Annual Post Falls Trip

Southwest Airlines seems to have a steal-of-a-deal on tickets, each year in the Fall. There are restrictions on dates and times to fly, but that doesn't stop Krissi and I from snatching them up each year. She comes here and I go there within 2 months of one another. My turn came early February this year.

I typed up a schedule, letter and surprise list to keep things running smoothly at home, while I would be gone.
Leaving little daily prizes for the kids to open (after tasks or chores are finished) is becoming a tradition. I think they like it, because they say things like, "Mom, when are you leaving? I can't wait!" --Thanks a lot. :)

This is who greeted me, as I stepped inside the door of Krissi's mom and dad's house ....Amber the crazy dog. Don't let her cuteness fool you, she is a WILD puppy!!! She jumped up on me, chewed on my hands and tried to bite off the decoration buckles on my shoes. She wouldn't leave me alone. She thought I was her instant best friend.

Krissi and Steve sold their house, as she was visiting me in December. They moved in with her mom and dad until they could figure out their next move. Living together started to seem like a good idea. They started talking about it and eventually decided that they would build a house for all to live together. Her mom and dad put their house on the market, had a showing the first day I was there and then SOLD it the next day! ---I'm claiming to be their house-selling-good-luck-charm. :)

Jessica and Ila LOVE this crazy dog!

Jessica bought this HUGE moose while I was there.

Her school mascot was a moose.

She thought I should love it as much as her.

And her mom too.

Daniel came to me Sunday evening and asked if I would help him make a house for his Zhu-Zhu pet, Sarge. He had drawn all the walls, pathway and bushes. I helped him cut them out and tape them all together. --Creative kid!

I think Sarge and his cars are quite cozy in their house, don't you?

Krissi and Anna Laura made treats almost every day I was there. It was torture being on my NO SWEETS challenge!

We went about the week doing nothing in particular, but having a good time being with one another. I helped out at the elementary school, did Activity Days with Krissi and the girls, went shopping, etc.

The last night, before I went home, we had dinner with these ladies; Kathy Pollock and Lisa Zane. It was fun to talk and catch up with them.

It's so nice to do this twice a year. I'm so grateful for our families and for Jason and Steve who support us in our "girl time". Thanks guys!

Post Falls Trip

My friend Krissi and I try to see each other at least twice a year... I go to her house and she comes to mine.

Southwest Airlines has helped us do that. They had a $25 deal last year and a $30 deal this year. Can't pass up a deal like that... it costs more in gas to drive!

My trip began, after I wrapped up some December craziness at home; Favorite Things Party, Ward Christmas Party, Ison FHE, and the R.S. Christmas Dinner. There were a few things that happened while I was gone and more craziness when I returned, but it was well worth it. I LOVE my time with Krissi!

Steve, Krissi's husband, has been working for an architect firm for several years now. I guess he's been considered an apprentice?... learning the skills, on-the-job-training, under licensed architects. In the recent years, he's been working hard and taking tests (I think 5 or 6 total... spending a pretty penny along the way) to become an official architect.

While I was there, he received his last and final test score saying he PASSED and that he was an official architect! This was cause for celebration. We made him a "Congratulations Smartie!" banner, decorated the house with balloons and Krissi made his favorite dinner, lasagna... with homemade noodles.

Jessica's idea of decorating with balloons is to rub her head to create static and stick them all over the ceiling. She said that her dad always does that. Perfect, for a Steve celebration. :)

Ila and I blew up all the balloons. They were tough.


The girls taped Smarties candy all over the banner and then we hung it in the front room for him to discover, when he got home from work.

"Congratulations Smartie!"

Delicious homemade lasagna.

Looking at this makes me hungry. I want some right now!

Krissi, Steve & Ila

We shared the celebratory meal with their good friends the Zane's.
Ryan & Vaughn Zane & Jessica
It was a nice evening; yummy food, good friends and an official architect. :)

This is Daniel, Krissi's youngest. He is so cute and funny. He was quite sure I had come to see HIM. Every day, many times a day, he would ask me to play with him. He wanted to play cars, Littlest Pet Shops, puzzles and games mostly. I wasn't a very good play-buddy, but that didn't detour him from asking, bringing me toys, putting them in my lap and saying, "You HAVE TO play with me!".

While there, I also....

Attended Steve's work Christmas party. It was catered with fancy foods. Yum.

Helped out with the elementary school Christmas Book Fair.

Did some shopping.... of course.

Did some crafting.... of course.

And in general, just enjoyed hanging out with the Goodmansen's.

Krissi also nursed me back to health, with a cold I had contracted on the way there.

Thanks Krissi! You're the bestest!!!

Can't wait for you to come see me next month.