we got ourselves a Christmas tree

We went to a farm.
Zack cut down the tree with a saw.
He and his brother carried it back to the car.
We enjoyed free candy canes and cider.
It barely rained on us (we were so lucky!).

Getting this tree is a big deal for us.  Its our first non-sidewalk purchased tree.  It even feels like our first real tree although, we totally appreciated every overpriced real tree we did purchase from sidewalks of NYC.  There is something so special about having a real tree.  Perhaps it reminds me of being a kid and chopping down trees from our backyard.  Its what it should be like, you know.  So now the lights are up and it waits to be decorated after naps today.

Christmas time is here and its inside our house.  I love it!

camping at the beach

We've made some good friends since we've lived here and we went camping at Twin Harbors State Park in Westport, WA with some of them this past weekend.  We had been planning on this camping trip since well before the baby was born.  I was so glad that I and the baby were doing well enough to go just one month after delivery.  It was a beautiful area and we were so close to the ocean that we could hear the waves crashing constantly.  It wasn't the California-like beach weather that I'd packed for (like a silly and hopeful city girl) but it was fun and relaxing nonetheless.  We can't wait to go next year!

we love airplanes

Anytime we hear a helicopter or airplane of any type Odin stops whatever he is doing to look up in the sky for the "A me".   Naturally, when we found out about the anual air show, a part of Seafair in Seattle, we knew we had to take our biggest air vehicles fan to see it.  Sure enough, he loved every bit of it.  We all did.

our life lately

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*  These pictures have stories that will be posted on the Baby's Blog.

a story about a boy and his blanket

This is a post about my son.  He is a good good soul and he has been nothing but wonderful as we've transitioned into this new family of four.  This is one example of how he's acted without being asked or prodded.  We love our little boy!  (...and our darling girl, of course!)

The day was July 5th 2012.
He came to the hospital to visit his new baby sister.
When he looked at her for the first time he saw a little blue package with his name on it.
He opened the present from his new sister.
Inside he found another one of his favorite blankets!  Oh, the joy.
He tried it on for size and tested its softness.
Then little sister made a noise and immediately his face turned to concern
He even said "oh!" turning to look at her with with his big caring eyes.
He quickly rushed over to offer support.  
There wasn't a melted heart in the room.  
To make it easier he joined mama and baby and we all snuggled and soaked up the moment.
Oh, my little boy, he acts like a real loving gentleman, most all of the time. 
How have I ever gotten so lucky with a son like him? 


* For the full story and the pictures that go with it (they are so adorable and I'm not just saying it cause I'm his mom) go to the Baby's Blog.  Need an invite?  Let me know.

firetrucks and visitors

If you were to come visit us you'd definitely here some little fire truck siren noises coming from Odin.  He is pretty in love with them as well as trucks, cars, tractors, back hoes, police cars (for their siren and lights, of course).  He is a total boy, that is for sure.

We couldn't pass up the opportunity to take him to a free pancake breakfast and fire truck tour at the the fire station.  Odin loved it all!  And yes, we were those parents that dressed him in a matching firetruck shirt.  Ha!  I never thought I'd be that parent but it happened.  AND it was pretty cute and best of all, he loved it.  It was a pretty great family outing before our visitors came to town later that day.

  Baby sister even came to enjoy the day.  She wasn't as amused as he.  

She just stayed snuggled in tightly with Mama.  

Like I mentioned above, our family came to visit.  

It was short and sweet but we loved having them and introducing our newest family member.  

little family picnic

Summer is here in Seattle and we are taking full advantage.  This was our first outing as a family of four.  We went to Grasslawn park in Bellevue.  It was fun but different as the baby wasn't to enthusiastic about playing in the splash area at the park.  She and I relaxed in the shade while the boys went and played in the water.  It was a perfect little sunny, picnic-perfect day.  (Odin got so worn out.  He stole his baby sister's seat and pretended to be sleeping...  such a little character, our boy!)