In the spring, Earl decided that he wanted to go back to school that fall to continue pursuing his degree in Dental Hygiene. Since we had some time till his school started, we asked our dear family and friends in Ketchikan, Alaska if they needed any more workers in the summer at their fishing lodges. Luckily for us they found a spot for both of us. Earl was hired at Clover Pass Resort and I was the nanny. So we quickly packed up EVERYTHING, put what we could fit into our van and put the rest into storage. It was a very fun and memorable summer that I am sure our whole family won't forget.
Earl had to leave in August to start school, but I stayed in AK till mid-September to finish out my job. It was hard without Earl there, but we were all so happy when we were finally able to be together again. We enjoyed the short summer/fall weather in Pocatello where Earl was attending Idaho State University.
Early that winter, we discovered that we would be adding ANOTHER member to our family. After going through many mixed emotions about another child, along with the not-so-good timing, we have accepted and look forward to having another baby. We learned about a month ago that it is another boy and we couldn't be happier. Leona was not so thrilled about the news at first as she badly wanted a baby sister. She must have come to terms with a boy because in her prayers, she now says she is thankful to be having another baby brother.
We had a great Christmas as we spent all of our time with our wonderful family. We are so blessed to be a part of such amazing families.
It is now April and we have spent the last four months looking forward to warm summer days. I am still taking online classes and I am about half-way done and really looking forward to being an elementary school teacher when our youngest is around three or four. I recently started a job at a daycare/preschool and I really love it! I am able to take the kids with me when Earl is not home which makes having a job so much easier. Leona is in the preschool class there and that has been very good for her socially and she has learned quite a bit already. Garrett is in Kindergarten and he only goes 2 1/2 times a week. The rest of the time, he comes to the preschool with me. I think he is very ready for first grade and full-time school. Earl is getting closer to applying for his Dental Hygiene school and is very excited to be done with his general courses. Our little family is growing and we have made many memories. We are so blessed to be where we are and we are looking forward to the direction our lives are going.
Our sweet baby Lathen
2 months old (Newborn pics to come)
Leona turned 3!
...and she had a slight melt-down when EVERYONE sang Happy Birthday to her! :)
...The gifts helped her get over that anxiety very quickly :)
Lona and Dad enjoying some spring-time trampoline fun
CHUBBY BABY!
G's preschool graduation
The 3-day-long drive to Prince Rupert, Canada
...ferry ride from Prince Rupert to Ketchikan
New sleeping arrangements
Leona and Lina... best buds!
My summer job
Summer 2012
Cruise ship docks
(that big blue and white building-looking thing -- that's a cruise ship)
(that big blue and white building-looking thing -- that's a cruise ship)
G and L swimming lessons
Clover Pass Resort dock
Growing boy. Happy baby!
Beautiful Ketchikan summer day!
We caught this shark in the crab cage!
Creek Street, Ketchikan
Silver King Lodge boardwalk
Garrett lost his first tooth after Earl left... and I was a little nervous to pull it out.
...Scared
...Huh... that wasn't so bad!
...and he lost his second tooth a few days later
Late summer hike with Uncle Marc after Earl left
Seriously such a pleasant baby!
Loves Uncle Marc :)
Garrett and Rod talking some serious philosophy
Goodbye Ketchikan and summer of 2012
Ferry ride home
Long car ride home
SOO happy to see dad!!!
First trip to Lagoon with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents
Lona LOVES grandpa!
She also loves lipstick!
Halloween 2012
Ninja, Rapunzel, Hulk
Leona took a gymnastics class for a few months and loved it!
Fall/Winter 2012
Random pics
Mango the Sun Conure
We loved this fun bird!
Our play-place during long winter days
...the mall play area :)
Christmas 2012
This picture has a funny little story behind it. Before the kids went to bed, Uncle Paden told them that Santa was almost there and if they were still up he wouldn't come in. Shortly later, he went up on the roof and started stomping around. The kids ran to bed and we didn't hear much from them after that! :)
Dad turned 28!
Leona fell off her bike and hit the bike handle. It made a huge gash in her chin. Luckily it wasn't too deep and they were able to super glue it. She will probably always have a scar there and it really accentuates her "chin dimple"
The latest news!
