Tuesday Market Comes to a Close

Hillsboro (where we live) has farmer's markets all summer long on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesday nights. The kids and I go to as many Tuesday markets as we can, and last night was the last one of the summer. It was a little chilly, and you can definitely feel Fall in the air. I love Fall, but it is always sad when summer comes to a close.

There was free face painting, and each of the kids decided to make it "arm painting". Even Drew sat very still while getting his artwork.

My flower girl

Saturn and a star

Balloons!

Every time we go to the market the kids ask for a balloon form the balloon man. He is very good at what he does, but I don't like spending money on balloons! However, I promised them they could each get one on the last day of the market. They were quite excited.

Sadie and her horse, of course!

Drew and his Blue's Clues-esque puppy

Zack got some sort of blaster thing.

We met our neighbor at the market and then ran into friends while we were eating. It is so much more fun to enjoy the time with friends!

The Bex Family - April, Marshall V, Laci and Marshall (IV)

Our next door neighbors - William, Lynn and Matthew

Matthew and Zack rocking it out!

Goodbye, Summer, Hello Fall!

Sadie and Kaelyn

Sadie had horse riding lessons yesterday, and she got a big surprise! Her trainer, Emily, thought that she was ready to ride Kaelyn without Emily holding onto her rope and leading her! Sadie was nervous at first I think, but once she got going, she did AWESOME! Emily had her take Kaelyn in a serpentine pattern around 8 cones, and then in a figure 8 and then in a big circle. It was funny, Kaelyn went very slowly at first, she knew that Sadie wasn't sure of herself. Then as they got going, Kaelyn would go a little faster. It was evident by the time they were done that Kaelyn trusted and had confidence in Sadie. It was really neat to watch my little girl control such a huge animal and have it do what she asked. I am so proud of Sadie!

Cleaning Kaelyn's feet

Ready to go!

Taking a sharp turn

Way to go, Sadie!

A little brotherly love

Drew loves to help at feeding time, though he doesn't like the smell of the horse food!

The Chapman Family

Many of you know about the Christian singer, Steven Curtis Chapman, whose daughter was killed accidentally by her brother at their home in May. The family did their first two public interviews two weeks ago, and they were amazing. They had a 10 minute segment on Good Morning America and the whole hour on Larry King Live. Their story is amazing. So sad, but yet their faith that God has now made Maria complete and that they will one day see her again is so encouraging. Below is the link on YouTube for the GMA interview. To the left, you can find parts 1-6 of the Larry King interview. I just had to share, they are so powerful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh2VFkF7NLo

I am not sure how to make this a direct link, just copy and paste it into your browser.

LEMONADE!

Sadie has been begging to have a lemonade stand for awhile now. So last week (when it actually felt like summer), I gave in and let her and Zack do one. We went to Trader Joe's and got some of their yummy lemonade and also got some Oreos to sell. It was like 90 degrees outside and right after lunch, so I figured the kids wouldn't have too much business at first. But was wrong! Their customers included the neighbor two doors down, who bought 10 cookies and a lemonade, the FedEx guy, the mailman, some various neighbors, and two boys on bikes who even came back for seconds! I was actually kind of surprised at how many people stopped and seemed delighted to be customers.

After dinner the kids went back out and sold the rest of their lemonade within 20 minutes! They got great tips from everyone and in total made over $12! It was quite fun, I think we will try to do it again once more before summer ends!

Yup, Drew was quite happy to partake in the product testing!

Sunday - Home again

Sunday was a nice drive home to a fairly clean house. Funny how if you clean before you leave, it feels so much better to be home! It also helped because we had friends coming over for dinner! Our friends, Eric and Michele, lived here (we met at church) and then several years ago moved back to Washington. They happened to be visiting Oregon and thought it would be fun to do dinner on their way back from a trip to the beach. It was a short visit and the kids were tired, but it was fun.

Sadie and Madison, both will turn 8 in less than a month!
Katelyn (6), Madi and Sadie

The two-year-old twins, Audrey and Alyssa (yeah, I know, good name!)

Audrey and Drew

Sadie has this Hannah Montana wig that she loves. (It is getting really tangled, though and totally grosses me out!) Anyway, Audrey was the first to put it on, so each of the girls had to have their turn. It was really funny!

Audrey Montana

Alyssa Montana






Madison Montana





Katelyn Montana


Sadie Montana

Saturday - Mariners!

Saturday we decided to go see a Mariner's game since we were so close. Tony goes occasionally, but I hadn't been in several years. Jenn, Brent, Tyler and Blake met us there. Of course, in true Northwest fashion, it was raining (in August) as we headed to Safeco Field. But once we got seated, the sun came out and they opened the roof for the whole game! The Mariners ended up losing, but it was a fun game and the kids did very well. We ate hot dogs, delicious nachos, garlic fries, and cotton candy of course! Thanks, Clausens, for going with us!

After one bite, Drew decided he didn't like the garlic fries...

Swing, batter batter batter!!

A cool sunset shot

Tyler, Brent, Blake, Sadie and Drew just chillin'

Friday - Wedding Day!

Thursday night, Sadie and I stayed at a hotel with Chrissie and the other bridesmaids so that we were close to the venue for the wedding. The hair and makeup gals came to our hotel room and we started getting pretty!

Before

And after!

Before

After

Before

After - she was stunning.

The bridesmaids looking on.

This is Marie giving Chrissie her original wedding ring to wear for the wedding.

Then it was time for the wedding. I was in it of course, so I only have some pics from before and then during the reception. It was a beautiful wedding, and everything went so smoothly. Chrissie did a great job of researching the people she used, so everyone was great, from the catering (delicious BBQ!) to the flowers to her wedding planner (she was amazing). Tony did an awesome job officiating. Maybe he will start a business on the side. Anyone want to get married? And of course, I gave the usual bawling Maid/Matron of Honor toast. But oh well, it turned out fine.

Sadie, Ellie and Angie

Chrissie and her flower girls

This is probably my most favorite picture I have ever taken. I had Zack and Sadie stand next to each other so I could take a picture. Then they just started talking. It was the most precious moment, and I am so glad to have captured it!

The yummy and beautiful cake!

My mom - Thank you, Mom, for all of your help. We miss you!

This gigantic chess set entertained the boys the entire time we were at the reception. It was so cool!

The kids

Cake!

Tony and Sadie dancing away!

Drew dancing with Daddy.

The newlyweds sharing a special moment.

Chrissie changed into a traditional red Chinese dress partway through the reception.

Daddy and daughter again

Me and my honey!