Moody Student and Staff Retreat

Mid September, we had the chance to attend a Moody student and staff retreat at a beautiful camp about an hour away. It was a good reminder that I really am not even close to being a college student any more and I give Jason a pat on the back for working with them every day. Really, I love college students and all of Jason's students I have met are amazing, but get them together in a big group and the are LOUD! There were a couple hundred students from both the Moody Northwest campus and Moody Aviation.

The student retreat was Friday and Saturday and then the staff had a chance to connect Saturday night through Sunday. It was such fun being by the lake and the kids had a blast. We were so glad that we were able to go.

The students during one of the speaking sessions

The aviation staff being introduced

The kids loved being in the water

Jason was the main source of power on the row boats, but the kids took turns too

Jason and Kellan took a go at the canoe. I was a little nervous about Kellan being up in the front, not strapped in, all by himself, but he did a great job
He just sat back and enjoyed the ride

Off to Kindergarten

Tuesday was Mirielle's first day of Kindergarten. Her elementary school is just up the road from us which makes it very convenient and familiar as we go there every once in a while to play on the playground.

Here she is ready to go

The, "MOM---do you have to keep taking pictures of me?" half smile

One with Kellan, who has no idea what is going on

Mirielle did a great job getting to school, finding her desk, and meeting the other kids. All until the girl at her table sat down CRYING her eyes out. I think this is her trying to be brave face.

All settled in at her desk

All is well!
Way to go big girl!!

Happy Birthday to Me!

This year was a big birthday year for me. 30! I think that I am mostly happy to be headed into my 30s and leave the 20s behind.

I started out my birthday by taking a big step - I went and took some pictures for a friend's family reunion. I was a nervous wreck, but I decided that it was a great way to start off a new decade in my life.

Dealing with anxiety issues the last few years has really held me back as far as trying new things in my life and stretching and challenging myself. The anxiety even makes it hard for me to do dumb little things like drive to a new part of town by myself. SO, I have been trying to take steps to do fun new things despite the fear that holds me back. Taking pictures of 40+ people gathered together for a family reunion an hour and a half drive outside of Spokane was definately one of those big steps for me. I thought it was a great way to start year 30!

After that I came home and needed a nap! Then we headed to the south part of town to one of my favorite little places for dinner. Later, my dear sweet friend, Stacey, brought over a wonderful birthday cake. Yum!



Just for laughs, I thought I would include this picture. The photo organizer on our computer has automatic red eye reduction and this was the first picture I saw when I uploaded the pictures of my birthday. I guess it got a little confused!

A Day at the Park

Saturday was a 30 year celebration at Riverfront park. The park is located just north of downtown Spokane and runs right along the river. There are beautiful walking and biking paths, some amusement rides and an IMAX theater. To celebrate, the park was offering day passes at the 1978 prices - $6.00 for all of the rides and a ticket to an IMAX movie. The kids amazingly enough made it through the entire "Lewis and Clark" movie and we enjoyed some amusement rides and a bike ride along the river. It ended up being a wonderful Saturday together as a family.

Both of the kids had fun on the roller coaster. We couldn't believe Kellan didn't freak out!

Mirielle loved the bumper cars. It almost made me cry watching her drive into the other kids on the cars. It was one of those moments that made me realize how big and independent she is getting.

I still can't figure out a way to get a 2 year old to look at the camera with a nice big smile.

Or a 5 year old for that matter.

Only if I am really lucky does she grace me with a smile.