birthday girl

Getting to open all her presents.

Jumping kiddos

Dora never looked so good! She was so ready for it to be her turn to blow out the candles.

It was a sweet party for a sweet girl. Thank you to all of our dear friends and the Brock family who came out for her celebration. As many of you know, she has been talking about her birthday party for a good 10 months! Something about being the special girl of the day I guess :)