Christmas in Seattle Part 1

Posted on December 30, 2009 by Raven

What a fun Christmas we had! Celebrating with the Woodinville Gang made it even better. Again, I’ll add more pictures as I get them from our phone and from Tony and Sarah.

We thought Amelie's frosting technique was brilliant. Just turn the cookie over into the icing, push it around, and--voila!--psychedelic sugar cookies!

Excited about one of Santa's gifts--a book about fairies complete with a fairy necklace! We've read this book several times a day since then.

Another book from Santa, perfect for this little monkey.

I'm including this picture as proof that I actually finished Calder's stocking. Finally!

Santa's pretty smart to include a toothbrush in Calder's stocking! It's been one of his favorite gifts!

The boys got this candy grabbing machine toy thing. Insert plastic coin, cue loud carnival music, and keep your fingers crossed as you navigate the claw in hopes of snagging some treats!

Pretty much one of the best Christmas gifts ever. Bryce gave me this book that's all about Charm City Cakes and the Ace of Cakes show. Love it!

Pretty much one of the best Christmas gifts ever. Seriously. Bryce gave me this book that's all about Charm City Cakes and the Ace of Cakes show. Love it! Thanks, Sweetheart!

More to come!

Calderoo

Posted on December 30, 2009 by Raven

This little boy has been pretty busy lately. Now that he is walking, he is constantly in motion, exploring and investigating everything around him. And by “everything,” I mean everything! If a chair is pulled out from the dining room table, he’ll be up on the chair and then up on the table in no time. If there’s a remote control within 100 feet, he’ll find it. Got cupboards? He’ll open them and then probably make himself comfortable in them! I guess it’s time for more baby proofing around here!

Before his first hair cut.

His curly locks were beautiful, but getting a bit too long for this little boy.

Post-hair cut.

Nicely done, Family Barber (a.k.a. Bryce)!

And I just couldn't resist. Like sister...

Like brother!

What a joy this jolly little fellow is! Newest saying of his: “I see you!”

Fantastic Seattle!

Posted on December 30, 2009 by Raven

This year for Christmas, we made the trek by car to Seattle (well, technically it was Woodinville) to celebrate with Tony and Sarah and their family. What a great time! We were blessed with good weather for the drives and Calder and Amelie did amazingly well. Thank goodness for portable DVD players! We all had a wonderful time and are currently suffering from Seattle Austins Withdrawal.

At the aquarium. Amelie was very excited about all the fish and kept saying, "See something else!"

Fearlessly, she plunges her arm into the pool of water and pets the starfish.

Sorry this is blurry, but I just love the expressions on their faces as they make the aquaintence of the big seal.

Sorry this is blurry, but I just love the expressions on their faces as they make the acquaintance of the big seal.

These boys were so good to Amelie, playing with her and making her feel so welcome. Thanks, guys!

Calder and Belle checking out her new ride. What a doll that sweet girl is!

Calder and Belle checking out her new ride. That baby girl is such a doll!

Just chilling on the floor.

Washing bouncy balls in the bathroom sink. Ah, the fun one can have with three older cousins!

Washing bouncy balls in the bathroom sink. I'm not quite sure why they needed the bath. Ah, the fun one can have with three older cousins!

Building masterpieces together.

I’ll probably be posting more pictures soon–I know Tony and Sarah got some great ones with their camera and we have some more on our phone. Thanks again, Austin family, for hosting us. We had so much fun–playing Clue, Beatles Rock Band, Presidents and just hanging out with your wonderful family. We can’t wait for our next Seattle adventure!