Pictures from Northwest Trek (Ellie's field trip)

Ellie's Last Day of School (Kindergarten)

Yup - I know this is a little late. Especially seeing that Ellie's last day of school was June 18th!

It has been a busy time here. Jeremy began a new job with Armstrong Flooring and Cabinets. He is the Regional Manager - in charge of the sales, sales guys and distribution. He is loving it - which is a huge blessing - and seems to be back in his element. Meanwhile, I am getting used to him travelling more again. Jeremy works from home two days a week and travels the other 3... sometimes locally, sometimes other places around the Pacific Northwest.

During Jeremy's first week of work, Ellie finished her last week of Kindergarten here in Tacoma. Next year she will be going to a totally different school - in a new school district. I was able to join her on a school field trip to a wildlife/zoo place called, Northwest Trek, located about 45 minutes out of town. We go to see all sorts of native animals and ride a tram through the park which took us through their native habitats. The animals were fun to watch - all the kids loved it! (I'll post more pictures later)

The last day of school was traumatic for Ellie. Apparently, she partied like a rock star the entire week - and then broke down the last day. She was sobbing the entire day. She's a tender-hearted kind of girl, and has made some good friends this last year. I know she will miss them (at least for a little while), but I also know she will make new ones easily at her next school! (She brought her camera - video, too - to school one day and here's a video she took)

Needless to say, we are SO thankful for her teacher this last year, Miss Pelagruti. Our school district has all-day kindergarten for all the schools. And it was simply amazing to see how this one woman (with the help of an assistant, Miss Autumn) was able to corral and train 24, 5 and 6 year old kids - absolutely amazing! We came to know her - and the office staff - well this last year. We often had some issues with Ellie not finishing her work - and talking too much. Although, she still stands by her claim that EVERYBODY was talking to HER! Ellie has grown up so much this last year. I watched her turn from a preschooler, napping everyday and asking me to read to her --- to a full-blown kid, too "big" for naps (though still sometimes needs them!), and reading to ME!

That evening, we had a pizza party. Only to be topped by the "awards ceremony." Everybody - even Jeremy and Gideon - got a balloon, a small gift (a ball), and a metal to commemorate their accomplishments this past year.

It has been an eventful year! Outside of Ellie's accomplishments, Gideon began speaking this last year (!), is almost potty trained, and has really stepped up in helping me out (especially when it comes to Josie). Then there's Jeremy! He had done SO well while working with the Hartford, now even in his new job (we were celebrating his first week done) - and I can go on about him (and will for the Father's Day blog).

Josie turns ONE

It's so hard to believe a year has gone by since Josie's birth. Little Josephine Berean, Smiley Jo, Chubbly Bubbly -- formerly known as "Baby Barnacle" or "Barney" -- came into this world much like her personality!... in her own time, quietly, quickly and without any concern. That's my girl!

I have to say, I know there are a lot of "easy" babies out there, and "good" - maybe even "great" - ones... but none compare to Josie. She is the most content, mellow person I have EVER met. And definitely is a calming force in our home. The only times I have heard her cry are when she's startled, occasionally when she feels scared (very rarely), or when she's attacked by a sibling. Even when she has her crying spats, they are short and quickly replaced by her peaceful demeanor. What a gift she is!!

I pray that this personality she exhibits follows her throughout life. What a wonderful gift the Lord has given not only me and our family ... but the world!

We took it easy today. Not a whole lot going on in the Evarts' house. We did take a short road trip up to Seattle to get Jeremy a few new shirts for work - but we were home in time for naps. Josie still isn't quite herself as she's recovering from her bout with roseola. She was never grouchy or grumpy through it all, but has been extremely sleepy and hasn't had much appetite. Even through that, she greets our every contact with her patent "crimple" and a huge smile.

Happy Birthday, sweet, sweet Josie! What a wonderful blessing you are, Chubbly Bubbly!!

NEWBORN

3 MONTHS

6 MONTHS

9 MONTHS

*1* YEAR!

Randomness and Good Weather!

I just had to throw in some other pictures while I am at the updating! The weather here has finally turned"normal" - if not unseasonably warm!! It's fantastic! The hottest time of day is usually late afternoon - just in time for Ellie to get out of school, and the little kids to wake up from naps.

We have been enjoying the last month of playing in our yard here in Tacoma. The yard we planned - and planted - is now full-grown (and overgrown!), and we are thoroughly enjoying the fruits of those couple years of labor. The prepping soil, planting grass - watering (and watering), carving out play areas, and dreaming of the day our kids (then only one kid!) would be old enough to enjoy it all.

Well, those days are here... and we aren't taking them for granted!! Our afternoons are spent playing outside, coloring with chalk (on our house and the neighbors' - as per their requests!), playing in sprinklers and wrestling on the grass. -- definitely GREAT memories for both Jeremy and me. We are SO blessed!!!!

GIDEON TURNS *3*

Wow!

I've never had the feeling of time passing by like I do when I watch the years go by - and how much the kids change.

Gideon turned 3 on June 4th. We took Ellie out of school and spent the day at an indoor play area called, "Charlie's Safari." It's one of those places with indoor mini golf, jumpy things, and a MASSIVE climbing/sliding/etc. structure. Josie sat contently for HOURS in her stroller (while I fed her pretzel pieces) ... and Gideon and Ellie disappeared in the multiple-story structure. They had a blast! We all went mini golfing (a game Gideon loves - and does periodically with Jeremy) and had a good time. I know Jeremy kept score -- but he was gracious enough not to announce the scores. Because, honestly, I have my doubt that I did any better than the little kids!

That afternoon, we put out the sprinkler and played in the water. This was so great -- because the temperature here was just about 90. Folks, that is HOT here... really hot!!! It may honestly prove to be the hottest day of the year. So, sitting under cold, spraying water was an enormous relief -- not to mention FUN!

Later that night, we had pizza and a "Cars" cake I bought at the grocery store. For those of you who may not know me that well -- I shy away from baking. It's just not something I either enjoy - or do well. Everybody seems happier when i buy a yummy cake, rather than mess up one at home. -- With the exception of Jeremy who loves the Yellow Cake (in the box) with Chocolate icing.

This year, Gideon has finally started talking. It seems odd to say that, but a year ago, he hardly spoke a word. Oh, he's still our shy guy -- but once comfortable, he can chat with the best of 'em. (However, he still can't compete with "other" family members....)

He still is a coy little guy -- and makes people work for his affection. Which, amazingly we tend to willingly do! I think primarily because his smile is so infectious!

Some of his current favorite things to play with are -- #1: his stuffed Mario and Luigi. He has a thinks for the Wii game "Super Mario" - and has for over a year. He loves cars ... more and more each day it seems. He likes dinosaurs, and anything that can potentially attack somebody. But mostly, he's got a very vivid imagination. Though he doesn't talk about it much to me, I hear him daily talking to his toys and bringing them to life. Oh, and he LOVES books!

He is well on his way to potty training. ... Something I an dead-set on completing before baby #4 comes! And is VERY coordinated with sports, balls, and all things active. If he sees somebody doing something that catches his eye -- he will practice it until he's satisfied with it.

He's a kind little fella -- and has a really unique relationship with Josie (almost 1). He ADORES her. I hope they can keep that friendship as they grow older!

We are SO blessed to have him in our lives and look forward to many more years!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Little Man!