I told you that we had a big family photo shoot. Well here it is! Meet my Wilde side:)
So here we all are! All seven brother and sisters with their families and Mom and Dad.
This is very typical of my Dad. Always wanting to love a baby or a grandchild. He is where I get my soft side.
We attempted to take a picture by the water with everyone. It was everything but a disaster with the kids. They were getting tired and grumpy. This was the best we could do...
Just after the failed picture we had all the kids gather around a pool of water with critters in it. We figured this may be the only way to get all the kids in a picture with no tears. It worked.
As cute as it was from the front, their bums were even cuter:) I love this picture.
The women, errr I mean the spouses taking care of the babies while we had our immediate family picture taken. What is Curtis doing? Why he is trying to get every spec of sand off of Jace of course! You have to know Curtis well to fully understand that last statement.
The family I grew up in. My dad does not wear jeans:)
My brothers and sisters starting at the bottom with the oldest and working up to the youngest. We are all pretty close even though we are starting to spread out all over the place. Funny how a split family can be so tightly knit together. I love every single one of my siblings.
And finally my little family. I am so thankful that Curtis chose to become part of my crazy huge family. And we are both excited for the little one that is pictured but hidden inside of me. 7 months along in this picture.
It was the year 2009 and it was my birthday. I was at the time separated from my X. He was living with his folks and I and the kids were at our home. I woke up that morning somewhat excited because my X had promised to spend some time with me since it was my birthday. We went over to my parents in laws and gathered everyone to go to the Provo Parade. My X handed me a card and an open bag of chocolates and said happy birthday. I found this strange because he had always made a big deal over my birthdays in the past... this was not a good sign. But he had promised to spend some time with me so that was at least something. After about an hour of bands playing and people waving we headed home to my place. My X then said he had to go back to his place to grab something but would be back within the hour. 3 hours past. No one came. I started to realize that day that I had truly lost any love my X had for me. It was not like him to act so indifferent to the fact I was having a birthday. I started to cry. I felt alone, and desparetely sad. Then there was a knock. It was Jake, my home teacher. He told me that as he was shopping in the store he had a feeling that he should buy and bring me some cupcakes. So there he was at my doorstep with festive fourth of July chocolate cupcakes. I told him it had been my birthday and it had not been a good one. He had no idea it was my birthday. But he had been prompted to give me cupcakes. Cake had never meant so much to me and it really lifted my spirits that day. The rest of the day did not go well with my X. But I had those cupcakes. Thanks Jake for listening to the promptings of the spirit.
This 4th of July I spent with my family at Lincoln Beach. I was wished happy birthday by many. And I was surprised to get a text from Jake letting me know that he had left cupcakes at my neighbors house for when I got home. Now I was no where miserable that day. I was happy spending time with those I loved. But it did make me feel grateful for people like Jake who take the time to try and help others out even when they are not sure why they are doing the things that they do. Because even though cake means little to me... its the action of giving and caring that truly counted that July 4th of 2009. Not to mention later on that year he gave me Curtis because he felt inspired to set us up. I owe Jake a lot. Thank you.
After we left the Seattle area we headed on a 4 hour drive back down to Hillsboro, Oregon to see and spend more time with my brother and his family. The trip was a bit difficult because Jace decided he was going to yell and fuss the entire time.
When we got there we were greeted by my brother's lovely wife Karren and their little girl Sonya. Over the next two days we simply enjoyed the company of Cam's family. Karren was an amazing host and even made us eggs Benedict and a crab pot which was much better than what we had experienced at the Crab Pot in Seattle. We also got to go to Omsi which I remembered going to when I was a child. The kids and even Curtis enjoyed looking at all the different science displays and trying to figure out all the puzzles. Here are a few pics as always.
Jace and Cole hanging out in the stroller at Omsi. Cole is such a smiley baby!
Ashton and Sonya trying to make a square out of the pieces.
You have to bring the two rings from opposite sides together on the same side... Karren was getting a little frustrated.
Make a cube out of the pieces... 20 minutes later he managed to do it and would not leave the puzzle till he had. If Curtis starts something he will always finish it.
This is a clip of Jace and Cole at Omsi just being cute.
We only stayed a short two days in Hillsboro and then headed off to Boise, Idaho to say hello to Uncle Dean and Aunt Sharron. After one night with them we finally headed home. I was personally happy to be home. It's nice to sleep in your own bed after being away for so long. I was however just a little sad to be leaving the NW. Even though I poke fun of it sometimes I really do have a soft spot in my heart for it. Thank you again to all those who made this trip possible for us! Thanks to Mom and Dad Wilde for renting out the beach house and putting the reunion together! Thanks to Ilene and Richard for letting us stay with them in Washington. Thanks to Cam and Karren for letting us stay with them and for setting up the family pictures!
After we were done with visiting all my immediate family at Lincoln Beach we headed up to Bellevue, Washington where my Aunt Ilene and Uncle Richard live. Washington holds a special place in my heart. As a young child my family would head up to Seattle to celebrate Thanksgiving with the whole Wilde Clan every year. When we moved away from Oregon I still yearned to be with my Wilde side and even went as far as purchasing my own ticket one November so that I could be with them. As I have gotten older my draw to Washington has remained. I almost consider it more home than Oregon was even though I lived in Oregon for a good chunk of my life. Washington fits me very well and if I ended up there I would not be disappointed.
When we arrived in Bellevue we were greeted by my aunt and uncle, my cousin Garrett and his family, and Buffy my puppy cousin. The next few days we visited Pikes Market Place, Ivars fish bar, Issaquah's fish hatchery, Snoqualmie Falls, The Crab Pot, and my Grandparents. Jace had a blast with his Puppy Cousin Buffy, and we just enjoyed being in the area. Here are some pics.
Ashton and Buffy (Labradoodle)
Sage and Ashton at Fish Hatchery in Issaquah. We did not see much salmon that day because they were not migrating but we did see a few Fry (smaller baby Salmon) and lots of trout. The kids got to feed them as well.
An old looking gas station in Issaquah that Curtis really liked.
Snoqualmie Falls. You could feel the mist from way up here.
Grandpa Wilde with kids. Jace was playing in the curtains which was not appreciated by Grandma who has just finished telling us that they had been expensive.
Grandma and Grandpa Wilde with kids. I know amazing, they are all smiling! While there the kids weeded some for Grandma and Grandpa and Curtis fixed some doors for them as well. We sure do love these guys! True story.
While we were in Issaquah we ate at the XXX root-bear place. And no its not adult rated. Its just a really neat place that showcases a lot of old cars and has great rootbeer! (http://www.triplexrootbeer.com/) Jace was having a blast dancing to the music.
Here is the clip.
Ilene and Richard were great hosts! We are so thankful for their hospitality! Yet another reason I love Washington. We packed up our bags on Wednesday and started to drive back toward Oregon. It was around Auburn Washington that it occurred to me I was leaving yet again a place that I loved. Wonder when we will return... I hope sooner than later but it most likely wont be for a another few years. So long Washington. Thanks for the memories.
It's been years since all of the Wilde Clan has been together under one roof. And since that last reunion we have added many new soldiers to the ranks. So when my Mom decided to throw together a Wilde reunion on the coast of Oregon, I was excited.
The Drive and Day 1- We arrived after three days of travel stopping in Boise to see amazing friends (Lori, and Ben) and once more in Redmond to give the kids a break. We also took the time to stop by in Albany to show the kids where Mom grew up. We arrived promptly exactly at 4PM at the beach house in Lincoln City. We then unpacked our bags and waited as other Wilde's trickled in. The beach was only a 2 minute walk from the house so we all headed that direction to walk on the beach trying to keep the kids as dry as possible tempting them with the discovery of treasure that could only be found out of the water. Jace however wandered a bit too close and was knocked over by a "wave". He was scared of the water for the rest of the trip.
Curtis Driving as always.
North Albany house that I lived in during my childhood. Whoever lives here now has removed the hedge that bordered the road and the stairs that led to the front door... oh and they painted it yellow...
Day 2- It's Independence Day!! The fourth of July was spent on the beach and lighting Fireworks. This day we actually allowed the kids to get wet. Sage had a blast playing with Ian her cousin by running out into the ocean holding hands and waiting for a bigger wave to get them. Then they would break away and RUN! Jace was cold and wanted nothing to do with the water. But enjoyed filling a bucket of sand with his cousin Natalie. And Ashton was bouncing around all over the place, playing with sand and playing in the waves. Curtis enjoyed playing with Ned's kite.
Our view from our window at Beach House.
Curtis and Jace on their way to the beach.
The Oregon Beach is COLD!
Curtis flying a kite.
Sage and Ian waiting for the next wave.
Sage running from the wave.
Ashton playing while trying to keep warm.
Later on that day we had dinner, scared our spouses with old childhood songs from our past, and enjoyed watching the fireworks that lit up the sky all along the beach.
Curtis and Me in Beach House.
Jace was petrified of the fireworks.
Ashton working he sparklers.
Around and around we go.
Only smile I got out of Jace the entire night. He was fine with the fireworks if they were far away enough and pretty enough.
Day 3- Family Pictures!!! Ok so as a family grows in small children its becomes nearly impossible to take a large group photo with all children gleefully looking at the camera. And in the end I don't believe... or let me reword that, I know for a FACT that we did not get that Perfect picture of everyone smiling for the camera. But I can say for a FACT that it was an experience that will not be forgotten. As soon as I get the results I am sure I will share.
Later on that day, some of us went to the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. Curtis and the kids went up and Jace and I stayed down (Jace was too short to be allowed to climb all those stairs). This caused a commotion since Jace had decided over the last few days that Mom was not an adequate parental guardian and wanted NOTHING to do with me. Not sure why... but I had offended my 18 month old in some way. He did however forgive me and accepted me back as his Mom in a day or two.
Tallest Lighthouse in Oregon
Looking up the stairs from the bottom of lighthouse.
Curtis and Kids on stairs of lighthouse. Sage was very scared of the height.
Day 4- We basically packed up said our goodbyes and left. The time spent with family was crazy, loud, and fun, but was packed with a lot of love. Even my brother Andy and his newly acquired wife Marybeth made an appearance here and there while they were on their honeymoon. Talk about sacrifice!
On our way out we went with Cam and Karren and their kids and visited the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast followed by the Tillamook Cheese Factory where we ate and devoured ice cream. Afterword we headed toward what I consider to be my home away from home.
Shortest Lighthouse in Oregon
Sage up top in lighthouse. She was not so scared of this one.
Jace eating ice cream at Tillamook Cheese Factory.
It's officially the summer! School is out. Both kids did great in school this last year. Sage's teacher loved her enthusiasm for everything, and Ashton's teacher said he has to be the most photogenic child there ever was. Curtis and I are proud of both of our children!
Now that school is over we turn out attention toward the summer. June has been very busy and its not even quite over yet. During the first two weeks of June both Sage and Ashton took swimming lessons. Ashton, being afraid of water, was enrolled in Stage 1. Here he practiced just being comfortable in the water, and below water. Ashton now can dunk his head,jump in the water, and float on his back. He can also dive down for things in shallow water. He still however has to work on his two body length glides both on his front and back before he can advance to level 2. Sage was enrolled in level 3 and did very well passing the class. She however still needs to work on endurance before we are comfortable with putting her in level 4. So that is what we will do while swimming this summer.
Both Curtis and i have also decided to enroll our little girl into Gymnastics to help spend some of that energy she has. She is loving it and has a lot of power in her legs and no fear of anything. It should be fun to see how far she goes.
Another major event this June has been Sage's Birthday. We threw a party for her and she invited a bunch of her best girlfriends. I created a big one hour treasure hunt that had them searching in bushes, goat pens, hay, and many other locations. By the end of the hunt all 10 guests were exhausted. So we fed them ice cream and cupcakes and then let them whack at a pinyata in the shade of a tree. Everyone had a blast! In another two weeks Sage will be getting baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We are so excited for her and this decision that she has made.
Yesterday was Fathers Day. The kids made Curtis cards and expressed their love and appreciation for him. I know that its hard to be a parent. Fatherhood can be very challenging and stressful. You have to not only take care of yourself but your wife and children. You have to be there for them in good and bad times. You have to be consistently responsible, strong, selfless, and supportive. Curtis is always telling me how he wished he could be a better Dad. But the thing he does not realize is that he has given our family more than he gives himself credit for. He has given the kids stability, love, and a father that can always be depended on. Both the kids and I are eternally grateful for that.
Memorial day is a busy day for most families. Barbecues, outdoor activities, family fun and play time. As always Curtis was invited to go to a few weekend excursions, but being the great Dad and Husband that he is, opted to spend that time with his family instead. Thank you sweets I know how hard it is for you to say no. So what did the family do this Memorial weekend? Lets start with Saturday.
Saturday we actually attempted to go to the air show at Hill Air Force Base. Just as we were getting into the car it started to rain... then it started to rain harder... and progressively it became more of a wall of water being dumped from buckets from the heavens. The highway was crawling at 20 miles an hour and we could hardly see where we were going. Tobin a family friend of ours, was sending us pictures of people huddled under the big bomber planes trying to keep dry. It was then we decided to go to Salt Lake City and check out the new City Creek Center Mall. We hung out there for a good long while hoping that the day would clear up. I did not, so we headed home. The rest of the night we watched movies.
Sunday consisted of Church, a ham dinner, and watching even more movies.
Dad and the kids watching a show together.
Monday we packed up a lunch and headed to the zoo. It was Jace's first time at the zoo so that made it extra fun.
Sage and the Elephant Expert
Jace pointing at birds during the bird show
Sage and Ashton looking and loving the bird show
An owl swooping by.
A falcon flying over the crowd. Notice the wing position and how different it is from the owl.
Bald Eagle. Favorite bird of Curtis.
We took this same picture almost two years ago. Tried to get Jace to pose for the baby gorilla... did not work out that nicely. Wonder how it will work with a fourth kid in another two years lol.
Curtis being an amazing Dad and holding Jace who was grumpy for a good part of the day.
After the zoo we enjoyed an icecream dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Wilde's place. That's right it was our dinner due to lack of time for a more savory dinner. Every child's dream if you as me.
Finally in memory of those fallen I would like to pay respect on behalf of our family. Thank you to all those who serve in the military. Here are two gravestones that my Wilde side of the family has made a tradition out of visiting this holiday. The first is my Grandpa Woffinden who served in the Navy. The second is my first Mother Karalee who died when I was about two years old. They are both buried next to each other. Thanks for watching over us!
