Visitors

Whew! We had a busy end to January, which flowed over into February.

One of the hardest things for me when we moved the first time was knowing all my family was together celebrating at most holidays, birthdays, nice weekends, Cougar games or simply just because, and I wasn't there. That was how I grew up -- we always got together with family. I was shocked to learn that what we did wasn't really the norm when little country mouse (me) went to the "big" city (Pullman) and met lots of different people. I couldn't understand why their mom didn't make spicy cheese dip for tortilla chips when an aunt, uncle or cousin would come by, or why they didn't sit out on the patio for hours after the sun went down, eating that dip and chatting. I thought everyone did that??!! You don't play nerts with everyone at Christmas until it's almost the day after Christmas??! You don't you all live about a mile away from family??!!

When we moved to California, we didn't know anyone. Well, save for a couple people in San Francisco, but that was like a two hour drive away, even though it was only about 25 miles away. Our first New Years was spent in a cheap hotel with cheaper pizza and the cheapest champagne. Our first California Easter was just the two of us and too much ham (again). Same for 4th of July, Halloween, birthdays, Christmas...I can't even remember what we did that first Christmas. It must not have been very exciting because, according to this blog, I just made Elf Yourself videos and never even blogged about Christmas.

This repeated itself over a few more holidays, but then we found the Bracketts and our lives changed forever. It still feels weird not to celebrate a holiday with the Bracketts. But I digress.

What I'm trying to tell you is we had a lot of family come visit this January and February. More than ever came to visit us when we LIVED IN WASHINGTON. Go figure ;)

The best part? They all came at once!

The worst part? I really failed at taking many pictures.

Plus, most of the pics were taken in the early-morning time frame when no one should be photoed.Also, the weather wasn't as warm as it had been or as it is right now, but those visiting from Chicago thought anything was better than -6F and the "polar vortex!"

Drew was the first to arrive, though it was just for dinner. He was in town for a business trip, so he came by to say hi and treat me to Jimmy Johns :) WOOT!

The Olmsteads were also here in their RV, but on the other side of Phoenix. Rolly and I made a trip over for an afternoon outing where he went swimming with Rah Rah for almost an hour. He loved being in the water, especially after we took off that dumb rash-guard shirt that made him freeze.

Rahrah and Rolly swimming.

Next came some of the Rabes and the rest the Chyterboks, sans Drew this time. Maggie brought her two little bugs, James and Owen (who was just 2 months old at the time). Mags and the boys stayed here while the Rabes stayed at a hotel a few miles away. I was excited to see Rolin and James together, especially because James is a year and two days older than Rolin. They got along pretty well for the most part, especially considering Rolin kept swiping James' toys, which more or less forced James to share his goods without being asked. He was good about sharing his trains, the most prized possessions of them all. In short, we've since purchased a couple Thomas the Train trains for Rolin as they've been the latest requirement for nap time (wheee).

Pajama pals cleaning up after breakfast.

What Rolin is really saying here is, "James, take this awesome duster..." So I can go play with your train by myself.

Dinner time!

Hugs!

Rolin was also really interested in baby Owen. He kept a close eye on him and made sure we remembered he is, in fact, a baby. "Baby! Baby! Baby!"

 Rolin making sure Owen knew he had a nose. "Nose!"


Making sure Owen's swing was swinging and playing music...

Cousin Laura joined us Friday night, after driving about seven hours to get here (wowza!) and stayed at our house. Maggie's friend Maggie, her husband and baby girl came down from north Phoenix for an afternoon at the park -- we were going to hit up the train museum and farm-themed park, but opted for the park in our neighborhood for logistic and food reasons, ha! Kids have a way of derailing (no pun intended) the best laid plans from time to time, right?!

Daddy and Rolly at the park.

Laura had to leave early Sunday to get back home, but we're so glad she made the trip to see everyone! The kiddos were glad to have a non-parent adult around to play with them, that's for sure!

One of the early-morning shots before Laura hit the road. 

Sunday afternoon was the Super Bowl, and Team Thompson hosted a viewing party. Everyone brought snacks, we enjoyed a chili bar with all the fixin's, and finished with football cookies and these cute "Seahawk Nests" Maggie and I made.

Seahawks nests for the Big Game. 

It was a great game, and having everyone here made Seattle's victory that much sweeter.

Thanks to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Lou, Mags and I were able to sneak away for (desperately needed) pedicures and some time to ourselves. It was a great treat! My parents got in late Monday, then everyone hit up the aquarium Tuesday. James and Rolin loved it, particularly the "water spot" on the floor, made by projectors, smoke and mirrors. We could hardly get them away from it. The underwater tunnel was also a hit.

Swimming in the "water," aka "the spot on the floor."

A little hesitant about stepping out onto the water!

James and Rolin checking out the shark mouth!

"Swimming" in the tunnel

The Rabes and Chyterboks left Wednesday, but mom and dad were still with us for another five days, so we weren't going to be all alone all at once.

Another early-morning shot before the Rabes and Chyterboks left for the airport. 

All the visitors kept our schedules packed, and I loved every minute. Mom and Dad's trip included a weekend getaway to Sedona, by way of Prescott, which we'll save for another post.

Stay tuned for more!

Not the mama

There is a framed photo of our wedding propped up against a wall in the corner of our bedroom. It's not that I don't like it -- it happens to be my favorite wedding photo! It's just that I ran out of picture-hanging steam, I suppose. Plus, it's usually covered by our laundry basket, so I forget it's there.

Well, I decided to do some laundry the other day, so I took the basket down the hall, exposing the picture.

Rolin has been sitting in front of it since that day, pointing at the pictures and naming those he recognizes.

Cute, right? Aww, he knows who people are! 

Maybe you can even see yourself in this photo? Feel free to point at those you recognize and joyfully call out their names as if you're a 19-month old.

It's fun, yes?

But you know what has got me baffled and questioning my appearance lately?

He doesn't recognize the lady in white, the one holding his daddy's hand. 

You know, the one who birthed him and has never been away from him for more than eight hours at a time (not necessarily by choice...). 

You know, HIS MOTHER!?

He won't believe me when I tell him otherwise. 

To him, this is not mama. 

To him, our wedding photographer is his mother. 

Nothing against her, of course. She's a lovely lady! I just really wonder why I can't convince him that I am the other woman in the picture!!! Ha!

Could it be her cowlick? Maybe. It's similar to the one that makes an apperance at the back of my head if I don't wash my hair daily. And, if we're being honest, I can't tell you the last time I washed my hair two days in a row. Maybe that's it. 

Is it her watch? No, I don't wear a watch. 

Is it her red shirt? well, I do wear my bull shirt from Spain a lot...so much so it's kind of orange now. Maybe that's it. 

I often stand with my hand up like that, protecting my tender Norwegian eyes from the bright sun. Even on cloudy days (which sometimes seem brighter, for some reason). Maybe that's it. 

Weekend in Vancouver

Last weekend we traveled to Vancouver, Wash., for Justin's cousin's wedding.

I promise we'll stay in Arizona for more than a week at a time now...we don't have any more travels on our calendar for a few months. Hooray!

Passed out on puffs on the way to the airport.

The high temp in Vancouver all weekend was expected to be lower than the low temp in Phoenix. Follow that? I believe Washington also received record rainfall over the weekend. I was so glad I decided to bring a pair of leggings to wear with my dress for the wedding. I originally got them so my ultra-white legs wouldn't blind the bridal party, but they actually saved me the embarrassment of harming people with my goose-bumped, prickly legs. Sorry for that visual, but it's the truth.

We stayed with Justin's grandma during our trip. His parents joined also came for the weekend and his brother came down for the wedding. We all just hung out, ate food and enjoyed everyone's company while there. It was wonderful to see everyone and spend time together -- something that unfortunately doesn't seem will happen with much frequency anymore. It does make me sad that Rolly doesn't get to see some of his relatives very often, but I know most will come visit and, of course, we will get up there too when we get the chance! Washington will always be our home :)

Grandma hasn't been feeling well so Justin picked up a blood pressure cuff to double check things and help put her mind at ease a bit. 

Reading The Animals of Farmer Jones with Grandpa Lee.

 

We went to lunch at Burgerville in Vancouver. It was community appreciation day, and to celebrate they had some state patrol officers, Smokey the Bear and other members and services from the community present. There was also cake and crafts for the kids. Though he wasn't too sure about Smokey when we first arrived, Rolin was playing peekaboo with the bear by the end of our lunch. 

The wedding was at the Fairgate Inn in Camas. Rolin loved playing on the stairs and running around the big rooms in the front of the house. The ceremony was outside under a large, gorgeous tent, and the reception was inside in a cozy and warm great room with large windows and beautiful golden window treatments that made the room almost glow. The rain pouring down outside made it feel all the more romantic inside...perfectly lovely for a wedding, I think.

Team Thompson at the wedding ceremony. Please note Rolin doesn't always eat puffs, but they help keep him quiet and calm :)

Bride Megan and me.

We left early Monday morning and made it back to Phoenix in time to go to the DMV (wheeeee). We made it outta there just before Rolin went into meltdown mode. We were out of snacks, he was tired of the toys, Dinosaur Train on the tablet was no longer entertaining and he had a poopy diaper. Exactly what you'd want to deal with at the DMV, right? The good news is we are now officially licensed in the state of Arizona.

The face of anger and disappointment at the DMV.

We're moving!

A couple months ago, Team Thompson entertained the idea of buying a home in Spokane. We then decided we'd be better off renting for another year before buying, and instead hit up the rental sites to see if we could find a cute house for rent or lease (something with a fenced yard, two bathrooms, all appliances included, extra bedrooms, something close to a nice neighborhood cafe...you know...the works). 

We didn't find many great options online or from our in-person visits, but one day in mid-June I decided to drive down 23rd Ave. on the South Hill and spotted a for lease sign. It was for a super cute house, with a fenced yard, two bathrooms, new appliances, extra bedrooms, it's next to The Scoop...you know...the works! I called the number on the sign and scheduled a viewing for later that afternoon. 

It was perfect! A nice kitchen with new, stainless steel appliances, three bedrooms + a loft/attic area for a guestroom/playroom/children's room, a garage, was located next to The Scoop...you know...the works. Just look at it! We filled out an application that day. We made it through the screening process and signed the lease the following week. 

We sent out invitations to Rolin's first birthday, listing our new place as the venue. We've lined people up to help move us. We've picked up boxes from random sources. We've packed up about half our townhouse. We are set to move.

To Phoenix. Arizona. Phoenix, Arizona.

So forget what's above. Apparently, someone else has other plans for our family! Just days after we signed our lease, Justin got a call from his boss about an opportunity in Phoenix.

See, a couple weeks prior to this, Justin had casually mentioned to his boss that we were house hunting. The boss was excited for us! Then, a few days later, boss called JT to ask him if he'd reconsider signing a lease because something might be coming up at some point. Maybe. He couldn't tell anything more than that. No hints, no timeline, no possible destinations, nothing.

That's ok, I get the need for secrecy.

So, we decided to go ahead and sign for the house we found. It was perfect, after all, with it's fenced yard, two bathrooms, new appliances, extra bedrooms, it's located next to The Scoop...you know...the works. I mean, just look at it!

Really, LOOK AT IT! You want to rent it too, don't you? (Well, someone needs to rent it...but I'll get to that in a minute.)

Anyway, as I said above, we signed the lease. I immediately started packing boxes and making arrangements. However, within days, we got the call about Phoenix. So, we weighed our options, we told family members, we stopped packing, we talked to friends who knew the Phoenix area, we started wondering what exactly you should do if you or your child are bitten by a desert creature, such as a scorpion.

We also waited. We waited and waited and waited and waited and WAITED for more information from the company. When the official offer finally came in, Justin accepted the position right away.

It's a good move for him professionally, as well as for our family. For starters, the district is not as spread out as his current district, so he'll be home on a more regular basis. Maybe the bags under my eyes will go away?

As you can imagine, we've had quite a few decisions to make and details to take care of over the last few weeks, so please accept this as a formal apology if you are just now being informed of our move.

Our timeline: Movers come at the end of this week.We fly away on August 11th. Ack!

Back to the lease on the other place...so we did sign it. We paid the required fees and first month's rent, yadda yadda yadda. Now we're stuck with a year-long lease for a home into which we will not be settling. It's back on the market and I've been soliciting friends and strangers (including a dude at the park) to please, pretty please, tell all acquaintances about a cute, craftsman-style house for rent on the South Hill. It has a fenced yard, two bathrooms, new appliances, extra bedrooms, it's next to The Scoop...you know...the works.

Thank you to those of you who have said prayers for us during this process, as well as other events that have come up in the last month. I know your prayers were heard because overall JT and I have felt pretty good and at ease about things. Of course we've had our outbursts, but, like I said, overall we're doing ok. Please keep it up :)

I promise to post soon about our crazy July, a month that presented a very momentous occasion for Team Thompson...Rolin's 1st birthday!

In the meantime, enjoy this picture of Rolly bug and my dad on the Spokane Carousel:

Polo shirt party!

Wedding Day

Curtis and Kate's wedding day was fun for everyone. Here are a few shots from the event:

I couldn't help myself...I found this bow tie at a consignment shop...it matched the wedding colors, but it was either this blue or yellow. I went with blue. 

Maid of honor's speech

Best man's speech.

Some of the wedding party.

This was Rolin's "smile" for about a week.

Justin and Curtis were so excited to be in a picture with Rolin they couldn't keep their eyes open!

(yes, eyes closed in a picture runs in the family)

Rolly with the groom.

Rolly got a spin on the dance floor with the groom :)

All of these, as you can tell, are iPhone pics. There are great shots of the day on the photographer's blog. Check it out! 

Week in Aberdeen

Our week in Aberdeen was relaxing, even though there was much to do. 

We arrived and settled in late Saturday afternoon. On Sunday we went to church and then drove out to Westport Winery for lunch. Rolin pooped through his outfit on the way there (always a lovely surprise), so luckily I had some extra clothes with us. The winery was packed this time around, but the food was just as delicious. They had live music, too, and the singer/pianist, Ericka Corban, was one of Lee's former students. She came over to talk to us for a while and gave us a CD. She's quite talented -- Norah Jones-like.

Rolin enjoying a banana at Westport Winery. 

We all went to Friendly Flowers in Elma on Monday to get flowers for the rehearsal dinner arrangements. Friendly Flowers is a lovely little nursery owned by some of Lee's relatives, Pat & Leland. In fact, Leland's grandpa is the source of Rolin's name! 

Me, Karen, Lee, Rolin, Leland and Pat at Friendly Flowers. 

Rolin's "smelling the flowers" face at Friendly Flowers.

Rolin and I went to Rochester on Tuesday to see Kelly and baby Jaxon. I failed, for the second time, to get a picture of the two kiddos together so you'll just have to take my word for it! Kelly and I went to WSU at the same time and got to know each other when we both lived in Community Hall. We had some good times together, for sure! The following pic has nothing to do with my visit to Rochester, but it's proof that I have, in the past, remembered to take a picture of a time when Kelly and I were in the same place!

Kelly and me, long before Jax & Rolin were twinkles in our eyes.

Justin's birthday was Wednesday, so the Team Thompson went to lunch at Savory Faire in Montesano, the venue where rehearsal dinner was to be held. We wanted to check out the restaurant and go to a place in the Harbor we've never been. We arrived during lunch rush, but Rolin held it together and Justin and I both liked what we ordered, even though I can't remember what I ate because I was constantly moving things out of Rolin's reach or taking away things he managed to grab!

After lunch we drove wwwaaaayyy out to Wynoochee Dam just to see what there was to see. It was a gorgeous drive through all the forest land in the county. I can see now why Justin has a chainsaw chain tattoo on his leg. Wait...what's that, you ask? Yes, it's true. But if you want to know more about his tattoo, you'll have to ask him yourself.

Turns out, there is just a dam to see. And the lake behind it. 

The lake behind the dam -- looks like it would be a hoppin' spot in the summer!

The road there is paved now, but back when Lee & Karen worked at Camp Grisdale, it was a terribly pot-hole infested and windy road. Camp Grisdale, as you'll read on the sign pic below, was a logging camp. Upon its closure in 1986, it was the last logging camp in the nation. Lee and Karen lived at the camp and taught school there for two years before they moved to Aberdeen. 

After our trip to Wynoochee, we picked Lee up at school and then darted up to Olympia so the boys could try on their tuxes. After we returned, it was time to dine on Justin's favorite dish of all...Frankfurter & Bean Supperdish. I don't like to admit that I actually like this dish, so I won't. 

Thursday we relaxed until birthday party time. (We waited until Thursday to have more of a "party" for Justin so Curtis, Kate & friend could join the festivities.) The evening was complete with grilled steaks and homemade rhubarb pie -- a recipe courtesy of Justin's Grandma Grace. 

Enjoying snack time with Grandma Karen.

Rolin loves with Grandpa Lee reads The Animals of Farmer Jones!

Getting in some playtime with Grandma before dinner.

Wrestling with Uncle Curtis!

Friday was a day of last minute to dos, a bike ride for the boys and rehearsal dinner prep. The weather was unexpectedly nice, so we all enjoyed some time outside before rehearsal. 

Rolin and I stayed home during the church part of the evening, but met up with the gang for dinner at Savory Faire. 

Me, Curtis, Karen, Lee & Rolin before they left for rehearsal at the church.

The Thompson Family!

Rolin did amazingly well at dinner, considering it started at his usual bedtime. All I can say is thank goodness for Baby Mum-Mums! We were served blackberry salmon or prime rib -- both were incredibly delicious! Dessert was a decadent amaretto bread pudding. Ohhh, my. It was rich, it was dense, it was flavorful. Trust me...I'll go back to Savory Faire for the bread pudding, if not for the salmon!

Team Thompson at rehearsal dinner. Photo courtesy of Chelsea R. 

Saturday was wedding day! I'll have to post about that later -- it deserves its own post! The sun was shining, the bride was gorgeous, the groom was all smiles and the event went off without a hitch!

Sunday we hit the road after breakfast at The Bee Hive in Montesano. We also stopped outside Elma to visit with the Ellingsens who were in town to celebrate their son, Ethan's, first birthday! It was great to see them and to meet Ethan. We're hoping Rolin's hair takes a hint from Ethan and comes in soon :)

Hope you had a fun birthday celebration, buddy!!

Ethan showed Rolly a few new tricks, like holding on to something and walking around it.

"See, Rolly? You just hold on with your hands and move your legs side to side...eventually you move to a new spot and then you can reach things your parents think they've moved far enough away from you!"

They also terrorized a poor, small dog. It didn't really stand a chance between two baby boys. The dog finally went and hid outside. 

No one likes the long drive home after a nice vacation, but we're thankful it was uneventful and we arrived home safely. It was a fun week with the family!