final WA moments

Our move has been all consuming.  Even in my "normal" life, I like to make lists and to always be productive, efficient, and prepared.  I have had to accept the chaos over the past month and to remind myself that I have two young children who still need to be fed, entertained, celebrated, and attended to...! There have been plenty of moments when I've had to put down the box or tape and choose the PRESENT over the future! 

The three of us made a final visit to the market (Cam is in the backpack behind me).

 Here are a few favorite cell-phone photos of some of the fun we have been having this early Spring.

My beautiful girl held on to the Home Depot shopping list while rocking my sunglasses.  

If Sophie is 3 going on 16, Cameron is 10 months going on 5 years. 

Their friendship is blossoming....

He looks up to her just like my brother looked up to me
(haha...just checking if my bro still reads this blog).

Cam was just so thankful that the "other baby" came to the park this time to give him a much-deserved break.

Her new favorite name: Tammy. Her new favorite animal: a roaring Dinosaur.
In this photo, she was Tammy the roaring Dinosaur. 

This isn't your average box fort; it's a castle of cardboard built from 10+ years of Seattle living.  (Moments later, Sophie ended up pushing a box to trap Cameron because he allegedly scared the fairies.  And Cam ended up eating a corner of cardboard.  A big corner. Yes, he chewed himself to freedom.) 

This coming week brings more final WA moments: Sophie's final days at her preschool, our final evenings with best friends, our final nights in this special home, our final trips to some of our favorite Seattle-spots... and then the great push-off of 2013 occurs! Stay tuned.

2118

The BIG MOVE away from our 2118 home is almost here.  The hard work that it takes to move a family of 4 out of state and prepare our home for a new tenant has been matched by the fun and celebration that it takes to say goodbye to our friends.  This month has been wonderfully full as we enjoy our final days at 2118.

Grandma and Papa

My parents---Grandma and Papa--epitomize generosity.  Their help is invaluable and has never been more appreciated than during this major transition period! They visited us this weekend, and it was a weekend spent checking things off the 'to-do' list.  They both take things off our plate in such an easy, thoughtful manner.



My dad woke up bright and early both mornings, and he didn't stop until dinner time.  He completed a major yard overhaul for us with three, full trailer loads to the dump.  Our yard has never looked better! (I almost felt sad about moving....but then I got over it quickly!!)  Doug worked feverishly on other projects before joining my dad outside on the beautiful spring day to spruce up our house.  My dad is hands down, the hardest worker I know, and we are so appreciative of his help.  Meanwhile, my mom juggled two grandkids and boxes.  She helped me with box after box, and I see the light at the end of the packing tunnel! She cleaned, organized, and simplified.

Sophie and Cameron loved the extra attention, and we appreciated the extra hands.  Sophie is such a sweet, sensitive girl who picks up on everything; she has been a bit 'out of sorts' lately as our house fills with boxes, as we talk more and more about change, and as we get busier and busier.  A relaxing, low-maintenance, loving weekend with her grandparents was exactly what she needed to regroup!



We couldn't do this without my parent's help, and we're so thankful that they are headed back in a couple weeks to help us in the final stretch of the Whitfield move to Boise!



Although Boise is a longer drive to Spokane than Bellevue, we are confident that we will actually get to see my parents more often since we'll be in the same city as my brother.  The whole family is looking forward to the future opportunities and adventures that this move allows!

Thank you, mom and dad/Grandma and Papa! We love you!