Seattle

We took a long weekend and headed to Seattle during the month of July to visit some friends that we made while living in Singapore.  While Singapore has many benefits one of the downsides is that it is very transient and friends move back to their home country.  We became very good friends with The Butlers.  Luckily, they are from Seattle and since we have never been there we decided what a great opportunity to see our dear friends as well as experience Seattle.

Bryce and Riley were inseparable friends while she lived in Singapore.  It was so nice to see them play again as if time had never passed.  6 kids from 8 years to 6 months.  We were definitely out numbered but I am pretty sure everyone had a great time.

Graham and Asher

Bryce, Riley, and Layne

The girls walking to the beach for lunch.

Downtown Seattle in the distance.

Brian and Reuben

Graham holding baby Nora

Bryce and baby Nora

Layne holding baby Nora

Ferry ride to the city.

Space Needle

In front of the infamous fish market.

Riding the train

Me and Meagan

Waterfalls

They had the best time rolling down this hill over and over again!

Riley and Bryce

Sisters

Top of Space Needle

So WINDY!

I see you.

Good Times.

Ranch Life

 After owning a ranch for over a year now, the kids and I have FINALLY made a trip to see the ranch.  Brian has been to it several times working on getting it ready for us to enjoy it.   Anyone that knows me knows that I am not into nature.  at all.  But I have to say I am slowly being converted over to LOVING the ranch.  We ended up taking 2 trips up to the ranch when I only originally planned a couple of days.  I was shocked at how much I enjoyed the peace and quiet of country living.  Most importantly my kids fell in love with it.  There was so much to keep the kids entertained.  It helped that we had cousins the first trip up and Bffs the second trip.  The kids learned how to ride dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, and the golf cart.  Brian and his dad even took the kids out shooting.  Dusk was their favorite time to see if they could spy deer near the feeders. These are all things that they could never do in Singapore.  Next year I plan to build in a longer time to spend at the ranch so that it doesn't cut into my Dallas time.

Graham accomplished riding a dirt bike with no injuries!

Jacob and Graham

Jordyn, Graham and Jacob

Layne helping Daddy fix the dirt bike.

Jordyn way up in a tree!

Trampoline fun!

J and G relaxing.

Frog hunting down at the pond.  There were hundreds and hundreds of baby frogs everywhere.

Every time you stepped frogs would just start jumping.  You can also see all the deer tracks in the mud.

Our little country road that leads up to the ranch.

Jacob, Graham, Bryce, Jordyn, Layne and Brian

Layne

Bryce

Bryce driving the tractor.

 For the 4th of July we headed back up to the ranch with the Nikirks and Crawfords.  We even ventured off the ranch and headed to the local lake.  The kids loved it.

All the kids splashing in the water.  Graham, Bryce, Layne, Dutch, Ella and Bennett.

Dutch and Layne atop Brian's old truck!

Sunset at Three Sheets Ranch.

Bennett and me

Bryce and mommy

Graham and Bennett playing stick ball!

Getting ready for fireworks!

Bryce (6), Dutch (5), Ella (6), Layne (6), Graham (8) and Bennett (4)...As my friend Michelle said when she shared this picture with me...these kids have no choice but to be best friends!