San Francisco- The First Interview

Well, Moss had his first interview in San Francisco this week. After a lot of nerves and jitters he had a great interview (definitely a strength for him). He loved the practice, the people, and the city. While there is an obvious drawback to living in this area (the cost), I can't help but think of how much there would be to see and do. What's two years after all? This is obviously only the first interview, but it is nice to like your options. Now the the interviewing season has begun, it seems like forever until "the match" in December!

The Heritage Festival

The excitement began with a ride on a shuttle from the parking lot to the park. I think the kids associate airplane rides with shuttles, so they were thrilled. I was amazed how many hands on activities they had for the kids. It was not as fun for any of us without Moss there. This was definitely a "Fenberg" style event. There were several different groups playing music, displays of handcrafted goods, and of course bbq and cotton candy. Fortunately the lines were not too long, except for the face painting and balloon twisters (which I was glad to skip).

Here is Jake digging for an arrowhead.Digging for Candy

More Activities

They girls were amazed that they could make their own baskets. They really got into it and the ladies were so patient while helping them. I ended up making Jake's and was nearly cussing by the time it was all over.

Go Mary!

The candle making was fun, well unless you got hot wax dripped on your little hand or toe. It was a little confusing for the kids that the candle did not get bigger the longer it was left in the hot wax. Several times the whole thing melted right back off into the melting pot. Nevertheless, they were very proud of their skinny little candles.

I was amazed at the preparation that went into this festival. These men had cut out, sanded, and painted little cars for the kids to help pound the wheels onto. They must have made hundreds of them. My kids were in hog heaven with all the free stuff they came home with!

And More Fun

Of course the day was not complete without the consumption of cotton candy. It is amazing how much kids love this stuff.

Anna is always up for a chance to be with a horse. I imagine someday she will find a way to have one of her own. (but for now our new little Froo Froo will have to do.

We finished up the day with a hayride.

Brooke is growing up, and I was glad that I didn't lose her. She did have to endure being buckled in her stroller for a short period (while I finished the basket), but then she realized it was better to stay close by and have her freedom. Anna and Mary were great helpers which was very nice.

Christmas in September

Well, after much deliberation and a lot of tears, we finally decided it was now or never (or at least 3 years) before we would be able to get a dog for the kids/Anna. Of course you are thinking I am crazy for taking this on right before the babies, but you just have to know Anna to understand why we would even consider it. This little white fluffy dog has been her dream for as long as I can remember. While Anna is the most intense in her love for animals, all of the other kids are just as thrilled. In fact, we have to have designated personal time with the dog.

The Big Surprise. We had visited Mattie before and saw some other puppies while we were there. We made up excuses for why we would be going to look at puppies in the first place. We had also previously gone to see some lab pups as well. Lets just say I am not made for a big outside dog. Our previous dog, Copper, was intended to be an outside dog and that turned into a disaster. Obviously we no longer have that dog, which Anna reminds us of with every story she writes in school about how Moss gave "HER" dog away while she was sleeping. So after several days of going back and forth and considering the pros and cons we decided to get the dog and bring her home to the kids as a surprise.

This is Mattie. She is 4 1/2 months old and very sweet. She loves to be held and snuggled (one of Anna's requirements). She also doesn't shed (one of Moss' requirements), and will need to be brushed which is another plus for the girls. Fortunately she is a little older and not so breakable and supposedly trainable:).Jake is having a great time with her chasing him all over the yard.

A very happy girl!

One of the Family- I can't deny it, I like her too.

Growing Up

Just when I thought I would have all 2 year-olds, they turned into capable kids. It is so nice to have them be able to run around outside together and just play.

Brooke, 2 1/2

Anna, nearly 7

Mary, 8

Good Times are Here Again

While this may look like a typical sleeping child, we have not seen it for a while. After our last pacifier fiasco, I wondered if life would ever be the same, but I think we might be back on track. Brooke had not been sleeping through the night at all, waking up 2 or 3 times a night. I was beginning to worry that she would keep this up until the babies were born. I also decided that if she was going to be crying anyway, the passy might as well go at the same time! So we are officially "passy-free". It is now for the babies. HOORAY!

Crafting again- a "tag" blanket

So ever since Brooke was born she has been my hobby. She is still really busy, but today she took a really long nap and I actually had time to do a project! This is called a "tag" blanket. I think it originated from the fact that most babies will spend their time sucking on the tags of their stuffed animals and blankets. So I made this for my friend and thought it turned out cute. It is only about 14" square so the baby can carry it around without a lot of hassle. Plus as you can see my embroidery machine is up and running and I didn't break one needle on this, Hooray! (Sarah, no peeking). I am making the most of the second trimester and enjoying having some energy back. I figure that if I want anything for the girls when they are born I had better get started now:).

Our un-Labor Day

The kids started the day off enjoying the sunshine and water. They had a great time filling up the tubs. Who says kids need fancy toys anyway?

Brooke is never a step behind the big kids. If you ask her, she thinks she is 5 too. As you can see she still enjoys an occasional opportunity to put on my make up.

After Moss made a quick trip to the hospital to see a patient, he took the older kids on a bike ride down to a local trail that has a creek near by. It is one of their favorite things to do.

The creek is full of crayfish and minnows which they spend the whole time trying to catch. I guess after this pose, Jake's crayfish reached up and pinched his finger. He just stood their totally paralyzed by it and screamed. (He still doesn't think it was very funny.)

I don't think Jake is going to suffer too much being the only boy.