Our girls are getting so big...

Sometimes I wish I could stop time.

Auntie Bianca's 23rd Birthday Party

I was informed that we had been up for everyone's birthday except for Auntie Bianca's (last year I was 8 months pregnant though ;-) ). So, for the Veteran's day holiday, all five of us loaded into the Jeep and were off!

Bianca was radiating with happiness with her handsome fiance at her side! If you're wondering, her ring is gorgeous! I've got to take a pic next time!


I was trying to take a picture of Bianca's perspective of her party, but when she saw how close I was to her while she was eating, she made me stop hahaha!

I wonder what she wished for. :-)

Conrad, Bronwen and Ava trying to hit it big on a scratcher. Sadly we didn't even win a dollar!

Cate's favorite part of the trip was by far being in Grandma's arms.

I'm telling you, being close to your family is priceless. I am so thankful for them.

Thanksgiving 2010

This was by far my favorite Thanksgiving!


Our week started off like this:


On Monday, which was an early release day anyway for parent-teacher conferences, the snowflakes came tumbling down. It looked like we were in a real-life snow globe!

On Tuesday, after a few hours of sledding, this is what I saw at our front door. Ava (who was wearing gloves), "My hands are frozen, mom."

Wednesday was more or less the same, and Thursday, the all-day feast began!

Cate's First Thanksgiving :-)

Following dinner, we watched The Last Airbender while drinking coffee (Conrad and me) and hot cocoa (girls). This day was so relaxing, I wish it never had to end, ahhh... :-)

Snow in Seattle

A little bit of snow turned out to be about 3 inches out here, and it is soooo cozy! As I'm listening to Bronwen, Ava and their little friends sledding down the huge hill behind our house saying things like, "Now THIS is fun!" "That was the funnest thing in my life!" "Who let the dogs out? Woo-woo-woo-woo" (they spontaneously burst into song when they're happy), I can't kept but feel happy! This was even after Cate was just laughing while swinging her little legs in her highchair because she was so content. Conrad and I are enjoying a cup of coffee together and I swear, I have the best life ever!

Cate's Big Week

At 10 months, Cate is finalllly crawling. And, in case those of you are wondering, she is also talking! I went to get her out of her car seat after dropping Bronwen off to school, and said, "Hi!" She looked up at me, and with her biggest smile said, "Hi!" For the rest of the day I was taking her here and there to show off her new skill (albeit she's been saying mama and dada forever, but this is truly a new word). Like I've been saying, our girls may take forever to move, but they're all early talkers. :-)

Here is a darling picture I took of her. You may have noticed the logo on it -yep, I'm going for it! I'm starting my photography business and will have a link to my website by the end of the month. Hooray!!

Little Miss Popular

The cutest thing happened yesterday.

Ava, Cate and I picked up Bronwen after school, when one of Bronwen's little classmates asked if Bronwen could stay and play at the playground for a little bit. It was a gorgeous 65?! degrees outside, so I said, "Sure!" The girls took off running, and I stayed with Cate, who was very busy eating grass and leaves.

A few minutes later, while Bronwen was doing tricks on the bars, I heard some of her classmates talking. Lana said, "I'm going to play with Bronwen." Rachel said, "Me too!" Naomi said, "I want to play with Bronwen."

I smiled and felt so happy in my heart. As a parent we all want our kids to do well, be happy and fit in. It was a wonderful present for me to see that Bronwen does.

Crocodile DunMom

Ava and I were eating bean burritos and when she finished eating, this dialogue took place:

Ava: "Look, mom," while pointing to her empty plate.

Me: "Wow! You must be growing again."

Ava: "Yes, and I got protein from the beans."

Me: "You're right. Protein is good for your muscles. And for your long hair and nails." Then I made the mistake of flashing my gorgeous (finally long) nails toward her.

Ava: "Ya, but you need to cut your nails [pause] Or else you'll look like a crocodile.