Since the last time we talked . . .

Spring 2014

We traveled to Las Vegas to meet up with Lars after March Madness. It was a super fun time, we even brought a friend along to help and play with Max and Mason. Unfortunately, we caught a bug the night we departed and spent the entire drive home with vomiting children. When we made it home, Lars got it, but somehow I escaped the bug. Unfortunately, I haven't been so lucky with allergies and sinus infections; they have been a constant nemesis this year and only seem to be getting worse each year! 

In June, Max completed kindergarten and I accepted a new teaching job back in Salem-Keizer School District. I enjoyed my time working for North Santiam School District and learned a lot about myself, my gifts, my struggles, and ultimately, my heart. 

Summer 2014

We went on a LONG family road trip through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and California with my parents. We enjoyed our adventures! We spent time in La Pine where we stayed at my parents cabin and I ran the Pacific Crest 1/2 marathon. We navigated through Eastern Oregon and Washington to Sandpoint, Idaho where we did some bird watching on a cruise of Lake Pend Oreille. Lars traveled over to Montana to visit some high school buddies and golf at his favorite golf course, Buffalo Hills. Then we headed south first to Reno, then Las Vegas. We got to stay at a resort right next to South Point Hotel/Casino which as very convenient. Also, we were lucky enough to have my sister join us in Las Vegas; it's always fun to spend time with my sister. While in Las Vegas, we celebrated the 4th of July with some of our good friends. Half-way through our Las Vegas stay we headed over to Anaheim, California to do Disneyland! We left town right after the 4th of July weekend so we sat in a very long traffic jam; it took nearly 8 hours to make the 3 hour drive west. But... we made it and had a blast playing in the two parks for a couple days. After Disneyland, we headed back over to Vegas to stay a few more nights (we just can't get enough). Heading home, we stopped in Reno and then made it back to our home and cat, Abby. We had to get new tires and had one minor car sickness episode, but other than that, it was smooth sailing. 

The boys had fun going to several VBS (Vacation Bible School) camps and art classes through the summer. We also explored the Oregon coast to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Lars did a lot of fishing and driving his sports car. Of course, Oregon is gorgeous in the summer so we spent most of our summer enjoying our time off and exploring local beauty. I spent many hours running many miles training for my first full marathon. 

Fall 2014

In September, I began a new teaching job, which I LOVE to the moon and back. I am grateful to have the opportunity to teach music to children. I ran my first full marathon on September 13. I ran the Oregon Marathon in Mt. Angel, Oregon in just over five hours. It was an incredible experience. Shortly after running this marathon I incurred stress fractures in the neck of my right femoral head which have given me limited mobility the past few months. I am eager to begin exercising again. 

Max has begun first grade and is doing very well. He turned 7 years old on October 8^th! It is absolutely amazing how much Max has grown over the past year. Max is excellent at reading, writing, and spelling. He has a very creative mind, using it to build his own “systems” to play with. He enjoys writing and illustrating his own books, building electronic stations, and helping mom in the kitchen. He is extremely academic and excels at being a “student” which makes his teacher parents very proud! Max has a tender heart, sensitive conscience, and concern for justice. Max loves Jesus, is eager to learn more about God, and he is an expert at memorizing verses! Max’s favorite toys are his stuffed cat “Scaredy” and any bendy straw he can get ahold of. Max ran a 3K and made it through soccer season this fall, but definitely prefers the exercise of the mind.

Mason has transitioned from his first to second year of preschool this year. He turns 5 years old on December 8^th! Mason is an amazing little boy! Mason is an expert puzzle maker, putting together up to 150 piece puzzles by himself. In fact, we couldn't help him if we wanted to because he is fiercely independent! Mason loves to dress up, play with his favorite superheroes and Disney Pixar characters, race his toy vehicles, ride his bike, color, have Max read to him, and play with his friends. Mason is extremely empathetic with constant concern for the emotional state of those in his presence. He is a great friend to all and looks up to his big brother. Mason loves to roughhouse, wrestle, and throw balls with anyone who will play with him. Mason loves Disneyland, but the town park is just as fun in his opinion! 

Lars turned 41 in March! As it turns out, he is much like a fine wine or whiskey, only getting better with age. He enjoys driving his Nissan 350Z, traveling to Las Vegas, and being super dad!  He began his 17^th year teaching which is his 7^th year at Sublimity School this fall. Lars is also coaching middle school basketball which takes up much of his free time through the winter. Along with being an excellent husband, father, teacher, and coach, he is my best friend! He is my constant comic relief and reminds me to maintain perspective on what really matters in life. Lars is loyal, steadfast, and lovingly puts his family first each day. There are not many men as amazing as MY man, so I don’t mind taking a moment to brag on him. I am incredibly grateful for the person he is and the love he shares. He leads our family with integrity and inspires me to be a better person. We are looking forward to celebrating on 10^th wedding anniversary on December 27^th!