A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE RIDDLE FAMILY -2011
It all started back in 2010 with
the dream of buying property. A year later, after three offers, many crazy rounds
of interaction regarding a short sale, and several disappointments, we are
still living in our house in Lafayette. As of now, we believe that it’s God’s
plan for us to hang out here for a bit longer. To make our home more
comfortable, I’ve been painting floors, walls, ceilings, trim, doors, and
anything else that will hold still, even a light fixture. Kids watch out, Mama
has the paint outJ When
we aren’t working on the house, we’ve been globetrotting. We’ve been to Indiana
twice, spent a week in gorgeous Estes Park, Colorado, and Chad and I even took
a trip to the beautiful Minnesota in October. We also have a lovely new addition to our
family. It has four wheels, a sunroof and lots of space for us to stretch out
inJ We purchased a new-to-us
2006 Subaru Outback XT in July after a long year of saving $$.
Chad finished his
time at NWEA early this year and then went on to Nike. His next assignment
starts at the beginning of the year for the Bonneville Power Administration. During
the summer, Chad found a workshop teaching about First Lego League, a Lego robotics
program for 8 – 14 yr. olds. Little did we know that it would change the course
of our lifeJ
In September, Chad started a FLL
club at Kyla’s grade school and what a whirlwind it has been! We ended up with
two teams with a total of 16 kids. (I say we as I was roped in to coaching…too
many kids and not enough adult bodies) Chad is an excellent teacher and coach and
displayed amazing amounts of patience. The kids learned so much and both of our
teams were very successful at our local tournament on December 3 and 4. One
team did so well, that they are going on to compete at the state level (it
happens to be the team that Kyla is on)! What a feat for a first year team, let
alone the youngest team at the competition! We are so proud of all the kids.
Kyla (8) is living
life to the fullest with a peace about her that just shines through. She
finished up 2nd grade in June and started 3rd grade in
September. Her entire class (including her fabulous teacher) moved up together
and just jumped into learning. She had her first go-round with an orthodontist
this summer with a fancy appliance to correct her very noticeable under bite. Just
as she was learning to talk with the thing in her mouth, it was time to take it
outJ Her love of horses
continues and we fed that with a short horse camp this summer and a long horseback
ride while we were in the Rocky Mountains. Her and I were also gifted a ride in a hot air
balloon for her birthday this year. It was spectacular! She is keeping busy
with her weekly Lego club meetings, Awana, school, growing taller, and playing
with her brother.
Gavin (4) is a
singing, coloring, running, climbing, swinging, Awana loving, Lego building
boy. He had a month of preschool in May and is now taking part in Little Lambs
preschool three mornings a week and enjoying it. He is our assistant coach for
the Lego club and can out build most of the studentsJ After 5 days of illness, Gav
ended up at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in November for intussusception but
was able to leave without having abdominal surgery. We are so thankful for the healing
power of the Lord! More info about this adventure is on our blog. He loves clip-on
ties, bible songs, drawing, hanging out with his grandparents and talking. That
boy can talkJ
He’s always ready for an adventure and is showing some great skills in design
and math already!
The busy theme continues on with
me. I am the chauffer, personal shopper, house keeper, gourmet chef, and the
list goes on. Through the spring and into the fall, I’ve planted, tended,
harvested and preserved my garden. I have a total of 8 raised beds and love sitting
out on my lovely wooden swing surrounded by my beautiful garden. During the
school year, I volunteer at Kyla’s school (this year I’ve been able to go in
once a week for the day). I volunteer regularly at our church and am part of the
worship team. I sew off and on when I have the time and energy and love to take
rides on my old fashioned pink cruiser…with a basket and bellJ I just had minor surgery
and am slowly recovering. Our family
blog has suffered because of my busyness but I hope to set aside time for
keeping everyone updated with the start of the New Year.
Love to All and Blessings This Holiday Season!
