Life in America

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Class trip to Seattle

It is a tradition at my school that the 5th grade classes go on an overnight trip to Seattle. I went last year and loved it. This year I was a little bit concerned about going because I was going to be 25 weeks pregnant and knew we were doing lots of walking. So Marc came on the trip and we had a blast with my students. We went to an IMAX on the Grand Canyon (which was really a political ranting about water conservation...which is a good thing, don't get me wrong. Maybe just a little over the heads of 11 year olds though). We toured the Pacific Science Center, went up the Space Needle, spent the night at a hotel (as compared to sleeping on the floor of the Science Center), went to the Zoo (my FAVORITE part) and then on a Ferry ride. It was a tiring trip, but so fun.

On top of the Space Needle

At the Pacific Science Center

I can not fully describe how animated the animals were. We caught them on a great day. The gorilla walked right passed us and then put his hand against the glass. The kids all put their hands there too and were screaming. That gorilla was HUGE.

We heard the tiger roaring and decided to go check it out. He was pacing back and forth and kept stopping to look at the crowd. He started to jump down each level of his enclosure to the point where he actually jumped out of sight. At that point we decided to leave, since we weren't too interested in having any experience like the San Diego zoo mauling. So we hussled out of there quick quick.

Week 21

Here is a shot of me at week 21. At least I can still see my toes. I am sure that will change.

Our little baby

The 20 week ultra sound was incredible. We were hoping to find out the gender of our baby, so I took the advice of a good friend (thanks Amber) and drank some caffeine before going. It worked and baby was able to give us the "money shot" we were hoping for. So we are proud to announce that we are having a baby BOY! I think it took both Marc and I by surprise. Everyone around here kept telling us they thought it was a girl. And well, we kind of did too. When the technician confirmed it was a boy, Marc was speechless. It was pretty funny. I think he was in shock. He said afterwards that he didn't realize how much he wanted a boy until the technician started doing all the measurements. So we are pretty happy that our baby is healthy and looked like a baby (or maybe a bit alien ish....but I know that will change!).

Our little man

We love this one because it looks like he is kissing his bicep. Showing off already. :)

Some serious gifts from my first Baby Shower. My mother-in-law hosted it in Spokane while my parents were in town. It was really special to have my mom there.

As you can see we were really blessed from this shower. And to think I have 2 more to come. God has blessed us with a lot of love and support.

Spring Break

Week 20

My parents flew out for Spring Break. We got back from our friend's wedding and seeing Sam and Jenna, then picked up my parents the next day. It was GREAT to have them here. They hadn't seen our home or me pregnant. They spoiled us rotten. The other really exciting thing that happened this week was my 20 week ultra sound. So my mom accompanied Marc and I to the ultra sound and we were able to find out the gender of the baby. Hooray!

Comparing the size of my tummy to my dad's. He has me beat!

Grandma and Grandpa Spencer

Mom and Dad at a viewpoint in Richland

Monday, April 7, 2008

Road Trip

At church this month and next we are learning about the Beatitudes of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew ch.5). The 8 principles found in the Beatitudes will be keys to discovering life at its best...the way God designed it. So, we are going on a spiritual road trip of discovery and adventure.

Thursday Katrina and I jumped in our friends' SUV and took off for Lincoln City, OR for our own travels. The photographs are in chronological order. We begin at Tapteal Elementary School, West Richland, WA 4:00pm Thursday.

We drove to Hillsboro, OR and and stayed the night with Sam, Jenna, Nathan and baby Isaac. We are so happy for them as they have two healthy boys and look to a possible adventure in moving south t

owards Salem for Sam's job change.

Ice Cream! We took the scenic route Highway 26 to Tillamook, OR on HWY 101. The fresh mountain huckleberry and pistachio almond hit me just right.

Katrina enjoyed her huckleberry (she copied me) and chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

We arrived at our ocean side hotel, the Sandcastle. I jumped in the hot tub, while Katrina went to the outlet malls for a quick shop-shop.

We caught a cat-nap Friday.

Friday night we met up with Jordan and Shannon for their wedding rehearsal dinner. They rented two over the top beach houses with a cottage in Lincoln City. These two homes were completely renovated with luxury. The kitchens were set up with professional gourmet appliances, each bathroom had towel warmers and bath robs for adults and kids. At the cost of $1,700 for two nights that's what you'd expect. I forgot to mention that each bedroom had a TV and gaming system. Katrina and I loved bookcase room off the back deck.

The rehearsal was fun times in the front room as two of the groomsmen, bless their hearts, were down at the local casino. So, we grabbed two guys hanging out in the front room and had them practice for their buddies. We figured out the unity sand ceremony with many advisors to the bride. Afterwards, we headed home and watched half of Raider's of the Lost Ark before falling asleep around 11:30pm.

The next morning we went out for breakfast and coffee before heading over to the beach house at 12:30pm for the wedding. I ate the strawberry crepes and Katrina ate the french toast. At Starbucks I enjoyed a honey latte while figuring out the legal documents for the bride and groom.

The wedding was to take place between 1-2pm depending on the weather. It rained nearly all day. I prayed a lot for the rain to stop. It did stop around 1:15pm, but the wedding party wasn't ready. Then, I heard we were "on" so we all walked quickly in the rain to the predetermined location on the beach. The rain was pelting my right side and wind gave us all a chattering teeth chill.

The bride and groom had great attitudes and so did the family and friends. We all went out their with smiles and enjoyed a special, spiritual moment with Jordan and Shannon. Shannon is school teacher with Katrina. I did the short version focusing on the unity ceremony, the vows, and the exchange of rings with a prayer of blessing. Showers of joy.

Buckaroo's 1st bath

After playing outside in an April snow/hail storm (odd for us to have such inclement weather in a desert), Roo was filthy. So we talked him into something he didn't care for. But, parents know best.

Step1: insert dog into bathtub