unbroken

I just finished what may be the best book I'll ever read. I genuinely hope not, because I do intend to live a very very long life.

Laura Hillenbrand beautifully encompassed the massive universe that is the human spirit, one's ability to persevere, and the beauty in redemption.

I learned so much of our nations history during WWII, enjoyed countless moments where her descriptive writing put me right at the scene: a brain-full of colors and sounds and tears.

This is one of those books that will stay with me for the rest of my life, help define my perspectives, and shape my beliefs in the undeniable goodness and evil of people.

my new motto.

abby & leah visit - washington + oregon.

It's a funny thing having 9 sisters...especially with age gap ranges from 2 to 20 years apart. Each relationship becomes one that is uniquely theirs. I think that these relationships also get harder and harder to maintain well when you don't live in the same state as any of them. The littles grow up and I didn't even notice. The middles went to college and I almost forgot, and the oldies are having kids and living their lives so very far away from my own.

So, having the opportunity for some of my youngest sisters to come down for a 2-week visit was really a lot of fun. Abby and Leah were here for a summer get-away, and we got to play tourist in the Seattle area, and then have them join us for a super-fun road-trip through Oregon.

Our first stop was in Bend, where we loaded up on the outdoor mountain excursions: white water rafting, horseback riding, river floating, miniature golfing, swimming, hot tubbing, and eating. Oh! there was a lot of eating! What I learned: Leah's a little uneasy on a horse, and Abby likes to walk very fast.

Next up was Seaside. Surrounded by absolutely gorgeous sandy beaches, downtown has quite the throwback vibe goin on; Old fashioned bumper cars...carousel...tilt-a-whirl...cotton candy...chocolate shops...and salt water taffy! Beach bumming, wanderings, reading, more hot tubbing, and eating was the definite cure.

My new motto: 'Eat Well, Travel Often' was most definitely made proud!

Here are all of the pics. Password: Finch.

And, here's a slideshow of our favorite GoPro clips.

easter 2014

Easter is one of those fun holidays where you can throw together any and all pastel colors and it works. The kids both really understood that the Easter Bunny was coming this year, and even Christian asked if he was "scary" or "nice". Pretty sure he thinks he's nice...now that he left him toys and candy.

We celebrated a week early this year, as we'll be in San Diego for Ron & Diane's wedding next weekend. Easter candy high...bunny pancakes...church...and then, as usual...the crash. I don't know why I always forget about the post-Easter meltdown. Too much candy...too much excitement...followed by early bedtimes. But what FUN it really is! ; )

HERE are the pics.

meh-hee-koh

Mexico was bliss. We're going back as soon as we possibly can. Both parents and kids got everything they needed and wanted for a truly unforgettable vacation from reality:

Kids: Endless sand, full days of pool and ocean waves, playing with monkeys, swimming with dolphins, holding iguanas, eating endless quesadillas, and roaming freely under the warm warm sun. 

Parents: Bottomless margaritas, Mayan massages, seeing Wonders of the World, breakfast in the sand, late night terrace hot tubbing, and the complete absence of having to clean or cook...anything!

The kids were completely exhausted every single night that they were asleep the minute their heads hit the pillow, leaving so much more fantastic time to lounge and chat and watch movies and drink wine and get some much much needed sleep ourselves. 

Jonathan went scuba diving with sea turtles, I did some fantastic snorkeling, and the kids practically slept in their swim floaties. All-in-all, a great time. 

For wayyyyy too many pics of the whole vacay, click HERE. Password: Finch

And, here is a video we put together of our favorite clips experimenting with the new GoPro camera: Set your resolution for 1080p HD watching. 

happy heart day.

avery taylor is 4! christian timothy is 2!

How did this happen? How in the world do I have have two kids old enough to run around and eat birthday cake, and open presents, and have actual friends, and have actual birthday parties? They both had their party this year at Pump It Up indoor inflatables warehouse, where so many of our great friends got to join in the celebration. A truly fun and exhausting time was had by all.

This year, Avery has really grown up a lot. She has quickly morphed into her role as big sister, and is now pretty good at being my second pair of eyes and ears for Christian. She continues to be conniving. She continues to be incredibly sweet. She continues to be my ultra-independent, curious, and super-smart little girl. She loves doing any creative activity under the sun. She loves animals. And, she really loves being given a job, or put in-charge of something. Miss Leader in the making.

Christian is now a boy. Before, he was just a baby. He is the cutest thing to ever look up at you with those huge blue eyes, and itty bitty dimples, that a person can hardly stand not immediately chewing on his face. Jonathan and I find ourselves looking at each other so often in simultaneous recognition of his adorable-ness. He is our little gem right now. Absolutely obsessed with Jake and the Neverland Pirates, he runs the house with a sword and a hook. He would eat Pirates Booty chips all day long if we let him, and as long as he gets to hang with the big kids, he has a smile on his face.

I feel so lucky to have such sweet and fun kids. They are our everything, and more.

Click HERE for all of the pics. Password: Finch

a seattle christmas.

Avery and Christian were both old enough this year to really appreciate the magic of Christmas; the season, the food, family, and fun. The anticipation was all the rage, and Santa just Could Not Get Here Soon Enough!

The entire Finch family was here with us in Seattle, and all had a great time...dinner at Meredith & Brenner's new house, Santa presents at ours with aunt Ashley, more cinnamon rolls, and way too much wine. 

I'm starting to think that I may even need to use separate "Santa" wrapping paper next year for the always curious, intrigued, and never-outwitted Avery Taylor. I can rise to the challenge, little girl. Just call me the Minister of Magic.

Click HERE for all of the pics. Password: Finch

an alaskan thanksgiving.

We got everything we wanted and needed out of a winter wonderland away for Thanksgiving: a snuggly warm home, mountains of snow to play in, and oh so many family members to catch up with over a glass of wine!

Jonathan and I drove the kids down to Papa and Grandma's cabin, and stopped off at the Big Game park to see some serious antlers. Grandkids helped grandma roll out dough and bake her world famous cinnamon rolls. We trudged through the snow to watch some fantastic basketball downtown at the Shootout. Jonathan and I had a few great date nights out.

Halibut at Simons and Brewhouse. Pizza at Moose's Tooth. Libations at Whales Tail. Done, and done. Another perfect trip home with great company, ridiculous food, and warm memories.

Click HERE for all of the pics. Password: Finch