The Collings Family

Today we had our annual Christmas card photo shoot with our trusty Nikon and a timer. Next time, I really need to get my act together in October and hire someone!

All of my Sassy Mei peeps decided to up and move out of the beautiful state of Washington. They all claim it was "job related" but I secretly know it was the RAIN that drove them away! After months of deliberation, Cadie and I decided to ship Sassy Mei off to Utah with her. I have desperately missed my music and am already thrilled to use whatever spare time I have to practice - the question is, for what am I practicing? hmmm...still trying to decide;)Anyway, Sassy Mei was my first little start up company and I will miss working with the most amazing women in the world. I will NOT miss the endless hours spent marketing, managing and reconciling though...So, for all of you in Utah, Sassy Mei will be making a debut next November somewhere in SLC. Next subject - PINTEREST. I've heard this site was addicting and thus decided to not go there. Last week I took a peek and that was the end of that. Makes me want to do all sorts of things that I just don't have time to do. L

First day of school for Liza. Just had to insert that picture of her with the dog. With all of the other kids gone,she has directed all of her attention to poor Sophie. I am not sure if Liza views her as a rag doll or a baby! So sad - but this may be the only picture I got of her 4th birthday. More to come (hopefully...)

With all the gecko craze, I completely forgot to fill you in on the first day of school. I just read a phrase that completely describes how I feel about my stage in life: "the days are long but the years are short." How is it that my baby is already in 5th grade? Seriously??! Eden has Ms. Pierce and Luke has Mrs. Garmey for a 2 year loop. Eden had her for the last two years and absolutely loved her. Luke is also fortunate to have several close friends in his class - pictured in this one is our neighbor and church friend Jackson. While Tucker did not start on the same day, we stopped by to check on his class Capped off the night with a trip to U Top It. Never seen so many odd ice cream toppings in my life. Took a bite of Luke's and almost gagged :(-)! Here is a picture of Tucker at the beginning of his first day Kindergarten: ...and this is how we ended the day - nothing like a trip to the ER! Poor kid slipped and fell into an open dishwasher where a sharp little knife

Two months ago we added a new member to our little family - meet Jack: Luke has been asking for a lizard for just about as long as he could talk. This summer, he saved and saved and finally had enough to buy a little leopard gecko. He named him Jack. One of the reasons we didn't want to get another animal was due to the hazards of younger siblings. Poor Jack lost his tail three days after we got him. But, he survived and thrived. That is until PetCo ran out of small crickets. So, what did the ignorant mother do? bought him cheap meal worms. Jack LOVED the meal worms but his tummy did not. Two weeks ago Jack stopped eating and pooping - he had an impaction. We took him to the vet and there was nothing that could be done. We read everything we could find online about sick geckos. I spoon fed him homemade apple sauce, rubbed his belly with olive oil and gave him warm baths. One day when I picked him up to give him a bath, Jack had a seizure - awful sight:( The seizure left him paral

Yes, it is true - we LOVE visitors. I begged and pleaded with you to come and you did. We packed every minute of every day and loved every second. Some highlights: We spent 3 days at 2 lakes. Our favorite? can't decide.  Deep Lake at Nolte State park  - swam first and then walked the 2 mile trail around the lake.  Mount Rainier. We love this place and would go there every weekend if we could. I feel a spiritual connection with that mountain. We spent time at Grove Of The Patriarchs and Sunrise.  Can't have a "staycation" without a trip to Seattle. Fountains at the Seattle Center.  Eliza sat in the driver's seat and he actually let her stay. She got to "drive" the monorail into Westlake Center.  Pike's  ShangHai Garden = awesome chinese food  Alki - beautiful, cold, rocky beach...  Ice cream on the pier Honestly one of the best weeks of our summer. Thank you for coming and PLEASE come again!

Started the week off with Tucker's Kindergarten evaluation. Sorry about the terrible pic - I wasn't sure if I was allowed to take it;) Couldn't be more pleased with Tuck's teacher, Mrs. Blevins. Her personality seems perfect for him. I love Glacier Park - we just received our state MSP scores. Eden's 4th grade class was ranked 11th in the state. We spent Wednesday at Remlinger Farms. It isn't Disneyland, or Lagoon for that matter...still made my kids smile. I loved the scenery and non-existent lines. Eliza went on 10 pony rides. She knew all of their names before the day was over! Eliza learned to ride her bike WITHOUT training wheels this week. I was so excited that I forgot to get my camera. She also learned to ride roller skates. Check out that sassy little face :() Took the kids to the circus Thursday night. Their favorite act - the dogs! Eliza couldn't sit still to save her life. Nice to know that church isn't the only place that makes her wigg