Summer, Summer, Summertime

We have had such a fun summer so far, trying to squeeze in as many fun things as we can before we move and life gets stressful.

We went to Boxx Berry Farm to pick strawberries.

Sam found this awesome starfish-shaped one.

We usually pick about 15-20 pounds to make freezer jam, but this year we could only pick what we can eat before we leave. We really feasted on these babies.

We had a really fun afternoon with shaving cream.

I wish I could take credit for this great activity, but it was Sam's idea. They did it at preschool and he has been begging me to do it since. And since it was warm and they were in their bathing suits, cleanup was easy... I just hosed 'em down! And the very best part? They smelled just like my dad for the rest of the day! We will definitely be doing this one again.

We've also had lots of fun beach and park outings.

Here we are at Berthusen Park in Lynden.

Here's what I got when I told Liam to pose for a picture with Becky:

Becky has officially captured the hearts of all three Ratchford boys, although the oldest one won't admit it. The other two don't bother trying to hide their obsession - they even argue over who gets to hold her hand on hikes. And while I watch them battle for the fair maiden's affections, I am satisfied that my boys have such excellent taste in women, because let me tell you, that girl is the nicest, sweetest thing you'll ever meet.

I know this picture is blurry, but I thought it turned out really cool. And it's my blog.

Ice cream at Edaleen Dairy.

One week from today I will be saying goodbye to a place I adore.

It's going to be killer-hard.

Today we went to church for the last time in our ward, and darn those Primary kids singing to us! I cried the whole way home. I am tired of saying goodbye. This next week will not be easy. Part of me feels like that Tim McGraw song, you know the one that says "Live like you were dying?" I know, it's very dramatic of me, but that's the way the kids and I have been these last few weeks, doing all the things we love. Maybe I won't "go 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu," but I am really trying to savor my time left here.

Don't get me wrong, I am not second-guessing our decision. I know what is best for my family right now. And I am always up for a new adventure. But I'm also sentimental, and it's hard to close a great chapter, even when a new one is waiting to be opened.

This weekend my fortune cookie told me: "You will be transforming a situation in your life now with a positive attitude."

Deep breath. Here goes.