I'll give you a dollar if you can. We can't do the addition any more.
Reed's birthday is Jan. 14 and Marion, our favorite neighbor ever, celebrates hers on the 15th. So we usually have cake and ice cream together. It was a little delayed this Jan. due to illness but finally we got Marion up here and had a delicious butter pecan cake with loads of butter frosting. The kids declared it the best cake ever and they all want it for their next birthdays.
Just like the rest of the kids, Fienna loves Marion. When Marion came up Fienna stood in front of her just waiting to be picked up! Marion just laughed but was very happy to dance with Fienna and keep her in the lap of luxury, eating pistachios. I think Marion was actually the first name Fienna learned, other than Mom and Dad.
Who knew that our next move was to the Palm Springs of Washington! We didn't. Until we saw the sign. The end of January may not be the best time to visit Yakima. But it was the time we had. Just a few short days to find a house that will accommodate a grand piano and 6 growing children. No easy task. But look at one option. It even has an above ground pool. Reed actually showed these photos to the kids, telling them it was the house we were hoping to buy. Caitlin immediately broke into gut-busting laughter. Alaina's jaw dropped. "You like this house, Dad? Do you really like it?" She was completely dumb-founded and awfully calm. Usually she has a lot to say. Never afraid to express her feelings. She simply declared that she did not like the house.
After several grueling days we found a house that we could see ourselves living in. It's 4500 square feet, 5 bed, 3.5 bath on 1.6 acres. It could use a new kitchen and master bath and we'll eventually get to those. The lot is completely landscaped with mature trees and plenty of lawn. Great for the kids. Connor is now talking about a riding mower. One of his dreams for the past couple of years. He also wants to split wood and since this house has 3 fireplaces his wish could come true. We put in an offer yesterday and are waiting to hear. Hopefully it all works out. Because there isn't much of a choice if this one doesn't work.
We took a Sunday evening trip down to the visitor's center to see the lights and displays. It was an amazingly warm night. Perfect since we have 2 little guys. Fienna thought the lights were great and we had to keep an eye on her so she couldn't wander away. Instead of nativities from around the world, this year's display was photos of the life of Christ. (actors, obviously not the real thing). I really liked it but Reed missed the nativities. I think they should have done both. The live nativity nearly made me laugh out loud. Irreverent, I know. But Joseph was the largest I'd seen. Big burly guy with a ruddy complexion and reddish hair. That's fine. But his fake moustache looked like hard black plastic and it stuck out 2 inches on each side of his face! But these are all volunteers and I'm glad Reed and I were never asked to do it. Long, long ago of course...back in our first days in MD.
Alaina and Brenna celebrated their 8th birthday on 13 Dec. They waited to get baptized until the 27th. That way they could share the day with their friend Stephen. His birthday was on Christmas Eve. The three kids were so cute together. Especially Stephen in the middle. For some reason we forgot to get a picture of me with the girls. But we did get Marion and that makes up for it. She and Mary were able to attend the baptism and come back to our house for pizza and a visit. It was an all around good day.
