First week of work

Jeff has completed his first full week of work at Maple Valley Presbyterian Church, and it has been a very positive experience for him. The people at Maple Valley Pres are tremendous and our excitement grows as we anticipate our future with them.

My mom left today. It was a sad event...she and I kept our sunglasses on so we didn't have to see any tears in the other's eyes, but the girls boo-hooed when Grandma got out of the car at SeaTac. I'm not sure if Cambria cried more about Grandma leaving or the fact that she couldn't go with her on the plane. She informed me that she "did not like being left behind. " I told her that I didn't like being left behind either, which is why she needed to stay here with me. I'm fairly certain that she did not appreciate my comment.

The house is coming together. We've unpacked a ton of boxes but still more are looming. My mom was a HUGE help in the unpacking. She cracked the whip until I finished the kitchen. :-) It was such a chore since there was quite a bit of cleaning and contact paper to put down. Fortunately, it is now in working order. The girls' bedrooms are coming together, as is the playroom downstairs. We've taken a few trips to Ikea and the bookshelves there have been very helpful in organizing all the toys -- boy, do we own a lot of toys.

We had a couple of warm days here this week. It almost reached 90 the other day, which was nice for Jeff to take the girls swimming in one of the town lakes, but not nice since we don't have A/C. To top it off, on the 90 degree day, we lost power for 2 hours so we couldn't even use fans. Thankfully, the hot weather is not a common occurrence. Overall, I find the August weather very pleasant -- high 70s to low 80s (though, sometimes its high 60s) and we've had quite a bit of sun.

Well, Jeff just got home from a meeting so I'll sign off for the evening. Blessings!

A Day at Mt. Rainier

This past Saturday was a beautiful day and Mt. Rainier was out in all it's glory. At the last moment, we decided to drive up to Sunrise Overlook -- the highest point up Mt. Rainier -- and thoroughly enjoyed the view and fresh air. Hopefully, this will temp our friends and family to visit, especially in the summers.

The girls love trying to spot Mt. Rainier while we drive around town. Avery's favorite game with Cambria is claiming that the mountain is out "Avery's side." This game can go on for quite some time -- go figure.

Jeff & I at Sunrise Lookout.

Avery had a great time playing in the dirt.

This picture looks like they are standing in front of a fake background, however, it is very REAL.

Beautiful wildflowers (they kind of look like bluebonnets)

She'd look like a real daredevil if it weren't for the passy in her mouth.

Mt. Rainier from Sunrise Lookout.

More pictures from our day in Seattle

Avery and Mommy walking up the pier.

Watching the draw bridge go up.

The girls and Jeff sitting at the end of Fisherman's Pier.

We've arrived!

We've arrived in Maple Valley, WA and took a day off from unpacking to visit Seattle. It was a fun time as a family. I'll write more details very soon, I promise.

NY City Dancing

Jeff and Cambria took a trip into NY City last Tuesday. One of their stops was Bryant Park and Cambria took a moment to dance. She said that she was dancing to the sounds of NY City. She often breaks out into spontaneous dances and this is another example.

The Outer Banks!

We had a fun 5 days in the Outer Banks with Lize Landis and a few of her friends. We've been on the go for a long time, and it was a blessing to have a true vacation. We made a lot of memories during the week.

I can't remember the last time we had a nice picture taken.

Avery worked very hard to not smile in this picture.

Cambria's 4 year picture.

The Lee girls

Cambria couldn't wait to be buried in the sand.

Cambria and Jaime Landis running on the beach.

There is nothing Avery enjoys more than playing with water (in the wagon).

Avery loved the beach.

Our new home

If all goes well, then we will be home owners in two weeks. By the grace of God, and family assistance, we are able to buy this wonderful 4 bedroom home in Maple Valley, WA. We have a guest room and rec room downstairs for visitors, so we'd love to see you in the near future. The Seattle area is beautiful...unlike any other place. Come and see for yourself.

As of now, Saturday, July 14th, we are in packing mode. We're presently in Virginia, packing up stuff in my parents' house for the movers to pick-up. Our apartment in New Jersey will be packed in the truck on July 31st and we will begin our journey across the country in the Odyssey. Pray for our days in the car with two young girls. :-)

Wonderful Time in New Hampshire!

Daddy & Uncle Will with the girls and cousin Wills

Cheese!

The girls with their cousins Liana, Sophia & Kailyn

The girls had a fun time together at Canobe Lake Park.

Avery's first time at an amusement park!

With Yen-Yen on the Weir's Beach train

At Lake Winnipesauke

A silly moment with Mommy

We're moving to...

Seattle!

Well, actually we are moving to Maple Valley, WA (a far suburb SE of Seattle), but it is still the beautiful NW. Jeff has been offered the position of Associate Pastor of Small Groups at Maple Valley Presbyterian, and we have accepted. After much prayer, we are certain that our family is called to this church and community. So, in late-July we will be moving our family across the entire country! Please keep us in your prayers as we work out the details of Jeff's ordination service in New Jersey, travel to Seattle again mid-June with the girls, look for a house, say goodbye to dear friends and family, pack our belongings and finally drive across the country in late-July. We will keep you posted on our life details as things progress.

Graduation!

Getting through seminary was a family effort.

The graduate and his proud wife. :-)

Close friends.

Jeff is looking quite scholarly!

Jeff & Laurie with Jeff's parents & sister

Self-portraits

Cambria loves to take photos with the camera, however, the other day she discovered the joy of self-photos. These are 3 of the 20+ pictures she took.

Sweet Cambria

Goofy Cambria

Sleeping Cambria

18 months old

Avery is 18 months old now! Today she asked, "where papa (pacifier)?" I replied that at it was at home. Not believing me she asked, "in bag?" while grabbing at the diaper bag. Her understanding level is very high and the words are beginning to come together in her speech. I can ask her almost any yes/no question and get an honest answer from her. "Yes" answers are usually enthusiatic while "no" answers are most likely in a whiney voice. How does that happen at such a young age?

Avery also loves to sing songs. She can sing the notes to any praise song, kids' song or tv show song. Today we were riding in the car and Cambria was singing the tune to Little Einsteins. Avery joined right in, including trying to count "5..4..3..2..1..blast off." It was sweet as can be even if my girls are being completely brainwashed by toddler/preschool tv. :-)