Carmen's Cuties

:(

2011-05-20T01:18:00.000-07:00

That's what friends are for...

2011-04-15T02:09:00.000-07:00

Chillin' out at Vicki's (MY BFF) house.

2011-03-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

"To mothers, daughters, and women everywhere, let me stress the fact that because of your great potential and influence for good in the lives of all of us, Satan is determined to destroy you. You cannot compromise with him. You must have the courage, the strength, the desire, and the determination to live as the Lord would have you live - good clean lives."
-President N. Eldon Tanner

2011-03-20T01:42:00.000-07:00

2011-03-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

We are not responsible for what happens to us - but we are responsible for how we respond to what happens to us.
Pain is part of all our lives, but suffering is optional. We can't change the past, but we can change the hold it has over us. We need not be overly concerned with what others do or say. Our character development and personal growth is in our hands. Though we can't always change our difficult circumstances, we can always change our attitude. When we can't change our circumstances, it is time to change our hearts.
(15 Secrets to a Happy Home)

Recent Happenings...

2011-03-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

Basketball...
Sven's SYB Team finished strong with only
one loss.
His coach called him an ANIMAL on "D"

Taig Ryan (with cousin Blake)
Uncle Sven coached his team and they
were UNDEFEATED for the season!

Lars lost his first tooth!

Caitlin with her BFF Christy
Winter Ball '11

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

2011-02-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

Love Someone...

2011-01-20T13:12:00.000-08:00

Love is a profound commitment and thoughtful decision to actively assist someone's spiritual growth and progress toward God. There is no commitment in this whole world quite like loving someone. Love is a journey unlike any other; for when we truly love someone, we give them both roots and wings. We understand when we need to hold on and when to let go - and that's not easy. (Janene Wolsey Baadsgaard, 15 Secrets to a Happy Home)
From "The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage" by Dr. Laura:
1. Treat your spouse as if you loved them with your last breath - no matter how contratry to that you might feel at any one moment.
2. Think hard every day about how you can make their life worth living.
3. Be the kind of person you would want to love, hug, come home to, and sacrifice for.

Your Happily Ever After...

2011-01-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

Breakfast with SANTA!

2010-12-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

The ANTICIPATION

So EXCITED!

2010-12-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

You better not POUT!

2010-12-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

Santa Claus is comin' to town!
He paid the Wiker Family an early visit on
Tuesday night and passed out Candy Canes to
all the good little Wikers.
Lars and Liam were
SOOOOO EXCITED!

OH! Christmas Tree!

2010-12-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

Lazy J Christmas Tree Farm is our favorite place to find
"the perfect tree"
This year we went with Gramma Margarita.
The kids had so much fun running around while
Mommy and Caitlin tried to find a "just right" tree.
We let Daddy and the boys pick the tree this year and
we ended up with a big, beautiful fluffy tree that
almost fills our whole living room!
It will be even more beautiful once we get the lights on it and
get it all dressed up for the holidays.
It was so nice to spend time together, even if it was a little cold -
watching my kids get excited about Christmas always
warms my heart.

2010-12-04T12:42:00.000-08:00

2010-12-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

2010-12-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

2010-12-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

2010-12-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

At the PATCH with my two littlest PUNKINS!

2010-11-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

Time Flies . . .

2010-10-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

SENIOR NIGHT 2010

Caitlin cheering at her last (regular season)

Home Football Game.

HOMECOMING 2010

2010-10-19T02:21:00.000-07:00

Well, we won our game on Friday night.
Jack scored the last touchdown of the game,
making the final score 63 - 8.
That always makes the dance on
Saturday night that much more exciting
and enjoyable!
This years theme was
INTO THE WILD!
I loved the girls' cute animal print
dresses and the guys' matching ties.
(Laura's mom made Jack's tie to match her dress,
and Caitlin already had the cute zebra print shoes
before she found the dress to match.)
They had a great time at dinner and at the dance -
and they looked GREAT!

2010-10-19T02:13:00.000-07:00

2010-10-19T02:05:00.000-07:00

2010-10-19T01:19:00.000-07:00

Suiting up for Varsity

2010-10-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

Jack West

in his Varsity uniform.

He will be suiting up for this weeks

Homecoming game against Olympic

Kickoff time is at 7pm.

Come if you can...

It's that CRAZY time of year . . .

2010-10-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

ME and CAITLIN with the Wolves Cheer
Varsity Squad that I coach at
Sequim High School!

This is definitely a FUN and BUSY time of the year
for the Wiker Family!
Aside from Liam, we are ALL involved in
Fall Sports!
(I'm sad that I didn't sign Liam up for soccer this year -
he's totally ready and LOVES it!)
Lucky for him, I'm coaching Lars'
U6 soccer team, so he gets to tag along and participate
at practices. SO MUCH FUN!

LARS with my U6ers
(minus Auna)
These kids are a real KICK in the PANTS!

CHA CHA with her mom!
(secretly my FAVE!)
Well, besides Lars, of course.

GOOFBALLS!
Erik has been busy with football season in full swing - his
team, THE WOLVES are undefeated in League,
6-1 overall.
We are gearing up for HOMECOMING this weekend!
It should be a good one!
Jack just scored 2 touchdowns at Monday's JV game
to help his team beat Kingston 20-14.
He will be suiting up for Friday night's Varsity game,
and Caitlin will be cheering, so it will be a real
Family Affair.
But that's not all!
Our Saturdays are booked full of soccer
(Lars and Mom),
Sequim Wolfpack Football (Taig Ryan and Dad - Erik coaches his team, too!),
and NFL Flag (Sven and Cousin Blake with Uncle Sven coaching)!!
These are just some of the things that I LOVE about FALL.
The weather is starting to get cooler, the leaves are changing, and
we are all right in the middle of it -
enjoying it to the FULLEST!

2010-10-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Sven with Cousin Blake during an NFL Flag game...

Afterwards with pals and snacks

Taig Ryan

(#15 just like his FAVE pro player!)

Lars Barton

(SOCCER STUD!)

The Boys of Sequim: A Wolves spin on Kenny Chesney's video...

2010-09-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

JACK'S TOUCHDOWN!

2010-09-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to listen to Jack's first ever Varsity Touchdown!

(you'll have to press pause on the Play List so you can really hear it)

Fall = Football!

2010-09-05T01:15:00.000-07:00

2 Coach Wikers
Erik consulting with his little Brother Sven during half-time
of the Wolves Season Opener against Forks.

Caitlin cheering
She's one of the Captains of her squad this year.

Jack playing in his first ever Varsity game.
He scored a touchdown as well as the extra points
to help his team beat the Forks Spartans 58 -7.

Proud Coach Wiker doin' his thing

NO WAY!

2010-08-23T00:39:00.000-07:00

If I refuse to believe, maybe it won't be so!
How can it be that my Baby Girl is going to
be a SENIOR this year??!!

NO WAY!

A little bit of Fummer Sun . . .

2010-08-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

2010-08-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

Best Buds :

2010-08-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

2010-08-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

The Love Boat

Mount Rainier from Port Townsend

Mount Baker from Port Townsend
Point Wilson Lighthouse

2010-08-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

2010-08-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

2010-08-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

Birthday CELEBRATION!

2010-07-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

We had SO MUCH FUN celebrating Liam's 3rd Birthday
at
GREAT WOLF LODGE!
Here are a few pics from the 3 days that we stayed - I think
I took about 400. I didn't use a waterproof/underwater cam
like I did last time, because I didn't like the way the photos came out -
too dark. They have new, re-useable ones now. I've seen some made by Kodak for around $20 and some
at Photo Jo Jo for around $15.
I think next time I will invest in one just to see if they've managed to improve upon them
since the last time I purchased one.
We had a blast! We rode on the Canyon River Run, the Howling Tornado (that one gets me EVERY time!)
and the intertubes down the slide!
And we rode the red and yellow slides at Bear Track Landing -
even Liam got in on this action!
We ate at the Critter Cafe and we enjoyed Pajama Story Time.
We survived the tipping bucket.
The boys played Magic Quest.
The little boys enjoyed crafts and classes at the Cub Club.
We played games at the Northern Lights Arcade.
We really didn't hold back - we had as much FUN as we could possibly have!
I think LIAM really had a GREAT TIME and we just can't wait to go back again!

Wolf Ears!
(Added benefit of being able to wear them to Football Games!)
YES!

Birthday Boy greeted with a birthday poster
on our room door.

Ready to hit the water!

Eat CAKE, Open PRESENTS!

2010-07-23T17:58:00.000-07:00

2010-07-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

I got mine!

Boys having FUN together!

2010-07-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

Having FUN with Brothers!

I think this one says it all!
He was SO EXCITED!

2010-07-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

I even got a present!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIAM!

2010-07-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 3 YEAR OLD!
Happy Birthday to my Little Man, Liam!
I LOVE him SOOOOOO MUCH
and couldn't imagine our Family without him
in it!

What's been happening with us . . .

2010-07-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Caitlin, Senior Year - first time flying!
Now that we have guys on the squad, a lot
of the girls who haven't ever been Top Girl
wanted to give it a try. It was FUN!
Caitlin is a great Base, and an AMAZING
Back Spot - which means she's pretty much
in control of the stunt - she calls it, helps lift it, and makes
sure everyone executes their part properly.

Caitlin with our UCA Camp Instructors
receiving the honor of making the
UCA All American Team.
We (my assistant coach and I) nominated 13 cheerleaders who we thought have
what it takes to make the team. They tried out by performing
a cheer, a dance, a toe touch, and another jump of choice.
6 of the 13 made the team which means they will be invited to participate
in different special events throughout the year.
The big one this year being a trip to London to perform in a parade there.
This is the second year that Caitlin has made the team.

UCA ALL AMERICANS!

Well, we have had a busy summer so far. It started out with Sven
competing in an All-Star Baseball tournament.
Erik has been busy gearing up for football in the fall. He and Jack have been
working out 4x a week
and doing 7 0n 7 passing league 2x a week.

Taig has been having fun at Cub Scout day camp this past week.

Lars is looking forward to playing soccer in the fall - we just have to keep him busy between now and then!

Jack is in Canada right now on a camping trip with the scouts. When he gets home, it'll be time to pack for football camp.
Caitlin and I have been conditioning and attending cheer practice
4x a week and just finished up with Cheer Camp.
This has been a busy weekend with the Lavender Festival going on.
The football players and cheerleaders help park cars at the high school
and at Purple Haze Lavender Farm to earn money for their uniforms and camp.
Our Family is going to take a break this week and head to Great Wolf Lodge
to celebrate Liam's 3rd Birthday! He's so excited, even though he was
pretty little the last time we went. I think he remembers a little bit,
but his brothers have been telling him how much FUN it's going to be!
I can't wait to just spend some time with the fam and not have to worry about
being anywhere at a certain time.
We are all doing well and feel very blessed and thankful for all that we have
and enjoy.

Photography by some of THE PROS who attended Tara's Workshop :

2010-07-11T00:30:00.001-07:00

Tara, of course.

Tara Staton Photography

Kelly Baxter Photography

2010-07-11T00:16:00.000-07:00

Angie Penrose Photography

Photography by Suzanne Baumrak

Favorite Recent PIX :

2010-07-09T01:09:00.000-07:00

Since Tara's workshop, I have been taking even MORE photos
than normal! (Is that possible??)
Here are a few of my recent FAVES!
I usually have more of the little kids, because that''s who I hang out with
the most.
Liam has been more willing to "pose" for me since his little
"modeling stint"at the workshop, so it's pretty easy for me to
get good ones of him.

Love this look!

2010-07-09T01:01:00.000-07:00

Little Man

Put me in, Coach!

Up to something...hhmmm...

Mr. All Business!

2010-07-09T00:57:00.000-07:00

Caitlin's new "person of interest"
He's a Coastie Kid who dad was just transferred to PA
from Puerto Rico.

His little sister, Abby.

Sequim All Stars!

2010-07-08T20:17:00.000-07:00

This year is the first year ever that Sven played on a
Little League
All Star team.
He really enjoys baseball and when his coach asked if he'd like to play,
he said yes, even though it meant lots more practices.
His dad was very supportive and made sure that he made it
to practice everyday and to his games, which were in North Mason,
about an hour and a half away.
It was very FUN for me to watch him play and cheer for him,
although I think I might have embarrased him a little.
He played left and right field, and also 3rd base, which was new for him.
In one game, Sven hit a sacrifice bunt which allowed his teammate to make the run that
put his team ahead.
They ended up winning two and loosing two.
It was kind of sad to see it end. It would have been fun to see them go a little farther.
Maybe next year.
I know Sven had fun, doing what he loves and hangin' out with his friends.

Fourth of July!

2010-07-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

Our whole family enjoyed July 4th at our friend, Julie's house.
It's our yearly tradition.
I love fireworks. I love the ocean.
Fireworks over the ocean has got to be the best.
Good Friends, Good Food, Good times.
We had a GREAT time!

I had no idea which settings to use on my camera for good fireworks pix.
I just experimented and came up with lots of different, cool, looking shots -
here are a couple of my faves.

Caitlin's Black Eye!

2010-07-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

Caitlin's black eye that she got when a girls' head came in contact with her face during the SHS girls bball tournament last weekend. She shot the winning basket in one game (double overtime, sudden death) that ended their 2 year loosing streak - her coach called her black eye "frickin' awesome!"

Photography Workshop!

2010-06-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

TARA STATON!
So, I have a friend who is a photographer, and this weekend she was kind enough
to allow me to "tag along" at one of her workshops!
I was so EXCITED to be invited to join her and some of her photographer friends from
around the country.
Can I just tell you what a nice bunch of ladies they were?
They were so kind and sweet and shared a little bit of their knowledge with me.
I still feel totally overwhelmed and that I only know a small portion about the art of photography, but I was extremely happy to just observe and listen intently as they worked. I feel like I now know more than I did before the weekend began, so that's a good thing.
I feel like I can read my owner's manual now and be able to slightly grasp some of its contents.
I have some things to practice on now.
I just want to express once again my thanks and gratitude to all the photographers who attended the workshop, for taking time and sharing some tips with little 'ol me. They were sweet and fun to be around. I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!
I was sad to say good-bye at the end of the weekend.
Here are some of the photos that I took during the workshop.
Both CJ and Liam were models on different days during the weekend, so that was fun for me, to get some pix of my kiddos.
(I can't wait to see some of the shots that the PROS got!)
These are the first ever photos that I've taken in "manual" mode instead of "auto".
I'm pleased with myself, but realize that it is just a baby step in the direction that I would like to go with my photgraphy.
I don't see myself ever doing it professionally, but I would like to be able to take fabulous pictures of my family and have people say,
"Wow, WHO took that photo??"

2010-06-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

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2010-06-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAITLIN!

2010-06-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

My BEAUTIFUL baby girl turned 17 this month!
Where has all the time gone?
I still remember going to the hospital the night she was born,
and watching her get on the bus for kindergarten!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAITLIN!

I LOVE YOU!

Memorial Day Celebrations . . .

2010-06-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

This morning we went to the Memorial Day Service
at Sequim View Cemetery.

"A terrible price has been paid by those who have gone before us, this that we might have the blessings of liberty and peace. I stood, not long ago, at Valley Forge, where George Washington and his ragged army spent the winter of 1776. As I did so, I thought of a scene from Maxwell Anderson's play in which Washington looks on his soldiers, shoveling the cold earth over a dead comrade, and says grimly, 'This libery will look easy by and by when nobody dies to get it.'

Oh how we need to kindle in the hearts of youth an old fashioned love of country and a reverence for the land of their birth. But we shall not do it with tawdry political maneuvering and enormous handouts for which nothing is given in return. Love of country is born of nobler stuff - of the challenge of struggle that make precious the prize that's earned."

-President Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Charter for Youth"

Improvement Era, Dec. 1965

I thought those words, even though spoken long ago, were still just as important

and pertinent today.

I'm grateful for my family.
I'm sooooooo grateful for them.
I know I'm blessed and lucky to
live in such a beatiful place,
to be able to worship freely as I wish,
to speak freely.
I know that I owe many THANKS to the many
men and women who have served and sacrificed so
much in order to make these things possible.
I appreciate those who have served in the past,
and those who are serving today.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO.
I can rest peacefully at night, knowing that my family
is safe in our pretty little town, not by accident,
but because of the bravery and sacrifice of those who
serve in the Armed Forces.

This is my Daddy Bob
in Korea, 1954 receiving the Soldier's Medal from the
Wing Commander.
It was the highest, non-combat medal awarded for Heroism.
My dad says it means that he was in the right place at the wrong time
and that he did something life-saving that endangered his life
while doing it.
I call it BRAVERY.

This is my Gramma Barton's brother,
Vernal Sumsion.
He was an Army Air Force Pilot and his plane was shot down
by the Japanese somewhere in the Pacific near the
Phillipinnes. His body was never recovered.
My dad would tell me that Uncle Vernal
used to buzz my dad's house and the main street in Springville, Utah
in his plane when my dad was a boy.
He and his brothers would run outside and wave to him as he flew by.
SELFLESS.

2010-05-31T23:34:00.000-07:00

Beautiful . . .

2010-05-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

Beautiful view from
Dungeness Cemetery.
I have to think that it probably didn't look all that
different from this about a hundred years ago...

THANK YOU!

2010-05-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, our family went to Sequim View Cemetery and
Dungeness Cememtery to help put up flags for all
those passed on who had served this country.
It was such a humbling experience.
I really appreciate all of the blessings that we have because of those
who have sacrificed before us, and because of those who sacrifice for us today.
I feel the importance of teaching my kids these things, because I'm afraid that
we, as a nation are begining to forget all that has been fought for, sacrificed and
lost, in order for us to have the freedoms and the comfortable lives that we have.
I have lately felt the importance of educating myself in order to make good decisions
when it comes time to vote - and I hope that my kids will, too, when the time comes.
I feel that some of our liberties and freedoms have come under attack and are
at risk if we don't act to protect them.
I have such a strong testimony of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through
His prophet, Joseph Smith, and I believe that it is in direct relation to the
Revolutionary War that those things were able to come about.
I believe that our Founding Fathers were good, honest men,
called upon by God.
When I watch movies or documentaries about the war, I'm always taken aback at what
a miraculous thing it was that we prevailed in that war, and that we won our Freedom and Independence
from England. All of that was necessary in order for the Gospel to be restored to the Earth in a place where
there would be religious freedom. It was meant to be - it was God's will.
I've gone off in a different direction than I meant to when I started this post,
but I wanted to share my beliefs about that.
I do love our country, and I do get emotional when I see a flag, and when I hear someone
sing our National Anthem.
I'm reading a series right now about World War II. It's Historical Fiction - my favorite.
I'm just so grateful for those people who are so selfless and who fight to protect the things that we hold most dear.
THANK YOU!

Favorite War Movies

GLORY

THE PATROIT

SAVING PRIVATE RYAN

BAND OF BROTHERS

PEARL HARBOR

2010-05-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed looking at all of the cool, old

headstones and wondering at the History that they hold.

We found two that belonged to veterans of the Mexican War!

I also recognized lots of Sequim Pioneer Family names.

It was fun to explore these things with my family -

and the view was beautiful.

My SweetHeart

2010-05-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

Lars wanted to pick flowers for me before we left.
Gotta LOVE that boy!
Always thinkin' of his momma...

FINALLY!

2010-05-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

Caitlin saying, "mom, you're really weird."
Ok, I'm embarrased to say that it's taken me
this long to reward the WINNER of my
blog "Guess the Destination" photo contest
that I had back during Spring Break.

We caught CARRIE and the rest of the HILL
Family off guard, but it was fun to surprise them
when they least expected it!

Look of SURPRISE!

Carrie, YOU are BEAUTIFUL!
CONGRATULATIONS
on guessing the most correct destinations -
9 out of 10!!
WOOT! WOOT!

YUMMY WIKER TREAT:

2010-05-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
(recipe from Kay Quist made by Jack)
Carmen's famous Caramel Popcorn Snack Mix
ENJOY!

Happy Birthday, Lars!

2010-05-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my "little" Lars turned 5!

How can that possibly be??

Called "little" because he's named

after his Grampa Lars, (who would have totally

loved and adored his little namesake)

he's not so little anymore! Nope, this guy is on his

way to becoming one of the BIG BOYS!

I just LOVE him!

Besides being jealous of his gorgeous, thick, dark lashes,

I love his spunk, his sense of humor, his laughter and the

enthusiasm that he has about everything he does!

He is just a whole lot of fun to be with!

I'm so glad he's part of our family.

He's usually guarded, quiet, when first meeting someone, and he doesn't

usually like being in the spotlight, but once he gets to know you,

he opens up and he loves you with everything he's got!

We had a great day with friends and family to celebrate

his special day.

(Pics to come soon)

Right now I'm off to the Cheer Car Wash -

looks like it's gonna be another great SUNSHINY DAY!

If you can just imagine the laughter that goes along

with this smile -

that's the epitome of Lars!

1 year old!

Birthday Boy!
(My friend Katrina made this very cute and awesome cake!)

Marrowstone Beach

2010-05-10T01:26:00.000-07:00

We hadn't ever been before, but it was lovely -
the sun was shining and it was warm.
It was a beautiful day to go exploring a new beach

2010-05-10T01:19:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2010-05-10T01:13:00.000-07:00

This is how I started my day...
I woke up to this beautiful sight -
My TWINS!
How cute is that??
I just had to take the picture!
We went to church.
I always love going to church on Mother's Day -
I love being reminded of the special role that I have as a Mother -
for the opportunity that I have to raise these beautiful spirit children
of our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful that he has trusted me with
this sacred task and hope that I will be up to the challenge!
I also love the cute handmade gifts that my kids made for me!
I LOVE my BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!
After church, we had lunch and headed over to Port Hadlock to spend
some time at Marrowstone Beach. It was lovely.
What a beautiful day.
I, of course, had to take pictures.

This picture, however, was taken by LARS.
I'm not one who normally likes to post my own photo -
but he did such a nice job, didn't he??
I was impressed.
He's my new personal photographer!

SASS - A - FRASS!

My Jack Man!

2010-05-10T01:02:00.000-07:00

I LOVE MY ALL MY BABIES!

THE PARADE! Marching with Little Montessori. . . for the Last Time

2010-05-10T00:57:00.000-07:00

Liam and Lars with the Dinosaur that
always accompanies Little Montessori
through the streets of Sequim
during the Grand Parade!

Georgia and Paula

Our family has been so blessed to have these wonderful ladies
teach our kids at Little Montessori since we moved here.
Sven started attending when he was 2 and 1/2, and we loved
these special women so much, we continued to send our boys
year after year. When we heard that they would retire at the end of
this school year, (after over 30 years of teaching) we just had to send Liam -
even though we weren't planning on sending him to school until next fall.
We knew with Georgia and Paula leaving, we wanted him to have a chance
to experience their GREATNESS! I am so glad he had the opportunity.
When I drop my boys off at this school, I can just see how much they are LOVED
there - and they have learned so much.
It was a great foundation for our boys to build their education on.
Sven and Taig have been so successful in elementary school.
I'm just so grateful that they had the chance to learn from these sweet, caring
ladies. We will miss them SO MUCH - as I'm sure many families will.
They promise they will keep in touch, and I'm sure we will see them around
from time to time. It's just so hard to say good-bye when your boys have
grown up with them.
BEST OF LUCK to them in all of their endeavors.
You have our HEARTS!

Marching with the Cheerleaders!

2010-05-10T00:42:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. . . Irrigation Festival!

2010-05-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

Every year we look forward to Spring and the Irrigation Festival - a week long celebration that dates back 115 years! There are street fairs, parades, logging shows, and strong man contests - just to name a few of the events that mark the celebration.

The one that my kids look forward to the most is, of course, the CARNIVAL!

We had lots of fun last night- testing out the rides on "suicide night".

Lars was tall enough this year to go on his first "big kid" ride - he was SO EXCITED!

Caitlin and Jack hung out with their friends while Erik and I took the little kids around for the rides and games.

It was a FUN night! We are gearing up for the parade tomorrow - more pix to come!

Taig Ryan, Self Manager!

2010-04-26T01:06:00.000-07:00

I recently received this letter concerning Taig Ryan:
Dear Parents/Guardians,
CONGRATULATIONS!
Your son, Taig Wiker, has earned the honor of being a Haller Elementary
Self Manager.
He earned this distinction by consistently managing himself and
setting a positive example for other students.
As a Self Manager, your son has signed a contract to do his best
to always:
*conduct himself in a manner of which he can be proud
*cooperate with adults and all students
*speak respectfully to adults and all students
*listen carefully
*come to class prepared to learn with supplies and completed
assignments
*follow the "Guidelines for Success"
*be responsible and helpful. He will see what needs to be done to make his
classroom and school better and try to help.
*behave in a manner that is a good example for other students
We know that we will be able to count on him!
Because Self Managers manage themselves, we are able to allow them a greater amount of
freedom moving around the building and responsibility in contributing to a positive school
environment. Having students like your son is what makes Haller Elementary a great school
to attend. We know that you are as proud of him as we are.
Sincerely,
Vince Riccobene, Principal
WOW!
Such a proud momma right here.
He is the first of 4 kids to attend Helen Haller to become
a self manager. It's not totally easy - they have to be nominated, and
then they have to collect a certain amount of signatures from
people who believe that he should be a self-manager, including
teachers, lunch room staff, and finally the principal.
He lost his signatures, once, and had to start over.
He had this goal that he wanted to become a self-manager, and he
stuck with it. He is a very happy and proud boy.
As a self-manager he gets extra privileges,
such as first in the lunch line, gets to go to recess early, etc.
I'm not surprised that he received his self-manager badge.
I have always been told by his teachers, (who completely adore him)
that he is kind and helpful to others, especially those who
struggle in certain areas. And because of his competitive nature,
he does well at completing and turning in his homework.
He is one of the top readers in his class, and he does
well at math, too.
What a GREAT KID!

Sven Erik

2010-04-26T00:47:00.000-07:00

I also recently received this letter
concerning Sven Erik:
Dear Haller Family,
This letter is to congratulate your child, Sven Wiker, for a positive
attitude, wonderful behavior, and attendance at Helen Haller Elementary School.
We would like to thank you for preparing your student for school success.
We know it takes a lot of effort to have kids ready for learning each day. Your
child has proven to be a positive member of Haller's learning community.
When students perform in this manner, they are following our Guidelines for Success.
This means acting in a responsible and safe manner and allowing learning to take place
in the classroom. Most importantly, your child treats others with kindness and respect.
All these skills make Haller a wonderful place for children to learn and grow.
You should be very proud of your child. I know we are!
Thanks for sending us your children,
Vincent Riccobene, Principal
Matt Duchow, Counselor

Isn't that just GREAT?

He must be proud of himself!

I'm so glad to have such good kids -

that try hard to do their best each day -

They make me PROUD to be their mom!

I just LOVE THEM!
So proud of my boys!

Purse Dump

2010-04-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

This is ME, according to my purse.
I saw this challenge on Stacy Julian's blog.
I thought it sounded like FUN, so this afternoon,
I emptied my purse to see what things fell out.
(I rearranged things somewhat so you could see
everything.)

Basically, you're challenged to dump the contents of your purse

and think about what the things inside say about you.

Incidentally, the other examples that I saw of this challenge

all had the contents neatly arranged - Even though I wish I

was more organized, I'm not, so, I thought that leaving

the contents scattered about was more ME than organizing them

in neat little rows. (Like the guy with the ties and the Altoids)

I'm a busy wife/mom/cheer coach who's on the go - to and from

preschool, cheer practice and little league.

I like to shop, but rarely have the funds to spend on things that I'd really like to buy.

Mostly I buy groceries at Costco and clearance items at Old Navy. (I use my card since I shop on-line) Usually little boys jeans.

Baby wipes are a must for everything from booger noses to pizza faces (Costco pizza, of course).

I've got to have hand sanitizer for when the kids use the port-a-potties at the ball fields.

iPod for tuneage - I'm always listening to new music for cheer dance inspiration.

My "cheer" card to hand out to mom's who ask when the next practice or fundraiser is.

(I refer them to the cheer blog for all the latest announcements.)

Calculator to make sure I don't go over budget.

Cell phone to keep in touch and text Kim to tell her I'm running late, but I'm on my way.

H2O to stay hydrated. My fave Sugar Berry lip gloss for a little pick me up.

Burts Bees for when my lips are dry and need refreshing.

Note pad and pen for my lists - to do, to get, and photo ideas.

broken green crayon and empty fruit snack package??

Liam's cars. Button off one of my fave jackets that I have yet to replace.

FLiP to capture my boys at baseball, or the cheerleaders during an assembly.

Trio Bar for on the go sustenance. Cough drop, safety pins and bandages just in case, I guess.

Sharpie pen and highlighter because you never know when you might need either one.

My fave Bath and Body Works lotion for dry hands and elbows.

Pony tail holders because sometimes my hair drives me CRAZY!

Liam's toy to keep him busy.

I have no idea why I have purple nail polish in my purse - it's not like I have time while I'm driving around town to paint my nails!

I'd love to see what's in your purse. Do your own Purse Dump, and leave a comment with

your link!

Boys 'n Baseball

2010-04-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

Sven Erik on THUNDER
Between games and practices for 3 boys playing
this year, we have been spending a good share of our time at the
Sequim Little League fields.
To top it off, today was pictures.
My hubby was out of town, along with
Caitlin and Jack, so I was on my own with the
four little boys.
Basically, we spent from 9:40am
(I was running late, of course)
until 3pm at the ball fields.
(we ran home for a quick lunch between Taig's
game and Sven's practice)
Aside from a major temper tantrum thrown
by Liam early in the day, (something that VERY RARELY
happens - leave it to the fates to let it happen on a
day when I didn't have Erik's help with the other
kids) the day went pretty smooth.
It was great weather and we enjoyed some fresh
air and outside play.

Taig Ryan on MUCK DOGS

Lars Barton on Price Auto Tball
"the BLUE team"

Can't wait to be one of the
"BIG BOYS"

2010-04-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

Cousin Blake and Sven Erik
together on Team THUNDER!
(Sponsored by Thor's Automotive -
how convenient is that?!)

Contemplating his next move...

Taig Ryan ready for the play on Third.

The Wiker Boys

My Girl . . .

2010-04-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

Caitlin got a new HAIRCUT!
Incidentally, we had Cheer tryouts
last week, and Caitlin made the Varsity Squad
for her third year! YAY!
She is one of only a few Seniors who will be on the squad
next year.
SO EXCITED!

Click HERE to see who else made it!

Lars + Tball = PURE JOY!

2010-04-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today was Lars' first ever Tball practice! Although he has played
Flag Football and wrestled before, this was the first time
he's had someone other than his dad coaching him.
He was so excited to be a part of a "real" team,
just like his Big Brothers!
It was PURE JOY - not only for us to watch,
but for him - he was SO HAPPY!
He kept telling us, "I LOVE this!"
So, the happiness that you see in the pictures is REAL!
He was happy to go to practice. (He reminded
me several times during the day not to forget about his
practice.) He loved having a "real" coach - someone other than
daddy. He was happy about his new hat and tshirt.
He was happy about his hand-me-down mitt.
He was just so darn happy about EVERYTHING!
His happiness really wore off onto me and his dad. It made
us so excited to be there with him and watch him play ball.

2010-04-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

The look of CONCENTRATION!

Make a Wish!

2010-04-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

AFTER the CAKE:

2010-04-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET SVEN ERIK!

2010-04-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

I really love this kid!
(I really love all my kids!)
Sven makes me laugh -
he's serious most of the time, but he's
got a terrific sense of humor, too.
He's very smart - he gets great
grades without trying very hard.

He can remember the most precise details from

something that happened long ago.
He's nice and kind to others -
he makes friends easily, and I'm
happy to say that the friends he makes
are great people.
He once brought a Valentine home that his class
had made for him, and I was so touched at all
the kind comments his classmates had written
to/about him.
It made me really proud to be his momma.
He likes to wrestle and play baseball.
He LOVES babies, and he is always nice
to his little brothers, especially Liam who
he takes good care of and plays with.
He knows how to make him feel really happy!
He's cute and he's got a great head of hair!
I LOVE THIS CURLY HAIRED KID!

TAH DAH - And the WINNER is. . .

2010-04-06T02:42:00.000-07:00

Can I just say - I'm not sure what I'm going to post about anymore, now that our "STAY-CATION" photo contest is over. It was FUN. I might have to do it again in the summer, just because it gave us an excuse for getting out and exploring all the interesting places near our home.

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who participated - you made it more FUN!

Well, I had 41 comments to moderate and when I tried to post them, something went wrong and I lost ALL of them! Luckily, though, I had tallied all of the guesses before hand, so not

to worry - I was still able to determine a WINNER for the YUMMY Wiker Family treat!

And the WINNER is...

Did I mention how much fun this was for me and my family?

THANKS, AGAIN!

The person with the most correct guesses was...

I really don't know what I'll blog about next, and I can't wait to do this again.

Okay, okay. The WINNER of the "Guess the Destination" contest is...

CARRIE HILL

WITH 9 CORRECT GUESSES!

AWESOME!

This girl and her family really gets out there and enjoys all that the Great State of Washington, particularly the Olympic Peninsula, has to offer!

Thanks for playing, Carrie!

Close behind Carrie were GRACE, BROOKE and LARA with

7 Correct Guesses, ALISHA and THE LATHROPS with 6 correct guesses,

CAROL with 3, ANGIE and LISALULU with 2 each,

( I know Ang would have gotten more if she had guessed more)

and finally, MIKIE with 1 Correct Guess - incidentally - that was the only guess

she made - I'm not sure if she even knew there was a contest.

Well, there you go!

I hope you had as much fun playing along as I had taking and posting all the pix.

My friend, ALISHA is doing the same contest on her blog.

I'm sad to say, that I didn't know where any of her spots were, except for one!!

But I can't wait to find out where they are so we can take our kids to some new, fun places that we haven't been to yet.

You should check it out. You have until Tuesday at 3pm to make guesses on her blog if you want to get in on the action!

She's a way cute, fun mom, and I just LOVE reading her blog.

She's very creative and does lots of cool things with her kids!

Destination Number One:

2010-04-06T02:30:00.000-07:00

MADISON FALLS
(I would also accept Madison Creek Falls)
This is a beautiful spot that's not too far out of the way.
It's a great spot to take your little ones,
because the hike to the falls is a short one, on a paved
sidewalk. Afterwards, you can enjoy lunch on the
picnic table with it's beautiful views.
I have taken my kid's pics on that table over the years.
It's fun to watch how they change, and to see
how our family has grown. this is a great, close-by
spot to take visiting friends and family.

Destination Number Two:

2010-04-06T02:24:00.000-07:00

PORT WILLIAMS BEACH
Great spot for a walk along the beach.
Lars and Liam like to come here to
"skip" rocks.

Destination Number Four:

2010-04-06T02:19:00.000-07:00

RAILROAD BRIDGE PARK
"Nuff said!
This is a famous local spot that's one of my
faves for taking pictures of my kids.
It's a good place for a hike through the woods
and along the water's edge.
My boys like to throw rocks off the bridge into
the water and Jack likes to cool off in the
river with his friends during the summer.
It's got a lttle bit of everything!

Destination Number Four:

2010-04-06T02:14:00.000-07:00

JOHN WAYNE MARINA
I had to be careful when posting this destination not to
get the boats in the background because that was a
sure give-away!
We hit this spot on kind of a cold, rainy day, so we
didn't stay too long, but if you can make it there on
a nice day, it's a great spot to picnic.
There's grass and tables that look out over the water.
On the other side, when it's low tide, it's a fun place
to take the kids to play in the water and search for crabs -
be sure to bring the sand shovel and bucket!

Destination Number Five:

2010-04-06T02:08:00.000-07:00

This picture of the
Point Wilson Lighthouse
was taken from
NORTH BEACH in PORT TOWNSEND.
This is another one of my favorite FUN
places to go. I love to find beach glass - there's
a ton of it on this beach!
My kids love exploring the tide pools for
interesting marine life.

Destination Number Six:

2010-04-06T01:58:00.000-07:00

DUNGENESS SPIT
If you can get there on a good day, like we did,
there isn't a more fun place to be!
If you're up for it, you can hike out to the
New Dungeness Lighthouse - this is something
we haven't ever done in all the years that we've lived
here - maybe this summer!

Destination Number Seven:

2010-04-06T01:52:00.000-07:00

Point Wilson Light House, located at
FORT WORDEN STATE PARK
(I would also accept Point Wilson, or "The Bunkers")
My kids LOVE this place. There's lots to do.
The beach is beautiful, and the light house is
way cool. Their most favorite thing to do
is to play flashlight tag in the bunkers.

Destination Number Eight:

2010-04-06T01:46:00.000-07:00

Pacific Science Center
We had so much FUN going to the IMAX, visiting the
Butterfly Exhibit, where incidentally, the butterflies
were so attracted to Erik - (Just like me, I guess!)
We also visited the bug exhibit, the dinosaur exhibit, the Mars Exhibit and did all of the other fun
things that were there for us to do!

Another one of my favorite attractions was the movie on the IMAX screen about

the rovers that were sent to Mars - it was UNBELIEVABLE and AMAZING!

Originally, I had wanted to see a different movie at the IMAX,
but it wasn't showing.
I wasn't excited from the start to see Alice in Wonderland - Tim Burton
just doesn't do it for me, but, can I just say,
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THIS MOVIE!
I'm in love with the Mad Hatter.
It was especially great to see it on
the GINORMOUS IMAX screen.

SO MUCH FUN!

I just stuck this one in here again because
it was totally my most FAVE pic
of the day!

Destination Number Nine:

2010-04-06T01:34:00.000-07:00

SEATTLE AQUARIUM
I thought this was an amazing clue!
Aren't my boys just the cutest??
I love their little fishy faces!

Destination Number Ten:

2010-04-06T01:28:00.000-07:00

PIKE PLACE MARKET
This place was amazing
It felt like Big City to me - so much to see,
hear and taste. And did you see the Tulip and Daffodil
(my two most FAVE flowers!)
bouquet that Erik bought me for my Easter Centerpiece -
for WAY CHEAP??!!
All our years living in the area and we had never been here before.
It was AWESOME and I can't wait to go back again soon!

HAPPY EASTER

2010-04-04T02:26:00.001-07:00

Contest Wrap-up!

2010-04-04T02:07:00.000-07:00

Well, go ahead, check out our last three destinations and make your final guesses by Monday @10pm. I will do a final count and tally the guesses Monday night to determine who has the most correct guesses.

The lucky WINNER will be posted on Tuesday,

and that person will receive a YUMMY Wiker Family treat!

Best of Luck to ya!

Destination Number Ten:

2010-04-04T02:02:00.000-07:00

All our years living in the area, and this
was our first time to visit this place.
It was AWESOME!

2010-04-04T01:51:00.000-07:00