A much needed break

We are on the eve of our newly annual trip to the Oregon Coast with the rest of my immediate family. My parents left earlier today, I and my brothers will take our families down tomorrow. I don't remember a more timely or needed break from the shop. Just tonight I was again cussed into staying late on a rush job for a customer. I started my day there at 6:00 am and didn't get out until after 7:30 pm. I did manage to squeeze in a 1/2 hr for lunch. Right now I, and my family, need to get out of town.

I'm really looking forward to Aksel being old enough to enjoy the beach more; no crib, no swing, no bottles, no late night feedings, etc. Adia is excited as always. She can't wait to get started on the 14 hrs of "Adventures in Odyssey" that I've uploaded to my old iPod. She's a big help with Aksel too. Their both just a lot fun right now.

Nat hasn't said much about it, but I know she needs it too. She's put up with a lot of my being gone for work these last couple months. We really need this break and I can't wait to put Sunnyside behind us for a few days. I wish it could be more, but maybe some other time.

Out of the blue...

I (we) took a break from the blog for awhile. It took a back seat to other priorities going on. I'm hoping to make some more regular posts. I know there's a few people out there that check it to see what's going on with us. Here's the Cliff's Notes version of what's happened in the last 9 or so months

• Nat is working again, two jobs actually, she loves it
• Aksel is 2-1/2 years old, talkative, and all about "I do it myself!!!"
• Adia is 9 and in 4th grade. Great student.
• Summer was good but typically very busy with chores, typical day would end about 10pm.
• New renters in our rental house, nice family.
• Adia did lot's of fishing this summer, she's pretty good, lot's of small mouth bass.
• Aksel now has a "bunkie" bed, moved him straight from his crib to the big bed.
• We've had lots of play dates with all the cousins. It's good to have a big extended family.
• Our car situation is smoothing out. The Durango is finally getting more reliable.
• I've (Silas) been doing a read through the Bible group study, going very well.
• Work has been difficult due to a perfect storm of conditions.
• If I would ever consider moving to another job, this is the year I would think about it.
• Making ends meet has been an interesting challenge this year. Past years medical bills are almost all behind us.
• Natalie's sister got married in L.A. last month, went down with Nat & Adia for that. Nice wedding, on a small boat.
• Natalie is really, really, good at her new job (she actually had it before and had to quit). Lot's of people have come up and told her how much she was missed. She's a perfect fit for her work (coordinating volunteer help for elderly)
• Adia is TALL! She looks so old, she'll be taller than either of us. She's a big help with Aksel and the cousins, very mature. This is all happening so fast.
• Aksel loves his sister, they fight of course, but they get along really well for siblings.

There's of course been much much more. I'll try to include more pictures and stories in the coming weeks. Thanks for stopping by.