A Visit

Last week my parents paid us a visit. It had been a long time since they had been to our house and it was wonderful to have them hang out for six days. I loved spending time with them and definitely enjoyed myself. It was great to have the extra help and to be spoiled and waited on just a little bit. The kids loved hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa. We had plenty of smiles and laughter. While here they were able to attend many of the kids events, go out to eat, and of course spend some time shopping and crafting. Thanks for the visit, come anytime, I Love You!

Survival Suit

The company where Mike is doing his IT internship has a survival suit race every fall at the Fisherman's Terminal. Different companies compete along with the coast guard. This year Mike was asked to be on a team. There were 17 teams total and Mikes group of four finished 5th. It was kind of a crazy thing to watch everyone get in their suit (which was no easy task) jump in, swim, and then climb into the life raft (which was near impossible as well as hilarious to watch). Time ended once the fourth person on your team was in the raft. It was a lot of fun and there was a lot of hype and excitement for a two minute race. He had a great time and is already talking about how he'd like to do it again next year.

Mike has just jumped in the water down in the bottom left corner.

Here is his team swimming, he is in the 3 spot.

Tired and out of breath the raft looked like a wall. He is on the right about to climb in.

1st Day of School, 9/9/09

Mollie had a great day, likes her teacher but is disappointed that not enough of her friends are in her class. She did comment that her teacher might be "too organized."

Sam had a long first day of high school but loved it. Mike dropped him off at school this morning and I picked him up 12 hours later after football. He is excited about his classes, teachers, and lucked out by getting 2nd lunch with his good buddy. If today is any indication of the year he should love being a freshman.

Megan is very happy with her very demanding sophomore schedule. But I'm sure she can handle the work load. She is only talking about one schedule change. We'll see if we can make it happen. She is happy to not be the "freshman" anymore.

Just for fun. 1st day of school 2005. Where does time go and how does so much change happen in just 4 years. Have a great year Megan, Sam, and Mollie, Love MOM.

Random Thoughts

• How is it that I "BRIEFLY" chose to ignore laundry and now I have 14 loads.


• It is crazy to ride in the car and listen to my son talk about High School football. How did I get so old?


• Even though it has been several weeks it still seems odd to me to see Megan in the drivers seat.


• I'm looking forward to seeing Mollie wakeboard again. It is truly one of her current passions and fun to watch.


• Why on earth would I mention to my husband that it would be better to spend the money on a new vacuum. Sometime practicality stinks.


• It will be sad when the carrotts from the garden are gone. Straight from the garden, steamed carrotts is one of my favorites.


• Why has the same church song been stuck in my head all day?


• It is amazing to me that I can receive so much joy from my children every day even though they drive me crazy most days.


• I am so grateful for good friends who will call and take me to lunch.


• I am not looking forward to returning to work.


• And my final thought for today: in trying to save money we opted not to buy bedding plants for the yard. Instead Mike bought two envelopes of flower seeds for less then $3. I am enjoying them very much, it is an 8 foot stretch of color and beauty.

Dedication of HICKMAN PARK

Yesterday we had a very neat experience. Mike's Dad, Dr. Robert Hickman, had a park officially named after him in Edmonds. A little bit ago we learned that his name had been nominated and then we found out last week that it had been voted in by the Edmonds City Council. It is wonderful to see him receive this recognition in honor of all the amazing things he has done in the field of medicine over the years. It was a real tribute to Bob and Lucy for all of their time, service, and contributions to others. Congratulations!

The site used to be an old elementary school which some of the Hickman children attended. During construction they dug up a time capsule that had been planted by the students in 1963.












A Few of the displays at the dedication ceremony.

Sam trying out the basketball court which was built in honor of a young man named Tyler who lost his battle with cancer at age 11.

The park has a really great play area that is officially named the "J.P. Patches Play Area" J.P. Patches is also an Edmonds local.

Megan taking a turn in the play area. All of the kids loved spinning in this cylinder. Obviously fun for kids of all ages.

Mollie is relaxing for a minute in the jungle gym after climbing all over.

A large crowd turned out for the dedication. Friends and family of the Hickmans as well as Tyler's family and JP Patches family and many local residents.

A wonderful acceptance speech.

The official ribbon cutting ceremony.

Megan with Grandpa and JP Patches.

The Hickman group that was in attendance.

A few of the grandkids breaking in the park.

As you can see it is very beautiful.

The park has a great climbing tree.

Megan reading the official statement about her Granpa and Grandma and all the great reasons why the park was named after them.

HALLELUJAH for cooler temperatures

After surviving last weeks heat wave I must admit that I was thrilled last night to have to sleep with a blanket and ecstatic this morning when I woke up and my house felt a little chilly. Now that the heat wave has passed and my house has cooled down I guess it is time to get to work on those cleaning projects around the house that were easy to put off because of the heat.

I didn't love the heat but I am loving all of the sunshine. What a treat. Mollie and I have stayed cool with the sprinkler, the lake, and going to air conditioned places. Megan and Sam had a harder time dealing with the heat at EFY but still had a great time. They were glad to get home and get into their swimming suits. Hope everyone is enjoying such a beautiful summer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!

On Saturday, August 1, Sam turned 14. I can't believe how quickly time flies by. On Saturday morning he returned home from EFY, briefly got caught up, unpacked dirty clothes, grabbed a swimsuit and headed for the lake. He spent a fun day innertubing and hanging out with his cousins and friends. Sam is an awesome young man. It is a real treat for Mike and I to watch him grow up. Sam we are proud of you and all of the great things you are doing, we love you very much. Happy Birthday!
Carrot Cake, of course!
Flying high (sorry this is out of focus but I love the picture)

Tubing Mania

You know it is going to be a good wipe out when you land like this!

Displaying his new ties. He likes the ties but loves the $$$ he received as gifts.