Face Painting

Phil did some face painting last year at Lyla's birthday party. The problem with a perfectionist is that he takes a long time on each face and Lyla never even got hers painted during the party. She is asking for it again this year, but would like to go first! I am sure all the parents were super happy when they came to pick up their girls.

Family Pictures 2014

It was a beautiful day out at the Nisqually Bird Refuge with the sun shining and the wind blowing. Jamie Pace always does such a great job getting our best side and then editing like crazy to have us look so good. Such a talented friend I have and such a great beautiful family. I am one blessed lady and so very grateful for all I have been given.

Somebody Turned 12

So fun to have a 12 year old. When I picked her up from school and asked about the donuts I dropped off at lunch she said, "they barely finishing singing 'to you' and then 10 hands darted past me reaching for the donuts. It was scarier than being in Walmart on Black Friday. I'm just glad they left one for me." I love this spunky, funny, beautiful, amazing and smart girl. She makes life so fun and is so great to have around. What a blessing to be her mom and I am so glad she came to our family 12 years ago.

Portland 2014

We went on our final trip to Portland for Phil's work the end of August before the kids started school. Phil changed jobs October 1st so he will not be traveling anymore for work. It ended up being perfect timing with Miya in Middle School and not able to miss as much school traveling with us. It was a great trip with excellent weather. We stayed downtown on the water and enjoyed hanging out with each other.

We spent a few hours trying to jump on this ball in the water. It was harder than it looked, but Miya stayed on the ball for a few seconds and we were all pretty excited.

Combs' Family Reunion 2014

 We had teams for the older kids treasure hunt and Phil, Tamara and I got to be the team leaders. It was a little like the Amazing Race where they had to do a challenge at each spot to get the next clue. The kids loved it and it was one of the only things to pull them away from the boat and the water.

 It was a wonderful few days and our neighbors were happy it only  lasted that long. We had our own little tent city set-up and enjoyed the beautiful weather and learning to ski and wakeboard with most of the older kids.

Baby Andrew

Smash and Michael came to town to go camping with his family and decided to bless baby Andrew while they were here. Phil and I were able to attend and it was so great to see all of Michael's sweet family. He has the sweetest, most kind parents and siblings and we had some great food. The blessing was sweet and touching how much Michael loves Ashlee and wants all their kids to know that and feel that love. I love Smashy too and was so happy to be able to spend a few hours with them.

Trip to the Temple

Just one of those beautiful summer date nights at the Seattle Temple. Brother Robinson was walking out with us and offered to take a picture. Being the perfectionist that he is he continued to take pictures until the last one when he thought he finally got it right. I love this sacred place and going there with this wonderful man is the best. (This might be as many pictures as we had taken on our wedding day 17 years ago.)

Family Love

Stephanie's idea of stepping it up a notch in the table tennis tournament. If you got out she got to pick how much water she poured down your pants. She came up with the idea after she was already out. It is always fun hanging out at Pete and Sarah's house.