The Likes Family

WE HAVE MOVED!!!!

2010-08-25T23:24:00.001-07:00

Check us out at the likes family hope to see you there!!!

8 X 30 Project Day 40- Harry Potter Party Planning

2010-08-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Today was a pretty lazy day. Hunter didn't even make it to gymnastic camp, she was too tired. But after a lazy morning we decided to head out in hunt of some Harry Potter items for our party on Saturday.

I was able to find some pretty neat stuff. Lucky the shelves are already being stocked with some Halloween items too. Today we visited Micheal's and found some slithering snakes, a broom, some potion jars, and some other party favors. Oh and I found some owls too! Super Cute. Then we headed to the candy store where we found maroon and gold MnMs. I think that might be my favorite purchase of the day. I still have to some more goodies to get for the feast and to try to recreate the candy they ate on the train, but it is slowly but surely coming together. I think it will be fun too!Gracie is super excited and can't wait till Saturday.

Going through some of my pics today and found this one. I just thought it was sweet.

So I am working on the new blog tonight and hoping to have it up by tomorrow night! I have been threatening to throw the computer into the wall all day today, so lets hope I catch on to this new blog soon!!!! If not up tomorrow, the for sure the next night!!! YAY!

8 X 30 Project Day 39- Gummy Bears

2010-08-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Well the word Gummy Bears just makes me laugh. Those of you parents who have seen the movie Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs knows exactly what I am talking about. Besides who doesn't like a gummy bear, soft, chewy, tangy and cute. My favorite is to take their heads and bodies and mix them around.

So today I saw Monica posted a challenge on Clickinmoms. The challenge was to be the 11th person to post a pic of 11 gummy bears. There couldn't be any greens, since she doesn't like green(Which I still need to protest about!) and the Haribo brand of gummy bears. I have to agree here, they are the BEST! So yes, I drove to Safeway to get some gummy bears. On the way I had the best idea on what to do with them. But getting JuJu to agree to doing it was a whole other story. Have you ever told a two year old to do something, especially when she already has a plan for herself. Well if you haven't it, is sort of like trying to drive forward with your car in reverse.

So this is how it started out. Not looking at me at all, running from fake spiders, and screaming.

Ahh...just maybe a look by chance.

No...don't look at Molly! Don't you want a lollipop?

This is where I told her that I was going to have Gracie do it.

Now there is my JuJu, with coach Molly behind me. :)

FINALLY!!!!!

One of my attempts before I decided to do the "downed gummy bears".

I just love this pic. She was so proud of her tummy, but was done done done with the pics.

I actually got this one by chance as she was running in the backdoor from me. GEEZ!

I made one of my pics in at #6 (the "finally" pic), but while I was out getting Hunter the #11 was submitted. But what a super fun challenge; I really enjoyed doing it!!! I think the girls enjoyed it too, well at least the gummy bear part. They even made up a chant. "Too much gummy in my tummy will make my poo..." Well you get the picture. And yep, they are all mine. :)

8 X 30 Project Day 38- Home Again!

2010-08-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today we checked out of Great Wolf Lodge and headed on a new adventure, but before I get started into that I need to let you all see what we did yesterday too!

Tons of fun at Great Wolf Lodge. JuJu was so sad about leaving today. I think she thought we lived there now. She just couldn't wait the whole time to put on her "bathing soup". The older girls made instant friends with other kids and slid with them the entire time. We even exchanged information at the end of the day so they could email each other, now that is a military kid!

JuJu holding on to her loot!

Molly showing me her new head gear.

Decisions... Decisions.

I think she is looking like a big girl now.

I just love this picture.

Gracie is the one laying on the ground. She is waiting for the bucket to dump water on her.

YIKES!

Now I entered this one into the GWL Photo Contest. First prize is a trip to GWL! You can vote once a day. Please vote here:

Vote for me!

I think she had fun.

I think we all had fun!!! I can't wait to go back.

Now on to the adventure of the day. We decided to take a last minute detour to Mt. St. Helens. It was only an hour away and why not right? Now I have one more check on my list of things to do and see done.

Mt. St. Helens is great for a learning experience for the kids. At mile marker 33 there is a Forrest Visitor Center that is wonderful for kids. There is a movie, discovery room, a helicopter simulator, and best of all a playground. But remember the coats, it is way colder up here! BRRR!!!

JuJu steering the helicopter. Mr. Brent would be so proud.

Then our next stop was the Johnston Observatory Station. You can get the best view of the crater from here, well if the weather cooperates you can. Today, well the weather just wasn't that good. The shot I got was the best of all day. Most of the time is was raining, cloudy(like fog up there), and 40 degrees. Can you say burrr?

If you go make sure to watch the movie. It is kind of corny but a spectacular ending. You will see.

This is what JuJu thought of the movie.

Yep, this is a good as it got for seeing into the crater. This was good, just before you couldn't see past the barrier wall.

The girls getting sworn in as a Junior Ranger. I just love this program! What a super way to get kids involved and they learn so much!!! They were also able to make lava lamps!

Who knew...this is Big Foot Country. Molly must be akin to them. :)

Super day but I am so glad to be home. Hunter has Gymnastics camp this week and the girls and I are just doing out appointments. Oh, and Molly has her first soccer practice on Wednesday. Can't wait to get pics of that....HMMM....what a great reason for that Nikon 105mm.

Great news!!! A new blog form heading this way and this week!! I can't wait and I hope it turns out nicely. I am so excited to finally be able to post bigger pics and at a better quality too!

OH and DON'T forget to VOTE VOTE VOTE here: Vote for us!!!

8 X 30 Project Day 37- More Fun a Happen'

2010-08-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

Wow this place is exhausting and the kids just keep going! We did the arcade, bingo, a movie, and the waterpark twice for a few hours each! We even shut the place down. :)

So the internet, although free, is slower than molasses, so I am going to upload only two pics tonight from my many. I think they describe the type of day we have had.

Gracie looks like she is in a hair commercial. Funny she didn't know I was going to take this picture.

Molly and Gracie going down the slide. You can see Molly's feet, but Gracie's face I just LOVE!

Tomorrow is our last day. We are thinking of heading to Mt. St. Helens while we are down in this area. Making another check mark on our must sees. Although the temptation of staying at the park will be a hard one to resist! More pics of our fun tomorrow, when I have faster internet. :)

8 X 30 Project Day 36- Slippin and Slidin

2010-08-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

Today we headed to Great Wolf Lodge. The girls just love this place and with such a super military deal it is hard to not want to go!

Once we got here, we decided to unpack and get settled in. Then it was time for Bingo. My girls just love the bingo here and they always seem to win at least two games each. Which is nice since they get little toys when they win.

Hunter Standing up and Howling a Bingo!

Doesn't Molly look excited about Bingo.

Then it was time to hit the slides. JuJu did this slide for over an hour. She did it over and over and over.

Hunter joined in the action too.

I wasn't able to get pics of the other girls. They were off on the big girls slides. I am sure they were having a super great time.

Tomorrow, more sliding, video games, and bingo!

8 X 30 Project Day 35- Photos, Photos, Photos!

2010-08-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today a pretty typical day in the Likes' household, errands to do, people to see. We met up with Monica, a friend I met through Clickinmoms, and her girls at Carkeek Park. What super park and it actually had sand!!! After playing for a while on the beach and play ground it was time to eat dinner and then we, Monica and I decided to torture all the girls with pics. They were not ready for us and patience were short today. :) I think they just wanted to play and why not! We were in such a great place.

Monica taking pics of Gracie

Monica taking pics of her daughter.

Pics that I took of Gracie.

This is her gangster pose. I think she looks like my sister.

I just love this little cutie!

Look at these baby blues.

I just love getting together with Monica and her girls. They are a hoot! We are getting together again on Monday. I need to take 9 year pics of Gracie. We are heading to the bubble gum wall at Pike Place Market. I am doing a little punk princess on Gracie, I think that is perfect for her.

Tomorrow we are off to Great Wolf Lodge. A super surprise for the girls. I just love to surprise them, hopefully I won't scar them for life doing it all the time. :)

8 X 30 Project Day 34- Jelly Beans and New Glasses.

2010-08-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

Today while trucking the girls back and forth to their appointments we noticed that the Jelly Belly RV was parked outside of Top Foods. Our curiosity got the best of us and we had to take a quick detour from our errands. Of course I didn't have my camera!(I used this opportunity to show Travis just how much I need a camera bag:))

The girls had a really great time. They had this wheel that you spin and it told you what flavor you got to try. Like diaper wipes and coconut were in the same container or licorice or skunk spray. LOL

Molly was the first to go and she landed on Buttered Popcorn OR Rotten Eggs. Well that poor thing ended up with rotten eggs and had to spit it our in the "I can't handle it bucket." Then it was Hunter's turn and she landed on Bubble Gum or Toothpaste. She got toothpaste. I imagine this was way better than Molly's who at this point was almost throwing up. :) Then Gracie got a spin and she landed on a Double Dare, where you get to pick between two flavors. Her choices were Black Licorice/Skunk Spray or Coconut/Diaper Wipes. She picked the diaper wipe one and lucked out with a coconut jelly bean.

We were also able to take pics with Mr. Biggie and the slug bug and play a game of guess how many Jelly Bellys were in the container. Lots of fun at our unexpected stop! Really neat too.

We also took Molly to get her new glasses today. She has worn the same frames for over two years now and boy oh boy was she every so excited to get new ones. She already knew what she had in mind. She wanted purple with a little bling. I have to say the ladies at Lenscrafters were so good with her. They took her to exactly what she wanted and we were in and out. I was really so surprised it was so easy! I think they look FAB! She is getting so big. I just can't believe it.

Not to much planned tomorrow, getting my haircut and meeting up with a super great lady and her girls from Clickinmoms. We are going to make Travis our Sherpa and have him carry all of our props around. :)

8 X 30 Project Day 33- YAY!

2010-08-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

So today, as I made sure, started just like any other one, with us rushing around trying to make it to our morning appointment on time! I didn't dare mention to the girls what was in the plans for real later on in the day.

When we returned from our appointment our first delivery from Klesick Famliy Farm had arrived. I am excited to try this out. Fresh, local organic produce delivered right to my door...sounds like a great deal to me.

Then while waiting, actually me trying to waste time and make it go quicker! I decided to take Gracie outside and get a pic for the I Heart Faces photo challenge this week.

This is the one that I decided to use:

But I like this one too!

So after stalling for A WHILE, I finally got the call from Travis that he would be walking off the ship in about 15 minutes. The best part was yesterday while at the clinic on base, we lost a bow and had to pick it up. So what a perfect reason to head towards the base. My plan was to have him walk out of te the clinic as the girls walked up, but we beat him to the clinic. Funny thing though, when you drive to the base you can see the ship from the road, none of the bigger girls said a thing, but JuJu was like, "Dada's boat, Dada's boat, gonna get Daddy?". I am not sure if she knew what she saw or what but if she did then she is very very smart. I know, I know, shut up and move on to the pics!!!!

Okay so these are not stellar, but it is what happened. We were walking back out to the car when Molly spotted Travis and started running. The rest followed.

Rounding the corner to us. Girls still hadn't noticed him.

I think they saw him...what do you think?

I just love big ole Molly jumping on Travis in this pic.

JuJu turned and ran the other way about at the point she is in the picture above. She was screaming like a monster was trying to get her. Took her a while to warm up to Travis.

JuJu was hanging on me like a monkey at this point. She was not willing to even look at him. Funny because she was so excited. But now she hasn't left his side and doesn't let anyone else close to him!

So a pretty great day in the Like's household. Travis will only be with us for a few weeks before having to leave for his 6-7 month deployment. There will be no returning from this deployment till it is over, but I am so glad we have these few weeks. We really missed him.

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge- Got to wear shades.

2010-08-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

I am really loving all of these photo challenges at I Heart Faces. This weeks challenge is "Got to Wear Shades". Which is something we wear often in WA, at least when the sun is out, you know that six weeks a year. We are so photo-phobic from lack of sun, when the sun comes out we all start to sparkle like vampires. :) Here is Gracie soon to be birthday girl, just being her usual silly self. I just love her.

Please be sure to check out other awesome entries at I Heart Faces

8 X 30 Project Day 32- Holy Cow

2010-08-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am sure I say this like every post but today was just crazy busy. We had everything to do and then even ran out of time!

The day started off early with doctors appointment for Hunter, Gracie, and Molly. No big deal just back to school stuff, but I ended up leaving there with referral for each of them! How does that happen? Again nothing really to big, just allergist, ENT, and a dermatologist, but that is just crazy.

Then we headed to Target to get some school supplies. I am a little early in getting them but I am also always afraid that I won't be able find something in time too. So this year Hunter is going into third grade and Molly and Gracie will be going into the same class. Gracie will be 4th and Molly will be 6th. It is a multi-age class with grades 4th-6th grades. Wonderful for Molly who started school early and great for both of them who are able to work up to their level and be challenged. We didn't realize till Molly was in this class that she didn't know how to study! Everything before was so easy, she just got it. Really a great class. But on to the shopping. So while shopping, I felt crazy, like I was buying the store out in a way. I had to get three times of most things and that really adds up and fills the cart up too. I should have brought my camera in to show you the looks I got. LOL And I am not done yet!

This is just an idea of what I got 54 #2 pencils, 3 boxes of crayons, 3 boxes of markers, 3 boxes of color pencils, 8 composition notebooks, 5 white notebooks, 2 notebooks, erasers, dry erase marker, highlighter, flair pens, red and black erasable pens and the list really goes on! I also found out today what a Quad Ruled Composition Notebook is...a notebook full of graph paper. I had never heard it called this. You can imagine my reaction when the retail clerk showed me the "Quad Ruled Notebooks". I was like, "OH, you mean graph paper, duh!" LOL

When we got home we still had to separate it all. This is not all of it either!

Then it was off to Trader Joes. I just love this place. Everything is good and the price is better. My favorite right now is there Carne Asade. I just throw it on the grill and instant fajitas! The girls love it too. When they find Freddie the Frog they get a lollipop.

We came home for a rest time and lunch and then back out again to the post office, yes Mande I sent you your sweatshirt!! Then to Costco, where I went to get allergy meds and orange juice and left with $125 worth of stuff. Those DAMN taste testers need to go away, especially when I am hungry. No junk food at least, hummus and stuff like that but GEEZ!

Finally we made it back home to unload, make dinner, finish up laundry, and head to bed. The girls don't have a clue about tomorrow. I am very excited for them. But it is just a normal day to them, tomorrow, eye appointment for Molly and then a drop off to Goodwill. Hopefully by then we can pick up Travis!!!

And for those of you who like to read my blog, I don't think there are many but I appreciate the few ones out there, I love you. :) LOL I still plan on continuing my project. I really do love doing this and I like the fact that you guys like to read it.

*Travis tonight JuJu was talking on the calculator, trying to call you. She cracks me up, but she was saying, "Daddy, Daddy, you coming home? You be here soon? Okay, I am coming to get you. I love you. BYE." How does she know? Love you*

8 X 30 Project Day 31- Cleaning and Hanging

2010-08-15T23:10:00.000-07:00

So today was another cleaning day. I do this often, Travis calls it Jenny cleaning, but I organize and purge everything. With school starting soon and a move coming up as soon as in seven months, I like to be as organized as possible. Besides there is less chaos this way too. :)

So I clean up and decided to pay Mia and Molly to be mommy helpers with JuJu. I think that was the best idea that I had all WEEK! I had four hours all to myself, just to get things done. Oh and they not only had to watch JuJu, but there was other chores as well. I put them to work, but they were so happy to get money I don't think they cared.

I was able to get the camera out today real quick, though. Travis has been asking about JuJu and how much she has been growing so I thought that today I would try to get some pics of her. They are just snapshots, but she is just getting so big!

I took this one at the zoo on Friday.

I also worked on Gracie birthday party invites today. She is having a Harry Potter party.

JuJu terrorizing Gracie's play date. They had just finished picking up all of these beads. :)

Travis I am getting excited to see you again. Only a short time now. Hugs.

8 X 30 Project Day 30- Finaly Days of our Yellowstone Trip

2010-08-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

Another busy day for the Likes' girls. Still doing operation clean up house and the girls are working on operation mess up house. It is a work in progress. Then I think I am some sort of bus driver now. Gracie spent the night with a friend, picked Hunter up from a friend's house, and then dropped Molly off at Mia's house for a sleepover. Luckily this was all in preparation for mommies night out. I actually got out of the house without kids for four hours! We saw Eat, Pray, Love and had dinner. I really enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to all. My favorite quote from the book is so far anyways:

Having a baby is like getting a tattoo on your face. You really need to be certain it's what you want before you commit."
— Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

My favorite quote from the movie, there was two this was my first favorite:
"ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation."

So today is my final day on the Yellowstone trip. We left Yellowstone on the forth of July and headed to Paradise, Mt. We met Travis' dad and step mom there at Quinn Hot Springs and planned on meeting his Aunt and Uncle for the first time. They had a super birthday dinner waiting for us, the fifth is Travis' birthday. With lots of ice cream and a super huge cake, too bad I really dislike cake. :)

Travis' Uncle Arnold with baby Kalei.

Time to sing Happy Birthday.

The girls first sparklers.

JuJu and her hat that she just loves!

This river was behind our cabins. Armando and Gracie took a swim in it.

Abuelita with the grandbabies.

See the red building in the background. This is where Travis and the girls has to run to in the hailstorm! They had welts from the hail.

The girls on the porch swing at Travis Aunt and Uncles house.

Few little fun pics. :)

Travis, Girls, his Dad and Step Mom.

Yellowstone was one of the best trips that we have ever taken. I have to say our ten day trip to Walt Disney World can only top this, but that was a trip planned for over a year and a dream trip too. This was so affordable and low key. I can' wait to go back and go camping with the girls. They just had such a great time.

Tomorrow is more of fighting on operation clean up. Hopefully I will be able to finish up by tomorrow and put away my many many loads of laundry!!!!

8 X 30 Project Day 29- Taking A Pass

2010-08-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

Is a pass a loud on a project that you invented? I sure hope so. I am EXHAUSTED!!!

Today was super busy! Started off bright and early with Molly. Why is this child waking up at 6:30am? Doesn't she know it is summer and hasn't someone told her that tweens are suppose to sleep late?

We had Mia again today. Mia is Molly's friend from school and we just love her. So we left the house a 9 for a Drs appt and after our drs appointment we headed to lunch. Lunch is always yummy at Chipotle. I just love that place and all the girls do too.

Then it was on to the Zoo. At our last visit we bought a annual pass, so now I feel like I need to get my money's worth. :) We were there about three hours, had some dippin dots, saw a Pudu (which is a ton of fun to say), and then we were off again. Man oh Man was it ever hot today too.

On the way home we decided to stop at the Mall and do some school shopping. Lots of great deals out there for the girls. Molly is just loving her seat belt belt and wanted another one. But I mean how many belts do you really need? Maybe for her birthday.

After some heavy shopping we were all starving, so we decided to head to PF Changs for dinner. I have to say the girls were the best behaved group of five girls I have ever been with. They were so good and we were getting compliments on how good they were. I am such a proud and now stuffed mommy!

So as you can see today was so busy and now I am exhausted to the point that I can't see straight. Five kids is A LOT!! :) So I hope you all forgive me for taking a pass today on pics. I promise there were be more tomorrow. Sleep well, I know I will.

8 X 30 Project Day 28- Yellowstone Day Five

2010-08-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

Well day five started very early for me. We had to meet the guide for the photo safari at 5:30am! But totally worth it and I learned quite a bit. These shots aren't as good as my landscape photog buds, but I am still proud of them.

This thermal feature with cool. If you toss sand across the top of it, it will boil up crazy.

These two shots were fun. I laid on the boardwalk trying multiple times to get the right shot. I had to focus then drop the camera to the ground. It took me about five shots. :)

This never stops erupting.

This is a bacteria mat. It is called that because when it is disturb, it flips over and is the color blue.

After our photo safari, Travis and I met up with Travis at the Old Faithful Inn for lunch. YUMMY. At the lower store is an old time soda fountain that has fantastic hamburgers.

Then it was time for the girls to get sworn in as Junior Rangers.

Molly also earned a girl scout badge.

Then it was off to our trailer for our final camp out and to pack up for the trip to Paradise, MT the next day.

Juliette was the dirtiest kid ever.

Then it was time for smores! and some fireworks.

I still can't get over how dirty she was. :)

Juju said this was her toliet.

Our final pic at Yellowstone the next morning, before heading to Paradise, MT.

Well folks that is it for tonight. Travis is in port and I want to talk with him. I hope you have enjoyed looking at our trip to Yellowstone. It is a fantastic place to visit and I really can't wait to go back. The girls had a fabulous time camping, which I was totally surprised about.

Tomorrow I will post a few family pics from Travis Bday celebration in Paradise. The girls and I also have plans to go to the zoo. Hopefully I will get some pics of them there too. :)

8 X 30 Project Day 27- Day Four at Yellowstone

2010-08-11T21:11:00.001-07:00

Day four at Yellowstone was our make up day. It was the day that we wanted to try to catch everything that we missed before. We were able to see most everything before the day end but never did make it to Mud Volcano. Oh well that can be for next time.

Our first stop was the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail. West Thumb overlooks Yellowstone Lake, which also happens to be the largest lake at high elevation in North America. This basin pours an average of 3100 gallons of hot water into the lake every day and the temp still stays at a warm 45 degrees and that is during the summertime!

Molly is such a big sister.

This is Black Pool, which used to be black until 1991 the water temperature rose and killed all of the bacteria.

Fishing Cone. Mountain men used to catch their fish and then swing around and cook them right in the same spot.

Looking towards the abyss pool

This is the run off from the pools into the Firehole river.

Opal Pool

Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest in the park.

We made sure JuJu was attached to one of us at all times! This boardwalk made us nervous.

My family. :)

Firehole lake Drive. More information on this tomorrow with my photography safari. Travis took this pic.

Look more Bison.

Steamboat Geyser- the worlds tallest active geyser. It can throw water as high as 300ft. It last erupted in 2003.

Elk

The girls and I took a hike to some more painted pot and geysers. I wish I could remember the name but it was inbetween the Norris and Canyon areas. Poor Gracie stayed in the car.

After all of our hiking that day we headed back to the Old Faithful Inn. We were so excited to stay there, but after checking in we quickly realized that Gracie couldn't get to the room. So we were moved to the Snow Lodge. Very nice and quiet place, also one of the best meals we had in the park was there. Not to mention the FREE WiFi.

Tomorrow I will be blogging about my photo safari , our final camp out, and our ride home!!

8 X 30 Project Day 26- Day Three Yellowstone Smores and Fishin

2010-08-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

After the day before we decided to take this day easy. We planned only a guided fishing trip and then a cookout with smores at the camp ground.

The guided fishing tour was AWESOME. The guide took you out on the boat, to where the fish are, he tossed out the lines for the girls and WHAM fish! It was the best three hours of the trip and the best money spent.

Molly caught the first fish, with the first cast out!

Here she is reeling it in.

Molly's first fish!

This kid is lucky. She caught the second fish too. After this she claimed her fishing pole lucky like a true fisherman and no one could use it.

Gracie just chillin out before her big fish.

Gracie's fish. She was excited.

This was quite the lucky boat, no it didn't have anything to do with the fish finder. Shh..

Hunter's turn.

This is what JuJu did. She ate and ate and ate.

My turn! I caught the biggest one. Of course. :)

Molly, yep again, she caught like five. I just stopped taking pics.

Travis' turn. Always trying to be funny.

Molly on the ride back. She told the guy she wanted to get wet and boy oh boy did she ever get wet. She had the biggest grin on her face on the way back. I loved it and the guide loved it too. He was super!!!

Me and JuJu. I really hate pics of myself!

Then it was time to head back to the camp site.

Here are a few craptastic shots of the trailer. They are really great, especially if you are on a budget.

There was a queen bed.

This is the kitchen and eating area. We just ate outside.

This is where Gracie and Molly slept. In the two bunks.

Our bathroom. Travis would joke that he had to get into the birth position to go.

The couch folded out into a full bed.

Time for the smores!

These were some JUMBO marsh mellows.

Someone must have paid them for this shot.

That thing is about the size of her head!

Leave it to Molly to try to stuff it all in her mouth!

Really a super great third day. Tomorrow we did some more touring around and were able to see some more thermal features. I am loving looking at these pics again. We had such a great time. I can't wait to post our wiener roast.

Hope to see you soon Travis. I am getting anxious and crossing my fingers.

8 X 30 Project Day 25- Yellowstone Day Two

2010-08-09T23:54:00.000-07:00

Day two at Yellowstone was our longest. We drove the entire park, yep the entire park. We first started out on our drive to the Canyon area of the park.

On the way to the Canyon area of the park, we saw some Bison. These guys are every where in the park and don't really care if you are in the way or not. You had just better move if you are. We learned at one of our Jr. Ranger Programs that they can clear a 6 foot fence! I am still not sure I believe it but the Ranger said so I believe.

After stopping to see the Bison we headed to Artist Point. First we had a picnic lunch and then walked down to look at the Lower Falls. You can see from the pics why it is called Artist Point. The colors in the rock are formed from hydro-thermally altered rhyolite and sediments. Lower Falls is 308ft. all and falls over volcanic rock.

Next Travis and I took turns with the girls, Gracie wasn't up for a hike, to the Brink of the Upper Falls Trail. This is quite an exciting hike, ending with a great view from the very top of the falls.

Looking down the falls.

The water rushing towards the waterfall.

After checking this out for awhile we decided to keep heading north up to the Tower-Roosevelt area. On the way we stopped at this lookout where you can see the Canyon in Yellowstone.

We drove nearly up to 10,000ft. on the way to Tower-Roosevelt, the highest point in the park. Once we reached the Tower-Roosevelt area, there was no where to park and the idea of getting the kids out at this point was not in the cards. So we kept driving and unfortunately I didn't get a pic of the rock formations here. They are INCREDIBLE. I found a pic online through wikepidia, but it really doesn't do it justice. In this area some ash and lava cooled to make basalt columns. So AWESOME in person and a must see and do while you are there.

While in the area, we did find an overlook for a quick little break.

One of the many types of sunflowers in the park.

The we headed to the Mammoth Hot Springs Area. On the way we saw this Pronghorn.

Once at the springs we let the girls play awhile. It is quite an amount of driving to each area. I would say about 1hr to 1.5hrs, really just depends on animals and such. But the girls just loved to play with the ground squirrels. I am pretty sure the squirrels didn't feel the same way.

After a not so quick dinner at Mammoth Hot Springs Inn, we decided to quickly drive around the springs. Because of the stairs and elevation it would have been impossible to take Gracie up and down them too. Also there was a storm rolling in and it didn't look friendly.

At Mammoth there are terraces. The terraces are caused by hot water from the underground and mixes with carbon dioxide. This makes a weak solution of carbonic acid and dissolves the limestone that is underground also. At the surface the calcium carbonate is deposited as travertine and then over time forms the terraces. The different colors are caused by different types of bacteria and thermophiles. Which I guess really makes these structures a living thing.

This sign is not something you see everyday.

This is called Orange Spring Mound. It was crazy big and cool.

The trees in the picture are called bobby socks. They used to be living trees till the hot water rose around them. Then they were instantly petrified.

This really ended out day. It was after nine and we still had to drive from the North end of the park, where we were, to the South end of the park, where our camping site was. On the way, we saw a bunch of cars on the side of the road. This is a clear sign of animal sighting, just in case you go to Yellowstone, if there are a lot of cars stopped, there is a good chance there is an animal. So we stopped and I got out to see what everyone was looking at.

There was a mama Grizzly and a cub. The pics I took did not turn out but I took this to show you how stupid people can really be around these animals. Talk about Disney syndrome.

Yes that would be a parent and kid. The bear is in the center of the pic and the cub is in the tree on the left with the leaves.

Um...Hello? DUH!

Sorry for such the long post. I hope you guys are enjoying our pics from Yellowstone. It is truly an amazing place. I have to say out of all the places we went that day, my favorite was Tower-Roosevelt and Mammoth Hot Springs. They were just prehistoric.

Tomorrow Day Three-Our Fishing Trip and camp out!

8 X 30 Project Day 24- First Day of Yellowstone

2010-08-08T23:23:00.000-07:00

Today was our lazy Sunday, although, I am really always busy. I tackled laundry and the garage. Then there was the trip to the emergency clinic with Gracie. Turns out she is pretty allergic to bees! But other than that we just hung her at the house and tried to take it easy.

Well I am heading back to our pictures of our vacation. I have been meaning to get to them and this is the week. I am going to hopefully plow through them this next couple of days.

The first day of our trip we drove to Missoula, MT. Travis's brother lives there with his spouse and new little baby. I was very excited to meet our newest little nephew and boy is he a cutie. We also had the best pizza that night. Who would have thought pizza with cranberries, fennel, and soft cheese would totally rock! Also that night Gracie had her accident and she ended up on crutches the rest of the trip to Yellowstone. Isn't that just so the Likes family. :)

First night picnic in the park! Colee and Kailei

Armando, Travis' brother, having a great time with the girls.

I wish I could remember the name of this place. But on the left side of the photo you can see a landslide. There was an earthquake about 50 years ago. It caused this landslide and filled this lake up. It also killed a bunch of campers that were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

This is our first day in Yellowstone. We were so excited we stopped her before even going to our campgrounds.

This is Fountain Geyser. We got there just as it was about to erupt. It last about 25-30 minutes.

This is one of the many pools they have there. They are amazing. Very deep and very hot.

If I remember right these are mud pots.

Cleopsydra Geyser

This picture cracks me up.

Our first view of Old Faithful.

Juliette's favorite thing at Yellowstone. Chipbunnies-other wise known as chipmunks.

Our second time at Old Faithful. Gracie was so tired! She looked at me after this shot and said, "Mom, I am just done." With big tears. Her leg was hurting her.

We had a really great time that first day and I loved meeting my nephew. I remember how excited we were and such beauty there. It is just incredible.

Tomorrow I will blog about a couple of more days. Hope you enjoy it!

We miss you very much Travis. I hope you are hurrying home and the plans haven't changed yet again.

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge- Surprise!!!

2010-08-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

Well this weeks theme at I Heart Faces is Surprise. I thought and thought about this and finally decided on this pic. This pic was taken when my husband had returned home from a thirty day deployment, he was doing work ups to his deployment he will take later this year. My little daughter was so surprised to see her daddy walking to her after being gone so long. She just jumped out of my arms and ran to him. She is daddy's little girl.

If you would like to check out other awesome entries at I Heart Faces be sure to click on the link!!!

8 X 30 Project Day 23- New Toys, New Responsibilities

2010-08-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today another busy buys day. I was first woke up with FANTASTIC news. The ship has changed its schedule once again and I am hoping to see Travis soon. Just an example how a military family learns to be flexible. I am still trying to not get to excited, the schedule can change, but hard not too. I haven't told the girls and don't plan too till I see him in person.

Today we had a super busy day. It started off with Gracie's eye appointment. Of course it went well, she has been wearing glasses since she was 4 and is an old pro at exams. Then we headed over to Sports Authority to get Molly her new stuff for soccer. She wears a WOMENS SIZE 10 in shoes!!!!! Can you believe that and a large in shin guards. She is just getting so big.

I have to say I was very proud of Molly today. While I was in the eye place with Gracie she took Hunter and JuJu to Bartell next door, they entire time. She is such a huge help to me and such a big girl.

Then we headed to Lenscrafters to get Gracie's broken glasses replaced, this will be pair number four in a year! Good thing for their warranty. I was surprised that it took us less than an hour for her to find a pair. She looks for comfort but at the same time they have to be sassy. The first pair she wanted were too big but definitely Gracie, bright red. The pair she settled on are quite calm, but very lightweight. I think comfort out weighed style this time.

So while waiting for her glasses to be done, I took the girls to the mall. I had a secret plan in mind. Which I will explain in a few. But I also wanted to get Gracie's hair cut. So she had the total make over today. I have to say she is super duper cute now!

Now on to the mall surprise. Travis and I have been discussing this issue for sometime and I was pretty sure I would have waited awhile. I am also pretty sure I just had this conversation a few days ago with another mom. But we have decided to get Molly a phone. She will be at sports three nights a week with games on Saturday and Sunday. I am afraid with me alone with the girls that I will be depending on her friends and leaving her a lot. I felt it better to get her a phone so I can contact her and she can contact me when she needed too. I also felt that Molly is exhibiting a great amount of responsibility lately and deserved something nice that she has been wanting. She for sure deserves it. However with great fun comes great responsibility...there are limits that have been set up and she has no access to the internet at this point. This is something that she may earn at a later date and age. She has had to sign a contract and if and when it is broken she knows what will happen...she will loose her phone...period. This is her early birthday present. :)

Also if you are interested in getting Molly's new number, please email me or text me. I am approving numbers that she may have. :)

I have a feeling that I will be seeing her a lot like this. Good thing I already had unlimited texting. Yes, I text more than a teenager and yes, I do have mad texting skills. :P

Showing off her new phone.

Can you tell she is happy?

8 X 30 Project 22- XXX and Girls are Home!!!

2010-08-06T23:09:00.000-07:00

Today I drove to Lazy F Camp to pick the girls up. They had such a fantastic time at the camp. They didn't stop talking about it, even after I put them to bed tonight.

Sounds like the first two days were a little rough for them. Gracie threw up the first night, but sounded excited that she got to sleep in the nurses cabin. Then Molly had the tubbing accident and had to go to the ER for an xray on her wrist. No broken bones this time, just a pretty bad bruise.

Sounds like from their stories, they were able to do rock climbing, team building exercises, hiking, tubbing, fishing, crafts, archery, dance, drama, and a survival day with the military. That might be just half of what they told me, they told me a lot. Every child there also received a Operation Purple backpack, water bottle, cap, and Tshirt. OH...AND BOY WERE THEY DIRTY STINKY KIDS!

Gracie told me about 100 times that she ate an ant and it taste like a lemon drop. Then Molly also tried rattle snake. The Army men that came for survival day caught a rattle snake and cooked it up for the kids. They told me stories of the kids dancing around the fire with the rattle. Reminded me of Lord of the Flies. Molly even lost another tooth! That leaves only four more for her.

Operation Purple Camps are camps for Military kids, our little heros here at home. I am included this link Operation Purple Camp for more information. When it first started out there were only 1000 children and now they serve up to 30000 kids every year. What a fantastic program this is and what fantastic opportunity they have provided for my girls.

Water Olympics Gracie is in the blue.

Does this kid look happy or what?

I think this was Molly's favorite activity.

The girls she bunked with.

Looks like craft time.

Graice Jumped rope in the talent show.

Molly caught a fish.

Gracie telling the parents and the campers about the Wall of Honor. She said this is my dad Travis Likes and he is out to sea. Funny how kids are about their parents. There was one little girl who's dad has been out four times now for 15 months each.

Molly's Cabin Leaders.

So on the way home I decided to stop and have lunch with the girls at The XXX Rootbeer Drive In. This place is all out fun. Sorta like Disney and Disney like prices too. It was really fun to go and check this place out. I recommend this as a tourist stop, especially for pictures. Make sure to bring cash, and lots of it, they only except cash. I will however say this again, this is a tourist place, the root beer is good, the place is super fun, and the food is mediocre, but still a must see.

Hunter said, "Hey mom look at all those old CDs." I reply,"Um...yeah...Hunter, those are called records, they also play music." LOL

These came with the kids meals. When I was a kid I remember going to a place that had these too. Or maybe it was that mixed drink at Jungle Jims. :)

This sign just cracked me up.

Lots of fun today. A good day for us. Now to start into our routine. Gracie is getting new glasses tomorrow. Will post some pics!!!

We miss you Travis. The girls got your emails at camp. They loved them.

8 X 30 Project Day 21- Retail Therapy

2010-08-05T21:40:00.000-07:00

Still woke up pretty upset this morning, but I had promised Hunter that I would take her to the mall so she could spend some of her birthday money. It was burning a HUGE hole in her pocket. :) So this would be good to get out of the house and distract us for the day.

We first started with Build A Bear. This is one of my girls favorite spots. I am not sure why but they do really love this place.

Hunter picked out a peace bear and JuJu picked out a pinkish bear. Good think Build A Bear was having a special on their bears this week!

JuJu waits while the lady gets her bear ready to stuff.

Time to help stuff.

I just love this picture. They are wishing on the heart of the bear.

Then it is time to brush and wash your bear.

JuJu's Bear "Cinderella".

This is what happens when I tell JuJu to look at the camera.

Hunter is dressing her bear up in a peace outfit.

Hunter is adopting her bear. She named her's Victoria.

Hunter purchased her some silly bands. They are pretty cute. :)

Then off for more shopping for cool little things that girls like and then to the book store. Hunter picked out Piper Reed, Navy Brat and Gets a job. She also picked out Ramona and Beezes. I hope she likes them.

Overall the day went pretty good. Seems that the girls knew something was up because they were pretty grumpy themselves too.

Tomorrow morning we pick the other girls up. I am so excited to hear how camp went! I hope they had a terrific time.

We are missing you here Travis. :)

8 x 30 Project Day 20- Reality Sets In

2010-08-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

I don't have any pics for today sorry guys. It has been a little busy and ended with an email in my box that had news I didn't want to hear.

For those of you who didn't know. Travis had the chance to return mid August for a few weeks before he would return to sea for his longer deployment. There were rumors when he left three weeks ago that he might be coming back instead of staying out for the 8 months. Then the longer we waited for the news of the final deployment date, the more hopeful we all got and the possibility of him returning to us was becoming a reality in my mind. Even though I know as a military wife better than to do this, I did.

Tonight word came in from the CO, Commanding Officer, of the boat that the deployment will start immediately after the current exercise and they will not be returning till spring of next year. So the disappointed and sadness was immediate. The loss of hope, almost unbearable. While I am glad that we won't have to say goodbye once again, it is a reality that we won't see Travis again for a long time and the reality of what that will be like leaves unanswered questions in my mind. I feel worried, anxious, scared, and at the same time know that I can be strong, confident, and there for my girls.

Now, I have had a few things said in the past, like today, "You must be used to it.". Please do not get offended by this but, NO I do not get use to this. This is hard, possibly the hardest thing I have ever done. I have also had a comment on my blog,"...that while it is hard, to please look at the big picture". My reply to this is: It is hard for me to look at the big picture, when my big picture in life is my girls and family. It is my job to make that my number one priority. While I understand that Travis job is necessary and that I am so happy and proud of him and the sacrifices he is willing to make, I have a hard time at the same time dealing with my children, who are being "little heros" here at home. So please excuse me if I take a few seconds to self pity and not look at the big picture. :)

So now it is the time to pick myself up, dust myself off and time to chin up and move on. I am thinking it will be okay, it will be okay, it will be okay.... We can do this, school will start, then holidays, and then before we know it he will be back to us. And so reality sets in....

**Travis we love you more than words. I will miss you and your wonderful hugs and touch. I was so hoping to see and be with you again. The girls and I think of you always. JuJu was asking for you today. She wanted to go pick you up and she misses you so much. I am sad that you will miss so much of her little life, but glad that I am doing this blog for us. I miss you, you are my lifeline and it is missing. I love you with all my heart and will forever will. **

8 X 30 Project Day 19- Girls Day Out

2010-08-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

Today was quite the busy day for me. It started out great with hanging out with the Crows, but then we had to say goodbye. But that is okay, I know we will be seeing each other again in about 8 months. I can not wait!!!

Then more dental work for me. I am pretty sure by this point I have sent all three of his children to college and further. I saw he had a few new signs that light up at night too, wonder if I helped out with that too. :) No...my dentist is really great, I rather see him than my doc.

Of course the day that I have some extra time to myself, the girls were at The Nest, I couldn't EAT! So I called a friend and walked around the town center, ALL BY MYSELF! It was nice to have a phone conversation without having to stop and talk to someone else.

Then after I picked the girls up it was time for our girls day out. I met the Bishops and the Lemleys at a nail salon, so all the little girls could have a nail session. If you are local it is a super place and they ROCK with little girls. It will be the best $12 you have ever spent. While there I decided that it was time for me to be pampered too! My poor toes needed some help. :)

These ladies just loved JuJu. It was really funny. They did polka dots on her nails for her.

After all of our nails were looking fab, we got some dinner and headed to the beach for a picnic. It is so nice to just relax with the ladies while the kids play. It is alway WAY easier with two than four. Not that I don't love having my four girls, but these two are very easy together. Makes for a happy mommy.

All of the girls picked two colors, one for their toes and one for their fingers, and they got four flower all different, of course.

Thanks for the pictures Mary!!

Another busy day tomorrow. I wonder if Molly and Gracie are having a good time at camp. I hope they are eating good. I guess if they get hungry enough they will eat anything right?

Love and miss you Travis.

8 X 30 Project Day 18- Old Friends

2010-08-02T23:29:00.000-07:00

Today was a relaxing and exciting day. We had a special visit from our Oklahoma City family. The Crow family, a fellow military family, is one of the most super families that I have ever had the privilege to encounter. We haven't seen them since we left OKC over four years ago. When we left Hunter was only 2! She wasn't even JuJu's size. So it was very nice to have them come to visit. Molly and Gracie will be so sad that they missed Mindy and Megan, their best buddies in OKC. But we will be there soon for more real hugs.

I only have one pic from today. The company was just to fantastic.

Leave it to my Molly to give me the first call from camp. She had a tubing accident. They thought she broke her wrist, but all is good and it is just a bruise. She was happy and so was I . :)

8 X 30 Project Day 17- Girls go to Camp

2010-08-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

Today was the day that was anxiously awaited by Molly and Gracie. They were so excited about their Operation Purple Camp that they couldn't sleep last night. Funny too because I was worried that I would have a hard time dropping them off and that they wouldn't want to go. Operation Purple camp is a camp for military kids with deployed parents. It is completely free too!

We got to the camp early and were able to look around some. It is a very nice camp and the leaders looked really nice too. Most were very young, which to be honest concerns me, but there were some older folk in the mix too. I got the girls registered and then settled into their bunks. They are in the same cabin but in different bunk rooms. I think Gracie lucked out with the super suite. Gracie is team orange and Molly is team green. Molly and Gracie did notice that most kids there had their dads with them, I think that made them a little sad, but they knew what they were there for. After settling them into their rooms, we made name necklaces and then it was time to say goodbye.

Molly's Pad

Gracie's Pad

Now like I said I thought it was going to be this big long drawn out process, but Molly took off running before I could even say goodbye, I called her back of course for kisses, and Gracie said, "Okay mom, I love you. See you later." I offered to walk them to their games and was denied access. I guess I am getting embarrassing for them now. Kind of really sad in a way, but very good too.

Saying Goodbye, not a single tear, except for JuJu who screamed for Gracie the whole time. Funny since they annoy each other all the time!

Girls missed you today Travis and I missed my driver! That is a long drive by myself!!!

Finally and last but not least, what is a single mom of four suppose to do when she needs her carpets cleaned on a budget? That's right let the Kirby guy in. LOL

Love and miss you bunches Travis. <3

8 X 30 Project Day 16- Happy 7th Birthday Hunter

2010-07-31T23:56:00.000-07:00

Today is Hunter's birthday and I made sure to make it extra special for her. We had horse lessons, so instead of waiting for the girls we went shopping. Okay, okay, it was at Wal-Mart, but hey we never go there and I let her have two Zuu Zuu Pets. :) Side note: Ever notice how much junk food Wal-Mart has, there is a TON! But after the lessons I took her to the store to let her pick out her very special cake. I had planned on doing ice cream sundaes, but she made a special cake request. I have to say she did a great job too.

We had some of our Navy shooter family over tonight for her birthday. The kids just have a fab time and I am pretty sure the mommies do too. Hunter had a super time and even had a couple of cards and presents to open too!

This is Hunter opening her card from us. It makes fart noises. Go figure. :)

I just loved this pic, how Bella is smiling at Hunter.

Ever wonder what kids wish for?

I will apologize in advance. I would normally try to pick my favorite five of the pic session, but Travis isn't here and I want to show him the pics! Besides, I honestly couldn't narrow it down!!!! Enjoy, my sweet little angel is seven!

Travis we missed you today. I am glad you were able to give Hunter a call though. It made her day. We miss and love you much!

Happy Birthday Hunter

2010-07-31T00:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Sweet Hunter. Mommy and Daddy love you more than words can express. When we first saw your beautiful little face, we just knew we were so blessed to have you. What a joy you have been to our lives. We love the little girl that you are growing up to be. We love your smile and the way you laugh. We love that you are so determined and sometimes not to happy that you are stubborn. But then that wouldn't be you then would it! Keep your strength and humor Hunter, you are an amazing young lady. Mommy, Daddy, Molly, Gracie, and Juliette are very blessed to have you in our lives.
Happy Birthday my sweet little angel.

8 x 30 Project Day 15- Friday Friday

2010-07-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

Well not to much on the list of things to do today, well not anything exciting anyways. But I did get to do a session with Hunter for her 7th birthday. Funny thing...the other girls were mad that I didn't invite them to have their pictures taken. Any other day it would have been a fight.

Here are a few of Molly and Gracie:

Hmm..these uploaded a little grey. You guys let me know what you see. :)

Then it was Hunter's turn, these are my silly outtakes from her. Tomorrow for her birthday I will post her seven year pics. Might be hard for me to just pic one for print.

Tomorrow is Hunter's birthday. We have horse lessons in the morning and a small party in the evening planned for Hunter. Just a few friends for pizza and ice cream. Should be fun.

8 X 30 Project Day 14- Goin' to the Zoo Zoo Zoo

2010-07-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today is two weeks , 1/16th done with the deployment, and it seems to be going fairly easy. We have our hard times and emotional times, but I think that it is really getting much easier. I think that in a couple of months we will start to have a little downer, but I will have to have something planned for us to keep our minds and bodies busy. Then before we know it, I will be blogging about Travis' homecoming!

Today was Gracie' orthodontist check up. Great news, no braces right now, but she does have to have a couple of teeth sanded down or removed for space purposes. I really hope the sanding down works, who likes to have teeth pulled. OUCH!

Then after lunch we were off to the Woodland Park Zoo. We met some new friends from Clickinmoms at the zoo today. I am always nervous about meeting new people, but this was like we had been friends forever. The two older girls were instant friends and other girls just loved each other. Of course there is always that pesty little sister too. :)

Emma and Molly, instant friends.

I am just loving this pic of Gracie.

Another cute one of Gracie, of course.

I am so glad that my kids are not the only kids that give me this face when taking pics. :)

Gracie, Lauren, and JuJu.

You know everyone has to love JuJu.

Gracie took this pic. I was using the D700 to take a pic for Monica. Yep Travis, I really want one now.

Hunter is always so serious.

I wish I would have asked them to look at me. I am glad that Monica got one though. I just think it is too sweet!

Gracie begged me to take a pic of her here, hot spots and all. :)

I am glad that I am not the only mom doing this. I am in fabulous company.

When do you think her teeth will come in?

This place was a hit. Lauren just LOVED the birds. Wait till she comes to our house, bird heaven.

Travis look who made it into the bird house this year!!!! No crying and standing outside.

She is so proud.

JuJu looks like she is screaming but she is really squealing. She LOVED the birds.

We had a fabulous time. I am so glad that I was able to meet someone new in this area. And equally glad that the girls just loved each other. It is very nice to have friends here. Thanks for the day Monica, Emma, and Lauren! We hope to see you soon.

Travis we really missed you today. The girls blew you kisses tonight at bed time. Love you.

8 X 30 Project Day 13- Busy Busy

2010-07-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

Again another busy day for us. It really seems to never stop.

Today started off bright and early with a visit to the dr for Molly. Poor thing had to have a wart froze off of her hand. She was brave but it was hurting her pretty bad tonight before bed.

Then after lunch we headed out again to drop Hunter and JuJu at The Nest, while Gracie and Molly went with me to my appointment. Finally JuJu is so happy to go the Nest. She doesn't even say goodbye to me anymore.

After my appointment, I picked the girls back up and we headed to the vet for peg leg bird. While getting out of the car Hunter decided to have a meltdown. I decided to snap a few pics to show you guys, yes it does happen. LOL Hunter was not happy at all!!!!!

The vet visit went well and Charlie got her stitches out of her toe. She is still wearing the cone of shame but that is fine with me. She only has five toes left.

By this time it was time to feed the girls, so I decided to make a special night and head to Teddy's Bigger Burger in Woodinville. The girls and I just love this place. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is just a ton of fun.

Hunter in a much much better mood.

JuJu excited to eat!!

This is Travis the fish since he "shoots" rocks out of his mouth. Yep, you are welcome to take that one and run. :)

Lovin the aquarium.

This one is for you Travis. YUMMY!

Molly showing JuJu how to do a padgent face.

JuJu putting on her show.

Gracie getting down too. My girls are not shy.

Overall today was a really great day. Got to talk to my sister, FINALLY and a super duper friend. The girls were good, with one exception. :) Then we had a great dinner and a little fun time afterward. I almost forgot, according to the girls the best part was the movie tonight. I love movie night with the girls.

Tomorrow we have a orthodontic appt and a trip to the zoo. We are meeting one of our online friends from clickinmoms at the zoo!!

We miss you and love you much Travis!!

8 X 30 Project Day 12- Just keep swimming.

2010-07-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

Today was another busy day, it seems to happen a lot in the Likes' household. But we started with a trip to the consignment store. We dropped off some clothes, who knew it was time to turn in your fall/winter clothes and it just got warm here. Then back home to clean up and make lunches. After lunch we headed to the Dr. for Hunter. She fell last week on a trampoline and hurt her knee. So I figured that after five days of hearing her complain about it, it was time to go to the dr. :) Turns out she dislocated her knee cap and it went back in. But they are thinking that the reason she can be okay on minute and not the next is that she has hyper flexed the muscles and now it might happen often. The PA prescribed RICE, of course, and a cool looking ace bandage for support. She has to stay off of it for the most part for two weeks, then see how it feels, if not better then come back. Let's just hope it gets better.

Then we headed back home to eat dinner, yummy swiss chard chicken and rice! One of Travis' favs and my favorite too since I can freeze it for lunches. After a yummy dinner we went swimming at the Y.

This was my first time on my own with the girls in the pool, but I think we did good. It helps to have all of the lifeguards on duty too. But JuJu is such the little fish now, Travis you wouldn't believe it. Tonight she would stand on my knees and jump off backwards, swim underwater back to me, and when she came up she would say to me, "I GOT YOU!". It was so funny. Finally after thirty minutes of this I was afraid she might drown from being tired and made her get out. You can imagine her being extremely happy about this. We all know that JuJu is not one to keep her opinions to herself.

Sorry for the quality of my pics today. I forgot my camera and was stuck with the iphone. :/

I am glad that I was able to take the girls to the pool tonight. I was so worried about how it would work, but really it wasn't a big deal at all, even I had a great time. Today was a great day for the girls and their behavior too. Not a single outburst, no one fought, and Gracie wore her glasses all day without taking them off. That last one is a huge feat. Matter of fact, Travis you won't believe this, but she actually bought some converse like shoes today for camp and is wearing them with shorts. I know, who is this kid and what have they done with Gracie.

Another Dr. appt in the morning for Molly and then a vet appt in the afternoon. Should be busy!

Note from Juliette:
b.b//b/bb'/'n//nb / n ccjhjjmgj knnn]jz,,xx,x,,, mmmm mm mm mmm ,

Translated( I asked her what it says) Whispering- Daddy's on the boat and please come home.

We miss you and love you.

8 X 30 Project Day Eleven- Good Mommy?

2010-07-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

So lately, especially since Travis has left, I have felt very criticized and honestly just like a horrible mother. Now, I am sure that I am not a horrible mother, but when you see your children struggle like I have the past two weeks and everything you try doesn't work, then really where does the blame lay.

The girls do have their outburst, not usually in public but it does happen. When it does I am quick to end it. I already bring so much attention to me with having four children. Daily during our outings I get comments like, "Are all those yours?", "Four Girls huh? You must have your hands full.", and "Trying for that boy next?". First, yep those are all mine. I usually don't make a habit of going on errands with someone's four other children. Second, I do have my hands full and why don't you lend me a hand. Finally, no, if I have my handsful, I for sure don't need a boy, or another girl for that matter.

It was brought to my attention this weekend that my kids might need to talk to someone, action was already in motion, but while giving this unwanted or asked for advice, I was made to feel like I was the worst mom. Like what am I doing wrong, why do people see my girls has horrible little beings or avoid us like the plaque. They have their days, they are not bipolar, as suggested by the same person. Yes, it is normal for children to be find one second and not the next. I am pretty sure I know some adults like this too. But at the same time, I can't help but think, "What am I doing wrong?" and "They are good kids, aren't they?".

At the same time while feeling hurt by my friends opinions, I also felt, and still feel, angry. Why is it that people feel the need to give unwanted advice? Did it help me or them? Have you walked in my shoes for a mile? I have struggled with these girls for most of the time that we have lived here in WA. They had three different addresses within three months and a dad that deployed during that same time. I am not making excuses for their behavior, because bad behavior is bad behavior, but I am saying give them a break. And for that matter give me a break too.

I am feeling like one person stretch between four little people that need me in totally different ways. And why do I feel like a horrible mother? I just can't do it. I can't be there for them all the time and I feel extremely guilty. I feel guilty that I can't give them each the attention that they individually need. I feel exhausted and worried by this, by what am I doing to them and how can I help them is a daily worry and question in my mind.

So in the future, if you happen to see a mommy in a store with her four little ones, and she looks like she might pull her hair out, please stop and tell her how beautiful and well behaved her children are. Tell her she must be a wonderful mommy to have them here like this. Even if it isn't the truth, it will make her day.

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge- Purple

2010-07-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

So this week at I heart faces the photo challenge is purple. I am always wanting to do these challenges but never feel like I have a worth while picture. But this week's the theme is purple and knowing that I just had one of the cutest little newborns ever to photograph, I just KNEW I needed to take a deep breath and enter this week. Yep, still working on updating the blog so you guys, and Travis can see bigger pics. So if you want please click on the pic to see it much better. :)

Please be sure to check out the other fab entries at I heart faces

8 X 30 Project Day Ten- Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

2010-07-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

Today was a very special day indeed! Gracie, Hunter, Juliette, Leticia, and I were able to attend a Mariners game. Mariners were playing the Boston Red Socks and boy oh boy did we ever have the good seats. I won tickets at Hunter's gymnastic silent auction, not realizing what a special deal it was. We were four rows back from the Red Socks Dugout. I mean we could see the beads of sweat on these guys!!! AWESOME.

The girls had a blast and only asked to go up to the concessions once because they were hot. You know the 84 degree temps were getting to them. :) But after a quick cool down and some dippin dots, they were ready to head back down to watch the game. They also quickly caught on that inbetween endings you could go down and talk to the guys in the dugout, another AWESOME!!

Surprise, Surprise... Mariners won 4-2 and what a fantastic game to make those runs right at the end. If you can't tell we had a really super time. After the game the girls were given the opportunity to run the bases. I mean how cool is that!

Enjoy the pics, I could not and still can not find my 50-200mm lens, so I only used my 35mm lens. But do I ever wish I had the longer lens. It would have been the best!!!

Please be sure to click on the pic to see it bigger. They are pretty neat.

So because I have never been to a baseball game before and don't follow it, I can't tell you who is who. Sorry. I do know it is the BRS pitching.

I just love this. The catcher is looking way up at the fowl ball.

Hunter surviving the heat.

I am guessing this is the BRS coaches.

Getting ready to bat.

Mom I am SO HOT!

This guy cracked me up with how he would swing the bat over his head.

The flag means just a little more to us this year.

Of course we had peanuts!!

BRS pitching now.

This guy struck out and had a few choice words to say.

Another strike out and more choice words.

Mariners up to bat and getting it done.

Sliding in to home.

Another RUN!

Hunter and Gracie running the bases. Gracie is wearing the plaid dress and Hunter is in the blue shirt with pink ball cap.

Gracie crosses home plate!!

Hunter makes it home too!

Thanks for looking at all of our pics! I know Travis will enjoying seeing a bit of what we did and saw. I can't wait to take the girls back. As we were leaving they were already begging to come back. Of course the seats won't be that good, but I think they will still like it very much.

We miss you so much today Travis. I know how much you wanted to be here to take the girls. Love you and miss you.

8 X 30 Project Day Nine- Purple Haze Part 2

2010-07-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

Well here it is, part two of our lavender field visit. Girls are still talking about it and I love my fresh cut lavender. Today I was even asked when we could go back!! There is one field here in Marysville, closer to me, so I might have to check it out for second round.

The girls and I were very very busy today. We had Apple Camp Film Festival, you can see their video on my Facebook. Then off to horse back riding lessons. Molly is taking them now too. I think this will be good for both of them, Gracie and Molly. Then home, to get showers and to sleepovers. It is just the three younger girls and me tonight, much quieter if you subtract one. Wonder why that is?

Tomorrow we are heading to a Mariners game. I bid on some tickets at Hunter's Gymnastics silent auction and won. Not really knowing what I was bidding on, but it turned out to be a DEAL. We are sitting on the third base line, ten rows up! Not to mention they are playing the Boston Red Socks and the kids get to run the bases afterward. Hopefully they last that long. Can't wait to share the pics from tomorrow.
Now on to the pics:

That would not be a happy scream. :)

JuJu was playing peak a boo with me.

Linda, JuJu and Gracie in the Lavendar. Still can't get over how tall it was.

Yummy Peppermint Lavender ice cream.

Caught a bumble bee. They were everywhere. You could hear them in the bushes.

JuJu picking some lavender.

The girls just loved this.

We got to get more. :)

They loved these chickens. Molly wanted to take home the zebra one.

I LOVE this picture of Molly.

Leticia and Gracie. Leticia is my longtime friend and Gracie's Godmother.

Always silly.

On our way home, Mt. Rainier was in its full glory. I shot this from the ferry.

Travis we hope you are safe. We miss you very much and hope you are enjoying our pictures. Love to you.

8 X 30 Project Day Eight- Purple Haze

2010-07-23T22:54:00.000-07:00

Well today was quite the busy busy day. We woke up early, hit the ferry, and headed to Sequim, WA. I met Tim and his wife, Linda, there and they were the best tour guides available in all of WA! Not to mention very patient with 4 girls in tow. If you remember Tim took the pic of JuJu last year in the tulips and this year too. It was so great to finally meet his better half too. I am pretty sure the girls just LOVE her.

We visited two lavender farms, John Wayne Marina, and the Dungeness River Bridge, all very nice places. The girls got to taste their very first lavender ice cream and lavender lemonade. They loved picking the lavender and I think we might have to have a chicken now after our visit to the chickens. Really, really a super great time.

Hopefully Tim and Linda will welcome us back soon to visit again. We can't wait to try out the Olympic Game Farm.

I am going to break the pics into two blogs, I have a ton, and to be completely honest I want to watch a movie. :) So enjoy my sneak peak!!!

The Lavender is just amazing and the bushes are taller than JuJu.

This might be one of the best pics I got of JuJu. She is like herding cats, well they all are, and the sun was just way bright!

This is at the bridge. Gracie was quite the model and there were three photogs just lovin' it!

Hunter well you know, she is cute as always, well at least she looks cute.

Molly, poor Molly, had an allergic reaction while visiting the lavender fields and had to take some benedryl. This made her into a prickly tween.

8 X 30 Project Day Seven - Always running Late

2010-07-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

Well most of you, you know that I am pretty much running a little behind getting anywhere. I really try and have good intentions of getting things done and to places on time, but it never seems to happen. Okay I shouldn't say never, since there is not a such things as never and always. But it does happen a lot to me!

So yesterday, our day seven, was super busy. We were preparing for the arrival of a good friend. It also happened that my camera battery was dead, of course, and I didn't realize it till we were heading out the door to run some errands and over to a friends house for dinner and some play time. Seems like that ~~always~~ happened to me too!! But we did have a great dinner and finally made it to the airport very late to pick up our longtime friend Leticia.

Travis heads out of port today, which means a long time without hearing his voice. We will still have email and the email text but that is it for now. I am glad we were able to be talking with him this first week though. I think it does make it a little easier and when he calls at night a little less lonely too.

I took the pic above last year in May while on a whale watching cruise with my sister. I just thought it was so beautiful. What a strong person that is standing there waiting for her fisherman husband to come home. I like to think that this lady with her children, I say children since I know she has more than the one hanging on her leg, is standing there taking care of business, with her head held high and love in her heart. I often look back to this picture for encouragement and strength. The first week has been one of the hardest that we have had to deal with. The girls had difficult time adjusting to Travis leaving this time.While I feel like I am not the best mom in the world, happened a lot this week, I know that we can over come and also still have love in our hearts too. Maybe even work on not being late too.

Day Eight should be great. Lavender!!!

8 X 30 Project Day 6 - Memories

2010-07-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Well today was pretty busy and the camera stayed here at the house. So the girls and I thought we would put their newly found skills at iMove to the test. Most, about 99%, of these have never been seen by anyone, besides us of course. We took them with the intentions of sharing them but never did. And most Travis has never seen since he would be deployed. The girls are pretty proud of their work and I hope you enjoy an intimate look into our memories.

Please feel free to scroll to the bottom and turn the music off to listen to the girls.

Memories that make us smile.

Travis we hope you enjoyed your movie that we made for you and can forgive us for any embarrassing moments. We miss and love you very much.

8 X 30 Project Day Five- Apple Camp

2010-07-20T23:37:00.000-07:00

Well today was the second day of Apple Camp. This is quite the camp and the girls are LOVING it. I honestly can't believe that it is free. The camp this year is for kids ages 8-12 and held at the Apple Store. The theme is Lights, Camera, Camp. The girls are learning how to shoot a movie starting with a story board, to editing it, and finally presenting it at the film festival on Saturday. The girls will receive a camp t-shirt, camp pins, a certificate, and a DVD of their final product. I am hoping to be able to put it up on here on Saturday. So if anyone has experience with video and blogger please email me. :)

Gracie was the director and camera person. Although I am pretty sure there were stronger personalities that intervened. Girls...what can I say.

The girls getting started on editing their movie in iMovie.

JuJu the two year old that knows how to use the iPad better than me.

She looks tired but happy to be in one of her favorite stores. Maybe someone should tell her that most kids her age like a playground.

I am pretty sure that kid is checking Molly out. Funny I didn't notice till I was looking over my pics.

Graice, Mia, and Molly acting silly. I had a nice shot of them together, but this one was funnier. They are a bunch of clowns.

WE MISS YOU TRAVIS!!!!!

8 X 30 Project Day Four- Busy Busy

2010-07-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

Well today was very busy and I need to really buy that special camera bag that have been wanting for so long! It would be much easier for me to carry around my camera and the items I need in my purse, without ruining my camera. But I don't have to convince you guys, do I? Hopefully pics of that beauty to follow soon.

So today was the start of Apple Camp. I didn't remember my camera, but promise some pics tomorrow. It is really a great idea they have come up with and what a way to sell your computers to future consumers too. Molly, Mia, and Gracie learned how to work iMovie and then were handed a camera and a way they went. They also received free shirts and pins. Can't beat that for a totally FREE camp.

After getting everyone home from our doctor appointment, dinner, and then Molly off to Mia's house. The rest of the girls and I came home, cleaned up and got ready for bed. By the time I took the two older girls upstairs, kissed them, and came back down stairs JuJu was crashed out on the couch. She is to sweet! This is also the only pic that I cranked out today. But also my first attempt using a flash while shooting in manual.

So I thought with lack of really anything interesting. :) I would put up some pics from Travis promotion to Lieutenant Commander. I know I had promised, so here we go.

I don't have to many pics. It was "suggested" by the Air Boss to watch the ceremony with my eyes and not my viewfinder. There are pics from the PAO but I haven't seen them yet, so sorry for the craptastic (Can that count as my Sarah Palin new word?) pics.

Before assuming his new rank Travis has to be sworn in. This is what he said:

I, Travis H. Likes, solemnly reaffirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will continue to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution and the Country whose course it directs, and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation. So help me God.

Molly and Juliette take off the old rank.

Gracie and Hunter put on the new rank.

Doesn't Travis look so thrilled? Maybe he is really looking forward to all of that paperwork or useless task he will be giving out.

We went back to Travis' room so he could change.

Just in case you are curious where he sleeps. Bottom Bunk.

Little quick family pic.

Not to sure about these "blueberries" pretty interesting. And I think Kylie is right about the flight suit, but I will keep this site family friendly. :)

And as promised from my first post a pic of fireworks. Finally got to it!!!

8 X 30 Project Day Three- Just Hanging Out

2010-07-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

Well today the Likes girls just hung out at the house. Something we don't do to often, but nice when we finally get the chance to do it. My favorite days are the days that I can wear my pjs, take a shower, and get back into my pjs. Everyone knows I love my comfy pants and if it were possible I would wear them everywhere!

Got the girls just hanging out tonight after their baths. They like to hang out our my bed and watch TV like a slumber party.

Just a little bit of reality. This is not even half of my laundry that I have to fold.

JuJu doesn't have much of an attention span for the Disney shows, so Gracie took her into the other room to play with her.Yesterday at Rowdy Rascals we were able to pick up these cool little magnet blocks. I think they are called Magforms?

Do you think she is really reading this?

Everyone has to try to get into the shot!

JuJu isn't about to share that new ball.

Hunter always the clown. There were fart noises and a diarrhea song that went along with this face.

Beleive it or not, she requested this pic.

The girls and I are "getting along". I think today was the hardest so far, but I also think that is normal. The reality of Travis being gone is starting to sink in and the morning was a little depressing for us all.

We are missing you bunches Travis and love you much!! We hope to hear from you soon and look forward to that email. <3

8 X 30 Project Day Two- Gracie Rides

2010-07-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

Today and most every Saturday Gracie has her riding lessons. Normally this is Travis and Gracie's little thing they do together. I am very very allergic to horses, like Gracie's clothes bother me or just riding in the same car with her after riding too. So I thought what a better thing to post then what Travis would have done today.

For those of you in riding, yes Gracie is not wearing riding boots. She has not been to riding in about a month and during that time she out grew her boots, of course we didn't find out till this morning. So to keep it safe she just did horse in hand work. She learned how the Spaniards teach their horse to "step small" and how the first year students ride on a lunge line for up to two years! I think it was good for Gracie to learn something new, even though she was disappointed not to be riding Cabby!!

I just love the Gracie faces. :)

While this is not a great shot. I just love that Gracie and Cabby are making the same face.

After riding we went downtown Snohomish for some festival activities. Unfortunately we were to late to sign up for the ice cream and watermelon eating contest that the girls wanted to do. But we were able to score some really cute bows!! And some super cool blocks from Rowdy Rascals, our favorite toy story.

Yes, Travis I really did need this bow. I mean look how cute she is in it!

8 X 30 Project

2010-07-17T01:23:00.000-07:00

Well I have come up with an idea to not only keep Travis in our loop here at home but to keep me busy too. I am going to "attempt" a picture, or maybe even a few, everyday while Travis is out to sea.

My first post is a few shots that I took tonight at the Fire in the Sky Friday in Snohomish. The girls and I had a blast!!! Tomorrow we are heading to the street fair of the Kla Ha Ya Days. Great small town fun!!

If you would like to see the pic bigger please just click on the pic. Bare with me I will be upgrading very soon to a newer blog where we can have much larger pics!!

Hopefully tomorrow I will have some firework pics for you!!! Miss and Love you very much Travis!

Our Adventure to the Olympics

2010-06-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

Well no sooner than Travis took leave did we hit the road. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Olympic side of Washington. It is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been and there is just so much to do. We stayed in the same cabin at LaPush, I highly recommend this for anyone heading this way. It is such a beautiful place and right on the beach. If you wanted you would really never have to leave to enjoy yourself. And not to mention the people there are just fantastic.

On our first day we Travis got off of work and we drove out to the cabin. We had dinner in Forks at our now favorite pizza place. Shortly afterward, while shopping at the Thirfty-Way Gracie lost her dinner in the middle of the store!!! Can you imagine the mess? I felt so bad for her, she was so embarassed, but felt almost completely better afterwards. I guess better out than in is right!

The next morning we headed out to the HOH Rainforest. The HOH Rainforest can get over 12 feet of rain ever year. It is also one of few rainforest in the US. Not know how the girls would do hiking we decided to start small, really small. So we stopped at the Big Spruce, not kidding this is what it is called.

Then after our very quick hike we headed for the visitor center and to start our Jr Ranger badges and our next hike. We decided to do the Hall of Mosses. The weather was just beautiful and the sun was starting to finally show its face.

Gracie is hard at work on her Jr. Ranger Badge.

I can see blue skies!

The girls getting sworn in as Jr. Rangers.

After the Rainforest, we headed back to Forks for a late lunch. Then onto another hike to Second Beach. This hike was the real tester for the girls and how they would do a longer hike and with some incline. It is a 1 mile each way with a little over a 200ft elevation climb. Once on the beach we just had to carry JuJu and Hunter over all the washed up logs on the beach. It was so worth it too! The tide pools were so amazing!

The next day was heading home day but we had a couple of stops planned on the way. First we stoped at Madison Falls. I very easy walk, paved and a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for the tip Tim!

After a visit to the Falls we quickly stopped for lunch in Port Angles and then headed up to Hurricane Ridge. Hurricane Ridge is 5300 feet up and you can see the Olympic Mountains and all lands and Oceans surrounding it. It was such a beautiful drive up and we even stopped along the way to look at wildlife and have a snow ball fight.

Can't say that I have ever seen this kind of sign before!

Our Sound of Music Pose.

So we decided to drive this road past the visitor center. This is the curb and the amount of space we had on the side of the road.

Yep that is a tree and a drop off.

So are you guys singing, "The hills are alive..."? This was a fantastic trip and I can't wait to go back. There is so much to do and see. I think next time we will hike a little further and stay more on the North part of the Olympics.

We leave tomorrow for Yellowstone. If there is internet, yeah right, I will try to blog often.

Rock Your Camera 201- Week 4 Clicknmoms

2010-06-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

Well this is the last week of my workshop and I am extremely sad to see it end. I love all the women that I have met and most importantly the skills and self confidence that I have gained through both of the classes that I have taken.

This week is all about candids, Lifestyle photography, and shooting in a high ISO and making it work. We also through this class have learned the entire Lr for editing, more than I ever knew! This week was making our own presets and converting our images to black and white.

Here is what I did:

My candid:

My Lifestyle shoot: I decided to use my whale watching photos. I forgot my long lens so there are no pics of whales. But boy oh boy did we ever see some! 89 to be correct!

My thrilled little beast.

Also my high ISO shot. 1600 the highest my little crop camera can do.

Can you tell Gracie is excited about seeing so many whales?

Another high ISO shot. ISO 1600

Gosh, what a hard goodbye to such a great class and what a great thing I did for myself. I am proud of how far I have come and how much I have learned. Looking forward to the next workshop, GET TO WORK LYNNE! :)

Rock Your Camera 201- Week 3 Clicknmoms

2010-06-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

This week was my absolute favorite week! We had the assignment to do a silhouette, reflection/shadow, and a night shot. With no sun lately here in the PNW the sunburst and shadows were completely out of the picture, no pun intended. But I was able to get these shots and really like them a lot.

Silhouette

Reflection-

I snapped this one at the Vancouver Aquarium, in between the rain showers.

Night Shot

Fun Night Shot- The neighbors must think we are super crazy waving the flashlight around at 11pm.

I got very good CC, this week. I was surprised considering how boring a couple of my shots were, but I really did have a super great time this week!

This week is our final week. We are suppose to get some pretty interesting shots. Can't wait to show you next week!

Rock Your Camera 201- Week 2 Clicknmoms

2010-05-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

Week two of my workshop really was a difficult one. I was dealing with no sun and three sicko kids at home. Strep and Hand, Foot, and Mouth are never a ton of fun!

This week we learn a little bit more about curves and how it is used in Lightroom. Our shots had to consist of two shots full sun, halo/haze, and a golden hour shot. All pretty hard to get when there is no sun! But the sun did eventually come out and this is what I got.

I did get some good CC and some okay CC mainly with some of my colors. I think that if I get my monitors calibrated I will be good to go. But overall I did very well.

Full Sun

Full Sun #2

Halo/Haze

I had a little difficulty with this one since it get dark here so late and the girls were too sick to take out.

Golden Hour#1

Poor Hunter has strep and was running a temp of 103.

Golden Hour #2

Golden Hour #3

Most everyone that has CC my pics so far really love the Golden light #2 and #3. I am really enjoying this workshop, it would be a lot more fun if the sun would come out more, but still I am learning just so much! It is really terrific.

We are off to Canada this weekend. I can't wait to blog about our trip!

Thirty Days

2010-05-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

So while waiting for Travis to tell me I have the A OK to go and get him. I decided to waist some time taking some pictures of JuJu. What a better way to waist time and calm some anxious nerves. I was pleasantly surprised and sorta wished I would have been able to turn some of this in for my workshop!

Now on to what you really came here for.

Travis came home today and while driving to pick him up it was hard to hold back tears. While biting my lip I wondered if I was crying because I would be so happy to see him or that I would finally get a break from the girls or just that I am realizing that this is really not the end of something but really just the start.

Travis was gone 30 days this time. While that might be short to some, but gone is gone. Travis missed 30 days of hugs, kisses, school, teeth lost, and boo boos. We missed 30 days of daddy, hugs, love, tutor, tooth fairy, and maker of boos boos better.

Travis will be home for two months and then start on our long journey. I am going to call it the 30 X 8 Tour. So we will miss everything above and more X 8. And while I am glad that he will only be here with us a very short time, I am in a hurry for him to leave so we can get this started and have homecomings like today.

Baby JuJu and I walked down to the wharf to meet Travis. The older girls where in school.

Thirty days of Kisses.

Thirty Days of Hugs.

Thirty days of night nights.

Thirty days of wheres my daddy.

Thirty days of long lonely nights.

Thirty days of little girls tears.

Thirty Days of Boo Boos.

Thirty Days of waiting for that email.

Thirty days of I miss you and hope to see you soon.

Thirty days of events lost.

Thirty days of will daddy call me today?

Thirty Days of our family being just one short.

Erases in an instant...

Rock Your Camera 201- Week 1

2010-05-17T00:41:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am taking another workshop. I find it really helps pass the time when Travis is gone and give me such self confidence. I am finding out that workshops for me are the way to go. They are interactive and I have a deadline. If I didn't it would get pushed under the rug till I found the time to do it.

This is the first week. We are learning the basics of Lightroom, such as importing, exporting, and the basic editing panel. Also we are learning compesition, there are three basic shots the head, 2/3 body, and full length shot.

Our assignment this week was to take three pics, one of each of the different styles and edit them using the basic paneling screen. Then we are to sign up for a professional printer and have these three shots printed and two from our previous portfolio.

I am so anxious about this class this week. I think mainly because I really haven't had the time to dedicate to it. I am such a perfectionist and found so manly flaws in my shots, but wanted to get it done for Travis' homecoming too. I submitted tonight with one hand over my eyes and hoping for no horrid comments.

Here are the shots that I chose:

1. Head Shot
I chose this, well to be honest, I accidentally deleted the my favorite shot and this was my second favorite. UGH! But I love that I have a pic of her now with no front teeth too!

2. 2/3 Body Shot
I wasn't to sure about this one but I like the pose and I like the fact that I can see the blue in her eyes too.

3. Full Body Shot
I really do love this shot. It is just sweet like Molly.

Here are my other two shots that I chose from my portfolio:

Since I posted so late tonight I am not sure what my CC will be, but I am sure that it won't all be good, but it will be a learning experience no matter what. And know what, I will be that much better next week because of it!

Update from Travis

2010-05-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Travis sent me some pictures this morning of what he does at work and thought I would share them with you. He has been gone about a month now. He will return but only to leave us for about nine months. We are all very sad, but we will get through it and have him home soon.

Travis is a Shooter aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. He "shoots" and receives the planes on the deck of the aircraft carrier. Travis is the guy in the yellow vest.

OH and YES I am making fun of Travis with my music selection.

I hope I label these right, but I think here he is signaling to the pilot to light the afterburners.

Signaling the to fire the catapult.

Aircraft going off the end of the deck after shooting it.

Setting catapult up for aircraft fire.

Travis with the centerdeck operator.

Getting ready to hook up aircraft to cat.

Signaling that the aircraft ordnance is being armed.

Signaling pilot to go to full military power.

Signaling to fire, right after plane started stroke.

Travis with some weird fungus growing on him. YUCK!

Vampires and Werewolves

2010-05-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

We all decided to take a trip two weekends ago to Forks and La Push, WA. There were the Lemleys, Mary and her three children, and the Likes girls. Yep, you read that right, 7 children and two crazy ladies. We decided to rent a 12 passenger van and drive together. I felt like the queen of the road trucking in this huge thing!

I appologize in adavance. This is a very long post, mainly with pics so I think you will enjoy it!

The Beast

Doesn't it look fun?

After arriving in Forks we stopped for some dinner and picked up some supplies at the store where Bella used to work. Everyone is very nice there in Forks, but I would think this is a great income for their community.

The next morning, Mary made us all a yummy breakfast and we headed out to Forks for some shopping and the Twilight tour.

The Welcome Sign

Likes and Lemley Kidos

Some of the girls got to try on Bella's work vest.

We decided to do some shopping first at the Dazzled by Twilight store.

Gracie is Team Werewolf.

Then we continued on with the driving tour.

Bella and Edward's High School

Dr. Cullen's Work Place

Bella's House

Bella's Dads work

The Cullens House- the real one is in Oregon.

Bella's Truck

The girls got to try on Dr. Cullen's lab coat while visiting the Forks visitor center.

This is how much rain Forks has had this year so far. I now know why Vampires live here!

While at the visitor center we found the perfect place for some quick pics. The girls called this Hagard's house. It really did look like it.

After our photo session we were ready to head back to the cabin, but on the way decided to take a detour to Rialto Beach. The weather was very windy and the waves were crazy.

After we were done at the beach, we decided to play tourist one last time at the treaty line.

The view from our cabin.

Always time for some more pics of the girls right?

The Lemley Kids

More pics of the girls.
We had a great time with the jumping shots and really the only to get them to let me take pics of them!

Molly took this one of me and JuJu.

Um, yes, I was afraid that she would fall and break a bone!

The kids.

This driftwood was huge!

Another picture of La Push, First Beach, Wa.

Even though at times it was crazy, I would do it all over again. We all had a great time and I can't wait to return to visit all of the waterfalls and rain forest.

Toothy Love and Bathtub Fun!

2010-05-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

So Hunter has been trying and trying to pull her front tooth out. I felt so bad for her, she would wiggle and wiggle it and nothing! At one time she said she didn't want to wiggle it out anymore since it was her only chipped tooth! I remember when she chipped that little tooth, he sister tripped her on the terrazo floors in housing. You can imagine the screaming and crying that came with it. It also changed her little smile forever. Hunter and he cute little chipped front tooth.

But now with her front tooth about to fall out, I found myself a little sad, she is growing up, my little baby. Yes, yes, I know that I still have Juliette, but Hunter was a our little baby for a long time. She still seems so little to me now too.

So she continued to work and work:

Here baby smile.

Really Working it! JuJu has to help too.

Uh oh a little bit looser!

Wiggling it just a little more.

Her faces crack me up! I love to watch her in the mirror.

FINALLY after working at it over and over again it fell out while we were in Forks.

This is her big girl smile now. She is still my baby just growing up.

I decided to snap a few of the girls while in the tub. They are such little hams too!

JuJu loves to braid hair.

I love this kid.

Look at these hams.

Easter Weekend: Eggs, Chocolate and Gemstones...girls favorite things...

2010-05-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Easter Weekend ( I know I am a little behind!) we did egg hunts with the girls on base. Gracie was the lucky winner too! Then while Molly went to her own Easter party, the younger girls hung with us and colored eggs. I wonder if this is how it will be in years to come. It seems the older they get the less time I get to spend with them, even close to holidays. It sort of makes me sad they are getting so big now.

Easter Sunday we scheduled ourself a tour of the Theo Chocolate Factory and the made a last minute plan to visit the Scratch Place.

Theo Chocolate is chocolate manufacture in Freemont, WA. They are the only fair trade and organic chocolate manufacture in the US. The tour was a child's and well any grown adults dream. As soon as you get close to the building you can smell the chocolate and I was already having little umpa loompa dreams of a chocolate waterfall. When you enter the store there are mounds of chocolate, all for you to enjoy, in front of their chocolates and chocolate bars. I am sure I could have stayed there all day, but we were warned to not eat the chocolate yet, to save ourselves for the tour and boy I am glad I did. The first part of the tour consist of sitting down and listening to a basic lesson in fair trade practices and how chocolate is made. There are lots of pics and LOTS of chocolate to be had. We were able to taste chocolate that was made from different beans from all over the world. The bean is actually ferminated for over two weeks and then left to dry out. And because of the transportation issues it can take up to four month for Theo to get their much needed yummy cacao beans.

Then we begin the best part of the tour where we get to see the chocolate being made. There are no umpa loompas here or a chocolate waterfall that mixes their chocolate, but that didn't stop us from having that moment they did in the movie when they were running through the fields of candy. We were shown how they roast the beans and how they taste. They are an aquired taste, I really liked them, the girls not so much. They are very nutty in flavor. Then we were shown where the beans are crushed and then mixed into the huge mixers. My favorite part of the tour was when we were able to go and see where they make their confections. Oh MY AND OH SO YUMMY! What I found so interesting about this tour was that they are a huge supplier especially locally and yet most of it is done by hand. All of the mixing of the ingredients into the chocolate, like nuts and cherries, is all done by hand. It was really quite impressive.

By this time was the end of the tour, all of our checks were red with chocolate happiness. If you are wanting to see the tour make sure to schedule it out, they do book up weeks in advance. Here is the link to check it out: http://www.theochocolate.com/our-story/

Cacao Nibs

Yummy Mounds of Chocolate

Cacao Beans after they have been roasted

The Huge Mixers

Gotta Love those hair nets.

Yummy! Where the confections are made.

Gracie had one with marshmellow.

How do you think it was?

This is where they hand mix the ingredients into the chocolate.

After having such a wonderful tour, we had planned to eat lunch, but I think Chocolate was our lunch. So we all decided to head back to the Scratch Place. This place is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable places that I like to be with my girls. We can stay there for hours and I still have to drag them out. There is something to look for that is different every time too. There are Scratch Places all over the world but this is the only one in the US and I feel very lucky to be so close to this wonderful place. If you are local and want to check it out here is the link:Scratch Patch USA

If you haven't been before, it is a place that you can go and look for gemstones and polished rocks. You take your shoes off at the front door and grab your rose pillow to hold your treasures. There are water fountains and relaxing music on too. I think that just walking through the rocks and the noise and feeling of them beneath your feet is so therapeutic. It is just a calming place to be. I can't wait to take the girls back.

I don't have to many pics. I just enjoy myself to much here. :)

Can you tell she is totally relaxing.

Baby JuJu loves to swim in the rocks.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival 2010

2010-04-28T23:51:00.000-07:00

Well here they are FINALLY my tulip pics. I wish I could say that I got more, but really I didn't. First day there is was very bright and very hard to get pics of the girls and the second day I barely snapped but a few pics. There were three other photogs clicking away and I knew for sure that they were going to get something great. I plan to post their pics as soon as I have them all edited and ready to post from them. I promise you they are GREAT.

So if you are ever planning a trip to Washington State, I say come in April. The weather is still a little rainy but not as cold and the TULIPS are out. Washington State is the worlds largest producer of tulips, hard to believe. It is amazing to just drive among rolls and rolls of colors so bright and beautiful. The girls just love it.

The tulips are already gone for this year, but there is always next. It will be quite the celebration too, welcoming home Travis too. I can't wait!

This is my very favorite of the pics that I took this year at the tulips. Technically there are somethings wrong but with my mommy goggles on there isn't a thing.

My favorite purple tulips.

Tippy Toeing

Typical Hunter look

Amazing Colors...

I just love this kid.

Possibly my second fav this year of mine.

I decided to play around with some presets in Lightroom and like the effect that I gave this pic.

Well I am told that these pink tulips smell like cotton candy and the orange ones smell like peanut butter.

Gracie said this is her favorite.

Don't do that...oh...wait it is okay!

2010-04-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

So our first part of spring break was spent trying to do things around the Seattle area that we haven't done yet. We are running out of time with Travis deploying for his long term and then when he returns, we will be moving, at least I hope so.

We decided to head on down to Pike Place Market and find the Bubble Gum wall. I had heard about it and recently seen pictures but it didn't prepare me for the hypochondriacs worse nightmare. Imagine if you will wall covered by other peoples CHEWED up gum. Yep you read that right ABC gum. Remember when your mom used to tell you not to spit it out on the ground or stick it places, well that "mom rule" doesn't apply here, no way!

We started by stopping off and clearing the shelves at Bartell of all their gum. Then heading down to the market. I have to say Pike Place Market is one of my very favorite places in Seattle. There is so many things to see and do. I have been several times now and still haven't seen everything. We do have our favorites; we always stop at the flying fish market, Beechers Cheese, and Seattle Best. Of course there is Seattle's Best all over Seattle but this one is a ton of fun with diner style seats that are available to sit on.

So with a gallon of hand sanitizer in hand we found our way under the market to this rainbow ABC world...the gum wall...

Molly's serious face cracks me up and I love her hands on the girls head.

Yes, I made her drink bleach after this.

Ewe...

Making a pretty design.

Even JuJu gets into it.

Molly putting on her 1 millionth piece of gum.

Yep, leave it to Hunter...

DON'T YOU DARE!

Little Runny making her mark.

This is the before shot.

Having fun. I love them.

Uh oh...Gracie' s bubble popped!

We had a lot of fun as you can tell. This is a must see if you are ever in the area.

Finally Editing and just the beginning...

2010-04-27T23:35:00.000-07:00

So now that I have finished my workshop and spring break is over. I am editing pictures like crazy. I am trying to learn my way around two different editing programs. It is hard, but I am finding that technology has its benefits. I have Clickinmom tutorials and so many website to read to help me find my way. Of course there are always all of my photog buddies too. I am pretty sure they are tired of all of my questions.

Okay so to get you guys all caught up I am going to have several post over the next few days. The newest and most exciting for me is my new logo and watermark. I will have to eventually get around to using all of them on my photo blog too. But for now I want to update the family blog, especially with Travis currently deployed. I know it lifts his spirits to see pics of the family, even if he was here when I took them!!

These pics I took while doing my workshop and while I didn't use the for my workshop, they were too cute to not include and show off!

Sweet Molls...

I just love that little smile!

My little runny.

Baby Grace

Possibly one of my most fav pics of JuJu

Look at those Baby BLUES!

Always something to say.

Another one of my favs of Molly.

Gracie is the only child left who will willingly smile for me.

Another blog or two tomorrow. My goal is to be completely caught up before this weekend. We are off to find vampires and werewolves in La Push and Forks!!!

ClickinMoms Workshop Week 4

2010-04-15T20:44:00.001-07:00

Well this is the final week of the workshop, well actually a week ago was, but we can all pretend right? This week is about composition, watching the crop, and chopping of body parts. So this week we had to put everything we learned into our pics and only submit ONE picture.

This week was also spring break, good, but the weather was bad all but one day. That day we decided to head to the tulip fields, great idea and I got some great shots. I think that next time we won't go at noon though, the light is just to bright at that time for pics and makes it hard to get the girls in good light too. It is possible, but just difficult.

So here is the pic that I selected for the final week. Remember these are jpegs and straight from the camera. This week we were aloud to crop and straighten for composition. I straightened the horizon on my pic.

My settings are ISO 200 ss 1/60 f/20

The top five pics from this week were to be posted on the CM Blog!

Well guess what? I was one of the top five!! Remember these are all SOOC and amazing work by some really great ladies!

Check out the blog:
http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/?p=199

I have learned so much from this workshop and I am so glad that at the very last moment I signed up to take it. If you remember in my first post, I was like oh yeah, I know this stuff, just a refresher. Whatever, I had no idea what I was doing! This class was the best thing that I have done for myself in a while. And I am already standing in line for the second one and can't wait!