2014 Recap & 2015 Resolutions: Kenzie

Hey everyone! I can't believe that 2014 has flown by and it's time to write up my recap for the year! I feel like I just wrote up my post for 2013.

This has been one of the most life changing years for us as a family, and I am truly beyond grateful. If you had asked me even 5 years ago what life would be like for us today, I doubt I would come close. There is no way that I could have ever anticipated the joy and happiness my husband and I share through our marriage and our son, Benjamin. I am blessed and I know it. Thank you, Lord.

Here are our TOP 5 events of 2014, starting at the beginning of the year:

1. January- Babymoon/Anniversary/Valentine's Day trip to Leavenworth area

Adam and I decided to go on a semi-impromptu trip to Leavenworth. We stayed in a little cabin, and really just tried to relax and enjoy some time together. I always love taking little trips with my husband, and I think this was the last one we took as just the two of us! You can read more about that trip here.

2. July- Benjamin is born!

One of the best days of my life. I mentioned in our pregnancy announcement that it had taken Adam and I a little while to get pregnant. We had almost been trying for 2 years when we found out we were pregnant. I don't want to say that this made his birth so much more exciting, because welcoming a little one into your lives will ALWAYS be exciting, but after waiting for that length of time (and desperately wanting a baby) it made having Benjamin that much sweeter. I can't imagine not having him now, and am so grateful for being blessed with this amazing and beautiful child. You can read his Birth Story here.

3. September- 5 Year Wedding Anniversary

We celebrated our 5th Wedding Anniversary this year. I can't believe that much time has passed since our wedding. I also can't believe all of the things we have done and been through in that period of time. I will always be thankful for our early years in marriage, they made us into a strong and resilient couple.

4. October- Beach Trip!

To celebrate those 5 years (and just to get away!), we took Benjamin on his first trip to the ocean! We stayed in Moclips, WA and thoroughly enjoyed the beach. We made a little day trip up to Lake Quinault, as well. It was so beautiful and peaceful. All in all, Ben did great! Can't wait to take him back when he's older and can run around.

5. December- My Niece was Married!

I have a sister who is 11 years older than I am. We have a wonderful relationship, and she blessed me with a niece who is only 7 years younger than I am. We grew up more like sisters that Aunt & Niece. Our relationship is sort of a mix of the two now that we're older. I was so thrilled to see her get married this last month. She was a beautiful Bride, and I'm so happy to welcome her new husband into our family (and my husband is happy to have another male to help balance out us girls!).

And now for my 2015 Resolutions:

1. Since everyone has to have one "healthy" resolution, mine is no more fast food or soda. Since I already cheated and had some on New Years day, I started over yesterday :) Even if I cannot do it cold turkey, I want to reduce the amount of both.

2. Read through the Bible. We try to do this every year but somehow always miss a few weeks throughout the year.

3. Become involved in a ministry.

4. Play more music. (I had this one last year, too!)

5. And finally, a very special resolution for my husband. This year I will love more fiercely, forgive more freely, speak more kindly, and cherish my spouse more dearly.

I hope you all had a wonderful 2014! Make 2015 even better. 

Lots of love,

2014 Recap and Resolutions for 2015: Kayla

I can't believe it is already 2015! This year, truly, has flown by. I thought I would do a little recap of our year, by talking about the 5 fun happenings of 2014 for our family! Not in any specific order, here they are:

1. Our 2nd year Anniversary (February 11, 2012) Although our lives continue to change, Daniel and I have only grown closer together, by loving and supporting each other unconditionally. We were able to stay at an AMAZING Bed and Breakfast and can't wait to go back again this year!

2. Adeline got to experience her first REALLY big snow storm. (February) We got hit with a BUNCH of snow on the orchard in February, so much that we were pretty much stuck on the orchard for a few days. We ended up walking to my in-laws and borrowing the 4-wheeler to get around on the orchard. Adeline loved seeing, eating, and playing in all the snow! She also got to ride on the 4-wheeler for the first time, she loved it!

3. The birth of our Baby boy Simon Logan (May)! You can read the rest of his birth story HERE! A day I will surly never forget. This was a huge transition for us as a family. We went from a family of three to a family of four, and the parents of two kids under the age of two.

4. We were able to take a little family trip and stay at this fun beach house, right on the Puget Sound! (September) It was pretty crazy have two little ones, in this one bed room beach house, but it was fun and we were able to have the family come over and enjoy a bon fire down by the beach!

5. Adeline's 2nd Birthday Party (November). Adeline just loves Frozen as every two year girl does. We decided to throw a "Frozen" themed party for her and invited our close friends and family. You can read all about her party and get other "frozen" goodies HERE!

There were a lot of other fun and exciting things we got to do this past year, and I have to say we are so blessed. We look forward to the upcoming year and I'm sure it will be filled with adventure, fun, and a lot of "firsts" for Simon.
Resolutions for 2015 - 
1. Not eat as much fast-food (im so horrible at this)
2. Workout at least twice a week
3. Be more intentional with my day (have a plan and make a list)
4. Create menu's to help with grocery shopping and cutting costs
We hope you follow along with us, so we can share it with you! I hope your 2015 has started out on the right-foot!

Family Christmas Pictures 2014: Kayla

Good Morning! Can you believe there are only 3 days until Christmas? I love this time of the year! It is so beautiful outside as the seasons change, and it is great time to get the family together and take that yearly family Christmas picture. Perhaps you're waiting til the last minute, but I'm guessing most of you have sent your your family Christmas picture/greeting cards (if that's something you do). We took our pictures the weekend before Thanksgiving. We rarely get the chance to take pictures of the whole family all together, so I was excited we got a few good pictures. It is crazy how challenging it can be to get a decent picture of everyone. Kenzie had her work cut out for her, to try and get everyone's attention, and us all smiling at the same time. It is a big different to go from one kid to two, in terms of taking pictures. Haha. Anyway, I was happy with how they turned out, and I thought it would be fun to share them with you all! I always enjoy looking up picture ideas for family pictures on pinterest. Here you go!

And I just have to share this one of Simon and cousin Ben, the bestest little buddies!

Did you share family Christmas pictures on your website or blog? I'd love to see them, leave a comment below :)

Small Business Monthly Feature: Positively Oakes + SALE!!

I can't believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow! I decided to post our December small business feature a week early, so you don't miss out on their amazing sales this week. If you have a small business and would like to be featured you can CLICK HERE for more information, we would love to work with you! This month we are featuring a fun shop called Positively Oakes. Positively Oakes was created in order for kids to be comfortable but fashionable. They have the mindset that clothes should be functional and comfy for your little ones, but also fun! Which is great, because I think that is what every parent wants. They are having some great sales this week too, which is why I decided to post this feature a week early, so you don't miss out! You're welcome :)

Adeline wearing their Yellow Slouchy Beanie c/o Positively Oakes

The founder of Positvely Oakes is Jessica, who has a passion for fashion, sewing and growing this awesome brand. Positively Oakes is based in Idaho, but is widely known and has been featured on many blogs and a few magazines. 

 Simon wearing the Winterized Knotted Beanie c/o Positively Oakes (COMING SOON to their winter collection)

We received two products, the yellow slouchy beanie and the knotted beanie pictured above. We love them! Addie loves wearing this hat, which is rare, so that is great! Simon loved his little hat as well. Not to mention they are so adorable!!

Positvely Oakes features a variety of products including: tees, onesies, leggings, hats, headbands, and more! And they currently have the most adorable holiday collection, as well. One of my favorites is this "Don't worry my Dad has a beard" tee. Which would be perfect for Addie or Simon! :)

Be sure to check out this amazing shop - and find something or five things, for your little one!! Today's SALE -- All their tees are on sale for $14, one even marked down to $10!! Go check out the selection! Comment below if you find something that you end up purchasing or something that you would want to purchase! I'd love to hear about it.

Get social with Positively Oakes - Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!

Weekend Happenings: Kayla

We had such a fun and busy weekend. We had a full house, too! My sister was in town with her husband and son, our friend Seth and his son, as well as my brother. Our couches were full, and bedrooms packed. It was so good to see some of my family. I love when Addie and Caden get to play together too, I remember having so much fun with my cousins when I was little. Addie just adores her big cousin Caden. She wants to do everything he does, and really just follow him everywhere.

The weather here has been so nice, it was in the high 80's / low 90's all weekend. The kids spent most of their time outside in the kiddie pool and spraying each other with the hose. We managed to have two barbecues, and stuff our faces with way too much junk food. Oddly enough, I think Simon was the most well-bahaved all weekend. Addie and Caden did pretty good too, but were WAY too busy and had hardly enough naps. 

Overall, it was a great weekend, I think the biggest conclusion from the past few days is that someone on this orchard needs a pool! :) What was the best part of your 4th of July weekend? Comment below! 

Free Printable Orchard Photographs

Happy Friday! I don't have any projects to share with you all today, but I do have some photographs that I took on the orchard this week. I've been using my cell phone for all of my pictures the last couple of months, so I'm happy to say that we finally got a new camera! I've been taking lots of walks and testing it out. 

These are my mums that sit on our front porch-

click here to download

And here is a picture of the praying mantis that lives underneath the mums. I apologize to those who are creeped out, but I think he's cute!

click here to download

We also have some roses that are starting to bloom again.

click here to download

This 1950 Allis-Chalmers tractor was in our yard the other day.

click here to download

Here are some photos of the Pink Lady apples that are behind our house.

click here to download 

click here to download

And finally, I walked up the hill near our home, and caught this picture of the rainstorm moving and Mt. Adams in the distance.

click here to download

So, there you have it! I'm sure I will be exploring more with my camera, and I'll be sure to share the journey with you all. We hope you have an awesome weekend, and we will be back with a post on Tuesday!

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