Rylie moves on...........

Today's Instagram picture post (and not all of them are Instagram posts) is all about Rylie. Rylie is one of Arlie's very best friends and we've known her since they were in second grade. Recently, Rylie has been living with us but tonight she moved into her mom's new apartment in Seattle. This is both good and bad - good because it's what she wanted, bad, because we'll miss her hilarious laugh, her ability to turn the most boring meal into a work of art, her willingness to always help out, her companionship, and her sharp wit. A look back at some days gone by. (She is going to be so mad at me for posting these pics! But I don't care because they're adorable!)

Relay for Life - circa 2008? 

Not sure the year here, but probably also 2008. 

I believe this was a dance in sixth grade - look how young they all are!

Our "Ugly Sweater" Christmas party two years ago - she looks like she can't believe how ugly the sweaters are!

Ugly sweater, pretty face! 

We did a photo shoot one spring! 

Just a little driveway dancing!

With McKenzie - these girls are juniors in high school now!

Homemade ice cream!

Sleeping in the hammock - one of Rylie and Arlie's favorite summertime activities!

Music!

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Photo ops at Molbak's nursery

Christmas at Molbak's

One of my favorite pictures! We went to a 3D movie and then made good use of our glasses afterward. 

Adorable girls at Molbak's. 

Best friends!

Sassy!

Three musketeers!

We "heart" you, Rylie!

Blowing kisses!

Lotsa love!

Off on some new adventures! 

Harrison......

Today's Instagram picture post is about Harrison. Because he keeps reminding me I haven't done one all about him yet. So, here goes! Harrison is my baby. He's my funny guy - making me laugh every day since he could talk. He's smart, resourceful, kind, loving, a helper. He's super smart, has the voice of an angel, and is a great actor. He cares deeply, plays the guitar, bass and piano with passion, is a thinker and a learner. He's a lucky guy and I'm lucky he's my only son! 

Here's Harrison with comedian Amy Anderson (also known as Aubrey's mom who plays Lily on Modern Family). We saw her perform at Central Washington University in the fall of 2012. Harrison loved the show and loved getting to meet her. 

Here's my sweet, soft, squishy, moppy-haired, angelic little baby boy! I used to pretend to bite his ear and made a funny sound. He always laughed!

A boy and his dog - is there any better bond? 

My rock star! Who knew he could sing like this? Who knew he could play the bass the first time he tried? Who knew he'd be in a band? This was taken at Bushwhack's latest show. 

Again, with the dog. Love those mugs! 

I'm kind of in love with this picture of us! 

Harrison couldn't wait to see Book of Mormon at the Paramount. He had memorized nearly all the songs before we went. After the show, who should walk out the side door than the guy who played Elder Cunningham? He was nice enough to pose for some pics and sign our programs. Pretty awesome for a theater fan! 

My boy at Cannon Beach - see Haystack Rock in the distance? 

On the first day of school this year. A sophomore in high school already. Always the goofball!

In between shows during "Legally Blonde" which he was in this past summer. He was exhausted. 

"Smoking" the stage cigarette after the show. Notice his sister's disapproving stare. 

One day, we went on a coffee date. This was Harrison, looking serious. Serious about coffee! 

I like to call this picture "Obnoxious Teenage Boy." Although it was taken a couple of summers ago, it still embodies Harrison's spontaneous spirit - and his penchant for making sudden, loud noises. 

That's my boy!

This little piggy!

Today's Instagram picture post is about toes. I love to get pedicures, and just got one today with my friend, Janet. I love the relaxation, the massage chair, the warm water, the mandarin-scented scrub, the lotion, the massage, the polish - it's affordable pampering at its finest! I was just planning to come home from work today and do chores, pay bills, and the like and instead Janet sent me a text inviting me to get a spontaneous pedicure with her. Hell, yes! I didn't take a picture of my toes today, but clearly I have posted pedi pics in the past, as you can see.

Not sure when this pedi happened, but I obviously needed a bubble bath afterwards to relax from all that relaxing!

This was when my I took Hannah and her cousin Kennedy to get pedicures. I posted this picture on Facebook and my family made fun of my toes. Whatever. They're toes. 

Anyway, I love it when my toes are "done." And since we have a few more days of nice weather, at least, to enjoy flip flops, might as well have pretty feet. 

My crazy hair...........

Today's Instagram picture post is this picture of my crazy, curly hair taken after a windy walk on the beach. It's big, it's wild and it's real. I'm a curly girl. People compliment my hair more often than not when it's at its craziest and wildest - when I think it's out of control, everyone seems to love it. People also have no problem giving me hair-care advice and recommending products. I think that's weird. I have never recommended a product to a straight-haired girl, and only to a curly girl if we are actually talking about our hair. It appears people (and hair-care companies) are on a quest to help us curly girls tame and straighten our locks. Ironically, my hair is straightened as I type this and it feels foreign and odd to me. It's fun once in a while for a change of pace, but I'm most comfortable with my curls, even if they do tend to grow bigger by the minute. Most days end up with me containing the wildness in a hair tie just to keep it out of my face, but I kind of like my wild curls sometimes. Like this day, at Cannon beach, when I actually felt, rather than saw, my hair getting wilder and decided to snap this selfie. Thanks for your advice, straight-haired people of the world, but my curls are happy the way they are. 

My Hannah

Today's Instagram picture post is all about my Hannah! She is such a beauty, and an old soul, and so talented and funny. She doesn't subscribe to all the drama, she's chill, and she's a really, really good kid. She recently played "mom" for me on a couple of trips out of town, and did a fabulous job, although I don't think she's ready to parent teens yet (haha!). She's sweet and kind and a friend to everyone. I love to hear her sing and play the piano. I love to hang out with her. I love her unique spirit. She's pretty awesome!

This picture was taken a couple of years ago - clearly in the car. We were probably on a road trip somewhere. I love taking road trips with Hannah. 

This picture was taken at the BlogHer convention that Hannah and I attended this summer. What a fun time, going on a trip with just the two of us, Plus, I love this picture! 

Hannah and her Papa (my dad) at Harrison's musical "Legally Blonde." Hannah is so devoted to her family!

Took this pic a few summers ago in the park. So dramatic! :)

Took this picture several years ago at Hannah's friend Elliott's going-away party (he was going to the Navy). I just LOVE Hannah's eyes in this one. So beautiful. 

Couple of years ago - we were out on a Hannah/mommy/Arlie date and got Starbucks. 

You can see me taking this one with my cell phone. It was Hannah's idea - so clever!

Snapped this one recently. Can't remember where - inside a restaurant? I loved the sunlight on her face. 

My little girl! She's always had the most gorgeous hair! 

Took this one less than a week ago at Olive Garden. Someone said we look alike in this one. :)

Starbucks happiness........

Today's Instagram post is a compilation of Arlie enjoying Starbucks. Some may say I am the Starbucks addict in the family, but I think this girl has me beat. Nothing makes her happier, as you can see. 

Because every basic white girl has to make duck lips while enjoying their caramel macchiato.

Ah, the sheer joy of a frappucino!

Peace, love and Starbucks!