Enough Already

Okay, folks, it's Marlene and I'm taking over this blog...again. We're at 2 months now with nothin'. And, let's be honest, the world needs our Miller family news fix!

I mean, it's not like Mike and Christine have gone on multiple camping trips, had their kids in two VBS programs, packed, sold, and MOVED their house, ran Hood to Coast, helped host the world's largest garage sale, started soccer season and school for both of their kids and, and ... oh, wait. Okay, so they have some pretty good excuses for not keeping up on the old blog. But I'm here to help.

May I present to you, faithful and ever-so-patient Miller Family Blog Readers, the last 2 months in the lives of the Millers, courtesy of my own little collection of photos:

Camping trip #1 involved 3 blown tires on a travel trailer, and a boat that died in the middle of a lake:

However, it also involved a little impromptu birthday celebration for Christine:

(Nevermind the 3rd kid sneaking into the background there, that one's ours.)

It also involved another classic "Blake falling asleep while eating" incident.
Going:

Going:

Gone:

Despite getting off to a rough start - we all managed to have a blast, seriously!

The next camping trip was a little bit on the cold side:

But they managed to have fun exploring Battery Russell:

Hanging out with cousins:

And taking late-night drives across the campground, packed into the back of the station-wagon:

Back home for some post-VBS sprinkler fun at the Fletcher Farm:

The Fletcher cousins performed on stage with Ellie and Blake after a week of VBS together:

Look close, you can see Jasmine, Charlie, Blake, Ellie - then skip 2 kiddos, and there's Eli on the end:


In the midst of the move, Ellie and Blake had their first sleepover (minus mom & dad) at Charlie's house.
Blake was out first:

Moving Day:

The empty house (sniff, sniff):

The Millers decided that moving wasn't nearly exhausting enough, so rather than resting after the big move, they went straight to Hood To Coast:

Yeah, they pretty much rocked it.

Had to sneak a pic in here of my favorite "Race Official":

Soccer season starts:

And, last but not least, a trip to the Wildwood trail with some friends from church.
We all piled into the Volvo wagon - Ellie and Blake got to sit in the back, rear-facing seats - AWESOME:


ALL the kiddos - what a crew!

Ellie and Kari - now schoolmates:

Blake thoroughly enjoying a Dorito:

Christine, you're all caught up. Now all you have to do is STAY caught up!

Love ya, sister! ;)

Go Girl Trail Run

For my 30th birthday celebration I had the privilege of running a 10k (6.2 mile) trail run. It was CRAZY fun, crazy being uphill for over 2 miles, parts that you could only hike and not "run". Then another ridiculous hill at mile 5. Blood, sweat, and tears BABY...IT WAS GREAT! I am ready for the next race, I think I might be addicted :)

30 years old!

Aunt Pam, Melissa, Mars, Me
and the best cheerleaders ever - Ellie and Blake

Leah, rocked it!

Sweaty Mars and I after the race!

Michael was so awesome, I know he wanted to be out there SO bad but he cheered me on and made it my day!
Thanks babe!

Blake and Ellie showing off there quick feet.

Jen, quick chick - AWESOME!
Here is another guy (Andy) that wanted to bust up those hills and run too!

Mel and Mars

Jen

Some post race stretching and sweating. Mars I knew you would do so much better then you thought you would do.
She was a stud out there!
AWESOME JOB SISTER!

"God made the wrld" by Ellie

Ellie brought home her Kindergarten journal today. My sisters Katy and Marlene were over so we all sat down with her and looked at all her journal entries together. I could not have smiled any bigger looking at all her drawings and reading all her sentences. She started the year with entries like, "See the sun. See the hill. See the car." By mid-year her writing improved so much and the topics were adorable. At least every other page she would end her entry with, "I love my mommy. I love my Daddy. I love my bruther!" So sweet, brought tears to my eyes.
However, on April 18th, 2010 Ellie made the most precious and breath-taking entry.

"I see the wrld. I love the wrld. We liv on the wrlld. God made it. He did a gud (good) job! He loves us so much! He is are fothr (father)! I blefe (believe) in him. I love my flamlee (family) so much!"

Wow, so thankful God has my little girl in His hands and He is in her heart!

Lincoln City

The ladies of the house, Julie, Me, Maryann, and Mars. Thank you Julie for the delicious crapes and yummy muffin cookies! It was such a relaxing fun getaway.

It was so much fun to watch Ellie and Jaz run around connected at the hip all weekend. They had so much fun and I am proud to say they love their brothers and boy cousins and made sure to include them in the fun. However, they did walk around giving each other high fives saying, "Nature Girls" and "Flower Power" most of the day. It brought back very fond memories of the time I spent with my cousins on vacation as a little girl.

My dad toughed it out this weekend. I know he was in a lot more pain then he let anyone know, but he joined the fun as much as possible. He is still recovering from open heart surgery and all the yuck that comes with post-op. He really was a good sport. I am happy the kids remembered not to jump on Grandpa!