Orange Belt

A belt ceremony was held today where Kirsten was presented her hard earned orange belt. 

Great job Kirsten!

Belt Test and Interview

Kirsten tested for her orange belt and passed with a score of 6 out of 10. She's really enjoying her Taekwondo class. I notice a boost in her confidence and a competitiveness that is driving her to practice hard.

After David lost his job and I began to cut back on unnecessary expenses, I tried to cancel her class. However, we found the contract to be iron clad. The only way to get out of it is to move. Oh well. We will make do and pray that David will find a job soon. He spent this afternoon at TI (Texas Instruments) interviewing with a handful of people there. He came home positive, feeling like it went well. The hard part is waiting for there feed back, which could take up to two weeks. 

Goodbye Baby Teeth

For days, Dave-o has been asking his dad (the official "tooth puller") when his tooth would be ready to pull. Yesterday, Dave-o was told that the next day would be the day. This morning Dave-o told me that Dad was going to pull it out after his interview. He was so excited to loose his first tooth.

 Looks like the Tooth Fairy will be making it's rounds at our home tonight.

The interview with Power Integrations seemed to go well. David felt he answered all the questions with confidence. He interviewed with seven people, including the VP (which is a good sign). 

...in California

It was Kirsten's turn to say the morning family prayer. Towards the end of it, she prayed that Dad would find a job. Dave-o was unsatisfied and immediately whispered to her to add, "in California".

The job search is going well for David. He continues to work hard and visits the LDS Employment Office daily. He has two interviews scheduled for Thursday and Friday; one with Power Integrations and the other with Texas Instruments. Apple has also contacted him to request a phone interview. We are hoping that one of these companies will be a good match for David. He has a lot to offer.

Lonster

Lonetta is a spitfire! Her mood swings can change in a blink of an eye. When she's mad or upset, our ears are left ringing from the loud, high pitch scream that escapes her vocal chords. Then she'll throw herself back onto the floor. She's mastered this technique and has come a long way from when she first began. She's learned how to slowly, yet with dramatic affect, arch her body back without causing injury to herself. 

I ignore her, when she throws these tantrums. However, David has a different method. He puts the screaming Loni in her room and closes the door, leaving her in there until she calms down. Amazingly, this has worked. It's worked so well, that Loni will now put herself in her room when she's upset. David and I stared in shock when we saw her running to her room on her own volition. Her sass came through loud and clear as she slammed the door shut while crying hysterically. What a diva! So different from our mild tempered Kirsten. It appears that "Lonster" is a fitting nickname for her.

I took these pictures back to back as Loni couldn't decide what to do with the red block. 

Day 3 Exploring

Another cloudy day in Seattle. I'm bummed because this means we can't see Mt. Ranier. 

In the morning, we walked around Pike Place Market where they are famous for flying fish. (See video below)

Then we rode on the Ferris Wheel. The views from inside were gorgeous.

Love the architecture of the city.

This picture is for my David. Those are Alaskan cruise ships (something David and I want to do.)

Century Link Field where the Seahawks play (Boo) and Safeko Field for the Mariners.

Next, we drove to Snohomish to have lunch at David and Kathy's house. Matthew and Ryan were great tour guides as they showed us around their home.

There's a lot of interest in airplanes, so we toured an aviation museum. 

Boeing field where they do test flights.

 The sun finally broke through the clouds; just in time for us to enjoy a rocky beach in Mukilteo. We had fun looking for washed up treasures and skipping rocks. 

Matthew set up a kitchen and served us food like sand seasoned seaweed. 

Before leaving, Matthew and I carved our names in some driftwood.
Douglas took us all out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant back in Snohomish. Then we drove back to David's house where we picked (or rather ate) blackberries. I had fun building Lego's with Matthew.
Early tomorrow morning I fly home. I'm going to miss everyone. It's been a great visit.

.

Day 2 The Wedding

The royal wedding took place this morning. Outside, dark clouds were threatening to open up. However inside the Seattle Temple, light shown brightly from the faces of all who attended the sealing; especially from Shaney and Addison. It's rejuvenating to see young, new love. 

After taking a few pictures, the wind picked up and rain began to fall. Everyone huddled under the small sheltered entrance of the temple. It was near impossible to see the newlyweds exit the temple. (This is when it's advantageous to be tall.) I heard the applause though and finally caught a glimpse of the bride. Shaney outshone everyone there (as it should be). I didn't even notice Addison.

Because of the bad weather, pictures were delayed and would be taken before the reception at the Feather Room Ballroom.

Douglas, Ammon, Malena, and I planned on spending the afternoon in downtown Seattle. But, after changing our clothes, a thunderstorm decided to loom over the city for the entire day. Going outside is dangerous for Douglas as he has a metal plate in his head. So, we lazily stayed inside the hotel.

We missed the pictures and arrived at the reception late because Seattle traffic was bad again. I honestly hate this city and will never stay here again. It took us two hours to travel the one mile to the freeway on-ramp. Crazy. That's how we felt. Crazy.

We finally made though. 

Matthew, Ryan, Malena, Douglas, and I danced the evening away. I had a blast.

Then we blew bubbles as Shaney and Addison left to begin their life together. 

Forever.