In Search of Ice Caves

We've decided to integrate a bit of hiking into our lives -- especially since "kid-friendly" hikes seem to equate to "7 months pregnant-friendly" hikes as well.  Perfectly suited for our family of four -- soon to be five.

The ice caves hadn't formed yet, but the views of Big Four Mountain and the snow fields were awesome.

Gailyn, Julie, Jordan, and the two dogs joined us as well.

Jorja and Jordan checking out the upcoming views.

Anders at home in the woods.

Meg's belly!

Off-leash bliss...

The Influence of Friends...

for better or worse. Our friends since birth, N and R, hang out frequently with A and J. Weekly meetings at local parks are the norm, but today marked a new shared activity between this foursome -- climbing out the windows of N and R's family car.  (Hey Eric, thanks for your willingness to drive all four kiddos to our biking spot -- and "allowing" them to fling themselves out of your car!)

 J and N navigating out the window.

J celebrating her exit, while A and R gear up for their turn.

A on his way out.

Wheeling around in the sunshine(!).

Our crazy Comet.

Family

We recently headed south to spend time with these fine folks:



Auntie, mom, and me -- a lovely trio.



Comet and Thor -- a perfectly matched duo.



Grandma in "jail" with two watchful "guards".



Exercising at the park near Grandma's house. The kiddos love to use Comet's Chuckit Ball Launcher and as long as it's used for it's intended purpose -- versus battle sessions between A and J -- I'm pleased.



Grandma and Jorja picking up litter around the neighborhood.



Navigating the wooden seesaw under Grandma's watchful eyes.



Relaxing.



Reading and snacking with Lil' Jacob at Laurelhurst Park.



Lori -- despite needing to pee -- and the kiddos cuddling.



I'm not sure what's going on in this picture. Protecting Jacob, perhaps?



Burying Lori with groceries. It took a fairly long time for Lori to get up that morning.



A big thank you to everyone for their energy, commitment, and humor. It's always a treat to spend time with all of you...

Island Time

Meg, Comet, and I recently spent some time on San Juan Island. Despite the rain and clouds, we spent time romping around on forested trails, beaches, and abandoned American and British camps.

Meg and Comet heading out.



Off leash bliss!



Posing for the camera.



Trying to coerce Comet to keep me warm.



One of the beautiful foxes we encountered.



On a side note, we recently met Grandma at The Great Wolf Lodge for a water park extravaganza -- pics coming soon!

Connections

Comet has been a great addition to our household.

In spite of chewed children's toys, nibbled toes, and indoor pottying, the kiddos love our little guy. And in spite of crazy games called "Capture", requests to maneuver through scary obstacle courses, and frequent fast moves and loud voices, Comet loves the twins.

Inseparable -- even during bath time.

'Tis the Season...

for riding Santa Trains, admiring outdoor light displays, visiting Christmas tree farms, hosting family, adopting puppies, playing Jenga, and cooking/sharing/eating awesome food.

Our annual Santa Train adventure begins with meeting the conductor.



Peering in for a glimpse of Santa.



Riding the train. I thought Anders was having a good time.



Botanical Garden lights -- an incredible display in an already spectacular setting.



Our Christmas Tree farm adventure begins.



"Our" tree has been found.



Gary takes the sawing lead.



Cuteness.



Jorja staking claim to "her" tree.



Comet -- our new family addition!



Jorja is a Jenga extraordinaire. Check out the faces of the other players.



Anders in the midst of his assorted new toys.



Our Christmas crew.



Family time.



A Christmas day bike ride...

Sunset

Recently we've had spectacular (dry!) weather -- with equally notable sunsets. Taking advantage of this, we spent a late afternoon playing at the beach. Despite the chilliness and looming darkness, we had a great time.












Also:



They call themselves "The Underwear Heads".

Alrighty then.

Quiet Time Cuteness

There are afternoons when the kiddos drive me insane with their "Quiet Time" antics (i.e. running in and out the room to go the bathroom, to pick out one more library book, to ask if quiet time is over, to go the bathroom again, to ask for water, to request my presence in their bedroom, to go the bathroom again, and so and so forth), but this during today's "Quiet Time" I found Lil' Miss Jorja absolutely adorable. I opened her bedroom door to find this...

A girl wearing a new, hand-selected outfit (thanks for the headband Lori!) reading to her animals.



Celebrating Meg's birthday -- and Anders' first time with a lighter (certainly a sign of attentive parenting on my part, jeez).



Basking in the glow of candles and yummy, homemade cake deliciousness.