notes from the great nw

Happy 3rd Dear Sweet Bennett!

2009-08-08T14:44:00.001-07:00

It has been almost a week now that you have been 3. You are LOVING running around saying, "I'm free (three)!" at the top of your lungs! We had a great birthday morning where Daddy and I gave you a scooter that you love riding around the house with your back leg up in the air in a sort of arabesque! Brayden gave you his present of 10 hot wheels cars and a car transporter which he proceeded to play with by himself all morning ;-) and I made pancakes at your request for your birthday breakfast.

Later on we loaded up and went down to Fremont Community School where we were having a combination birthday party for you and Brayden (Brayden's was early on account of us moving before his b-day but wanting to celebrate with Seattle buddies). Thank you for sharing your special day with Brayden! You did so with grace!

At the party we played in the garden at the school, tie-dyed and face/body painted.

The sprinkler was on though not many were interested in playing in it. You had a great time! Your cake was a choo-choo train reminescent of the one I made for Brayden on his 2nd birthday.

Brayden's was a soccer ball. The icing on the soccer ball cake started melting off as soon as we got to the party so by the time it was time to serve, it was really just a ball of slimey cake!

Brayden didn't seem to mind though. I caught you and Brayden in the kitchen at one point, him holding you up so that you could take a swipe of icing that had melted off of his cake with your fingers! What brotherly love!

After the kids were all gone and we were cleaning up the place, you and Brayden proceeded to get naked and play in the sprinkler. After that novelty wore off it was time for some naked tree climbing! You both learned the hard way that this is not such a great idea! (splinters in the butt cheeks aren't so fun!) You both hadn't eaten anything except cake since the morning pancakes so I offered you pieces of turkey and ice cold water. You both sat naked on the picnic table eating, drinking and talking quietly. About what, I don't know but it kept you captivated for about 15 minutes or so. I can only imagine that you were looking out over the garden talking about the party and remembering it fondly. The sign of a great party!

Thank you sweet, funny Bennett for being born 3 years ago on that day. An event I will not soon forget and that always brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes! I love you dear heart!

"Don't put me on the bench Mommy"

2009-08-03T22:26:00.000-07:00

So, this past weekend was Seafair weekend here in Seattle. The end of a month long celebration of summer (and what a summer it has been! Record heat!). Brian went out on a friend's boat for the day on Saturday. The Blue Angels were in town for the weekend as they always are on Seafair weekend. I was determined for the boys and I to see them this year. We got a tip on the best spot to see the whole thing if you aren't on a boat on Lake Washington. We headed to Mt. Baker park/beach. It was packed but we didn't mind.

For some reason I didn't come too prepared. I forgot to pack swimsuits for the boys so they swam in the lake in their clothes. It was hot so that didn't bother them that much. Right in front of the beach out on the water were all the boats that were tied together. The Blue Angels do their show right over these boats.

The show was amazing. I've never seen anything like it! Of course one of the boats right off shore was blaring "Highway to the Danger Zone" from Top Gun so that brought back some memories!

After the show was over and we were hot, sweaty and tired, I figured it was time to go. We headed to the bathroom so as not to have any accidents on the way home. The line was long! Side note is that Brayden (aka Mr. Stubborn) had decided against wearing his crocs (my request) and instead wanted to wear his socks and shoes. So now his feet were COVERED in sand and he was barefoot. I knew he had to go pee and the line was so long that I didn't feel we could go find somewhere to rinse them off before waiting in the line so we waited and yes, he went in without any shoes on...ick ick and ick again. Afterwards we finally found a place to wash them off. The only place and it was in the bathroom again in the shower which was a REALLY GROSS area. Of course he can't stand still as I think the sugar high from the lemonade at the lemonade stand had started to kick in. His hands are EVERYWHERE and I am freaking out. About to puke, I am repeatedly turning this shower on to attempt to get the sand off his feet when about that time Bennett decides that his feet need cleaning off too only he already has crocs on but doesn't understand that they can get wet so he proceeds to take his shoes off too! Now I really am oh so close to losing it! Poor Bennett got a scolding when all he was trying to do was to get ready to wash his feet. I now have decided that Brayden will suffer with socks on wet feet with sand - not sure why I am just now deciding this. I should have decided it long ago but not looking forward to the walk up the HUGE hill to the car, I'm not thinking straight. I set him down on a bench. In an effort to control things a bit more, I put the backpack up on the bench and proceed to get Bennett in there and strapped in. I then turn to Brayden to put his socks and shoes on and freak out once again about his hands and feet everywhere when I hear it - CLUNK. CRYING/SCREAMING. Folks, Bennett has fallen face first off said bench right onto the super freaky concrete bathroom floor strapped into the backpack! I scoop up the backpack and unstrap him as fast as I possibly can and attempt to pull him out. If any of you out there have attempted to use a backpack with your children you know how difficult it can be to get them out. Their feet always get caught and you usually have to have another person holding the pack down while you pull the child out. I was having that problem and the line of women in the bathroom were not coming to my rescue! I finally looked down at them and shrieked, "Will someone please help me?!" One woman rushed down and helped get him out, we checked for blood and then she held my face and said, "It's going to be okay," as I was just about hysterical at this point. She finished in the bathroom and then walked with us down to the lifeguards to get checked and an ice pack.

Phew, Bennett was fine. Just a big bump on his noggin. Poor booger!

We got checked out and now it was time for the trek (and I mean trek) back to the car. Bennett on my back (all 35 or so pounds of him) me carrying two other bags and Brayden walking along (thankfully) cooperating we headed up about 6 or 7 long flights of steps and two steep blocks to our waiting (swealtering) car. Bennett in diaper, Brayden stripped down to nothing (no, I didn't bring a change of clothes either), we loaded up into the car. Bennett was asleep before I pulled off the street and Brayden was not too far after.

All in all a crazy day but one we definitely won't soon forget!

As I was putting Bennett to bed tonight, I bumped my hat on his forehead and he said, "That is where I have my owie." "I know," I said. "Mommy is so sorry that happened Bennett." "Don't put me in my backpack on the bench Mommy. Put me on the floor and then put me in my backpack," he reminds me so sweetly. "Yes buddy, I know. I won't put you on the bench again," I promise. "I'm super sorry Love.."

In summary:
- ALWAYS wear crocs or some sort of sandal to the beach.
- If you can no longer lift your child in a backpack up onto your back from the ground, he is too heavy for you to be wearing in a backpack.
- The Blue Angels are fantasic!

Magic!

2009-06-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

The day after Brayden's last day of school was the all school camping trip to Vashon Island. We all camped at a hostel over there. Our lodging for the night was a teepee! We arrived on Friday afternoon to everyone tie dying school t-shirts. An activity I've never done! As soon as we got there Brayden found his friends and he and Bennett were off! The whole area was basically an open field surrounded by evergreen trees. Perfect for all the kiddos to run free in! After they got the lay of the land, we corralled them all to do some tie dying and then they were off again. They ran from teepee to teepee and covered wagon to covered wagon having the time of their little lives. No child was without a smile that day.

Soon they all decided that they were going to have a pajama party and one by one they all retired to their respective teepees, covered wagons and tents to put their pajamas on before 5pm! Oh what fun they had comparing jammies as they don't usually see each other in them. tee hee...! They continued running from teepee to teepee and as they did I would hear them call out, "Pajama party in Brayden's teepee!" or "Pajama party in Gracie's teepee!" Oh what fun. We all attempted to get them to take a break and eat a bit of dinner. After dinner was flashlight hide and seek in the field. They ran around some more and sang their festival songs in circles. Roasted marshmellows for s'mores and ate ice cream.

At one point I hadn't seen them run out of a teepee for a while so I went to investigate. As I got closer I could hear one of the dad's inside telling a wonderful story about kings and princes and a royal proclamation. I peeked inside to find him with a flashlight under his chin and all of the kids sitting quietly, grinning from ear to ear captivated by his story telling skills.

What were the adults doing this whole time? We were actually all chatting and getting to know one another better. Drinking wine that we had snuck into the place and having a great time!

As it got darker they got out their sleeping bags and declared they were all going to sleep in one tiny little covered wagon and then right outside of it on the ground. Exhausted, one by one they each said goodnight - wanting so much for it not to end but knowing that they were pooped and that bed would feel so good. Brayden walked his good friend Maggie to her sleeping dorm said goodnight and turned around to leave. Her dad was very impressed and I can only hope that he is such a gentleman when he gets older too! His other great friend Haley carried his sleeping bag to our teepee and told him goodnight as well.

Once the kids were in bed, Brian and I found our way out of the teepee to sit with some moms and all had wine and chatted till the wee hours. What great women. My only regret is that we didn't get to sit and know each other better sooner.

We woke to the familiar misty Seattle rain in the morning and drips of it falling on Brian's head through the top of our teepee. We all had breakfast and some went on a nature walk through the woods. The kids played inside the renovated barn until we all said goodbye.

The magic was over.

I'm not sure what age I have my first memory from but I sure hope that our kids remember this night forever. The looks on their faces and the joy they were feeling was immeasureable.

What a blessing. Thank you FCS.

Tie dying t-shirts

Pajama party in Brayden and Bennett's tent!

Brayden and Maggie steering the covered wagon!

Bennett the drummer

When they all thought they may sleep outside under the stars

Cashed out...

Living the Dream

2009-06-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

So here we are in Florence, OR (I think) on our week long vacation. We have been in Cannon Beach, OR for the past three nights enjoying all that living right on the beach has to offer. What a great place and a great time! (I'll share some more stories and photos from that later.) Tonight however, we made it down to Florence, OR on our way to Crescent City, CA and are staying in a Best Western hotel right on the river (?). According to Brian, because we have a "dog room" and because I told them we didn't want to pay the $170 (pre-dog) quoted to us and they asked me what I WOULD pay, we have been placed in a less than desireable room. It is on the lowest floor but it has a balcony. This balcony doesn't have the best view but does have a partial view of the river and we actually got to see the remants of the sunset from it this evening.

One of the things we talk about, pray for, wish for with each place that we stay in is a spot for us to go sit and enjoy each other drinking our wine and beer after the kids have gone to bed. We have traveled enough times with our children the ages that they are to know that no matter how hard we wish or try, it is terribly hard to get them to settle down for sleep and actually be asleep at a decent hour while I am still coherent (aka awake). So, the dream keeps alluding us. Only tonight, tonight was different and we didn't even plan for it to be (meaning we didn't seek out a hotel with a balcony at all, we just stumbled upon it). The kids were asleep by 10 and I was no where near tired! Not sure how that happened. I poured my plastic hotel cup of wine and went out on the balcony with Aspen (and my double stuff oreos) and began to read my book (that I love btw - Eat Pray Love) and waited for Brian to return from the store with his beer. I'm sure that he was thinking the whole time that he was gone that he was going to return only to find me fast asleep in bed with the boys. I think he about had a coronary to find quite the opposite. He bundled up, poured his beer and came out to sit with me. I joked about how he thought we were in the ghetto due to the less than normal rate and the dog room and all the brush that is really just about 6 feet from the edge of the balcony when all of a sudden Aspen stood at attention very excited letting us know that something was out "there" in the brush. Then we saw him - a racoon peeking his little masked head up at us over the edge of the balcony. Not seeming to be scared or intimidated by us at all. He had that curious look on his face - the one that he could have right before he decided to come up on our balcony and bite our heads off or inflict some other kind of pain on us that is too scary to think of. We got Aspen back inside as she was going ape shit. And the racoon? He's not retreating. He came out of the shadows of the ghetto and freaked us out so badly that we are now sitting inside trying to wait out the storm. We watched him for a bit longer to get a picture and to notice that his other racoon friend was down the way a bit. There is definitely a gang of racoons outside our door waiting for us to come back out so they can bite both our heads off or at a minium steal one of our double stuff oreos....

Deep Thoughts with Brayden - UPDATE

2009-06-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

So after posting Brayden's deep thought earlier this afternoon, we were coming home from an errand tonight talking about bears and out of the blue Brayden says, "Mom, Gracie (friend from school) knows what happens when people die."

Me: "Oh yeah?"

B: "Yes. If they die peacefully they turn into something else like a bird or something, not a person. If they die very sad and not peaceful, they are born as a baby again."

Me: "Ok."

B: "Yeah, that's what Gracie said."

Deep Thoughts with Brayden

2009-06-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

The other day the kids and I had gone to the grocery store and as we got back in the car Brayden says to me, "So Mommy, people die and then what happens? Do they get born again?"

Wow.

"Well," I said, "that is a very good question. I'm not really sure what happens. Some people think that the people do get born again but I don't really know. What do you think?"

Brayden: "I don't know."
Me: "Did you used to be someone else?"
Brayden: "Of course!"
Me: "Oh, who were you?"
Brayden: "I was me just like I am now."
Me: "Oh, okay. If you figure it all out or want to talk about that again, you let me know okay?"
Brayden: "Okay."
My my...!

By the teepee veggie garden at school

Our happy (scarily high!) tree climber!

Goofball...

2009-06-18T22:58:00.000-07:00

Just to record it here virtually, I wanted to share a Bennett goofy...

So Bennett is still eating baby food. He only has one veggie that he eats with some regularity - sweet potatoes and yes, it is in the baby food form. He occasionally eats carrots too. So each time he eats the sweet potatoes, he wants to take off the plastic lid himself, hold it in front of his face to pretend that he is a tiger in a cage and he roars. (???!) Then Brian or I tear off the seal that is under to plastic lid and we ARE NOT to mix up the potatoes for him as his next step in this ritual is to look at the sweet potatoes with the seal just ripped off and call out (very loudly I might add) what animal it looks like in there to him. Tonight it was an elephant but sometimes it is a dog.

Oh my...

Bennett doing some driveway sweeping in the only appropriate outfit - naked with rainboots

Endings and beginnings

2009-06-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

Endings and beginnings - the last several weeks have been marked with them. I will share several here in the next few posts.

Brayden's last day of school was June 4th. His wonderful, sweet, loving school. What a blessing to have found it. Such a special place it will always hold in all of our hearts. Their tradition on the last day of school is to have a "Jumping the Log" ceremony for those children moving on to a different school next year whether it be for moving to kindergarten or just a different school. For some reason Brayden had assumed over the last several weeks that he was moving on to a different school next year. I am thinking it likely had to do with the fact that most of his friends there are moving on to kindergarten next year as he doesn't know yet that we are moving back to Kansas City in August. He came home one night a couple of days before the last day of school and asked if he would be going to kindergarten with any of his friends from school next year (he pouted out his lower lip as he asked this). I explained that it wasn't time for him to move on to kindergarten yet and that ended that round of questions. The night before the last day we told him at dinner that he would be jumping the log at school tomorrow since he is going to a different school next year. No questions! Imagine our surprise! We left it at that as we really want him to have some closure on his school experience but don't want to tell him much else yet. He has grown so much there and it has been sooooo good for him.

Brian and I met him at school that morning. The parents and kids were all sitting in a huge circle in the garden. It was a beautiful sunny Seattle morning (of which we have had so many as of late). The kids sang their circle songs and said their verses one last time for us (Brayden opted out of this). Then it was time to jump the log. Teacher Tara explained that all of these little "Chickadees and Starlings" (that is what she calls the kids) have flown around this garden all year long and now it is time for some of them to move on to another place - it is time for them to fledge. Jumping the log is their symbol of fledging. She called each child one by one and said a few words about them to the crowd and then asked if they were ready to jump. Most children were ready and excited without hesitation. There were a couple who so wanted to jump but were sad to leave everything there behind and so they did so with a few tears and enthusiasm at the same time.

It was finally Brayden's turn. She called him up and Brian made the switch with one of the other dads to go hold one end of the log. Tara said how much stronger Brayden had gotten throughout the year and how much he has worked on climbing the trees (where he spends most of his time each day at school). She also mentioned that he knows when his friends want to be trapped and when they don't want to be trapped (a game that he and some of his friends played each day) and that he has been a joy to be around. Then she asked him if he was ready to jump and he nodded with a sweet smile and took the running leap over the log ending with a hug to dad who has taken and picked him up most every day this past year. He then proceeded back over to Tara who gave him loads of hugs and kisses and a key to wear around his neck. He hugged each teacher and they gave him a book with all of the stories that they told throughout the year and some of their songs. He came over to me elated, lifted his key up to me and said, "Mom, this key will open many doors! I bet it can even open our house door!"

Such a wonderful and touching celebration. And how refreshing to see that not everyone there got to jump the log just because it was the end of the school year. In our culture we want so to make everything even for our children and that just isn't how life is. This was an opportunity for the excitement to grow in those kids who are returning to the school and when it is their time to jump the log they will feel the full joy of that moment.

Of all the things that I will miss here in Seattle, this school will be one of the main things. I have so enjoyed being a part of the community, meeting the parents at parent nights and the seasonal festivals, serving as treasurer on the board, seeing Brayden grow and know that he was in the most loving environment we could give him at this time in our lives. And I actually felt like I fit in so well with this community. I still can't believe we are leaving it.

Teacher Tara speaking about Brayden and how much he has grown this past year.

The actual jump!

Hugging and words with Teacher Maria

The 2009 FCS Log Jumpers!

Brayden and Teacher Tara

Cribs and wheels = no more!

2009-05-12T22:07:00.001-07:00

Last week Bennett decided that he was having no more of his crib. He would climb out over and over. Therefore, instead of risking breakage of limbs, we decided to take his mattress out and put it on the floor until we get him a real big boy bed. Daddy disassembled the crib that very night and Bennett has been sleeping (or not sleeping as the case may be) on the mattress every night since. As I write this I keep taking breaks to go put him back in his bed and tell him it is night night time. I am not ready for this again! It took so long for Brayden to get used to it and we were finally at a good spot and now Bennett has to go and grow up a bit more! ;-) Regardless, he is super excited about his new found freedom! For Brayden we just put a baby gate in front of his door so he wouldn't escape downstairs in the middle of the night. No problem, right? Bennett, however, decided to climb over the gate on the second day we tried that. Ah well, he'll get it sooner or later. Now if I can just get him to nap again, that would be great!

Yesterday Brayden declared that he was ready for his training wheels to come off of his bike and that Travis taught him how to ride without training wheels. When Daddy got home, we tried it out. We had him put on his skiing mittens as we didn't have any other protection besides his helmet. This is one determined child. So determined that when he gets hurt even just a little bit, he's determined that he is going to quit trying at whatever he is doing. We told him there would be a lot of practicing and he likely wouldn't be finished practicing that night. Brian took just one wheel off at first and then I convinced him to take both off. Brayden was determined to do it. He got a good hang of it but after he pedals for a bit on his own, he immediately puts on his breaks. After trying for 20 mins. or so, he said, "I want to show Max and Dutch!" It was already 8:00 so I told him we would have to show them another day. A few minutes later Dutch and his mom and dad came around the corner on their bikes headed down for ice cream. What timing! Now he had an audience and cheering section. He performed for us all and did a great job! We all clapped and his buddy Dutch was his biggest fan! So supportive! He even gave him a hug (instead of a high five)! Too sweet!

After practicing some more tonight, he is ready to put his wheels back on for tomorrow so that he can go fast for a little bit more before praciticing without them again.

May Day!

2009-05-01T22:01:00.000-07:00

Today we had a May Day celebration with Brayden's wonderfully sweet school! We all met at a large park and assembled our ribbon crowns and weaved flowers into them then we all had a HUGE circle time with the children where they sang their circle songs. After that was snack (pumpkin muffins!). Then a dance troupe performed some really neat May Day dances. After that the kids did their number around the May Pole and Brayden actually participated! :) We then had picnic lunch, played some more and then filled our May baskets with the flowers that were left over from the crowns. All of this on a 70 degree fully sunny day in gorgeous Seattle folks! What a simple, sweet celebration. Later we got to put May baskets on two of our friends doors and ring the doorbell and run away to watch them pick up the basket when they come to the door. What a fun activity to pass down to the kiddos! We all had such a great time and are enjoying the spring and looking forward to the summer! Enjoy!

Teacher Tara

Brayden dancing and singing around the May pole

Teacher Maria

Mamma and Bennett

Brayden and his favorite friend from school - Locke

Video of the May pole

Don't forget the chicken

2009-04-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

Last night the kids were eagarly helping me prepare dinner. I was making a bbq chicken pizza. As I was tearing up the pieces of chicken off of the rotisserie chicken I had purchased the kids were curious. We talked about that this thing here on the counter used to be alive and that it was a chicken. I showed them where the neck/head used to be and where the wings and legs were. We talked about that a farmer had raised the chicken so that it could eventually be sold to people to eat so that the farmer could make money and that some people don't like to eat animals so they just eat plants since you don't have to truly "kill" them. This was of course intriguing to them. Bennett kept saying, "oh," and Brayden would fill in the blanks for me. Later when we sat down to eat Brayden put his hands out so we could pray. We said our typical "God is great, God is good etc." and at the end we said thank you to the chicken for us to be able to eat it. Brayden then said, "And we should pray for that chicken." We had a moment of silence (I think) and then Bennett started us back into the "God is great" schpeel.

Re.....

2009-03-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Re-energized, re-newed, re-freshed, re-spected, re-invigorated

That was my weekend.

Last week I decided it was time. Time for a break. Time for me.

As a mother, my body is not 100% my own. I have felt that for the last 6+ years now (that's how long it has been since my first pregnancy that ended in mis-carriage). In that timeframe I have either been trying feverishly to get pregnant, pregnant, breastfeeding or being clung too by a toddler (some all at the same time!) That is all hard work on a person - their body, mind and spirit. So many things you can or can't do because of the "vessel" that you are to life. Truly a double edged sword at times. I, however, am honored to be in this role and would have it no other way.

I needed a moment though (or two or three) to myself. Oh sure, I've been away from the kids here and there and had nights out, a night away for work here and there or a night out with Brian but never one for just me. So, I packed up and headed north for Bellingham, WA yesterday morning. I drove my favorite road that I've ever driven on (in recent memory at least) - Chuckanut Drive. What a beautiful place. It will never get old to me. It was as if I just saw it for the first time again. It rises up from the fields of farmers - potatoes and alpacas - from the south until it teeters on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Sound and the San Juan islands with a mountain home to evergreen trees and ferns on the other side. Truly a sight to behold. I took my time along here and stopped at a gallery as I got closer into town. Some great art that is reminiscent of the area was to be had there. I would stop back by again tomorrow on my way home. I had an appointment at a spa for a day of relaxation! An awesome experience - massage, scrub, body masque, manicure and pedicure. Everything was wonderful!

I then checked into my hotel - The Chrysalis Inn - http://www.thechrysalisinn.com/. It sits right on the bay and I had a great room up on the top floor. It had a HUGE window seat that was calling my name! I took a walk down on the peir outside. People were running, biking and walking their dogs. After a bit I headed down to Fairhaven which is an area that I love. Little shops and restaurants and a square. I decided on a place to eat and had a great meal while pouring over my latest edition of Real Simple - get this - WITHOUT being interrupted OR falling asleep! :) Heaven! I headed back to the hotel and watched a bit of tv and read my latest John Grisham book (these are my old standards back from my traveling days with work yet I haven't picked one up since before kids!).

I spent the next morning with the fireplace on and bundled up in my window seat staring out over the bay and the pier. Sailboats, kayakers and islands in the distance. I was engrossed in my book. Not another sound in my room. I pryed myself away for the free breakfast buffet (although now I'm thinking I should have milked every moment I had till checkout in the room!) and returned dutifully to my cozy pillows, fireplace and comforter I had left in the window seat for more reading. I even took a quick nap in the middle of the morning! I've got to tell you, I could get used to all of that! It was amazing. I waited till the last minute to check out and drove home along the same road that I love so much again. Another gorgeous day. It is another one of my dreams (as it is with Brian) to live along that road someday. Maybe....who knows.

It is worth mentioning too that I think this time away also gave Brian and the kids a renewed sense of his abilities as Dad. A confidence that was probably lacking before has been re-affirmed.

I came home to the familiar faces and voices that I love and don't want to live without. We are all "re'd" (see above) because of this getaway of mine. It was a first for me but definitely won't be the last!

Sun

2009-02-17T16:19:00.000-08:00

In my opinion, a sunny day in Seattle is better than a day on a beautiful beach somewhere (unless of course I am lying with a good book, a trim body, a big umbrella and a good looking waiter bringing me drinks and goodies whenever I want them - but hey, that never happens!). Sunny days in Seattle rarely happen in Feb. either but when then do, wow.

Yesterday was just such a day and lucky for me it was a Monday. The boys and I headed out to U Village to get Brayden some new shoes and stop for lunch. Everyone was in a very cooperative mood (imagine my surprise!). People everywhere there - one because it was President's Day and two because it was gorgeous! After that we moved on to Green Lake where Brayden rode his bike around the trail and I pushed Bennett in his oh so noisy little plastic car with the handle on it. The people were out in droves again but I love that! I am not one to get annoyed with that kind of crowd. Instead it energizes me.

I had a meeting at Brayden's school that afternoon so we headed over there next and the boys got to play at the school while I had my meeting. This is old hat to Brayden but not to Bennett. He loved it!!! Wasn't hesitant at all and was just so excited to be at "La Casita!" On the way home the sun had gone down over the hill but I could see it still shining on the houses a little up higher on the hill that we were headed toward. I bet it was gorgeous from their view point. The Sound and the sunset out in front of them and the snow capped Olympics in the distance - a little slice of heaven that day.

Since my last post we have done quite a bit one of which is our maiden voyage at skiing! I'll post pics and video from that later on....

Backup to Christmas

2009-01-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

After the Happy New Year post I realized that I haven't done a post about Christmas!

We were stuck at home again for the entire week of Christmas but had lots of fun spending all day in our jammies, sledding and building a snowman!

In case you were wondering, those are bottlecaps all over our snowman's mid-section. Very artsy and creative!

We decorated cookies for santa and opened a couple of presents the night before Christmas.

Bennett also set up some shots for us to take. Here is one of my favorites:

We wrote Santa a note, changed into our matching Christmas jammies and chose some cookies to leave out along with some carrots for the reindeer.

Here are two cuties looking out the window for Santa

Christmas morning mayhem.

Yummy lobster dinner prepared by Brian.

All in all it was a great day!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009 to everyone (all 2 of you that read this)! We spent last night at home with the kids having a movie night. We got jammies on, ate dinner and then watched Chicken Run (funny movie btw). After that it was time to ring in the new year New York City time. We got out lots of pots and pans and scanned the channels to try to find the ball dropping real time in EST while Brian poured the sparkling apple cranberry cider. We finally found it with like 3 minutes to spare. The kids were banging away before it was even time. When the ball dropped we all yelled out and banged our pots and pans, gave new year's kisses and toasted with our ciders (Bennett with his water)! What fun that was! Hope you all rang in the new year with just as much togetherness and wreckless abandon as we did! ;-)

Y2K in 2008?

2008-12-20T22:41:00.000-08:00

So as I think I mentioned before, it is very rare for the City of Seattle to get snow. Up in the nearby mountains, not rare, but here in the city, rare. We have been homebound since Wed. night last week due to the snow and ice we have here. Tonight was predicted to have another big storm only with more snow this time (5-8 in.). When it snows here, the city basically shuts down. They aren't equipped to clean it up properly plus there are hills everywhere which are not kind in the snow. We have spent the last 3 days playing out in the snow and sledding down the street as we have some hills perfect for sledding!

I went out to the toy store this afternoon to do some last min. shopping and to the grocery store to do the same this afternoon - just in case we can't get out again later. As I figured, everyone else had the same idea. Because we were all holed up in our houses for the last 3 days and now we are expecting another storm, we all only had about 1/2 a day to prepare. It was like Y2K preparation but in 1/2 a day! There were people everywhere and the shelves were bare. The lines were crazy too!

As predicted the snow started around 4pm when I was out and is STILL falling as I type! It is beautiful!

Tonight we walked across the street to our neighbor's house and then all walked down to the beach to stand by the fire and see the Christmas ships and hear the beautiful songs. This event was our first official Seattle event here last year. It was such a different night than a year ago! Last year it was chilly but not too cold and there were tons of people down at the beach. Tonight it is blowing snow and COLD and just a small gathering around the bonfire. It was great though.

We had some friends over yesterday morning to decorate gingerbread houses together. That was such a fun time too!

Time for an update

2008-12-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

So today a good friend reminded me that I haven't updated this in a while so here goes! Today marks a year exactly that Brayden, Bennett and I have been in Seattle. Wow, what an anniversay for us! So much happens in a year. How different things are today than they were a year ago today. We spent today with friends (ours and the kids) trolling in and out of the house. Lounging, playing in the new fallen snow from last night (yes, it actually snowed here!), sharing snacks, meals, giggles and disagreements over toys. Yes, what a difference a year makes.

Thanksgiving was good. We went over to our neighbors' house that evening for a great, huge meal with some other neighbors and family of the host. A fun time was had by all and some great time out in their backyard by the bonfire as well. The day after Thanksgiving, we headed up to the mountains to a resort called Suncadia. It is about an hour and a half from Seattle. It is a beautiful place and has many fun things to do. Our first night there, Brayden had a fever. By the second night, they both had a fever and we were resorting to purchasing the pay per view movies - Kung Fu Panda and Veggie Tales the Pirates Who Don't do Anything (they really don't, in case you are wondering). Ah, what a great way to spend your time in a beautiful mountain setting! (just kidding) We were happy to leave on Sunday and hope to return to have a "do-over" sometime soon (maybe the weekend after Christmas when there promises to be snow up there).

We visited the Country Village and went on several train rides with our buddies Max, Kate and Dutch.

Brian and I had a babysitter last Sat. night to go our Christmas shopping for the kids. We had a blast and managed to get the kids fairly well done together. We also got our Christmas tree last weekend and had a great time spending the day decorating it and the house.

I introduced Brayden and Bennett to "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" as sung by Andy Williams and I'll let you see for yourself what happens in my house now anytime you turn it on.

Last Monday we had an adventure with our friends again. We walked down the street and took the bus downtown, stopped at the Sheraton to see the elaborate gingerbread house display, and took the monorail over to the Seattle Center to see an awesome train/village set and have lunch. The kids had a blast on all of the trains and buses that day. We also stopped to enjoy a carousel and the fountain.

Yesterday we went to see Santa at a nursery in Woodinville, WA - Molbaks. What a beautiful place! Pointsettas as far as the eye can see and beautiful gifts everywhere. The santa was great too. He has a real beard and a long coat just like the Santa in Polar Express. It wasn't a big production either (which I liked). There was never really a line and there were no professional pictures so you could take your own pics. The pomp and circumstance didn't exist there so it didn't scare my kids away. It was perfect. Brayden actually sat up next to Santa and told him what he (and Bennett) wanted - which by the way was not what he originally told us he wanted prior to us going shopping! Ugh!

Here is a picture of our house last night when we walked back from a dinner party down the street. It was snowing so beautifully.

After all of our friends were over today playing in the snow they came in and all had hot chocolate and marshmellows. A good time was had by all. Yes, what a difference a year makes.

Random Video

2008-11-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

Gotta love Bennett's singing and dancing number!

Not to be outdone....

Having an opinion

2008-10-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

So all of a sudden Bennett decides that he has an opinion on most everything. What happened to my sweet, agreeable baby of several months ago? He turned two and a switch flipped? I'm not sure but I remember the switch in Brayden as well. Now instead of having to convince just one child to do everything he needs to do/I need for him to do, I have to convince two children. Lucky me! Double the fun!? I think not. Double the headache.

I got a glimpse of my agreeable baby again yesterday when I picked him up from day care without Brayden in tow. He came right to me, he let me put him right in his seat, there was no fussing etc. Likely it is different for him when Brayden is around. However you look at it, it gave me hope that he can still be an agreeable person.

Teaching my children to be responsible, independent 2 and 4 year old thinkers instead of laying down the law on everything and having utter control over them is not proving to be an easy task. Let's hope it pays off....

Pirate Angee visited last weekend. More on that later along with photos of the journey....

A Wonderful Gift!

2008-10-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

Half sleeping/half awake at 7:45 (!) on Sat. morning the phone rang. I was expecting this as we were attempting to get a babysitter for that evening and I had told her mom she could call as early as 7am. However, this call wasn't from the babysitter. It was from my friend/neighbor Isabel (Max and Kate's mom). She said that it is time for Brian and I to have a full night away, to pack our bags and bring the kids over anytime after 1pm to spend the night. She added that she wasn't taking no for an answer! Wow - can I wake up to this phone call more often? :-) We discussed and decided that we should take her up on it knowing that we hope to return the favor soon!

So, we dropped off the kids around 1:30 or so and headed (with Aspen in tow) up to Bellingham - a place we love and thought we may want to live before we actually moved here. We stayed in a great hotel right on the bay. Lounged around for a bit and then headed to the Fairhaven District (http://www.fairhaven.com/) for dinner. Shopped around for a bit and then headed to the restaurant for drinks and dinner. Had a great steak meal and good conversation. Nice to know we didn't have to head home afterwards. Had one more drink at THE place to be in sleepy Fairhaven. Had a great walk by the bay Sunday morning with Aspen and then back to Fairhaven for breakfast. A drive home along Chuckanut Drive (http://www.chuckanutdrive.com/) completed a wonderfully relaxing 24 hours alone with my friend, my husband - Brian.

How was this different than any other overnight out that we have had since children? Well, the main difference for me was that it actually felt like we were on vacation in a place that we love instead of down at the Plaza in a hotel or up at the Elms hotel in Excelsior Springs, MO. I also knew that the kids were having a blast at a sleepover with their friends that are their age, they were going to sleep through the night (no infants any longer) and I didn't have to worry about nursing/pumping!

Anyway, a million thanks goes out to Isabel for "forcing" us into this much needed getaway! We can't wait to return the favor!

An (almost) perfect afternoon

2008-09-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Another gorgeous PNW day today. I tell ya, when it is nice here, it is nice. There is no where that beats it (in my opinion). This afternoon Brian went to play in a golf tournament with some friends. So, I packed up lunch and got the boys in the bike trailer and we headed down to a beach not far from here (Matthews Beach) via the awesome trail right down the street from our house. With snacks in hand, the boys weren't annoyed by each other during the 40-45 min (typically 25 min!) bike ride there. When we arrived we played at the park for a while before sitting down in the shade for lunch. Bennett chased the birds away for us and I spoke with a woman I met who was on a walk with her family too. As we were eating (much like yesterday) Brayden announces, "I have to go poopy mommy! It's an emergency!" I throw everything in the bag, convince Bennett to come along and run down to the bike and steer it as fast as I can to the bath house. I ask another mom if she can watch it while we are in there as it is an emergency and I don't really know where I can park it (no kickstand and trailer on the back make for a bad combo). We ran around trying to find the bathroom door and were finally successful. We ran in, sat down and Brayden says he doesn't have to go anymore. "What happened," I ask. "I pushed my poopy back up inside Mommy. I can do that you know?" he says. "Okay, well when it comes back down, please give me a little more warning," I respond. Phew, situation averted as there was no toilet paper in there and the wipes were out somewhere with the bike. Yikes!

We played some more and then decided to head down to the beach nearby where there were tons of kids and people. We had befriended some people up by the park earlier and they were down at the beach too. The boys started helping them build a sand city of sorts and were filling all of the water ways with water. We played and played on the beach making different things for Bennett to stomp on! Several hours after we arrived, Brayden said he was ready to go. They hopped back in the trailer and I on my bike and we headed back for home. On the way there, I did have to resort to singing a song to the boys and trying to make chit chat. This is no easy feat. Even though the trail is flat, there is a gradual incline all the way to the beach that we went to and I was pulling what is probably equivalent to my body weight behind me. So, on the way back, I hear nothing behind me. I take a quick glance back and both boys are cashed out in the trailer! Ah, silence while riding on what has to be the most beautiful trail system I've been on (that's not saying a lot though!) what a treat! They woke up from the traffic crossing the street back to our house so I didn't get a picture of them but it was very cute and a wonderful ride back.

As close to perfect as you can get except that Brian wasn't there with us.

When you push it down, it comes right back up!

2008-09-12T22:23:00.001-07:00

So today the boys and I went on a couple of errands to return some things and then we got some drive thru Taco Time where the van overheated in the drive thru line (good times!). We then took our food to a nearby park to eat and play. Not long after arriving and starting to eat our food, Brayden runs by saying, "Mom! I got to go poop! Now! It's an emergency!" I think "you gotta be kidding me" was my response. Luckily there was a nice permanent bathroom right near us so I swooped up Bennett and my diaper bag and rushed us in. Brayden sat down and did his business. While doing said business, Bennett decided it would be fun to pull the toilet paper out in loooong stretches. I broke it off for him right around the time Brayden hoped off of the toilet and did the obligatory bend over to get wiped. Now Bennett has a wad of toilet paper in his hand and Brayden's bare bottom right in front of him. He did what any other kind brother would do, he wiped his butt for him! I was totally cracking up and trying to do my job in the matter all at the same time. After throwing the toilet paper in the toilet he proceeded to tear more off and try to wipe again. Too much...They are going to hear this story someday and laugh hysterically but before they get to that point they will probably just think it was gross! Tee hee!

After naps it was still SUCH a gorgeous day that we decided to walk down to the beach for a bit. While playing there both of the boys walked their little tootsies into the water. They both got soaked so Bennett finished our time there running around in his diaper. Brayden only got his shorts and underpants wet. So he was pretty good to go (after attempting to strip down several times!). However, once we walked through the door at home he stripped down to no pants on at all since they were pretty wet. He was off by himself for a moment and when he appeared next to me again he said, "Mom, look at my penis. It isn't soft. When you push it down, it comes right back up again!" "Yes, yes," I said trying not to lose it, "I've heard of that happening before."

Brayden's b-day party!

2008-09-12T22:13:00.000-07:00

Even though Brayden's birthday is not until Sept. 16th, we had his birthday party last Saturday - Sept. 6th because his two main little buddies are out of town this coming weekend and he would be crushed (and pretty much guestless!) if they couldn't come.

We had a rocket ship theme and got a bounce house again this year. The kids had an awesome time bouncing in the bounce house, doing space crafts at the craft table and eating the icing off of the cake!

How strange it is to think that 4 years (almost!) have already gone by....

Happy Birthday to my little peanut!

Family Visit

2008-09-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

Brian's aunt and uncle from Chicago visited over Labor Day weekend and Brian's birthday. What a great time we had! We enjoyed a day in Leavenworth, WA - about a 2 hour drive away. A bavarian looking/feeling little town in the mountains. We loved it and were lucky enough to have a beautiful day! We met our cousins there and got messy with chocolate covered marshmellows!

Bennett and Brayden enjoyed rolling down a grassy hill with many other children waiting it out until dinner time arrived.

We ate dinner at a pretty good German place (Adam and Michelle would be proud!). All in all a great day!

After the busy day in Leavenworth, we spent the next day at home only leaving the house to go to dinner at Salty's on Alki in West Seattle. Brian and I had our 3 year anniversary dinner there 10 years ago! Great food and a view of the City to die for!

The next morning we rode the Ducks! Brayden and Bennett have seen these Ducks all over the City over the summer and cannot stop talking about them (Brayden especially)! So, we had to take a ride on them while Aunt C and Uncle Mike were visiting! A neat tour of the City by land and water. A silly little excursion but neat at the same time.

We then headed over to the Seattle Center House only to find that we couldn't go in due to a music festival on the grounds (Bumbershoot - in case you are interested....) so we headed back across the street to McDonald's. (yuck) Then we rode some carnival rides while Carolyn and Mike made their way up the Space Needle. Just as they got to the top, the clouds disappeared and they enjoyed a great view! The boys slept in the car while Brian, C & M explored the Locks. What a busy Labor Day crowd!

A quick drive by the Fremont Troll and Brayden's school and then a stop at Tutta Bella for some wood fired (not Chicago style!) pizzas for dinner. Yum!

The next day (Brian's b-day - happy b-day honey!) we took the kids to day care and Brian and I took the day off to do adult things with Carolyn and Mike. We headed over to Capitol Hill and wound up at St. Marks Cathedral and got out to check it out. A neat story there. Then we headed over to the arboretum briefly and then to lunch at Ivar's Salmon house on the waters of Lake Union. Another good meal. We dropped C & M off at home and then Brian and I took off on a bike ride on the trail near our house. Gorgeous. Felt so good to do that with him and not have to stop 50 million times to break up a dispute btwn. Thing 1 and Thing 2 in the bike trailer! ;-) Later on had a b-day dinner and cake.

All in all a great visit! Thanks for coming!!!

Brad and Angelina

2008-08-24T19:03:00.000-07:00

So, I've got a copy of People Mag with the Brad and Angelina photos in it from a few weeks ago when the twins were born. It has been laying around the house in full view now for the last two days. Brayden has taken a keen interest in it for some reason. He will sit with it at different times throughout the day and pour over each picture of Brad and Angelina's family for 10 mins. or so at a time. He calls me in to look at them with him. He wants to know the names of each child in each picture. He wants to show them to Bennett and tell him who each of these people are.

"I like his name, Knox," he says multiple times.

What is he drawn to in these photos? Why is he so intrigued? I have to wonder if he is looking at them and noticing the differences in their skin and appearances and processing it and the fact that there can be families that don't all look alike. Or maybe he doesn't pick up on that fact at all yet. He is really into babies so maybe that is the fascination. Whatever it is, I think it is totally hilarious that he sits down to "read" one of my magazines (or little newspapers as he calls them)!

A Peaceful Ride

2008-08-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I woke up at 6:30 am and wasn't able to go back to sleep. The sun pouring through our bedroom windows, it promised to be a gorgeous day (or morning at least!). I decided that I would heed this opportunity to escape from the house before the children awoke and started clinging to me. I roused a very sleepy Brian to get my bike down from the ceiling hook and went for a bike ride on the Burke-Gilman trail which is about a block from our house. I took off and rode south. The sun coming up over the hills to the east where the lake was. Not too many others out at this hour. Just me and my bike (literally! I don't have my water bottle or little bag hooked up to it yet!). I rode at a nice pace by all sorts of homes that sit on the water of Lake Washington. Some mansions and some shacks. I'm sure they have different views out of their windows on any given day but on Sat., Aug. 23rd, I can only imagine that they were waking up to awe-inspiring views. I saw the sun streaming through so many of their windows and front doors as I rode past and wondered what it would be like to wake up to that many a morning. Must be magical.

I rode further south for a while until the trail took me further away from the water. Reminded that the further I go, the longer I have to get back to start the day with my family, I reluctantly turned around. The city was just starting to wake up as I made my way back. The houses down there near the lake don't have the city traffic to hear in their backyards - the only traffic there is the occasional (or occasionally constant) sound of the seaplanes landing and taking off from the nearby air harbor on the north end of the lake. I'll take it.

As I got closer to home, I realized that I too had a magical Saturday morning to look forward to even without the amazing sun laden lake view - one with my children. Only now I will have had a wonderful workout and outlook to the day that I would not have otherwise had.

Watching for Whales

2008-08-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

We went whale watching last Sunday! This particular boat left out of Anacortes, WA - about an hour and a half drive north. We left for the boat in plenty of time amid many cries of, "are we there yet?" the entire way. We made it with some time to spare and boarded the boat loaded down with our stroller, a huge bag of food with a dvd player well hidden in the bottom of the bag and a small suitcase of toys for the kids. (what the heck do you do on a boat for 5 hours when the rails are wide open and the walkways so narrow that there is no way the kids could walk around out there by themselves?!) We claimed our spot inside the 100' vessel in a wrap around booth and set up shop. Several guests passed by the booth right across from us likely fearing for what kind of ride they may experience next to two little ones. Sweet! Now the boat is leaving and we have access to two booths right across from one another! More space to wrestle and bite each other (this is what Brayden and Bennett were thinking). 20 minutes into the boat ride, Brian mentioned that it had felt like 20 hours. Not a good sign. We had lunch, played with lots of the toys I brought and eventually revealed the dvd player which was a God send! We saw some seals and a couple of Alaskan Sea Lions (super cool!). Such wonderful scenery up in the San Juan Islands.

Over the loud speaker we heard the captain tell us that his spotter plane had found some whales! Oh joy! We were all on the edge of our seats trying to strain to hear what he was saying. Turns out the whales were 20 miles off the coast of Victoria, BC or about a 3 hour boat trip from where we were. What luck. Not going to see any whales today. So, in case you have never been and are wondering what whale watching might look like, here are a couple of the better shots I got while on the trip.

So, after a gorgeous 5 hour boat ride, we left with memories embodied in the photos above and cards for a free return trip (if we ever want to make the effort/drive again!). I'm sure we will...

Another pic I wanted to throw in of Brayden, Bennett and their friend Dutch holding hands as a train goes by the beach we were playing at. Too sweet...

Two frists!

2008-08-08T23:44:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday of this week, Brian and I both took the afternoon off of work while the kids were at day care and treated ourselves to several hours of what felt like vacation! We met down at Agua Verde cafe and Paddle Club (http://www.aguaverde.com/) on Portage Bay and had a tasty lunch (complete with a Corona and Mango margarita!) and then headed down to the paddle club. We rented kayaks and headed out for an excursion. We paddled past floating houses and got to get pretty close to them. An amazing way to live! We then headed through the Montlake Cut and over to the arboretum where we paddled through lily pads and under the 520 bridge and several foot bridges. We went back out into the open and just sat for a while in our kayaks looking around and taking it all in. What gorgeous scenery. What a relaxing way to spend an afternoon! We hope to do it again sometime soon!

Today I finally got a new bike! My other one is still in KC and it would have cost just about as much to get it shipped here so we had to bite the bullet and get a new one. Living literally a block from an amazing trail system (the Burke-Gilman trail) I was feeling ill about not having a bike to use. So, tonight after dinner, we went on our first family bike ride along the trail! It really felt nice to get back on a bike again after a really long time! We rode past lots of houses on the water of Lake Washington. Some gorgeous and some shacks. The boys were having fun back in the trailer for a while with Bennett singing something unidentifiable by me. Then, the ride had apparently gotten too long and they needed a wall between them as Bennett was hitting Brayden with one of his shoes as he was singing. A number of those "stop it right now or I'm turning this car/bike around right now" comments happened. They aren't as effective when you are on a bike though! Hopefully we can do it again soon and more often! Next time we'll bring books and/or a toy for each child! ;-)

Our baby turns 2!

2008-08-08T22:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy birthday Bennett!!! Bennett turned 2 on August 2nd. The day started with Brayden coming in to me early in the morning saying, "Mommy, today is Bennett's birthday so let's go get him and give him his present!""Let's let him sleep a little bit more Brayden," was my response.

Eventually he woke up and jumped up and down in his bed repeatedly in honor of his birthday!

Brayden promptly gave him his present from him and then helped him (very sweetly I might add) to open it up.

We opened up several other gifts throughout the morning.

Then the boys and I went up to a high spot up here in N. Seattle (View Ridge) to catch glimpses of the Blue Angels air show for the final weekend of the month long Seafair festival. Then went exploring down by the water at Portage Bay. Brayden was asleep so Bennett and I got out of the car and blew bubbles! It was at this point that I realized that I really haven't had bubbles around for Bennett. We had them when Brayden was this age and played with them all the time but for some reason I just haven't thought about getting them for Bennett. Well, he LOVES them! Even more than Brayden did. I'm glad we are getting into them now. He loves to pop them and says, "I got one Momma!" each time he does.

We then headed back home and played with birthday presents while I decorated Bennett's cake for his party the next day. Later on we all went to dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory where we sat in the trolley and the wait staff sang happy birthday to Bennett during the ice cream part of the meal. Brayden promptly ate Bennett's ice cream as he couldn't bring himself to let his mouth get that cold!

The next evening we had a party for Bennett down at the beach club. We played on the beach, ate pizza, ate cake and opened presents. Bennett had a super time!!!

So Happy Birthday my sweet Bennett! So glad you are here with us and are the sweet sweet boy that you are!

A Visit from Bob!

2008-08-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

Surprise! Bob came up for a visit a few days after our trip back to KC. He stayed from Thursday to Monday and we had a great time tooling around town! I was the only one that knew about the visit so it was fun going around and surprising Bennett, then Brayden and finally Brian. The boys were beside themselves. Brayden experienced his first time of crying out of happiness - he was a little perplexed at what was happening with his emotions.

On Friday the boys and I took Bob out to Carkeek Park and played/had lunch on the beach. What a great time!

Sidenote: Apparently Bennett is liking his feet in sand now (finally!)

That night we enjoyed a meal in Edmonds on the waterfront and got to watch the boats come in and the ferry come and go.

Saturday we headed down to the Seattle Center to ride the rides, eat lunch and take Bob to the Children's Museum with us. (A quick stop at the Fremont Troll was in order!)

What a great time!

This was also the first day of Brayden wearing underpants! And still, not one accident! What a superstar! Sat. night we cooked burgers and celebrated underwear and Bob's upcoming 70th b-day with cookies!

Sunday brought playing in the morning and then fish and chips by Greenlake. We then headed out to the Sunday ice cream cruise around Lake Union. What a neat cruise! The boys loved it and were all over the place. A long 45 mins!

Then the boys fell asleep in the car and Bob and I went on the Underground Tour of Seattle. Bob was kind enough to take on the boys by himself Sunday night so Brian and I could celebrate our anniversary with dinner. Then it was back to KC on Monday morning. The boys had a great time and Bennett has asked at least once a day since then, "Where's Bob?"

13 years of wedded bliss

2008-07-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

That's right. Today (July 29th) marks 13 years of wedded bliss with my hubby Brian. Crazy...that's a long time. We've had our share of ups and downs (as I'm sure you all know - if anyone reads this!) but what a ride it has been.

I am still proud to call Brian my husband and my friend. We spent the other night celebrating out at a Moroccan restaurant in downtown Seattle and had a fabulous time!

So here's to us and many more! Yeah!

Potty on the go!

2008-07-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

Well folks, it's official - as of last Saturday the 26th of July, we have one less child in diapers! (Waaa whooo!) A slight raise in Brian and Ali's allowance! :) Brayden has bid farewell to the diapers of yesteryear and is now on to experiencing the bliss of running to the nearest bathroom in a mad dash saying, "I gotta go potty momma!" We're doing Pull Ups at nap and nighttime but he has been pretty dry in those as well.

My dad made a surprise visit over last weekend (more on that later) and on Sat. we were all going to be out and about so I figured now was as good a time as any to flip the switch and go with the underpants - I had two helpers so I was feeling good about it too. Brayden was up for it (surprise!) so we went for it and haven't had ANY accidents! We were on the go all weekend so Brayden has already experienced quite a bit of peeing in the unfamilar bathroom with his riskiest foray being the bathroom on a boat ride! Great job buddy!

We celebrated at dinner after the first full day and here is a pic of Brayden showing our family sign in honor of his great achievement!

Summer in Seattle = Sunny and 70's!

2008-07-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, have I really not posted since before the 4th of July? It looks that way! I guess I've been too busy enjoying summer in Seattle! It really just started the week after the 4th of July (weather-wise).

It is true that most days in a Seattle summer (or the ones I have experienced thus far!) ;-) are sunny and 70's! How perfect is that?? For those reading from the midwest, you know the two or three weeks we usually get a year that are spring/fall and perfect weather for anything? Well, that is what we are experiencing here! I'm loving it! The past two days however have been overcast and 50's/60's. Feels downright chilly! I'm ready for the sun again!

Our 4th was great. We decorated the tricycle and wagon that morning and then headed down to the beach club for a parade around the neighborhood. We saw our buddies down there and had a great time.

After the parade was old fashioned beach games at the beach club for all the kiddos.

Then it was power nap time! Then we headed to our neighbor's house for a bbq. They had made ribs and they were mighty tasty I might add. The kids had a blast running around all evening. When darkness finally appeared around 9:30 we moved the party to another friend's house with a great view of Lake Washington off of their deck so that we could watch all the fireworks. It was beautiful and both of the kids' first time seeing real fireworks on the 4th! A late night but a fun time was had by all!

The very next morning we headed out to Alki beach to see the Seafair pirates land and storm the beach! Brayden was very excited and said that he wanted to play with the pirates. We anxiously awaited their arrival and just so happened to have picked a great spot to wait as they landing virtually right in front of us! They float over in a landing craft that the military uses and they pull right up to the beach and the "flap" on the craft opens up allowing them direct access to the beach. They ran off with their swords etc. in hand! Quite exciting!

After that you could go over to meet them. We of course did that however Brayden wanted nothing to do with the pirates up close (go figure!) so I am the one in the picture posing as a pirate lover!

We also made a date with Thomas the Tank Engine this month. We drove up to Snoqualmie on the 13th and got to ride on the real Thomas! We had done this once before when I was pregnant with Bennett and folks, I gotta tell ya, the scenery along the railroad in Baldwin City, KS is quite different than that of Snoqualmie, WA! We rode past an old train yard with really old broken down trains - the train graveyard - and then into a steep spot overlooking a raging river and a gorgeous bluffs. We came earlier than our departure in order to spend time doing all of the other Thomas activities at the Day Out. At this point in the day, we were reaching our limit! The train ride turned into an "I can't wait to get off of here - this thing can't end soon enough" ride! We got back just in time and boarded the shuttle bus taking us to our car where we could all (well, most of us) slumber peacefully for a bit on the ride home. All in all, a fun day out with Thomas!

The very next day after Thomas the boys and I headed back to KC for the week. Somewhat of a last minute trip. As always we had a great week hanging out with Bob, Jana, Joel, Pirate Angee, Mystery Man (aka uncle Alex) and many of our KC friends! It was great to see you all! Thanks for taking time out to keep up with us! I actually somewhat enjoyed the warmer weather and didn't realize that I had missed it (I suppose absence makes the heart grow fonder....)

The Last Week

2008-06-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

Last week we went down to the beach club for dinner and playing a couple of times. We still continue to love having that so close and available to us! What a neat perk!

Brayden enjoyed a full day of school last Thursday - he survived and is (I think looking forward to returning next week)!

On Friday the kids and I headed out to Carkeek Park. It is about 15 mins. from our house and is over on the west side of N. Seattle. It looks over the Sound and out onto the Olympic mountains. What a gorgeous view! Tons of open green space and trails all through the park. The bonus is the bridge that goes down to the beach goes right over the railroad tracks. What a treat when the trains go by at record speed! The kids LOVE it and Bennett says, "More chugga!" We played at the park for a while, had a picnic lunch in the open space and then headed down to the beach for a bit. Found a great spot and filled the buckets with sand over and over and over again listening to the never tiring sound of the waves in the background and watching the never boring view of boats of all kinds out in the distance. We had our pictures taken there by a photographer today. Here I some that I took of us while we were there though.

Also enjoyed a SPECIAL night out with some girls this week. My friend/neighbor Isabel celebrated her birthday in style this week by renting a limo and treating some of her friends (myself included) to dinner at the Purple Cafe (http://www.thepurplecafe.com/) and then a great time dancing and being silly at a dueling piano bar! Great times!

Here is a bonus video of Bennett saying "Myself" (one of his favorite words) and "money" which he says, "ma-nee."

We had record highs today and are slated to have sun and warm weather for the next several at least - i haven't heard any more forecasts of gray or rain! Maybe we have finally made it to summer!!! :)
Ali

Summer Solstice in Seattle

2008-06-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Well, let me just tell you that while it is gray for many of the months here in Seattle, these folks sure know how to do it up right when they bring the summer in! Last Sat. (the first day of summer) we headed down to Fremont for the Solstice Parade. We were all set to get there at a decent time to find a spot to park but as luck would have it, the old Town and Country just couldn't handle the slow pace at which we were going up and down the hills of Seattle scouting for a parking spot. Alas, she overheated. What? What cars overheat anymore? I never hear of that happening any longer. So, we had to stop and wait thus losing our edge on hoping to find any sort of a decent parking spot. Once it cooled down, we took off again looking for that one spot that was waiting just for us - it didn't exist - the car started to heat up again and fast. I blared the floorboard heater as I read that it could help. It did only it was SO hot that Brian could barely drive as his feet were being scorched! We alternated the heater off and on and then she finally succumbed to overheating again. We stopped again and got flagged down by the parking police as we were in front of a driveway because there was NO WHERE to even stop with cars parked on both sides of residential streets. We had, only moments before, passed a school that was parking cars for $20. Neither Brian nor I had any idea why we didn't stop there as we were desperate. We decided that once the car cooled down just a bit that we would make a break for the $20 spot. We made it there and got the last spot in one of the lots! That was the best $20 we had ever spent!

Sunscreen applied, children in stroller and backpack and flask in hand, we were headed down to the parade. We had a difficult time navigating through the crowded sidewalks with a stroller but finally found a decent spot just in time to see the bicyclists that were leading the parade. They paint themsleves up and ride back and forth through the parade route naked.

The parade finally started and was wonderful! Such a neat vibe and the ultimate symbol of summer freedom. Definitely something we will do again next year.

And as the "Weed Not War!" chants were echoing in the distance, I thought to myself, what a great day this is/was! Welcome Summer! May you last long enough! Happy solstice everyone!

Preschool

2008-06-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

We have a preschooler ladies and gentlemen! (Alright, well it is summer session so not full fledged but preschool none the less.)

Last Thursday Brayden went to his preschool for the first time. He is starting out once a week in the summer and will go to three days a week in the fall. He didn't want to go that morning but after some convincing, we got him out of the house. It was almost as if he felt that he needed to oppose it just to oppose it but that he really wanted to go. Brian and I both took him. We walked in the garden and met his teacher and actually saw another woman that he had played with before last time we were there for a meeting and he was in childcare during the meeting. She was going to be there all day so that was great. We walked in the house and got his lunchbox etc. put away and signed him in. Back out in the yard, he didn't want us to leave but we eventually did and there were no tears (that I know of...)!

I picked him up at 1 so as to have him ease into it. When I walked into the garden, he was right inside the door playing with two other children and a large rope! "We have a plan Mommy!" Not sure what the plan with the rope was but they had one. He was happy to see me however and was ready to leave. He is excited to go back though!

Our sweetie is growing up...

A Random Funny

2008-06-01T21:49:00.001-07:00

So Brayden and I went to the Seattle Children's Theater tonight on a date - just he and I. They are doing a production of Richard Scarry's Busytown. He loves the books so much that I thought he might enjoy the show. He LOVED it. It was so great to see him sitting there so engrossed in a performance of one of his favorite book series and the anticipation on his face of "what is going to happen next?!" We both had a great time and needed some one-on-one time so it was awesome.

It was a late showing so by the time we returned home Bennett was already bathed and ready for bed. I gave Brayden a bath by himself. As he's sitting there in the tub he says, "Mommy, I wish I had another penis coming off of my penis." Trying to act as non-chalant as possible (and not burst out laughing) I reply, "Oh yeah, why's that?" "We could call it my fourth leg," he says. I then proceed to ask him how many legs he has now (wondering why he would call it his fourth leg), "Two," he responds. Apparently we haven't mastered the fine art of adding yet. Whatever, he's still probably a genius by many male standards.

The Day of My Birth

2008-05-31T22:49:00.000-07:00

36 years ago today, I'm sure there was some drama as I entered into the world. 36 years later, there was drama to be had as well only this time it came from my 3 year old son. If there is a wrong side of the bed, Brayden woke up on it. He had one of those days where EVERYTHING sets him off. Nothing in the world is right. I call him our drama king. In his defense, because he awoke at 6am (just a short 3.5 hours after Brian and I went to bed), he had already viewed his daily allotment of television (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics) before Brian or I had gained consciousness.

So at 7:30 I kicked Brian out of bed to give me my peaceful morning that he had promised me and to save our son from further damage from the boob toob. They trotted off to the kitchen and appeared a short while later with breakfast for me in bed. Kisses from Brayden and then they headed back out as Brayden announced they would be right back in with a fresh fruit smoothie - ooh la la!

The smoothie arrived shortly thereafter and then I was left alone in my room again. Was I dreaming? There were children awake in the house - upright, alert - and I was alone in my room enjoying breakfast and my latest issue of Real Simple. A little slice of heaven! It was a gorgeous sunny morning so I opened the blinds and kept on reading only being interrupted two times to receive snuggles/nuzzles from my babes. (I'll take those any time.) What a great way to start my day!

I eventually emerged from my bedroom bliss, clothed the children and myself and took a walk with the kids down to the drug store and then on to the beach to play. By this time it had started sprinkling. Major flip out #1 - Brayden didn't want to get sprinkles on him so after much coaxing, he made sure he was shielded adequately as we trekked down to the drug store. Once we got to the beach I laid out the blanket and made the mistake of pointing out some goose droppings that were on the lawn as well as the sand. Major flip out #2 - Now Brayden doesn't want to take his shoes off to play in the sand or in the grass and doesn't even want to walk through the grass with shoes on for fear that he may step on said goose poop. He was down here just the other night for dinner running around like crazy with his good buddy from down the street and not a care in the world about goose poop. Brian was meeting us down at the beach so when he got there I had to go let him in the gate. Major flip out #3 - Brayden wanted to go up to open the gate for him but didn't want to leave the boarders of the beach blanket. (people are starting to stare now.) Brayden finally dons his shoes and heads for the gate with me only just before we get there, a young boy being polite notices Brian waiting and goes to open the gate for him. Major flip out #4 - The world is an awful place as someone else has now opened the gate for Brayden's daddy and he didn't get to do it. I'm thinking of cutting our losses and sneaking out of the open gate at this point. We can always come back for our blanket and beach toys right? I decide to stick it out as it is my birthday and is where I want to be regardless of the Drama King and his "issues." There were many other flip outs and probably ones in between that I haven't even listed. We played on the beach for a while longer and then headed home for lunch where everyone was put to bed for nap promptly afterwards.

First date - so, to celebrate the big day, I retained the services of the 13 year old down the street who stayed with B&B last time we went out to the auction. She showed up and Brayden was instantly loving it. Someone else (younger) there to shower him with attention and play what he wanted to play - someone to show his toys to and best of all, he didn't have to share with her! A little slice of heaven for him. The boys did great as we said our goodbyes. Not a single tear was shed. And we're off! We headed down to Alki Beach (again! we love that place...) to try out a restaurant that we had seen last time we were down there - Cactus. What an enjoyable dinner and time together with just the two of us. Needless to say we had an awesome time to be coupled with great food and drinks. We arrived home to find the babysitter asleep on the floor in front of the tv. After a difficult time of waking her up, we got a glowing report on the kids. No issues! (Someone pinch me please.)

The next morning Brayden woke up asking for Hailey (the babysitter) to come down and play again. He followed that up shortly thereafter with, "Mommy, I wuv Hailey." Okay, we are so going to have date night more often now!!! :)

Sunday we walked down to the Lake Forest Park farmers market - our first visit this year. They have the market every Sunday from May through Oct. I hope to be making many more trips there this summer to purchase fresh produce for our meals for the week. What a sweet little market complete with kettle corn and shaved ice.

Backing up a bit on the weekend, I realize that I didn't mention what I did on Friday night. Well, as you may or may not know, Friday was the opening day for Sex and the City - the movie. I do not subscribe to HBO so I never got into the show however I have seen enough episodes on TBS to know the story line. A group of girlfriends were getting together to go and I'm always up for a movie and a night out so I decided to join in. Really enjoyed the movie and drinks afterwards with friends. A pic of Katy and I enjoying our Mai Tai's.

Our First REAL NW Trip!

2008-05-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

So, this being Memorial Day weekend and all, last week I decided that we needed to take our first real NW trip since living here. After considering several options (coupled with the fact that we were late making arrangements) we decided on the Olympic Peninsula. Adventures abound. After a late night web search, I stumbled across a great looking vacation rental in Sequim (http://www.sequimretreats.com/) who for some strange reason had one rental property (Angel's Rest) that was still open for the upcoming holiday weekend. As the owner said, "It was waiting for us!" They also accept dogs (one of our requirements for the weekend)!

We left on Sat. morning and headed towards the Edmonds/Kingston ferry only to find a 1 1/2 hour wait to get on the ferry - we sure are virgins when it comes to this ferry travel stuff...sheesh, that seemed like a long time! It went rather fast though and was there before we knew it. The kids did great! They loved the ferry ride even though neither wanted to go out on the outside deck of the boat. Once in Kingston, it was about an hour drive to get to Sequim. We found our cottage - what an enchanting place! It is even better than it looks on the website. Brayden affectionately coined it our "little red house."

It has a wonderful yard/garden outside that sits right on a creek.

There are different windchimes that are hanging all over the outside of the house and the garden. There is a wrap around porch that is wonderful along with a hammock in the garden (don't worry, everyone was okay!).

After exploring around the house, we got situated and took off for a walk along the dike of the Dungeness River. No naps had been had at this point. Bennett fell asleep in my back pack as we strolled along to the strong hum of the river.

Aspen enjoyed being included in our excursion. We made a steak dinner at the cabin that night - always more fun to cook somewhere other than your own kitchen! We headed to find some ice cream after dinner (bad idea). It was late and had been a long day. On the way there we realized that Brayden didn't even want ice cream (what? who is this child? he's never said no to ice cream!). We finally found an ice cream place that was open till 8 - 10 mins to spare (they roll the sidewalks up early here in Sequim!). Brayden decided he wanted a small scoop and yelled at the ice cream scooper when she started to give him more than he wanted. (again, questioning who this child is and what he's done with my son!) Bennett on the other hand didn't want ice cream (doesn't like it) but had his heart set on these mustard pretzels, grabbed them off of the shelf and made a run for it out the door! I caught the klepto and replaced them only he was EXTREMELY upset at this and went into what I can only describe as freak out mode. He was going limp and throwing himself on the ground etc. I finally decided to grab a nearby grocery cart from the store next door and place him in it as a sort of a cage. (picture below) He still wasn't happy - just very tired.

Once we got back, Bennett had a hard time calming down for bed so I took him for a little walk outside on the wrap around porch. As soon as we were out there listening to the birds sing their baby birds to sleep and the frogs in the near distance, he was calm. We walked around and touched each windchime to hear what it sounded like, we heard the gentle bubbling of the creek in the garden and the faint roar of the river only a short walk away. He was off to dream land in no time. If only we could walk outside and hear those special sounds every night.

The next day we headed to Striped Peak for a hike. We had combed the hiking books for a place that was both child and dog friendly (not an easy task!) and had settled on this one. Bennett started off in the backpack with Brian and Brayden started out walking.

After a short hike upward, we noticed that there was quite the steep drop off of the narrow path and Brayden was happily trotting along like any 3 year old would. I started to freak and almost hyperventilate once I thought about him losing his footing. At this point, I started carrying him in my back pack! We enjoyed snuggling along the trail.

We got to a certain point up high were we could see the hidden cove that we had read about in our hiking book. It was gorgeous and very hidden.

The peak was approx. 900 feet higher than where we had started our hike and with two children in tow, that seemed a little out of reach so about a mile from the top, we turned back and switched children. What an awesome hike!

At the bottom we found a park and sat down for a much needed picnic lunch and then playing at the park. Then it was back in the car and we headed for a place where you drive your car through and see all kinds of different animals. The kids napped on the way there (yeah!). They enjoyed seeing the llamas, peacocks, yaks, a rhino, zebra, kodiak bears, black bears, cougar, lions, and buffalo. This may have been the highlight of Aspen's trip! She was freaking out the entire time and the boys had never seen her act like this. Her favorite animal was the zebra.

It was right by her window and she started barking a really high, loud bark that scared the pee-waden out of Bennett who started screaming. We then got him calmed down and had fun laughing about which animal was Aspen's favorite.

After that excitement it was back to the "little red house" to clean up and then head to dinner. We got a late start to dinner and were going to try a seafood restaurant on the beach only to arrive to a 40 min. wait. Based on last nights' antics from Bennett, we decided not to wait and headed to another restaurant. Stressful dinner with Bennett all over the place as he is not taking to the high chair any longer. Back to the "little red house" for bed. Brayden is already saying that he wants to stay for 3 more weeks.

A short hike down the river dike again the next morning. Then it was time to say goodbye to the "little red house" that we had come to know and love. Headed to lunch and then home on another ferry - not as long of a wait this time.

All in all, a fabulous weekend. We will definitely put this place on our list of places to return to.

Sun is the best...

2008-05-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally had three days in a row of great weather and sunshine! Wahoo! I've been waiting for this! The temps were in the 70's and 80's and I was loving it (except that it got rather warm in our house until the night breeze kicked up...). On Friday after music class the boys and I went to get their hair cuts. Bennett was not having ANYTHING to do with that. Brayden did rather well (still didn't get the great haircut that he gets with Susan). Afterwards we went to a park near the zoo to have a picnic lunch. Then Brayden and I went to visit his preschool that he'll be starting in a few weeks as he had never visited. He got to meet a couple of his teachers and play in the garden there for a few minutes and one other little girl showed us around the inside of the home. He loved it!

Saturday night we had two couples and their respective children over for a bbq. What fun it was to be entertaining and have friends in our home again! (although I am just now realizing that we didn't take any pictures of the event...darnnit!) Bennett enjoyed it and I think Brayden did too after he got over his funny transition period of new people coming over. What a great night for a cookout and then a short walk down the street. Brian and I finished it off with a fire outside in the backyard and s'mores.

Today we ventured out to Alki Beach in West Seattle as it was supposed to be another great day weather-wise. This is where I have taken the boys once before when Brian was out of town. I was more prepared today. With beach toys, blankets, towels, lunch and sunscreen in hand, we made the trek from our car down to the beach. So awesome to feel the warm sand on our toes (unless you are Bennett who still had issue with the funny texture on his feet). We claimed a spot and made it our own. Brayden immediately took his shoes off and started playing in the sand. Bennett was just fine on the edge of the blanket scooping sand into a bucket. We built sand castles, threw rocks in the water, had some lunch and just enjoyed hanging out and viewing our surroundings (boats passing by, the snow capped Olympic mountains in the distance, kyakers, a portion of the city to the East, people watching). When it was time to leave (about 2 or so hours after arriving) Bennett finally had decided to stand in the sand (with his crocs on) and play. He was in the squatting position so it slowly moved into the sitting in the sand position. When Brian and Brayden were up on the sidewalk waiting for us, he had then decided that it would be a good idea to take his crocs off and sit in the sand. I didn't want to cut this moment short as it felt like somewhat of a breakthrough for him! So, he and I sat there in the sand and I trickled sand over his legs and feet. I cupped my hands and filled them with sand while he discovered what it felt like to sweep it out of my hands and let it go flying in the breeze saying, "Weee" the whole while. A tear came to my eye as it was so innocent and sweet what I was witnessing; his first comfortable moment experiencing a new texture (which has proven to be a difficult thing for him). There was such joy in his accomplishment and I didn't want to take it from him. We lingered, just he and I, sitting in the sand for a few moments longer as I attempted to capture that moment in my mind's eye forever more (like so many other moments with my children that I wish I could catalog away). We then headed up to join Brian and Brayden to walk down the street a bit for some ice cream to top off our great day at the beach. Getting everyone car seat bound proved to be somewhat difficult (as it usually does lately) but once we were on our way, they were out before we hit the W. Seattle bridge heading home.

Momma, her sweeties and her floppy hat!

Brayden enjoying the wet sand to make castles

Bennett lounging on the blanket enjoying his cheese lunch

Brayden found a great digging spot

Watch out for those waves!

A Mother's Day Weekend

2008-05-11T23:04:00.000-07:00

Well, we took our first real vacation this weekend since we've been here. We went to the Great Wolf Lodge of all places. Ironic as this is something we have in Kansas City but waited until we moved to Seattle to go and do! This one just opened several weeks ago.

The weekend started off Sat. morning with me changing out the boys' clothes as Bennett has been sporting high waters for several weeks now and it doesn't appear to be getting consistently warmer anytime soon (in order for us to switch to shorts). As I was putting the larger sizes into his drawer and folding up the smaller ones, I noticed that he is now into the clothes that Brayden was wearing when Bennett was born. A harsh realization that my baby is growing up. It seemed that Brayden was so big/old when Bennett was born. Could it be that my baby is there now too? It doesn't seem possible. I dressed him in a shirt that Brayden used to wear around that time. It was one of our favorites. Each time I looked at him and thought about the shirt, I got tears in my eyes.

When we arrived at the Lodge, the boys do what they do best and tested out the bed for its jumpability!

We headed down to the water park. What a neat place! It is definitely not a place to be if you don't want to get squirted/splashed with water. Brayden was very into it right away. Bennett on the other hand clung to Daddy like there was no tomorrow! He took a while to warm up but definitely had a good time once he did.

The next day was Mother's Day and the boys (all 3 of them) woke me up with a beautiful card that they made with flowers they picked from our front garden. We then headed down to breakfast where we paused for a picture:

During breakfast Bennett found a great place to hide his pretzels for later.

Brayden then wanted me to take a video of him eating his pancakes.

As I went to the spa for my Mother's Day body polish (ooh la la!) Brian and the boys headed back to the water park. Upon my return from the spa, I found Brayden going down the kiddie waterslide over and over while Brian and Ben looked on from nearby. I took over so Brian could go try some of the adult water slides. We had a super time watching for him to emerge from the tubes. As we were waiting for him at one of the slides, I noticed that Brayden was dancing around and pinching his swimsuit down near his penis. Now, Brayden is not potty trained yet but he knows that he is not supposed to go potty or poop in the pool. When I saw this I asked if he had to go potty. His reply was an emphatic "NO!" He was cold and wet (purple lips to boot) so I figured it could just be a cold dance. A few minutes later we found out that the cold dance WAS actually a potty dance! He stopped dancing and stared out into space for a moment and then down at his leg. I was cracking up inside but he was very confused. I assured him that it was okay and that his swim diaper caught most of it. After Brian came out of the slide, we went to change Brayden. I didn't put a swim diaper on him this time and told him that if he felt that feeling again that he needs to let us know. Now it was off to figure something out for lunch and then hit the road. We ordered lunch in the water park and found a table. By this time Bennett was so hungry he was pissed! He started pushing at me and saying "No!!!" Then the next thing I know, he's on the floor under the table asleep!

Hysterical, too cute and a little gross but at least the floor was dry where we were sitting. Several minutes later Brayden said, "Mommy, I have to potty!" Daddy snatched him up and made a beeline for the bathroom. Success! He did it and in a public place to boot!!! This was a red letter day as he only had to potty one more time to get his Thomas Jet Engine train that he had so been wanting! Now he was going to get it as soon as we got home!

So, even though I enjoyed the spa on the day for Mommies, my favorite parts of the day were seeing Bennett sleeping where he crashed and seeing the pride show on Brayden's face when he had experienced success. Definitely a Mother's Day to remember.

Sesame Street Live

2008-05-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday we went to Sesame Street Live down in Tacoma. A much anticipated event by both boys. As the lights went down and the first song started, Bennett was a force to be reckoned with. He stood for the first 4 or 5 songs and jumped up and down non-stop as he was holding onto the seat in front of him! There was an occasional "Grogro (Grover)," "Elmo," or "Cookie" shouted out amidst the jumping. Then as each song ended, he promptly appluaded as though he had just seen a broadway show or a famous opera. This was worth the price of admission!

We have been to Sesame Street Live two other times back in Kansas City. In the past, at each intermission they have brought out the large Elmo balloons at $8 a pop. I was almost sure we would be walking out of there $16 poorer with two boys grinning ear to ear grasping tightly to their newest acquisitions. This time however they wheeled out the cotton candy cart right to the middle of the floor. When Brayden saw this and then saw a boy approximately his age walking by eating said cotton candy, he was intriguied. "I want that that you lick Mommy," he said pointing at the spun sugar on a stick. "Sweetie, I know it looks like he was licking it, but you don't lick it," I tried to reason with him. He would have none of that. What the heck. He's gonna try it sometime, right? So, $4 later, we were headed back to our seats, cotton candy in hand. I'm happy to say that promptly after 4 bites he turned to me, outstretched hand holding cotton candy, "I'm done Mommy." That's my boy! No sugar high and now Daddy and I get to eat the rest! Nice... A fun time was had by all!

Our night owl (part 2)

2008-05-08T06:14:00.000-07:00

I was awakened this morning with a Trivial Pursuit card stuck in my face and an eagar voice in my ear, "Mommy, you know what game this card is for?" Reluctantly prop one eye open in a squint and try to focus. I am either late to work or, or ....a quick glance at the clock shows that it is what (?) 5:45am! How can that be right? Did my clock stop? It is light outside. No, Ali. The truth hurts. It really is 5:45am AND light outside AND your 3 year old is up and apparently playing Trivial Pursuit.

Oy vey.

Shopping list:
- dark as night curtains for Brayden's room in a hope to fix the adjustment to the BRIGHT mornings in the NW

Misc. Thoughts and Update

2008-05-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

Well, today it seems like spring has sprung and then has gone away again and now we are back to icky. The beautiful flowering bushes here are still in bloom but the tulips are quickly fading and there was a constant downing of little white petals blowing in the wind today from the flowering tree at the house next door. Could it really be that spring is passing already? I don't really feel like it was ever here (except for a day or two here and there). What comes between spring and summer?

Night owl - Brayden has been our night owl as of late. He was really busy last night into the wee (in my book) hours. I still heard him up there doing what sounded like arranging his room until about 10pm or so. I went to check on him as I do every night before going to be and found his room COMPLETELY picked up bed made, blankets folded and put away and everything. For those of you that have seen his room, you know this is no easy accomplishment! There are nights we can't walk near his bed without stepping on books. Where was Brayden? I think the picture speaks for itself. How does one fall asleep like that let alone STAY that way without falling down? Brian and I had a good laugh about this one...

We made our first trip to the zoo this past Monday. We met our friends Isabel, Max, Kate and Lindsay and Owen there. Had a great time checking out all the animals and herding small children!

The highlight of Bennett's day was definitely chasing a bunch of crows that descended upon our lunch spot after we had picked up.

Here are a few clips of Bennett being silly. Why are they all Bennett you may ask? Well, while Brayden is spending time in front of the tv (which Bennett has still not really taken to) Bennett is off being silly and making up fun things to do. I've obviously known that siblings can be night and day from each other but to actually witness this on some level with my own children is quite curious.

Hide and seek game (sorry it is sideways - i won't make that mistake again)

Bennett decided he didn't want what we were having for dinner last night and only wanted ketchup - by itself. Here he is demanding more ketchup.

Bennett set this one up all himself. Pulled the chair over, got the sesame characters, placed them on the chair, got the leaf blower and well, you'll see the rest. Make sure to hang in there till the end when you get to hear Bennett's impression of a fish. This sound makes Brayden laugh hysterically.

Not feeling too introspective or wordy at the moment. Sorry for the few words in this post.

Bedtime can't come too soon....

2008-05-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

Ever have those days where you mutter these words to yourself? I had an afternoon like that! After spending last night whooping it up with a great group of neighbors at a charity auction for the Children's Hospital, I had a rough morning. Brian graciously hung with the kiddos until I made an appearance around 11am. We had a great time at the auction! It was hosted at a fabulous home just down the street right on the lake - amazing! They thought of everything in this home - even built in heaters outside right above the outdoor fireplace seating area. Pics are as follows: Brian and I before heading out; me, Isabel (neighbor with Max & Kate down the street) and Kim (neighbor across the street whos home we have been to several times); Brayden, Bennett and Max all cashed out on various pillows on the floor at Max's house. Babysitting went better than expected! The kids went down to Max and Kate's house and two 13 year old neighbors came over. The kids did great and (as you can see from the picture) they even fell asleep. A million thanks to Isabel for organizing that as now we have some great sitters right on the block to use again!

Now, back to the bedtime not coming soon enough. After naps today, Brayden, Bennett and I headed out down the street to visit Max & Kate again as Max and Brayden apparently worked out that Brayden could borrow one of Max's trains. That is ALL I heard about all day so we were going to make it happen. We were then continuing on our walk to the store for a couple of items for dinner. Brian was grilling steaks tonight (!) as we finally got some propane to partake in the ritual of grilling season finally beginning! Isabel needed some things from the store too so she, Max and Kate joined us as it was a gorgeous day. On the way back, Max and Brayden (sharing a stroller) had worked it out that Max was going to come to our house for a bit to play. Things were great when we got back home as they went right to work playing nicely with each other. Then, demon-like child appeared. Brayden apparently has forgotten (if he ever knew!) how to share and went into complete freak out mode when Max wanted to play on a train track that Brayden had built earlier that day. There was no coming out of this mood. I found myself uttering those idle threats again that you want to take back as soon as they make it out of your mouth. "Brayden, do you want me to call Max's mommy and tell him that you aren't sharing so he has to go home now?!" "YES," responds Brayden. Ah, lovely. That wasn't the answer I was hoping for. Pull out mommy handbook, flip to index, look up "Answers to idle threats that you weren't expecting" and read like mad! Now, here I am with egg on my face because I'm not going to follow through with that one. So, all in all, Brayden and Max played together for a total of about 10 minutes (if that) while he was here. Oh well, each time will get easier I suspect. It has been a while since he's had to share his toys with someone other than his brother and maybe he just has to re-learn it. Any way you look at it, it feels good to have people wandering in and out of our home again but tonight, bedtime can't come too soon!

Brayden had a good time fishing for one of his cars that went under the stove while Bennett (who was interested moments ago) is now engrossed in book.

Here is a great one of Bennett sitting on a pillow, dipping a car into Aspen's water and then sucking the water off the car. He is a silly one I tell ya! Enjoy!

Happy 21 months!

2008-05-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

Bennett is 21 mos. old today!

Just had to share this sweetie pie clip of Bennett saying "cock a doodle doo!" and crying like a doggy does in one of our music class songs. Enjoy!

The switch

2008-05-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Since waking this morning to work as I do every morning at 6am, I have been tested by one or more of my children (as I am most days...). Someone usually has something the other one wants or Brayden is anticipating that the toys he is playing with will be snatched up by Bennett at any moment leaving him more than a bit frustrated. This morning was no different than many in that respect. I'm not sure how many times a day I utter the words, "Use your words (before getting so upset) Brayden (and taking matters into your own hands)!" After speaking them so many times, there is a switch in me that gets flipped. This switch turns my face from something quite pleasant to somewhat of a demon. There is typically no middle ground for me. I don't know who this person is that comes out at the flip of the switch and I usually don't have much warning prior to the switch. I don't like that person much. She uses idle threats to attempt to get what she wants/needs at the time. My children respond to threats (sometimes) but mostly it seems to not teach them what it is that they need to learn from the situation. This is why I try not to use them much but lately the switch is being flipped more and more frequently. I'm not sure why. Maybe it is the incessant/immediate whining from Brayden lately when he doesn't get his way. "Tough!" I say. What does that really mean to him though? Probably not much.

So, I will continue on trying to prevent my switch from getting flipped so frequently and relishing in the tender moments when they are playing together, hugging, or being goofballs with one another. Those moments really do make the other ones easier to get through.

From the clip below you'll see that we have somewhat of a boy band on our hands. Bennett is the front man on the guitar with the wicked moves and Brayden hangs back as the solid drummer/singer. Aspen makes an appearance as the bouncer making sure no one rushes the stage. Rock on....

Everything goes good with...

2008-04-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Ketchup! Did you know that? As many of you know, Bennett has an issue with texture and food. So much so that he is still eating pureed baby food at almost 21 mos. old. He has slowly been expanding his food repitoire as of late and we have found out one VERY important trick - Bennett will eat just about anything if you dip it in ketchup first! What a funny guy! So, we found ourselves dipping slices of turkey meat into ketchup - yuck! This is even one of Ben's old standards but he loves it in ketchup too!

He is proving to continue to be a very silly, sweet heart. He is very strong (in will and physical strength) and hasn't wanted to be confined even to a grocery cart lately. This makes any sort of errand a difficult one. I'm getting many the evil eye when I whiz down the aisle of the grocery store with one standing baby in said cart. Don't they understand? Haven't they been there? Can't they see I'm all of 5'1" and approx. 100 lbs? I haven't the strength to force him into the seat and strap (even though he is only 24 lbs.). I have come to utilizing lollipops to get what I want from him and then of course Brayden has to have one too. What sticky messes we get!

We finally got Brayden enrolled in a preschool that I think (I hope) will suit him to a tee. It is a Waldorf school called Fremont Community School (http://www.fremontcommunityschool.org/) in a house just down the street from Lake Union and not far from Brian's work. A really neat part is that There is a trail all the way from our house to the pre-school so Brian will take him there on his bike in a trailer and pick him up and get him home the same way! Brayden starts there one day a week in June to sort of ease into it. We are excited about this and look forward to him getting to play with some children his own age. It will be an adjustment for everyone though - including Bennett. I know he will miss his "Bae Bae" at Mary's.

We visited the Museum of Flight with two other 3 year old boys from our block - Dutch and Max. What a cool place! Max also has a little sister named Kate who is Bennett's age. We had a playdate with them yesterday and had a ball! My mom visited us for a couple of days and we had a great time seeing some sights and just hanging out. Freak snow storms and hail storms visited us throughout her visit! The boys LOVED having her here and hated to see her go.

Noisy Tenants

2008-04-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

Not only are we tenants in our rental home but we now have some other tenants who have moved in unannounced and without sharing in the rent! Woodpeckers! This started about 2 weeks ago now at which time, I might add, we responsibly notified the owner of our home who decided to take the wait and see approach. Well, that has proven to be working out great - not. For some reason the Tuttle luck (as Brian states) has graced us again - as now there are at least 2 woodpeckers (we heard them both at the same time yesterday) and at least 4 different areas of the house they are "working" on. At times it sounds like a construction crew is working on the outside of our house putting on new siding or something!

And now, I sit here in bed writing this blog at 6:55am on a Sunday morning. Why, you might ask? Not because my small children have woken me - oh no. Because the main hole (which is actually now a house for one of the birds) is right on the outside of Bennett's room and this creature has decided to start work early this morning at 6:23am! I have been listening to him pound away through Bennett's monitor since then! Poor Bennett. I'm typing on borrowed time as it is just a matter of moments (I suspect) before he too is wakened by the construction crew. I have already placed a call to our landlord about this issue two days in a row and today he will be getting a third call. He has proven to be fairly non-responsive on several other issues as well. Since we have returned from KC, at least one of our kids has been waking everyday at 6:15 or 6:30. Today, at 7:02 now, they are both asleep. Heaven - except now I'm pissed! This damn bird is keeping me awake. I won't be as friendly on my call today and when this gorgeous bird makes it all the way through Bennett's bedroom wall, I imagine there will be hell to pay then too!

Lately...

2008-04-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Well, we had a good visit in Kansas City seeing friends, me going to a baby shower for a good friend, lunch with my brother, a much needed mani/pedi, visiting Ottawa to see Great Grandma Brown along with Uncle John and Aunt Sue Ann and a much needed night out with a group of good girlfriends at JP's Wine Bar! We packed lots in to that week. We were all ready to get back to see Daddy and Aspen. We survived both flights and arrived back on Monday the 31st. No one took naps that day and we played down at the playground at the beach club we are members of. It's wonderful to be able to take such a short walk to the beach and park.

The day before we left for Kansas City was the day before Easter so the Easter bunny came a day early at our house. That morning after we had our Easter egg hunt at home we went down to the beach club for an Easter egg-stravaganza! There was an egg hunt, an egg and spoon race, a sack race and an egg toss. What a neat event! We all had a blast! Later on that afternoon we had been invited over to a neighbors house for an Easter potluck. She made a ham and everyone else brought all of the trimmings. We hung out over there all afternoon and night while the kids ran all over their awesome back yard. How lucky to have landed on another neat street! We met more great neighbors at this event and some with kids Brayden's age too! (finally!)

Since we've returned we have made another trip to the Children's Museum downtown and had a playdate with our cousins Kate and Anabelle. Brayden started swimming lessons at a local community center last Monday - he loved it! He was apprehensive at first but when we got there he couldn't wait to get in. Bennett was so sweet standing on the side of the pool cheering Brayden on - "Go Bae Bae Go!" We also started a music class this week at a great place - The Phinney Neighborhood Association. It is housed in an old schoolhouse in a great neighborhood and is just a space for community events/classes to take place.

This afternoon the kids and I headed over to our neighbor's house to play in the backyard again. What fun! We hung out so long that we ordered pizza and then made a fire and roasted marshmellows. The kids had a blast and Brayden finally started playing with the two other three year old boys on our block. What a great feeling that was/is. To see him making friends and connecting. He connects with them sooner and sooner each time we see them so hopefully they are becoming somewhat familiar to him. We are taking a "field trip" with them next week to the museum of flight so that should be great too!

Well, that's it. It was a late night for the kids and we are headed to the Skagit County Tulip Festival early tomorrow so I need to sign off for now. I hope everyone is well! -Ali

An update

2008-03-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I've written anything. We've been up to the same old same old. The boys are gettng used to their new day care provider however Brayden says that he would rather be back at Laurie's (the woman we just switched from). He really misses his friends from there and doesn't have any kids his age at Mary's.

A few weekends ago we were out at the Lake Forest Park Commons for a Dr. Suess Celebration. As we were leaving, we were standing at the bottom of an escalator and Brian and I were putting Bennett back in the stroller. Brayden was busy standing on a bench next to the up escalator. He was leaning over touching the railing as it moved up. I told him to stop as that is dangerous. Not two seconds later we heard, "Mommy! Mommy!" We looked over to see his hands moving up the escalator railing! We immediately left Bennett and I ran over to the outside of the escalator to see Brayden slowly sailing up the outside of the escalator wall. I jumped on the benches and grabbed his ankles. He was just about to be out of my reach so I screamed for him to let go and as I was doing that, Brian (the smart one in this scenario!) told him NOT to let go - he was actually on the escalator and was just about to have a hold of his arms. He scooped him up just as he went out of my reach. We were all very scared to say the least but fortunately Brian and I were giggling about it later but realizing that it could have been much worse.

We had our first visitors a couple of weeks ago. Brian's cousin who just moved here from Ireland with her husband and their two girls (same ages as Brayden and Bennett) came over for dinner. Brayden and Bennett had a great time playing with the girls and just having visitors. We hadn't seen them since the beginning of the year and we hope to see them more often.

We went to the Pike Place Market last Saturday. Brian had some chili, we had a Piroshky and picked up some fruit. Brayden didn't much like the crowd but did a great job. We had bought a basket of blueberries at the market and Brayden hadn't had any lunch. He wanted to eat some on the way home so we tried to give him some but he wanted to hold the whole basket. We turned around several minutes later only to see that he was just finishing off the entire thing!! He ate every one of those blueberries! Needless to say, the next day we saw several blue poops!! Ha!

Tonight after dinner, Brayden wanted to listen to some "fast music." We put some music on and he invited us to all dance. All four of us boogied down to some Buffet in the darkness of our living room. The kids LOVE this. They love watching Mommy and Daddy dance and they love all of us dancing together. As Brian and I were dancing, Brayden held Bennett's hands to dance with him and held him close. As the music was dying down and Brayden and I were dancing, he pulled me down and said that he's been thinking about us having another baby and that it should be a grill (= girl) and we should name her "Dada" like our daddy. I giggled and said we would have to see about that. "Bennett could play with her," he said.

We are headed to Kansas City again this Sunday (Easter) for a week. We are looking forward to it.

Beauty

2008-02-23T16:32:00.000-08:00

We have had some gorgeous weather lately (50's and sunny!) so this morning the boys and I took off to do something outside. I didn't care what it was. My only requirements were that it be something we couldn't do in KC and something takes advantage of the landscape that we now call home. I really didn't know exactly where we were going when we took off but I had a couple of places in mind. We ended up at Alki Beach over in West Seattle. This is along a stretch of road that is supposed to be similar to a beach area in CA - a beach on one side of a two lane street and shops/restaurants on the other side of the street. There were people everywhere! I could tell immediately that we came to a good spot! We found a spot to part and headed down to the beach. The kids got their boots on and headed down to the water. There were rocks everywhere near the water which was great for the boys as they loved picking them up and throwing them in the waves as they splashed up near them! Bennett was fascinated with the water and kept walking right up to it! Brayden expressed his disappointment at not being able to swim in it. I promised him we would be back in the summer time.

There is so much to look at from this beach! The Olympic mountains in the West, Seattle across to the NE, ferry boats going past constantly along with sea kyakers, seaplanes, sailboats etc. What a gorgeous, ever changing view!

After we had played for a bit near the water, we headed up to grab a bite to eat. We walked to a fish and chips place and had a good meal. Great fries! Afterwards we headed back to the car and stopped to play in the sand and at the water again. Next time we'll need to remember to bring pails and shovels. Brayden built a mound of sand and we threw some more rocks in. Bennett had trouble walking in his boots on the sand so we tried to go barefoot. This is when I found out that Bennett DOES NOT like to have his feet in the sand! Oooooh, he freaked out when we tried that and was extremely upset! I giggled to myself...

It was hard to say goodbye to the water and beach after such a fun time but we'll be back with daddy next time and will make a day out of it!

When the weather is good here there is beauty everywhere you look. It is ever present. Even if you can't see the water or a snow capped mountain range in the distance you may see a funky shop or a unique neighborhood etc. People are out in droves. They are packing the parks and scenic overlook green spaces laying in the sun, writing in a journal or just looking out at the amazing scenery. I imagine that they are asking themselves how they got so lucky to be in this spot taking in the view they see before them. I honestly don't think they get bored of it. I don't think that I will.

Change Doesn't Stop

2008-02-19T22:59:00.000-08:00

We made a big decision last week. We have chosen to find a different day care for the kids. Their current providers are good people overall but we (okay, mostly Ali) feel that it is not the right environment for them as there are older elementary school children that come to the day care for after school care. This may not be much of an issue as long as the children that attend each day are fairly consistent and are supervised while they are there. However, there has been more than one occasion where I have come to pick the kids up and there isn't an adult around where my children are. This is not acceptable to me.

The straw that broke the camel's back was last Thursday (Valentine's Day) when I arrived to find Brayden down in the basement with 3 school age children who were playing a video game on a large screen tv hanging on the wall. The video game had guns and they were shooting at other people. There was no adult to be found down where these children were - and there was no excuse for that as they both happened to be on the phone at the moment. I expressed my disappointment and frustration at this to their provider and she immediately turned it off and punished the children involved. This was too little too late for me though.

I struggled somewhat with wondering which was worse, leaving them in this setting after having a long talk with the provider or switching them to a different, more acceptable situation. I decided that it would be worse to leave them in their current situation. So, thus began my search again for another provider. Wasn't looking forward to that at all.

Thursday night I posted a note to a playgroup that I am a part of (although I have only met one person so far!) asking if anyone knew of an in home childcare that I might be able to contact. I got one response the next day. I contacted that woman who referred me to another woman who referred me to a website where I found a couple of others to contact. The first person that I called from that website seemed to fit the bill to a tee! She has previously been an elementary school teacher in both the public setting and a co-op setting. She is earning her Master's degree in School Administration. She also has a degree in Japanese and is fluent in sign language and conversational french. She has a 21 month old daughter and is pregnant with her second daughter (due at the end of May). She explained that as she was looking for child care for her daughter that she was not finding anything that met her standards for her so she decided to leave her job as a teacher and start a day care that had everything she had wanted for her daughter. She cares for her daughter and 2 other children that are around 21 mos. old as well. This is perfect for Bennett but I had concerns about how Brayden would work into that. He finds such joy out of playing with the older kids at his day care. As I was interviewing this woman, she told me about several friends that she has all with 3 1/2 year old boys and a younger sibling as well. These are all former teachers that are now stay at home moms. She has spoken with them about coming over for playdates while Brayden and Bennett are there so that Brayden has little buddies to play with and even said that one of them may want to enroll her child with her for a couple of days a week now that she will have another 3 yr. old boy there. On top of that, she said that she would keep another spot open in her day care but would not fill it with anyone other than a 3 year old! Seriously folks, this woman has answered all of my prayers so far. I swear we are such on the same wave length with everything that we talk about. I could go on for a while...

After I interviewed her last Sunday, the boys and I went over to play so that they could meet her too. They had a blast! Brayden was very open to going and meeting her even at the thought of losing his current play buddies from his existing child care. He was very sweet about the whole thing and decided that he really likes Mary (the provider's name). When I asked Bennett if he liked Mary he responded without hesitation with a, "Yea!" So, I told both of them that we are going to Laurie's (their current provider) for 2 more days and then we will start going to Mary's and Bennett says, "Ah K! Bae Bae?" (Bae Bae = Brayden) To which Brayden replied, "OK!"

Peace....I currently have it. Let's hope that it remains in the weeks to come.

Weekend fun!

2008-02-19T22:50:00.000-08:00

The forecast was true, we had sunny sunny days and mid 50 weather for several days in a row! Yee haw! It was great! We took advantage of no sicknesses and went out to the aquarium last Saturday. We were lucky enough to be there on the first day of Octopus week! There were octopus crafts all over and we got to see several scuba divers walk down a large ramp right into the Sound and release an octopus into the wild! They lowered a camera down there too so that we could all watch on tv's that were inside the aquarium. Very neat! The boys had a blast seeing all that there is to see there. Afterwards we enjoyed hotdogs in the sun on the waterfront. Great day!

On Sunday we tried out a church that is not too far from our home. This was our first experience leaving the kiddos in a church day care and it was separate rooms at that. Bennett didn't fare too well at first but then started doing better. He is very into horses (neigh neighs as he calls them) and they had one in that room that he didn't let out of his sight. He got very upset towards the end when all of the other parents came to pick up the kids and we weren't there right away. Brayden took a bit to warm up to his room but did well overall. We liked the church and will probably try it out again.

After church we went to an outdoor mall called University Village (http://www.uvillage.com/). This was another day of gorgeous weather. They have an outdoor play area right in the middle of the shops here and the boys loved playing on it. Brian had an appt. at the Apple store to get his battery checked out so we visited a great toy store while he was in there. We ate lunch afterwards at a local brewery in the mall.

Later on that day we took Aspen out to one of the many off leash dog parks here. She loved it and the boys loved having her in the car with us. Brayden really enjoyed running along with her wherever she went. Then the kids got to play at the playground that was nearby.

All in all, a great weekend!

"Rain in the morning tapering off to afternoon showers"

2008-02-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

How is this possible? Doesn't that essentially mean that it is supposed to rain all day? This was the forecast for last Tuesday. Turns out that it only rained lightly towards the end of the day. It has been pretty sunny since and is forecasted to be so at least through the weekend. Ah the sun....I have missed her in large doses. We see her for minutes at a time through the days so it will be a real treat to experience her glow for hours and perhaps days at a time!

Aspen seems to be enjoying her backyard more and more. She sits smack dab in the middle of it and watches for creatures (mainly birds are all we have in this backyard) and watches/listens to the cars going past on the other side of the fence. She is barking more and more while she is out there. This makes me smile. Not the actual barking so much but the fact that she is finally doing it again. I don't think I heard her bark for the first 5 or 6 weeks that we were here. This has obviously been an adjustment for her as well and the barking indicates to me that she is starting to feel comfortable again. She has taken to spending a lot of time in the boys' playhouse when it is out and up! She likes to sleep in there and sit and look out the window at us. I figure she knows no one can really sneak up on her and ride her like a horse while she's in there (gotta love Bennett!).

Well, we are back from our week in Kansas City and in full swing Seattle life again. We had a great visit spending time with family and our various groups of friends. My brother Andy was even in town from Denver. Awesome to spend time with him. We got to see him more this time than usual as he was typically staying where we were staying. Also while we were there, Brian came down with the flu and Bennett went to urgent care a very croupy cough. My mom, Joel and my sister Angee all came down with the flu the day that we were leaving too! Sheesh! I felt badly for them although I'm glad that it came at the end of our trip so that they were able to enjoy most of their time with the kids to the fullest.

Brayden had a fever for several days towards the end of two weeks ago so our weekend left something to be desired for sure.

Brayden and Bennett have been real fun to watch together lately. They are SO sweet when they actually play with each other (as opposed to trying to take things from each other!). They were playing in the tub the other night both giggling and giving each other wet hugs over and over again. "I wuv having a broder (brother) Mommy," says Brayden. My heart absolutely melts and tears well up. "That makes your heart happy, right Mommy?" "Absolutely," I say. "You are absolutely right."

Bennett has been jabbering quite a lot lately. I tell ya, the little guy has lots to say! The other night we were reading a book about taking the train. I got to the part where the conductor says, "All aboard!" and Bennett repeats it over and over in a very boisterous voice! Too sweet for words...

Well, that's it for now. I wrote this last week and am not posting till today....it was a tough one last week.

Beachwalking

2008-01-21T17:26:00.000-08:00

The other night we participated in our first night beachwalk! What a neat activity! We gathered at a beach in Edmonds right near the Edmonds ferry with our flashlights and rainboots and went exploring at low tide in the tide pools! We saw star fish, a sun star (picture below), various kinds of crabs, shrimp and lots of barnacles. (Brayden was very good at locating barnacles!)

There were several park rangers on hand to explain what we were looking at. We will definitely enjoy this activity again! Here are some pics (sorry for the funny layout of them. I can't seem to get them to be put on here nicely...)

Fast friends

2008-01-17T16:08:00.000-08:00

The boys and I went to a local shopping mall last Monday for a play time on the indoor play equipment as the weather is crappy and I can only pay for "Pump it up" so many times! Anyway, I had read that this particular mall had two separate play areas that are hot spots for local moms when the weather is sterotypical Seattle weather. Each play area contained a large boat for children to play on and it was a hopping place that day. The first boat we visited was a tugboat. My wide-eyed boys eagerly removed their shoes and began to partake in this newest of activities. Bennett promptly climbed to the very tippy top of the boat that was no more than 1 foot wide and stood up grinning from ear to ear as if he had just climbed Everest! I freaked out and immediately boarded the boat dodging random children in my path to tell him, "On your bottom Bennett," to which responded with another even bigger grin! (what a stinker!)

Brayden and I started playing pirates as best we could with me attempting to contain my part monkey child at the same time. Nearby a little girl heard us talking about pirates and she chimed in to say that she was having a pirate birthday party on the beach where everyone was dressing up as pirates and there would even be belly dancers there. Well, this was very intriguing to Brayden. This was to be her fifth birthday and we were definitely invited. "When is it," I asked. June 22nd. Well, we'll have to put that one on the calendar and good planning so far in advance! She and Brayden immediately hit it off from then on and played pirates the rest of the time we were there.

I had been looking around for her mom or dad only to find that it looked like she was there with her grandpa - a little bit of an unkept looking gentleman who sat further away from all of the moms surrounding the boat.

When it was time for us to move on to the next boat in the mall, Brayden's new friend told us that she would meet us there. I had serious doubts but Brayden was entranced and in this girl's spell so I hoped, for his sake, that we would see her.

We made it to the next boat which was a large ferry boat. No friend was to be found. Brayden started making up his own game of jumping from a very high spot. Bennett again, you guessed it, scaled the thing in 3 seconds flat! Brayden asked several times, "Mommy, where is that grill?" (girls are pronounced grill by Brayden) I kept trying to prepare him that she may not be there. A few minutes later though, she showed up. She ran up to Brayden and said, "I have something for you!" On her way to the ferry boat, she had stopped and bought some chicken nuggets, a drink and two cookies. One for her and one for Brayden! What an act of pure, innocent kindness! I was truly touched and Brayden was under her spell again - this time with treats! She even let him pick which one he wanted! They started to eat these right on the ferry boat in the middle of all of those children. I gently directed them to the side of the play area since they didn't have enough to share with everyone. A cookie before lunch...what more could a boy ask for!

After the cookie they played and played some more. When it was time to leave to find a place to eat lunch, Brayden of course didn't want to. He wanted a drink like his friend had. I'm not sure what was in that McDonald's cup and explained to Brayden that we would get a drink when we went to eat lunch. He was disappointed to say the least. I turned around for 5 seconds to put Bennett in the stroller only to find that his new friend had snuck the straw into Brayden's mouth for him to taste the sweet nectar of whatever was in that cup! Oooooohh this made me mad. Brayden pushed the drink away as soon as he saw me looking at him and that made me even madder! He's never tried to sneak anything like that! I explained to the girl that it was very nice of her to share but that we don't share drinks due to the germs in our mouths. First a cookie before lunch and now a cold or some other sickness that we'll find out about in approximately 7-10 days! Oh well....

We promptly left and Brayden was so disappointed that he didn't want to say goodbye to his fast friend. I told her goodbye and she told Brayden goodbye and made sure that we knew that she would be there again another day that her mommy is working. She also invited us to her birthday party again. I sure hope we see her again (without cookies and drinks next time!).

Funny how kids can find friends so fast only to most likely never see them again. It made me feel sad for him - I'm sure its not the first time I will feel that way.

As time wears on...

2008-01-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

Well, we have been here a month now and are getting into somewhat of a routine. The kids seem to really be enjoying their new day care (sigh of relief...) and I am getting used to my new schedule and working surroundings. It is quiet working from home but I have Aspen to keep me company and the day actually goes pretty darn fast! I would love to have time to pick up the house and do miscellaneous activities around the house too but that seems to elude me leaving it only for evening time.

It snowed here Monday night and we woke up to what we would refer to as a dusting of snow on the ground. The way the locals were acting though, you would have thought there was 3 feet of snow outside! The storm was the biggest news on the radio talk shows and schools were delayed to start and some even closed! We were cracking up at this! Our super steep driveway was a little slick and I'll admit that I had to take a running start in the van to make it up it but once I got over that, it was smooth sailing. Funny that the people that live here and seem to be looked at as rather outdoorsy folk that are VERY close to extreme snow conditions and probably partake in those activities on a fairly regular basis freak out when old man winter actually makes a little visit to the city.

This week I really have begun to miss my previous KC life. Maybe it is the fact of knowing that our tenants officially moved in to our home which feels so temporarily permanent or maybe I am just plain homesick. The days I work are actually very good for me. It is the time when I feel most connected to my KC life. I know that this is an adventure and that things will be different as time wears on and even as the weather here changes to spring. I look forward to that. I miss you all and look forward to seeing you again soon....

Goodbye sweet paci

2008-01-04T23:08:00.000-08:00

Brayden appears to be done with his pacifier! Right after we moved he mentioned one time at nap or bed time that he wanted a paci without so many holes in it. I examined it only to find that from all of the chewing he had done on it, there were countless little holes all over it. I told him that I didn't have any others without holes except for an old one that sits in his room all the time (a true statement). Since then, he has stopped using it altogether. He has asked for it on several very upset occasions and I have offered the one with holes but he doesn't want it.

Goodbye sweet paci...we will remember the fond times with you when you were the only thing that Brayden wanted for bed time and in more recent times, when you were the only thing that could settle an unsettled boy. You have been such a faithful friend to him. Know that you are missed...and like so many other things in our life right now, it is time to move on.

"Somethin' about them circles..."

2008-01-04T22:41:00.001-08:00

For those of you that have ever spent any time in a Gymboree class in the last 3 years, you will probably recognize the title of this post as one of those catchy (annoying at times) songs from that play time.

Our home here has a pattern to it that so many homes have - a circle. Ours starts in the entry and continues through the family room, dining room, kitchen and then on again through the entry. Brayden and Ben (especially Brayden) have come to know this circle very well. It is used for many things - "skating"/dancing around to songs that we listen to, running at top speeds with a shopping cart and/or toy stroller in tow, "flying" (as in Buzz Lightyear or any aircraft related toy), or simply giggling brothers chasing each other to get some energy out.

Other favorite pass times for the boys of late are standing on anything high up that they can find and (for Brayden) seeing how far he can jump and still land on his feet, standing on a coffee table and dancing (Bennett is the main perpatrator here...). Monkeys I tell ya...

Our home....

2008-01-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

Well, we have officially rented our home in PV to a family from the Philadelphia area. They have transferred to KC for a job. They have 3 children (kindergarten down to 2 years old). Their plan right now is to only be in KC for 2 years for this position.

They were going to move in on the 13th of Jan. I got a call today from the wife/mom asking if they could move the date up to tomorrow as her husband is in town right now and is tired of staying in hotels and would just like to get into their new house. I see no problem with this.

What a funny feeling though. Another family will be enjoying the home/area that I love so much. Another child/children will be enjoying Brayden's old room that is so unique and neat to me. Another family will (hopefully) get to know our neighbors/friends and potentially spend the time with them that we so much enjoy spending with them. Strange...

I always knew it would feel funny but now it is actually here.

I haven't met them but have spoken with both on the phone at length. I have a good feeling about them. They seem like people we would most likely enjoy the company of. From the things they have said, they also seem like people who will take care of our home as if it was theirs (or close to it at least). Exactly what we hoped for in tenants.

Phew, we are over what I saw as the last current hurdle. Hopefully it will start to feel more comfortable as time wears on.

Mad Pizza

2008-01-04T21:49:00.000-08:00

The title of this post is where I went to dinner tonight with the boys. I point it out because, similar to the pizza, I must have been "mad" to order the pizza and then take them there on my own. Brian is in Redmond, OR tonight at the holiday party for his company so I have flown solo with the boys all day and then tonight as well. We are on our own until tomorrow afternoon sometime.

Brayden was going on no nap (some days he takes one and some days he doesn't) and Bennett had only napped for about an hour. On top of that, Bennett was having teething issues today and was pretty crabby. So, what was I thinking ordering pizza that I had to go pick up and the store was on a busy street with no parking in a questionable neighborhood to boot?! I think I asked myself that several times as well as mumbled over and over again that I must be crazy (or mad...).

Let me take you through a play by play:
- Call to order pizza for delivery. Find out that we are just out of their delivery area. Order pizza anyway. (mistake #1)
- Attempt to change Ben's 3rd pair of poopy pants today and he again wants NO part of it. It was literally impossible to do without a second person here to hold him down.
- Ben is pissed but lets me put his coat on which he didn't let me do this morning.
- We all tromp to the car about 10 mins. after the pizza should have been done.
- Bennett fights me tooth and nail getting in his car seat. This little guy is STRONG (in will and pysical strength!).
- Find the pizza place (right next to the Hollywood Erotic Boutique) and attempt to park on busy street only to hit the curb several times. I will be lucky if I don't have a damaged or flat tire after this escapade.
- Turn around to tell Brayden he'll have to crawl out over Ben since his door is on the busy street side.
- Due to his napless day, Brayden has fallen asleep on the way to get the pizza.
- Lug two children (one half asleep) out of the car to hoof it down to pizza joint.
- Pay for pizza and decide to eat it there to have the other customers as company.
- Ben emphatically refuses high chair and stands in booster seat.
- Brayden removes his shoes (?) but doesn't want to take his coat off.
- After repeated attempts to get Ben to sit down, I throw my hands in the air, booster seat goes on floor and we have standing, wiggly child in booth dining on pizza bits.
- Seeing that I have simply given up, Brayden starts standing too.
- Both children start to dance in booth and play air guitar on every song seeing this as a fun time together.
- I smile....
- We finish pizza and clean up. Brayden gets his shoes back on without fussing and heads for the door.
- As Brayden is heading towards the door, I think, he bonks his head on the curvy pizza counter and lets out a scream/cry that alarms several pizza goers.
- I throw down box of pizza on nearest flat surface and go to Brayden's aid only to find out that he has NO intention of me comforting him as he flings himself to the floor letting his body go limp in my hands.
- Where's Ben? Oh, there he is at the door waiting for some customers who want to get in to open the door so he can escape! Luckily the customers are smart enough to wait till "Mad Mom" gets to the door of Mad Pizza to stop Ben from playing in traffic.
- Brayden recovers fairly quickly however won't let me have ANYTHING to do with holding his hand outside near the street. I give him a choice of holding my hand or me holding onto his coat. Again, he goes limp. I finish pulling him down the sidewalk by his limp arm thinking to myself for the 5oth time that I must be crazy for even attempting to settle for anything other than delivery.
- I'm laughing at the entire thing on the way home (a sure sign of going mad). The pizza was excellent.

FOUND - Mister Rogers!

2007-12-28T22:03:00.000-08:00

The other day when I was familiarizing myself with the "kid shows" and channels that are available to us here, I came across Mister Rogers. So, I tuned in as Brayden was already captivated by the show guide that I had popped up on the TV. It was almost over so I figured if he didn't enjoy it, he wouldn't have to sit through much of it. (Mom had mentioned this show to me a few weeks ago and was disappointed that she couldn't find it on anywhere in KC.)

I completely expected him not to like it. I figured it wasn't fast paced enough for him. He surprised me though! I think he really liked the trolly and the land of make believe. We came across it again this morning and he sat through an entire episode. I've now got it on our list of shows to record on a regular basis so we can watch it on demand! (I'll take that over a Dora or Diego any day!) What a friendly, patient man he is and what great lessons he taught children. I think it will be really good for Brayden.

We take our shoes off right when we walk in our house here as they are usually wet and grimey. Ever since Brayden watched his first show of Mister Rogers, he likes to go over to the nearest chair when he comes in, sit down and take his shoes off. He then proclaims to me, "Mommy, just like Mister Rogers!" Hopefully, it's all rubbing off on him....

Ali

Don't Let a Little Rain Stop You OR "Kids Dance Floor" for the Chicken Dance

2007-12-28T21:27:00.000-08:00

I realized today how less busy our lives are living here (so far, at least)! Don't get me wrong, I love our KC life and all of the family and friends and activities we have there. But during this time of getting acclimated here and finding a new normal, we are FAR less busy. This is a nice change of pace.

I have been bundling the boys up every evening around 4:30 to take Aspen on a walk as we still don't have a fully fenced in yard yet so she gets 3 walks a day. Ben gets to ride in the backpack while Brayden gets to let some of his energy out trotting along Aspen's side. We all get fresh air and a respite from being inside. One thing I have noticed (and participated in) is that people here don't let a little rain stop them from doing much of anything. So, we partake daily as well with our walks and our daily goings on. Just put your hood up and trudge through. I like this fact. It feels rather empowering.

Tonight we went to eat dinner at the Third Place Commons - a place down the street from our home that houses a little shopping area, a food court, a book store (Third Place Books) and a community area. http://www.thirdplacecommons.org/ This area hosts free live music every Friday and Saturday night. We had gotten a bit of a late start so we happened to still be there when the music started. Brayden and Bennett were intriguied. We finished up our food and wandered over to the stage area. Lots of folks were dancing even as the first song started. As we approached the dancing area, we noticed a little section of the floor that was roped off with signs saying, "Kids Dance Floor." This was THE place to be on that dance floor! Kids and their parents testing out their latest moves! Brayden danced his way over to the kids dance floor. Bennett (on the other hand) wasn't so sure at first. They both LOVED clapping after the songs were over. Bennett did warm up after some prompting by Mom and seeing Daddy dance with Brayden - then he didn't want to be held at all but instead wanted to wiggle his way to the stage (very cautiously) to see what this was all about! He got closer and closer with each song. He then started doing what Brian and I coined his "Chicken Dance." This was too funny as he puts one leg out in front of the other in a sort of lunge position and pokes his head from front to back as if he were a chicken! Too much! We had never seen this move performed by Ben before and we were quite smitten with it/him. We stayed for several more songs and the boys had a blast. Then it was time to head home. On the way back to the car Brayden mentioned how he liked Ben's chicken dance and we all had a giggle.

Brayden has put himself to sleep for the last two nights in a row and has not emerged from his room after I have left it.....halleluiah.

Ali

Firsts

2007-12-26T23:35:00.000-08:00

Today was the boys' first day at their new day care. They are going to a woman's home in Lynnwood. She is about 20 mins. or so away from our home in Lake Forest Park. She seems very good with them and very genuine too. Not too perfect.

What a hard morning it was (mainly for me...). Brayden let it be known that he wanted me to stay at Laurie's too. I told him I would be back to pick them up right after lunch. I told Ben that they were going to stay at Laurie's today and he simply replied, "No!" (what a sweet "no" it is though...) Brayden said that he would watch out for Ben and make sure that he was doing okay. Brayden cried a bit when we arrived but after taking his coat off and going down in the play room and talking about possibly watching a show, he was doing better. Ben was intriguied by all of the new toys. Brayden wanted something else to eat and Ben hadn't eaten yet so they both went back upstairs to the kitchen to eat. A big hug from Brayden and a big crying episode from Ben and I was off with tears in my eyes (for about the 5th time that morning...).

Off to Starbucks in Edmonds to do a bit of work (I didn't want to go all the way home since they weren't staying for an entire day today). What a beautiful view of the Olympic mountains I got on the way to Edmonds. Absolutely breathtaking. I called Laurie's about 45 mins. after I left and they were both doing just great! Working at Starbucks didn't go so well (spotty connection) so I headed off for the Edmonds library. It was my lucky day because as luck would have it, there was a spot to sit right by the windows looking West and the library is situated on a hill will a wonderful view of the mountains, the Sound and the ferry going by every 20 mins or so. A first of mine - to have an "office" with such an amazing view! And I again wondered (for the millionth time!) if we chose the right house...the other one on our list had amazing views (out of every window) of the same view I was seeing now.

Back to pick up the boys who were having a blast! Bennett didn't want to come to me at first and Brayden had just (drumroll please....) gone potty for the first time on the potty!!! Wow! Didn't see that one coming! They were (however) willing to go home to play with all of their toys from Santa. All tired out, they both fell asleep on the way home. The first day was a success (and it was over!). We'll be back tomorrow for another half day to try again...

Ali

"Different"

2007-12-26T23:32:00.000-08:00

Monday (December 24th) was an absolutely gorgeous day! The boys and I were inside most of the day while Brian was busy at work on the temporary fence to keep Aspen inside. We had fun playing and just getting ready for Christmas.

It has rained and been cloudy just about every day since I've arrived with the boys. We went outside around 4:30pm that day to go to a church service. It was still light outside. When we were going to the car, Brayden was twirling around and looking to the sky while clutching his Buzz Lightyear doll. "Mommy, different!" I asked him what he was talking about and he said, "The sky. The sky is different today!" That about summed it up.....

Neighbors

2007-12-26T23:22:00.000-08:00

We ventured out to the neighbors' house on Saturday the 22nd for dinner, drinks and visiting. Brian had met a neighbor last Saturday night (the 15th) whom he immediately described as "Seattle Phil" (Granada Laners will know what that means!). He invited us for dinner and for a holiday boat parade.

Not knowing what to expect from the evening, we trudged across the street into the unknown. They have a child that is 3 days younger than Bennett and a 5 year old - both boys. Brayden hit it off immediately with the 5 year old and really enjoyed playing with all of his toys in his room. Bennett thought all of the baby toys were his and tried grabbing them from all of the other babies there! Everyone was very welcoming and nice. They were great hosts! After a couple of hours of visiting, eating, drinking and playing, we got bundled up and wandered down to the Sheridan Beach Club (just down the street from our house) and enjoyed the bonfire on the beach, hot chocolate, cookies and kiddos running around (in the dark, by a lake!). Before long the boats arrived all decked out in Christmas lights. They stopped right in front of our beach and a boys' chior started singing beautiful carols! Ben was enjoying it from the backpack and Brayden was having a great time with his new friends listening to the songs. He clapped after each one and said, "Bravo!" They sang for about 20 mins. and then we headed back home as it was a late night...It felt good to meet some people close to us that felt strangely familiar.

Here are a few pics from the night.

Initiation

2007-12-26T23:21:00.000-08:00

Well here we are in Seattle! We are finally all together as a family again! It has been a rough road getting here (to say the least) and is still proving to be somewhat difficult. We are all hanging in there! Here are a few highlights of the past week:
- The boys and I made the 4 hour plane ride just fine although Bennett fell asleep for only about 20 mins. of that due to non-stop coughing. Thank God we bought him his own seat!
- Boys go crazy to see all of their toys again!
- Watch diego
- Rain
- Watch diego
- Hunt for Christmas tree
- Visit with mute Santa. Mom asked questions that Santa should have and Brayden DID respond! Still not sure what was going on there…weird…pic should be great – Bennett screaming.
- Rain
- Nap
- Unpack
- Sweep DARK hardwood floors
- String out Christmas lights on floor
- Watch diego
- Brayden doesn’t want to go to sleep…
- Watch diego
- Go to grocery store
- Rain
- Decorate tree
- Watch diego
- Sunshine!
- Newly decorated Christmas tree topples over shattering several glass ornaments into thousands of pieces. Everyone cries!
- Clean up mess and re-hook up tree
- Brayden is comic relief for Bennett during tree cleanup
- Sweep DARK hardwood floors
- Naps
- Mom goes on 4 hour shopping spree for Christmas gifts along with everyone else in Seattle! Traffic rocks! ;)
- Rain and howling wind
- Spaghetti dinner
- Watch diego
- Sweep DARK hardwood floors
- Mom getting up at 5am everyday to work her funny hours
- Visit potential day care home
- Direct TV guy comes and leaves 5 hours (that’s right, 5 hours) later
- We have TV!
- Black cat crosses in front of Ali’s car
- Brayden doesn’t want to fall asleep
- Rain

So, as you can see, it has been interesting to say the least. We are keeping busy that is for sure!

Happy holidays to everyone (in case we don’t speak with you before then)! Hope everyone is doing well!

Take care,
Ali (and Brian)

Welcome!

2007-12-26T22:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog! I will attempt (no promises!) to keep this fairly up to date with how our time in Seattle is going and the different going-ons in our life here. Thanks for checking it out!
Ali