Christmas Tree Hunt

We picked the busiest day of all mankind to visit our fave Christmas Tree Farm. I think the sunny weather had something to do with it. Normally when we go, it's freezing rain (thank you Oregon!). So not complaining about the weather, but the lines were cray cray. Marcus was in a mood that day, and (amongst other things) couldn't handle the hour wait for Santa, so we only got the older kids to chat with him. We found the perfect tree, made faces at the live reindeer, gobbled up cookies, hot dogs & hot chocolate at the lakeside snack shack, and picked out our yearly ornaments!

All Aboard the Polar Express

We treated the kids to a ride on the Polar Express! Top dome, lots of fun, lots of rockin' Christmas music, hot chocolate, cookies, wearing our pj's, dancing chefs down the aisle, even a visit from St Nick himself on the train. We had soooo much fun snuggling in together in our booth. And we felt blessed because Madeline had been very ill, and we were facing the sad possibility of our plans being ruined. But God spared her, and she was better just in the nick of time. So blessed. And such a fun family memory :)

Happy Thanksgiving 2014

Happy Thanksgiving! This year the girls had a whole week off school, so I pulled Max out early and headed to Camano for a week with the kids. Kyle joined us later on after he was done with work. We had the immense blessing of using my parent's neighbor's house for the entire week, and it was just such a gift to us. My sister's fam joined us for majority of the time too. While there for the week, the kids went swimming at the local pool, decorated cookies, went to the local Childrens Museum, played at the beach, caught a movie (Big Hero 6), painted nails, took walks with our cousins, played flashlight tag in the dark (thank you Auntie for your bravery on that one), did many puzzles, did many Legos, ate a delicious meal with all my family, and then - to top it off - had a SNOW DAY on the day we departed. Fun had by all. Thank you to my parents for an amazing time. (ps. this was the positive recap, the hard moments involved multiple sick family members, quarantined children with eye infections, not our best moments health-wise)... I choose to be thankful for our many happy memories that were created!

Trying something new

The girls have started ballet at a real studio! We had tried dance a few times, doing summer classes through Parks & Rec. After our last class, the teacher pulled me aside and said both girls showed promise in joining a real dance studio. They have good lines & pay attention to instruction well. I was startled, actually. Having never done dance, I just didn't give it much thought. Plus my two girls are like total opposites But I like trying new things. The tricky part is... you have to sign up for a full year, and they start in September (when we had three soccer teams, 5 days a week). So literally no time for anything else. Anyway, the one studio I have been interested in, posted a notice that they still had a handful of openings in the 6-8 year old ballet class. It's like the clouds parted and the angels sang for us! :) Ha. But I did ask the girls about it, and they were both super excited. So we have been doing it for a couple months, and the girls have even committed to the June recital! Big stuff for this soccer mom :) Here's the funny part... RIIIIIGHT after committing to the recital, Marin tells me "Mom, ballet is okay, but I think I'd rather kick, chop or tackle something. Maybe karate"... My word. She agrees to give ballet a good try, but if I had to guess - she might try martial arts next!

Date Night

We had a fun date night, eating our way through the food carts in downtown PDX! Fun. Yummy.

Marcus the Maniac

It is my new favorite saying to say that Marcus is an outrage to society. He is soooo naughty!!!! I love him just too, too much. It is ridiculous how much I love something so naughty. Well, he is 2 :) 'Nuff said there. In addition to naughty, he is hilarious, smart, totally smooshy and kissable, and full of ideas that make us all laugh.

1. Here we have learning to read. Cuteness.

2. Here we have showing off & doing rolling tricks during Marin's recorder performance.

3. During Max's Christmas singing program, we are doing constant selfies to keep the snicker quiet.

4. And finally, here we have his latest trick. Stealing the tablet and hiding in my bathtub so he can play Minion Rush without notice. He even turns off the sound so I can't easily find him!!!!! OUTRAGE TO SOCIETY. I love him.

My darlin' Madeline

Madeline Marie has had her own share of sweet moments over the last few months. In many ways, I see her changing a lot lately. Much of her "little girl" personality is being shed, with new strengths, new challenges and just a new day before her. I am learning to embrace what is today, and continue to marvel at each new skill. I love this sweet thing with all my heart.

1. Ice cream date with Nana & Grandpa... they are so good about making quality times with the kids. I love this picture of her with the cone - she is in her happy place right here :)

2. All grown up, and yet... Still occasionally falls asleep during the day, and can't go without that special silky "sissy blanket" (self titled name for her Precious)

3. Being silly. Man, I need to continue cultivation my silly, laughing self... I need these kids to keep me light hearted and joyful, and pictures like this remind me of my purpose in life. Raise these babies with JOY! I sure love that Madeline loves to giggle :)

4. Public speaking - another amazing skill to learn in life - the 2nd graders wrote & illustrated their own fables, and read them aloud to the class in front of students and parents. I know a zillion adults who could not do this!! Some of the kids were so nervous, and yet they all prevailed and presented their work. Maddie said she was nervous, but you could NOT tell. Holding a microphone and all! She astonishes me. (Here is one example of "out with the old shy Babylove, and in with the new confident child").

5. Bike riding - she is continuing to earn more freedom & privileges in riding around the neighborhood, she is now leading her little bro into the big world of street riding, and how to navigate sidewalks, driveways, cars, rules about talking to people, etc. He is quite proficient on his Strider bike, I bet that kid will be the next one on two wheels :)

Little Max

Our little Max... he is not so little... His first year in kindergarten and it's like every single week, I see a new skill emerge. The late bloomer is starting to bloom. So many special moments with him lately, once again I am making a list :)

1. Learning the hand chimes - in his class, the kids have learned the hand chimes. This is similar to a hand-bell choir (if you remember those from your childhood), except they look like a flat iron. I found myself really curious how someone teaches a group of 5 year olds (some not even reading yet) how to play hand chimes, with parts and the like. I'm telling you, I learn almost as much as the kids at their schools! Ha ha. It was amazing how they played beautiful music, and Max took his parts very seriously.

2. Field trips - the latest one was with the Oregon Symphony - they put on children's concerts, and this one was "Brass" where they had about 7 different instruments represented - it was so awesome! They played Star Wars, Charlie Brown, and even some Christmas songs. Culture, baby.

3. Grandparents Day at school - Max was so excited to invite his grandparents to this special day, and Nana & Poppy were delighted to come to Grandparents' Day at school... (my parents were out of town on a trip)... He made a special invitation, and spent all morning with them doing special activities. Such sweet memories!

a hike with Grandpa on their last visit

4. Surprises for Mom... Max had some residual birthday money still left in his piggy bank - so Kyle took him on a special shopping outing to the cool toy store near our house... He spent a long time searching through all the options, and chose a couple fun things for himself. The best part of this story, though, is that he insisted that he save a portion of his money, because he wanted to buy me flowers. OH MY GOSH MY HEART. Kyle took him across the street, and they found a bright potted plant just for me. I can't believe this little boy, he is the best. I can picture his Daddy doing something similar :) I love them all.