8.5.15: Phoenix -> LA

We left Phoenix early in the morning - prepared for a long drive

Overall we did really well.  We arrived in LA with enough time to play at a nearby park before enjoying a homemade dinner from Aunt Christina and Uncle Ragan.  Lexi was kept very busy playing with Fiona, Daphne and Stella too.

8.4.15: Moving Day

After our trip from Indianapolis, we left the girls at Nene's house while Brant and I finalized our big move from Tucson.  It was hard to leave, but we think it is the best decision for our family longterm.  Tucson is amazing, but it just wasn't for us.  I grew up around water, grass and trees and wanted my kids to grow up the same way.

Once the house was packed, we were driving up to Phoenix to get the girls with mixed emotions and we were reminded of one more reason why we were leaving.

7.30.15: Adventures in Indiana, Kentucky and even Tennessee (for a little b

In a second attempt to escape the heat (before we knew we were moving) we booked a trip out to Indianapolis to visit Nana and Great Nana.  We started off our adventure by walking Cammie around Nana's neighborhood. We enjoyed our time at the Children's Museum (where Brant volunteered as a kid), the zoo, visiting with the Wilsons and even touring Nana's work.

Daphne, Fiona and Stella taking turns walking Cammie around the neighborhood.

 

 We drove to Kentucky and went out on Uncle Jason's boat with Alex and Matt in Tennessee.  This was the first time the girls went swimming in a lake....a very warm lake even.  The most hilarious reaction was when they learned it was okay to pee in the lake while swimming - priceless. Daphne and Brant had some snuggle time on the way back to land - tuckered out from all that swimming.

 Fiona captured a frog at Great Nana's farm

 Daphne, Stella and Fiona standing in front of Great Nana's pond.

 

Stella admiring Great Nana getting ready for our adventure out.

 Fiona, Great Nana, Stella and Daphne - enjoying time together

Brant, Fiona, Great Nana, Stella, Bonnie and Daphne.  We had so much fun together playing in the grass, visiting a lake, and (of course) enjoying our time in London with family.

7.6.15: 7th Annual Family Day

This day is so important to us, no matter what is going on in our lives (including packing up an entire house and moving) we made sure to celebrate the day together and get a family picture.

6.28.15: House Offer

While in Seattle, we got the fantastic news that there was an offer on our house.  Over the past few months we have been preparing our home for just this moment.  The girls have been amazing tolerating most of their toys being packed,  kitchen cabinets getting painted and living in a manner where nothing can be left out, ever.  It hasn't been fun for any of us, but we all know this is temporary. We spend most nights and weekends packing and try to find a little bit of time for something fun like swimming in our pool (while we have one).

6.17.15: Adventures in Seattle

It has been a long time since we all made it to Seattle, too long!  Looking to escape the heat, we set out for our first family vacation in quite a while.  We had so much fun visiting friends, family and taking the girls to some of our favorite spots from our childhood in Seattle. The Kochmans graciously agreed to our first stop at Bamboo Garden where Brant and I especially enjoyed a meal reminiscent of our dating years.  

The famous gum wall - One of our favorite wedding pictures was in front of this wall. I have to admit the Stella, Daphne and Fiona were a little creeped out by the gum everywhere.

Cousins!  Daphne, Cooper, Stella, Nicholas, Fiona

We even went on a ferry ride with the Kochmans.  This was the girls first time on a boat.

 Daphne, Stella and Fiona especially enjoyed jumping with the wind while on the boat.

 Uncle Rob was in charge of reading.

We went for a hike.

We even found time to go berry picking and ended up with tons of strawberries and raspberries - of course many were consumed during the accumulation.

We (finally) got to meet Zach and spend time with Debbie, Joey and Sammy.  Still can't believe Sammy, Daphne, Fiona, and Stella were due within days of each other. 

Such an amazing trip to Seattle - can't wait to visit again!

6.11.15: SIX

The most fantastic children in the world!  It has been an amazing six years and we look forward to watching these little ladies grow up.  We love you girls - more than you can ever imagine.

Fiona at exactly 6 years old (7:35am)

Daphne at exactly 6 years old (7:36am)

Stella at exactly 6 years old (7:39am)

6.7.15: Birthday Party

This year the girls had their birthday party at a gymnastics studio.  They were able to climb through a giant obstacle course, swing from ropes, jump in a giant foam pit and bounce in a jumpy house.  Add friends, pizza, and cupcakes to that and we had some very happy (yet exhausted) girls.

Fiona

 Group photo

Fiona

Daphne

Stella

6.6.15: Toothless Close-ups

Stella

Daphne

Fiona

It seems as though front toothless time is coming to an end for Fiona and Stella as their front teeth are starting to poke through.   I decided it was important to capture these toothless grins one last time.

5.30.15: Mt. Lemmon

Stella, Fiona, and Daphne enjoying the view from Mt. Lemmon while escaping the heat.  We went for a lovely hike around the summit, had a picnic and played outdoor games.

Stella climbing a fallen tree

 Fiona climbing a fallen tree

Daphne climbing a fallen tree