Washington- Part 2

After returning home Sunday evening from wedding festivities- we switched out the suitcases and dresses for duffle bags, swim suits and sweatshirts (yes, we were in Washington--- you need both!). Then it was off to the other side of the mountain, again (Lake Alta- near Chelan), to go camping with this guy.....

 Erik's dad- Dan the man!! I love this man. He is one of the greatest men I know.  He his an awesome dad, and his kids are the center of his life. He has called me his daughter from day one, and has treated me just like one.  He gives the best advice, always wants to have a good time, and has taught me what it is like to be completely selfless.  He will give everything of himself just to make someone else happy. He is a great guy! We love you Dan!!

 Aunt Sandy (Dan's sister), uncle Carl, and cousin Breanna also joined us for a week at the lake.  I love this family too! I am so blessed with awesome "in-laws" (they are my family... I don't look at them any other way).  It was so much fun to spend a week relaxing with them- they are the best conversationalist and it was nice to spend time with uncle Carl before he left for Iraq. 

ThuVan hates pictures- so this is the best I have. Erik's step mom is awesome! I can't brag about Erik's family enough- they are all great..... especially to me!! ThuVan calls me "princess" (obviously I love her haha). She is also the most easy going lady I know (and I'm pretty laid back myself... so we get along great). She is also very sweet and loves the boys and the rest of this family very much!

Here is a group picture of all of us "kids".  It was Erik, myself, his brother Mark (in the back), his brother Brett (front and center- of course :)), his step brother Dustin (looking down sad haha, don't ask), his step brother Daylan (the cute one with the glasses), his cousin Breanna (next to me), and her friend Mia (in the pink).  Erik's friend Cole, and his cousin also joined us for the week--- but I guess we did not have a picture with them.  It was a fun group!!

Our week consisted of swimming, playing out on the rafts, laying out on the beach, relaxing, and chatting.

 One of my favorite days there was the day with the crappiest weather! We got up and had breakfast, and then a HUGE storm hit.  It was windy and pouring down rain with thunder and lightening every where.  We all took cover in our own tents and after about an hour and nothing slowing down- us "older" kids decided we needed to take action.  We gather all 5 brothers, Cole and his cousin (yes, 7 boys and me--- usually how it is with his family) into our tent and decided we had to make our own fun.  We played truth or dare, cards, poker.... anything you could think of (without the entertainment of TVs or computers, or phones----- the beauty of camping!!).  Once the rains let up a bit, we threw on sweatshirts and continued our fun down at the lake (lots more dares to come up with down there).  It was so much fun, and a great opportunity to bond with our new step brothers that we have only met a few times!! *And they are hilarious!!! FYI*

 Once the sun started to come down, we would head to the park and play football, wiffle ball, home-run derby, cards..... help out with dinner and get the fire going... you know.... camping stuff!

 *Wouldn't be camping without smores*

 The rest of our nights would end in us sitting around the fire talking and laughing (you laugh a lot with this group!). They would also spend their time telling me about bears the rangers had spotted in the area, or the rattle snake someone saw on the trail to the rest rooms--- and then all go along with it to scare me because they all know I am the most gullible person ever!! I think they like having a girl around for a change (at least that is what I tell myself). 

I love my husband!! It was such a fun and relaxing week for us!!

The guys!

The gang!

We love camping!! Nothing better than being outdoors..... no distractions from the outside world! Nothing but family, fun, sun, and awesome memories.  It was, indeed, a great week!!

Washington- Part 1

Summer of 2011 was epic!! We took of an entire month of work, and played. Pretty sweet right? We took off July 14th, and landed in Seattle.  Erik's mom picked us up from the airport, we went to lunch with her and the boys.  Showered, changed, got Erik's dad's brand new mustang (yes, he is the greatest) and headed to Moses Lake (about a 3 hour drive from Seattle).  In Moses Lake we met up with some great friends to catch up and enjoy our FAVORITE Mexican Restaurant "Inca".  It was a blast (such a blast, this was the only picture captured of the night).  

Erik and his baseball buddies (my buddies too) Brady and Jameson. I love catching up with old friend!

After we stuffed ourselves and engaged in hours long "remember when...." conversations, we anxiously hopped back in car and headed to Othello (about 25 minutes away) to visit with my sister Crystal, brother-in-law Scott, and 2 nieces!! I love my nieces.... I'm so glad they let us stay the weekend with them!! 

We spent the night talking, laughing and catching up with Scott and Crystal.  It was an awesome day.  The next morning we had another busy day.  This is (unfortunately) my only picture of my nieces (and poor Olivia is cut out).  Aubrey is telling "Prince Erik" about her teachers, school, and life. She is so adorable and smart!! I could've have spent the whole time with them!! Olivia is as crazy as ever and was always saying "Hey watch me" as she would perform some awesome "tricks".  

After spending some time with my nieces, Erik drove me up to Tri-cities (about 45 minutes away from my sisters----> we did lots of driving!).  I met up with one of my best friends, Erin Skaug- who was getting married that weekend (I was one of her bridesmaids) and the rest of the girls who were in her wedding.  We spent the afternoon get pedicures, manicures, facials, and massages.  It was awesome!!

From there, we all went off to rehearsal.  It was a perfect day, and the location was at a beautiful vineyard.  It was fun seeing all of Erin's family (I love all of them), catching up with old friends, and seeing Erin and her hubby-to-be so in love and happy. I just love weddings!!

After rehearsal, we were off to rehearsal dinner.  Dinner was held at Erin's in-laws, and was catered by a delicious Mexican restaurant (good think we love Mexican food!).  It was fun to just hang out, shoot dart guns, and enjoy good company and weather. 

Her is a picture of me and the beautiful bride, Erin. I love her!! We were always called "Bert and Ernie" growing up together.  She makes me smile :).  Erin is one of those girls who is constantly laughing (even if it's an awkward situation).  She has always been boy crazy, and bit "blonde" and a little "out there".... but that is why we all love Erin.  Erin is one of the most beautiful girls I know, and she doesn't even know it- I think that makes her that much more beautiful.  And.... she can burp louder than any guy I know! Haha---- I love my Ernie!

My handsome husband and I at the rehearsal dinner.  I love this man more than anything in the world! I'm much happier when spending time with him.  He was such a troo

My most favorite couple (besides us, of course)!!!! My best friend Whitney and her husband Cody!! I love them. They are hilarious, adorable, and so much fun to be around. They are moving to Denver this summer (13 hours closer to us---- yay!!!).

My besties!! Erin, Whitney, and myself.  We were called the "three stooges" in middle school- by teachers, family, friends, and anyone who knew us.  We were inseparable, and to a point- one in the same. I remember one week in seventh grade, we all showed up to school- Erin had a nose cast (yes, they make those!) because she got her face smashed by a softball--- literally crushed all the bones in her nose and had to have reconstructive surgery (she wasn't paying attention at practice).  Whitney had a brace around her midsection with multiple broken ribs- again, from softball.... I think from sliding into second base, but I could be wrong.  I had a cast from the top of my pinky and ring finger, all the way down my wrist- I was playing basketball with the boys and "jammed" (aka broke) both fingers on my right hand in weird spots.  

 

After a great day, Erik and I were back at my sisters enjoying her and her family.  Erik played some Xbox with Scott, I chatted with Crysti and my nieces practiced their ninja moves.  Perfect way to end our night!

The next day (we are to Saturday if you are keeping up), was the BIG day!! I got up early and headed back to Tri-cities.  I met all the girls at the vineyard and spent the morning getting our hair and make-up done and helping set up for the special event.  

Erin looked beautiful.  The venue was beautiful.  The flowers (her aunt is a florist) were the most beautiful flowers and arrangements I had ever seen! Ryan (the groom) had the perfect look in his eyes when he saw Erin walking down the aisle.  It was comforting to see them so in love, and to witness Ryan head of heals in love with Erin, and Erin completely adored by someone (she deserves it, and we did not know Ryan before this weekend--- so we were a little skeptical and protective). We already knew Erin was obsessed and completely consumed with love for this man.  It was a beautiful ceremony!

Then----> the party began!! The reception was a blast, the food was delicious, the dance floor was popping, fireworks went off, and there was just the right amount of tears (during the toast) and laughter (the rest of the night) to make it a perfect wedding day!

Did I mention I love weddings?? They are always filled with so much love and happiness.  I'm so glad Erik was there to share this amazing day with my friends and myself!

Thanks to my sister for letting me crash at her house for the weekend--- even if we were in and out the whole time! I love spending time with them.... I can't get enough of my nieces!!

And thanks to Ernie for letting me share this special day with her (and for spoiling me the entire weekend!!).  

It was an awesome start to our vacation.....
To be continued.....

my heart hurts

I don't normally like posting negative or depressing things on our blog or facebook.  I like to document and remember the fun and exciting things in life.  But today I just need to vent.  I am in a funk, and can't seem to get out of it.  I have decided to take my emotion to the blog.

It has been a rough few days.  I can't stop crying.  Yesterday I received news that a sweet friend (who was 2 week AHEAD in her pregnancy) lost her baby.  As she visits me every month, we exchange stories of pregnancy and the crazy changes our bodies are going through.  We talk about the terrors of labor and delivery.  We talk about the pros and cons of having a boy or girl (she wanted to be surprised and did not find out the sex of her baby).  We talk about having play dates this summer, and joining play group, as our babies would be so close in age......

And just like that.  Without warning... her baby is gone.  We are in our last trimester of pregnancy.... we are getting nurseries ready, and planning showers, and preparing for these babies to get her in a few short months.... what??!! My heart hurts for my friend and her family.  I can't even begin to imagine what she is going through.

I don't care what anyone says- these babies are 100% apart of us.  Even if we have not met them yet, the love is there.  I love our little boy more than anything.  As I lay in bed with Erik's hand around my stomach feeling the baby do "gymnastics".... we both have the biggest smiles and I know this little guy means the world to both of us.  I can't bear the thought of losing this guy- not 20 weeks ago, not now!

I'm upset and confused..... why would this happen? It doesn't make sense to me.

My heart breaks for my friend, and for anyone who has lost a child- inside the womb or later in life.  Some of the closest people to me have had to go through miscarriages, and just because "they have not met them" does not mean the incredibly deep love is not there.

I feel selfish and guilty.  As our little guy is bouncing around like crazy- I can't help but feel guilty in times like these. And I feel selfish that I can't stop thinking about "what if something happens to our baby??"

I am grateful for my family. I am especially grateful for my sweet husband (he knows how much this has upset me and has rearranged his schedule so he can be there to comfort me, constantly reminding me that "everything is going to be okay"), and for our sweet son- I'm so grateful for the plan of happiness and to know I will spend eternity with them. 

This all has reminded me to not take anything for granted.  I want to savor every moment I can with my loved ones- especially our baby. 

Thoughts and prayers to my friend and her family, and to any of you who can relate!   

Dear Blog Readers~~~ Consider yourselves WARNED!

I am more surprised than anyone to realize that myself, my hubby, and my mom are not the only one that read this thing.  According to my reader tracker, there are indeed quite a few of you who stumble upon our page. So here is the plan---- Along with doing brother's countdown to come home post every month---- I have decided I am going to continue catching up from last year (ended with Mazatlan).  I was just going to do my "tribute to 2011" post, and call that a catch up- and start where I am---- but after looking back at all the post I have ever written- I enjoy all the memories each post has given me.  So I will be including a few more fun trips we took over summer and the holidays in "extended versions", and include a pregnancy journal along the way.  Sorry if this sounds boring to you.... but I am not good at keeping a journal and this is our best source of memories for now.... you have been warned.

Also, *WARNING* I am a nursing student.  Any student in the medical field is a bit odd.... and forgets what is appropriate in the "real world."  The way our bodies work is fascinating to me! I have watched "In the womb" and thousands of birthing movies in my career (yes, it seems like being a student has been a career for me) and NOTHING grosses me out, nothing appears too graphic.... it is just AWESOME!! I have also taken more sex ed and human sexuality classes than any one undergrad student should have ever taken, so if something I say sounds crude or innappropiate- I probably do not even realize it. SOOOO.... Why am I telling you this?? My pregnancy post may be pretty open. Pregnancy itself is awesome- what your body goes through, having a little cell replicate a million times and form a human, having a some person inside you growing and doing all it can to survive off your body---- crazy!! I will share the good, the bad, and the ugly--- along with some baby bump photos.  With that said- if I use the words "being knocked-up" or refer to Erik as "my babies daddy"- do not be offended. That's my sense of humor. I think pregnancy is beautiful and I'm so grateful to be a co-creater with the Man upstairs- but what's life without some light and humor?? You and have warned!

*Warning!!* In about 4 months this blog will be taken over by baby Fitz.  There will be picture overload- everything he does will be "the cutest thing ever" and I know I will be completely obbessed with this new little addition to our family (I mean really--- you have seen how obssesed I am with my dogs. This is a baby here!! And our baby at that).  There are some on facebook who don't understand that parents want to share EVERYTHING about their child- like when they "went pee pee in the toilet today!!" or the cute, funny things they say every 30seconds, or the picture overload in every single outfit anyone has ever gotten them--- I have been one of those people that didn't quite understand the obsession.  And although I still don't completely- I am getting a glimpse of it. So--- b/c our blog is titled "ERIK AND KIMBER"- I think it is fair game that people that come here, are here to hear about US! So--- don't get annoyed when everything is about baby Fitz and our growing family~ You have been warned!

19 months down------ 5 to go!!!

As most of you know- my brother Kade is serving an LDS mission in Spain.  Spain has different areas to be called to.... So Kade's area is shown here, is the Barcelona Mission (my cousin James- Kade's bff- is ready to leave the missionary training center and is called to serve in the Madrid Mission. So they will be pretty dang close!!): 

Brother has been gone for 19 months already!!! It seems like I have not seen him in forever- but at the same time, it feels like he just left.  We don't get to talk to him on the phone except Mother's day and Christmas (so I have heard his voice 3 times, and we were actually able to skype him 2 of these times, so I have seen his face).  We are able to email him every week, but his time to email is so short I usually receive one liners saying "I ran out of time, I'll email you next week." Or "I can't wait to see how fat you are getting." Or "You suck at updating your blog." Or "When are you going to do a blog post about me?" He does send a nice long one to my mom and dad though, so I can stay updated on him through those emails.  Bottom line--- I miss my brother!! These next 5 months are going to fly, hopefully!!!

Kade has served in only 4 areas these past 19 months. He was just transferred to his last area, so those are the 4 he will serve his whole mission.  This is very unusual. I think some missionaries would get restless and bored serving the same area for nearly 6 months.  But it was perfect for my brother. The Lord truly knows Kade! He takes a while to break out of his shell, and is not real good with change.  Staying in the areas for so long made him feel more comfortable, helped him become the best missionary possible, and truly made him fall in love with the people he was serving--- and they all really fell in love with him.  Along with that- transfers were all really difficult for him, but he got through them and looks forward to returning to each of his areas after his mission is completed! 

So- my goal over the next 4 months is to blog about each of his areas.  I will show pictures, tell my favorite stories of Kade (how he grew, funny quotes he has said, challenges he gave, etc), along with some of Kade's favorite memories and introduce you to some awesome families he got to know and teach.  And then the last month he is out--- I will just get excited for his homecoming, and.... oh yeah, HAVE A BABY!! (*P.S. our due date is 2 weeks before his mission is complete- Exciting times!!)

As a jump start to the count down of brother's arrival, here are some of my favorite pictures from his mission:

 (Kade's favorite companion- in the blue striped shirt- and family. They are awesome. We were actually able to meet them all over Christmas while we were in Utah).

(Bother's first day in Spain. Look how scared he looks!! Poor little guy!!)

Welp--- brother has not changed much the last 19 months he has been away. He still has has stupid sense of humor that I love. He still makes fun of everyone. He is still immature. But--- he has also grown a ton.  He is a true missionary. It's fun to read his emails now and compare them to when he first left. He loves his mission, he loves the Lord, he loves the gospel, and he loves the people of Spain.  His Spanish is awesome (it was fun listening to him and my dad speak Spanish together on Christmas morning), he is way more open-minded and less judgmental and less selfish. So yes--- he is pretty much awesome!!

 

Stay tuned for more of Brother's mission!!