its true....

We're moving to Salt Lake! I guess its high time I picked up blogging again to stay in touch with all of those we are leaving behing in Seattle. A lot can happen in a year...Tanner turned 4, Parker turned 9, Ben turned 32, and I had a birthday as well. 43. I've decide to start ADDING to my age. That way you get a lot of "you look so YOUNG for your age". Niki ran (er...jogged and walked and almost crawled) her first marathon. She also got certified and started teaching yoga and loves it! We went to AZ to visit G&G for Xmas and had such a great time we decided to go back for spring break. Swimming trumped Disneyland for both boys. Next time we'll save our money. In April Ben & I went to SLC for his dad's mission farewell. While there Ben had lunch with an old business associate that works for the church now. Over the course of the next 7 months, he and Ben chatted a lot, and Ben was offered a job with Family Search at the church and starts his new job 11/30! Its a HUGE change for our family. One that we've been preparing and working toward for the past couple of years. From a worldly perspective, leaving Microsoft is about the dumbest thing we could do career wise, but this just feels like the right thing for our family. If we had any doubt, our house selling for cash in 36 hours seemed like a good sign. Now to find a place to live... In July Ben & I were "Maw & Paw" for the youth (almost) Trek. It was cancelled due to heat, but we had a fun camping weekend with some great kids instead!

In August we celebrated our 10 year anniversary in Kauai and had a great time! Thanks mom and dad for watching the kiddos! Parker started 3rd grade this fall and is excited to move because "Everyone crowds around the new kid". Tanner started preschool and can't wait to live by Grandpa Rowe and "make cupcakes with him!" We had a great, lazy summer. The boys both grew shags and I took it as long as I could, but something HAD to be done when school started. We bought a tent trailer this summer and really enjoyed the great outdoors. Lots of camping and hiking for us. Loved it! I guess that's it for now?!

Pix from our year in review...

Family Photos in Maple Valley before we bid our fond farewell!








Yogi in training!
First day of Preschool! We are REALLY going to miss Ms. Debi!!! (Or DEVI as Tanner says.)
First day of 3rd grade! Mrs. Bennison has been the BEST teacher! Wish we could take her with us too!
My birthday. Ben makes the best cakes!
My birthday present - a guitar and a new amp! I started guitar lessons this fall and even joined a band, although it was short lived due to moving plans.
Rock & Roll Marathon - June

Kauai, 2009
Shaggy D.A.
Ben's bday. We celebrated by camping! The DAY after we returned from a 10 day trip to Kauai. I must REALLY love my husband.
Trek - Maw & Paw Bennett
4th of July
Parker's bday. He picked two friends and celebrated at Olson Mansion - mini golf, swim and fishing!
Red Robin with cousin Evan. They share the same special day!
Tanner's bday in AZ!
Snow shoeing Denny Creek, 1/2009