mommy ballerina.

family outing-finally!

I realize it has been some time since I gave an update, and I do have good reasons for being behind! Life has been the usual whirlwind, and we are minus a computer right now, so it is hard to keep up with all the online things! Monroe has been treating us well (besides the ridiculously hot temperatures) and we are adjusting to life here. We love our apartment, and the kids adore being near cousins and Gege & Bop. It is so great to have family nearby, and they have helped us out a lot!
Bray is working a part-time job at Grainger, and has been doing great! Although totally different from what he's done in the past, he has learned some helpful things, such as unplugging the TV, lamps, etc, can save big-time on the electricity bill! who knew? He is also teaching voice to several people, and is working on some new audition rep. for upcoming competitions.
I have been able to get involved in the music world again as well, and got a job with an episcopal school right around the corner from us, teaching music to Pre-K3-5th graders, and a middle school choir. I am also accompanying for the university here, and am loving it! Although challenging, it is great to be able to work in the field I got my degree in! Bray has been a huge help, and I love that we have a piano at our home where we can work on things together!
The kiddos are growing fast, and I am homeschooling them this year, and hope to put them in a private school next year. Madeline is a puzzle whiz, while Hobbes has recently taken to making spaceships, airplanes and cars out of legos. They are our constant enjoyment and entertainment, and life would definitely be dull without them!
Due to the busyness of the summer, we were unable to go on as many family 'adventures' as we usually do, so we finally got an ice cream night in and I caught a few pics. Hope you enjoy, and we miss you all!!

Ducks.

Grandma time.

Ducks at Hordemann's pond is a must when visiting Moscow.
Madeline has a goofy face on here, but my mom looks gorgeous. Madeline still regularly asks to go visit Ama's house!!

the little ladies.

Drink Tea & Eat Cake

My oldest sister, Carolyn got married in Moscow, ID this weekend! Madeline and I were able to fly up for the wedding, and it was a beautiful, wonderful time! Here are just a few pics I stole from Kathryn.

Mark & Carolyn, headed off in the limo.
My shy flower girl.

last shots.

Bray and Steve, braving the HUGE waves.
Wendy and Madeline, taking a walk.
The 4 crazy people.
diggers.
flying kites before the storm.

more gulf.

at last.

guess where we are??

at Gulf Shores for a long-awaited Wilkins' family vacation. God is good.

my birthday came early this year.:)

not ONLY do I now own a piano, but I got this quilt I've been coveting for the last 2 years (thanks Mom, Pop and Bray!!). The rug was a bonus from IKEA for $20!!! I love, love, love my new look for our room!!!

Rain Tromp.

um, please?

I would like to swim here. Please?

official 1st dinner at our new place.

generations.

having a chat with Gege.
what a blessing to be able to spend time with both of their Great-Grandmas on Bray's side! wonderful women on both sides of our families. This is on Sunday afternoon, they were all sitting and chatting on the porch. Madeline LOVES to chat.

Hobbes finds a friend.

the unveiling.

Master bedroom.
other half of the master bedroom.
kids' room.
half of the living room.
kids' bathroom.
dining room.
bistro area/kitchen.
bistro area.
after 6 years, we finally have a PIANO!
music room. essential in our life.
Guest bedroom.
Guest bedroom.
our closets. :)
shoe shelves=brilliant.
part of our bathroom.
our bathroom.
new sign in the kitchen.:)
the laundry room.
other half of the laundry room