Snow and baseball

Our year started off right with a visit from Dan and his girlfriend Sydney. We inaugurated them into a western Washington January by having them kayak in a snowstorm. They SAID they had fun, smile. We had so much fun with them during their quick visit. We really want them to move here, in opposition to my mother's plans to have them settle in California. I think we have a good shot, even considering that Sydney's sister is campaigning for them to move to New York. I figure I have three cute kids as bait and so the scales tip in my favor.

 A contemplative moment in solitude.

 We had the most ridiculous snowstorm that began, literally, 30 minutes after Dan and Sydney flew in. Luckily, it did not hit full force until after they safely flew back out again a few days later. School was cancelled for a week and we were more or less snowbound for all of it. Except for Mike. He drove the entire length of Washington during the worst of the storm. Ironically, he was probably safer than usual while driving during the bad weather because no one else was on the road.

One week later . . . All the snow melted and went away in a couple days once it started warming up. Today, we went to the Mariner's Fan Fest at Safeco field.

 Running the bases  . . .

 Hangin' in the clubhouse . . .

 Getting faces painted . . .

Playing catch on the field . . .

 Getting custom balloon sculptures . . .Elliot asked for a "scooter" and the momentarily baffled balloon-maker really delivered. Avery is sporting a cat on a leash.

And to close out the post with a completely unrelated but adorable picture! Norah boo!

Elliotspeak

Elliot's dialogue as she puts away silverware as a "job":

"I'm big now . . .I didn't have this when I was two . . .now I'm free (three), I had a birthday . . .and I got bigger . . .I'm free and a half . . .I'm almost a mom."

Christmas 2011!

Lots of traveling, excitement and fun this Christmas. The festivities began at home with a re-enactment of the nativity: two wisemen and a very happy Jesus.  

New Christmas Jams!

Cruisin' in their new car from Santa.

Gingerbread! This is Elliot's "princess face" as in "show me a princess face Elliot!"

 Then just a short 13 hour drive away, we stopped at Leah and Hank's. We were so excited to be able to spend "real" Christmas Eve with them and see new baby Milo!

 Then just another 6 hour drive later and we made it to Thousand Oaks to open presents on Christmas night.

 Hanging out with Grandpa Bob and Grandma Dee.

 Climbing the oaks trees at Dover and Hendrix park.

 Santa Barbara Zoo! I think Elliot is upset because she wanted me to take a picture of her by herself. Note Avery's cool Cheetah-like sweatshirt from Grandma Nell.

 Can you believe this is December?

 Tossing the ball around at the library park.

 Baby shower for Georgiana, Anna's new baby! The belle of the ball.

 Carousel at Ventura Harbor. Always fun.

 My three little seaweed-haired dolphin riders.

 With the Hammonds at Pismo Beach. Couldn't spend New Years Eve any better way.