Cozy in Dallas

We are currently with Robert and Danica in Dallas enjoying their cozy home which is fully equipped with a swimming pool and lots of space for our family. We plan to go up to OK next week and check things out, try to find a real estate agent, and introduce Samuel and Merideth to our new city! We have lots of pictures but I haven't spent the time to put them on anything to be able to post them on here, but don't you worry they will come soon. The kids are a bit out of sorts but they are enjoying some time with Grandma Paula and Roger as well as with Robert, Danica, and Maisy (the dog).

We miss you Seattle!!! (That includes all of our friends and family there!)

Remembering Darren

One year ago our beautiful brother was taken from us to be with Jesus. Our hearts are still a bit broken and our heads are still in shock. We miss him very much and look forward to the day that we will join him in God's kingdom.

"We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

As we say goodbye

We will be offline for a few days as our "stuff" will be all packed away and soon on its way to Oklahoma City. We will spend the weekend in our house among boxes before they pack up the truck on Monday, one of many adventures that lie ahead of us. We hope to keep everyone updated on where we are and how we are doing. The goodbyes are sad yet we are excited for what God is preparing for us.
Good night.

Saying Goodbye is so hard!

We have been hard at work enjoying Seattle and friends and learning how hard it is to say goodbye. We talked with the kids about what moving really means and they didn't really resist until we started talking about what we will be saying goodbye to; our home, our friends, Seattle, etc. Samuel would prefer to "go to Oklahoma City just for one day."

We are in the midst of trying to get packed for a few weeks of living out of the suitcases before the packers come on Friday. It will be a fun weekend living among our boxes and eating lots of take out!

Cheers to Husky Deli!
Cheesing it up during a beautiful sunset on the beach with Jack.
Okay, we had family pictures taken about a week ago...Marc was able to get this picture of them without of fuss!
Seattle is so much fun!
Samuel's "preschool friends" had a wonderful going away party today. It meant a lot to us and Samuel to feel so special before we leave. Thank you!
A big portion of Samuel's preschool friends were able to come.Samuel showing teacher Carrie the suitcase and fun stuff everyone gave him. We will miss you all!

Today, Sunday, August 17th

*Up at 5:30, watch the sunrise on Alki
*Get ready
*Worship at 9am
*Brunch at Buckley's ("I'm sure we can find a restaurant like Buckley's in OKC mom," says Samuel)
*Home for naps
*Grocery store run
*Erin off to make cards with Heather and Becca
*Marc and the kids to the water taxi shuttle, to the water taxi to downtown, on the bus to Guitar Center to bang on the drums and play the guitars
*Home for dinner, we must eat EVERY meal at home for the next week in order to get through the freezers and refrigerator!
*Kids in bath, whew they needed that!
*7:45 Merideth to bed
*Samuel and Marc catching a bit of the Olympics, Erin updating the blog
*Cross our fingers that Samuel is in bed in the next 20 minutes or so!
*Sweet dreams!

How about OKCs parks?!

We love Seattle parks and Seattle's summer weather! We will miss our dinner picnics at the numerous wading pools and parks with friends. Okay, gotta stop, getting all teary.

Merideth and Leah sharing the swing very well.
Wading in the wading pool.
Look at those macho dudes!
Merideth and Leah are SO sweet together.

"Boop!"

Merideth's Birthday Bash

Merideth had a great birthday party at our house with great friends and family!
Now that Merideth is 2 Samuel believes she should be talking (even though he understands her better than we do at times) and wearing underwear like him. Not so fast baby girl!


Cheese!
Becca decorated the cake and cupcakes, thank you Becca!
New tricycle from Grandpa and Grandma Taylor.
Yep, he had to try it out.
Love from Uncle.
Showing her new butterfly wings to Riley."I'm gonna get you mama!"Tricycle ride with Cory.

Back from a wonderful time in MO!

We had a GREAT time visiting family in Missouri. We had a rough start missing our 640am flight out of Seattle, but after a few hours in the airport and a few hours in the air we made it. Samuel and Merideth loved all the attention they got from Denny and Kristofer, fully willing to play whenever and whatever the kids wanted. We enjoyed lots of barbecue and sweet tea. We miss you already! (Not the food, our family! Could you send some sweet tea soon though!)

WARNING: There are A LOT of pictures below, you may need to grab a snack to enjoy it all!

Corn!
We only picked one Papa!!
Papa's tractors were a big hit.
A quiet game of battleship.
He could have ridden the combine ALL day. Checking out the farm.

Waiting for a surprise from Denny and Kristofer.The boys drove this electric car around when they were little. They cleaned it up for Samuel and Merideth...it was a HUGE hit.

Checking the corn.

Cuddle time with Papa.We celebrated Merideth and Kristofer's birthdays and Merideth got to be a princess, thank you Maudy.
Samuel sharing his cars with Uncle Mike.
Lots of wrestling with Denny.Nice afternoon nap.
On the tractor.Again, on the tractor.
Merideth and Maisy (Danica's dog)Lambert's, home of the throwed rolls, yes throwed rolls, the perfect restaurant for a child like Samuel. On Black Island, checking out the trees Danica planted about 8 years ago.Maple Corner: "We are gonna farm this land son," Papa Den 50+ years ago. They farmed/farm it!
Papa uses a toothpick...
Papa taught Merideth how to drive the car...she needs some practice. Roasting marshmallows.Messy good!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Yep, she is 2 today! It is so hard to believe that we no longer have any little tiny ones in our house anymore and now our baby is a whole 2 years old. We plan to celebrate with family and friends on Sunday, I can only imagine we will get a few pictures from that to post!