Friday we took the kids to see Imagination Movers in Portland. What a great show! We have been Mover fans since Liam was a baby- long before they had their own tv show, and they are the same fun guys we watched on their dvd years ago. The Imaginations Movers is one of the kids favorite band and tv shows, so they were very excited to go to this show. And we had FIRST ROW SEATS!Nathan got a High Fivre from Mover Rich :)Liam was jumping so well that Mover Scott pointed at him and nodded his head in approval :)

Eight Years

Eight years ago I married my best friend. My opposite half, my support, my rock, my steady hand. During the past eight years he has become this and so much more. A father, a provider, a voice of reason. Still my very best friend. I love you Nathan.

Anniversary Surprise

Nathan and I have our 8 year anniversary is this Wednesday, and today he surprised me with a day out. He had been planning it with my mom for weeks and I had no idea! My mom came at 10am and Nathan took me to Pittock Mansion. Pittock Mansion was built in 1914 forGeorge Pittock who was the owner of The Oregonian. We were able to walk through all the rooms of the mansion and see much of the original furniture, design, paint, wallpaper, and other furnishings. Each year the Pittock Mansion is decorated for Christmas, and is gorgeous. Here are some pictures of the mansion:

Front of the mansion View of Portland from the living room of the mansionThe libraryBack of the mansionAfter leaving Pittock Mansion, Nathan took me to the Japanese Garden where we did a 1 hour walking tour. The Japanese Garden is beautiful! Neither of us had ever been there and it was so nice to see. We want to go back in Spring and early Fall to experience the different colors of the plants.I love the leaves in the water with the reflection of the waterfall.View of Portland from the Japanese GardenFor lunch, we went across town to Russell Street BBQ, which was delicious! We have been there once before and loved it, so I was happy to go back.

Here is Nathan's plate called: meatapalooza (smoked turkey, pulled pork, beef brisket with killer bbq sauce and baked beans)Here is my plate: beef brisket with cornbread and yams (and a side salad not pictured)

This was such a great day and I was so surprised. Nathan picked really cool and fun places for us to visit. I have such an awesome, thoughtful husband; I have been blessed to have been married to him for 8 years and look forward to decades more!

Nothing But Miracles Photography

While in California we had the priveledge of having our family photos done by our long time friends Carson and Steffany Johnson who have recently started a photography company, Nothing But Miracles Photography (check them out here and here). We have known Carson and Steff since high school, and it was awesome that they were able to do this for us. My sister brought Gunnar and Wyatt along to get some pics of the cousins together. Here are our favorites :)

Thanksgiving Vacation

This Thanksgiving we were able to be in California with our family there. Shayne and Raul brought Gunnar and Wyatt over and we were all able to celebrate the holiday together (we missed Grandma Becky and Grandpa Larry though!).

Hanging out waiting for dinner

Uncle Raul and Wyatt

Wyatt loved the Mike doll!Playing outside in the 75 degree Thanksgiving weather Aunt Shayne and WyattReady for baseball.Kisses from a cousin.Even Stevie Wonder made an appearance!The boys and Aunt Janelle made frosting for the sugar cookies Janelle had baked. The finished product...yum!After dinner Liam asked Grandma Beth to play Jesus Loves Me on the pianoNathan, Liam, Sarah, Gunnar, Uncle, Wyatt, Aunt Shayne, Aunt Janelle, Grandma Beth, Deacon, Grandpa Frank

Goodbye Soccer

Soccer is officially over. Liam's party was yesterday and he got his trophy. A season completed, playing in every game. He has improved so much over the season, going from being too intimidated to even practice to playing in the game and even scoring a goal. We were there every game, sitting on the sidelines in the sun and rain cheering him on. We always kept it positive and encouraged him; to me it did not matter if he ever kicked the ball. He was doing a good job by just showing up and running around the field. He does not love it, soccer is not his favorite thing. That is ok. He never has to play again, it is up to him. But, he learned to perservere and face things that are uncomfortable. He practiced being there for his team and playing on a team sport. He learned to not give up when things get hard. I am proud of him for this. Soccer was not an easy thing for him. He is not as fast as the other players (ssshhh don't tell him!!) and it took hard work to stay out there during game time.The sport is aggressive and requires players to go after the ball. Liam prefers turns and order. He was worried about accidently kicking someone. But each week, he went out there and learned that he can face uncomfortable, intimidating situations and be ok. He practiced facing his fears, and I hope that as he gets older and these situations arise, they will build on each other. I pray that the practice he gets in these situations as a child and as he grows up will help shape him into a successful man that follows what is right in every situation. I believe that God has great plans for him, and while this soccer season was just a small drop of his life, it is a building block and stepping stone for him to stand upon.

Monthly Blessings

Inspired by my friend Lindsay, I decided to go back through my calendar and find something from each month I am thankful for. So, here it is:

January- Taking the family to see Playhouse Disney Live!

February- The Escape being fixed instead of totalled after Nathan's accident! Being able to spend a week in California with our families.

March-Liam starting T-ball. Deacon's ear infection going away with 1 round of antibiotics!

April- Both boys birthday's and Grandma Beth visiting! Deciding for sure to send Liam to the public school. The boys take a Rock N Roll Kindy class at the Children's Museum that they love.

May- Seeing Third Day with Nathan. Being elected to the PTO Board. Going to my church's women's retreat with Meg.

June- Liam graduated preschool. Grandma Beth, Grandpa Frank, Aunt Janelle visiting!

July- Wyatt born! Nathan promoted to Asst Branch Manager. My oral surgery is successful and easy.

August- Visiting California. Finding out Liam has an awesome teacher for Kindergarten (this was a HUGE prayer request).

September- Liam successfully starts Kindergarten. Deacon starts preschool.

October- seeing Star Wars In Concert with the family. Grandma Beth, Aunt Shayne, and the cousins visiting! Me and they boys getting the H1N1 vaccine.

There is so much more that I could have written. We truly have had a blessed year!