A Visit to Sequim

We have been meaning to make a trip to Sequim to visit my aunt and uncle since moving back to the Northwest. This past weekend we finally found time to make the trip.

Gary and Claudia live just up from the beach in Diamond Point. We had a wonderful two nights with them. The kids got to walk along the beach and collect rocks and shells.






Both Maya and Sam also got to take a "pretend" ride in Uncle Gary's airplane. Maya pretended like she was flying.
The night before we left, Sam had a fun bath in the utility sink.


And here he is singing some of his favorite songs.

Three Cousins

On Saturday, Amy and I decided to take the kids and run some errands around town. I have often heard it said that it IS possible to get three carseats in the back seat of a Subaru, so we decided to test the theory.

It works!

Northwest Adventure

Last week, our friends Phil and Kaitlin came to visit us in Everett, and together we took a little trip up Whidbey Island and into Bellingham. We took the ferry across from Mukilteo to Clinton, then hiked on the beach and saw a pod of whales just off the shore. We also watched a bald eagle fly along the shoreline. Then we had lunch in Coopeville, played at the park in Oak Harbor, then stayed overnight at Camp Lutherwood and spent a wonderful morning exploring Bellingham.

Kaitlin and Phil brought gliders from Astoria for Maya and Sam to fly.

Sam LOVES his hat made by my friend Rachel.

Maya found wonderful treasures on the beach.

Here are Phil and Kaitlin hiking down from the trail to the beach.

Anacortes

Yesterday our little family of four took a day trip up to Anacortes, where Aaron and I used to live. We visited all our old haunts--gorgeous Washington Park, Padilla Bay, and the fun little downtown part of Anacortes. It was a stunning day--the San Juan Islands were clear and green, the water sparkled, and the sunshine warmed us all day long.

The kids loved playing on the beach, and they also had a great time at Storvik Park in Anacortes. Most of all, it gave us a chance to be a family of four for a few hours.

Here we are at Washington Park with the San Juans behind us

Samuel loves the beach!

Aaron played tag with the kids out on the grass. Sam wasn't so sure about tag.

Hair just like his mama's when she was young.
They called me Lucy Lettuce Hair!

Aaron checks out the water while Maya scales the rock in the background.

New Cousin

Parker showed up just in time. Maya and Sam thought they'd never have a cousin to adore, then poof, here came Parker. Now Maya talks about him to anyone who will listen. When people ask his name, her "Parker" comes out sounding like "Paco" (she can't say her "r" sounds very well) so we hilariously call him Paco as a term of endearment. Bapa snapped this cute picture on Thursday when Parker and his parents came home from the hospital. I think their faces say more than words possibly could.

Maya and Sam are totally in love with their new cousin!

Baby Parker

He's only been here a week and already Parker has won the hearts of every member of his family. His tiny pursed lips, his little stretches, his squeaks . . . oh, I think I could stare at him all day long. Of course he's keeping his parents up all night, which is why Marmie is camping out at Amy and Colby's house for a few days to help with the nighttime feedings and wakings. But she's the best--She was there when both Maya and Sam came home too, and I wouldn't have made it without her.

Of course Parker's always an angel when Marmie's holding him.

Here he's getting his diaper changed.

And here are the proud new parents, doing remarkably well for having a baby only a few days old.

Can you tell I'm a little enamored by my nephew? He's the most popular guy on the block these days, and we're all feeling pretty lucky that we can run over to his house and squeeze him whenever we want to!

Welcome to the world, Parker Owen Smith

Yesterday our family welcomed its newest member: Parker Owen Smith, son to my sister Amy and her husband Colby. Parker is Maya and Samuel's very first cousin, and they are so excited to meet him and be part of his life. I feel the same way.

Parker was born at 5:15 pm. He was 5 weeks pre-term, so he's a little guy: 5 lbs, 12.9 oz and 19 inches long. He's beautiful.

I had the privilege of helping coach my sister through labor. It was an incredible experience, one that I won't ever forget. I'm so proud of her hard work, her focus, her determination and her endurance. I was glad to accompany her on such an amazing journey.

I wanted you all to meet my new nephew, Parker.

Here he is, just a few minutes after he was born.

The proud mama and papa with their new son.

The birth team, excluding my brother-in-law,
who is taking the photograph.

Welcome to this wonderful world, Parker. And welcome to our family.

Merry Christmas

We enjoyed Christmas in two homes this year. For the actual week of Christmas, we headed east to Idaho to spend time with Aaron's family. Although there wasn't much snow on the ground, it felt like a winter wonderland compared to the rain and grey skies of Western Washington.

Especially wonderful was Round Lake, frozen ten inches deep. It afforded us many opportunities to ice skate and pull the kids around on sleds. Maya and Sam both LOVED the ice--and Aaron and I got got to practice our balance on skates while pulling the sled behind us.

Unlike last year, both Maya and Sam enjoyed the sled, and they did it TOGETHER!

Here's Aaron learning to pull Maya behind him while ice skating. Notice the look of pure joy and delight on Maya's face as she grips the edges of the sled.


Sam was content to lie on the ice and look around. He tried walking for a bit, but after several slippery falls, he decided that low to the ground was best!

This is a rare Russell family photo--we all joined Sam on the ice for a "laying down" shot. Except for Maya's hand in front of her face, it's pretty fun.

Even in Idaho, we all donned our "gay apparel" for Christmas dinner. Aaron's mom roasted a delicious turkey and we enjoyed mashed potatoes, gravy, and the famous Russell family shrimp salad.

Maya and Sam were sad to leave Grandma and Grandpa--such fantastic playmates should live much closer to their grandchildren!

On Sunday, December 27th we traveled back across the mountains to Everett for an Eklund family Christmas at home (since we live in Everett with my parents right now).

One of the new Eklund Christmas traditions is the wearing of the tacky Christmas sweater. The vests Aaron and I are wearing belonged to my grandma Marion, although I think she wore them much better than we. Sam and Maya look cute, I know. I looked for tacky kid sweaters, but not a one could be found.

And how many kids are lucky enough to have two fantastic sets of grandparents? Here Maya and Sam pose with Bapa and Marmie, also wearing their tacky sweaters.

It was a busy holiday full of family, adventures, and celebration!

Rainy Days and Maya's artwork

On rainy days in Everett, we try to keep the kids busy doing fun activities. Books feature heavily in our activities, as do long baths in the evening hours. Here's Maya reading in the morning and making a pouty face after her evening bath.

Samuel enjoyed a bath with Marmie. It must've been okay, because he's still smiling.

And not to be one of those bragging mamas, but just look at these beautiful paintings Maya did at preschool last week. My jaw dropped when I saw them--just her use of color and design is astounding to me. I think I'll frame them and put them in her bedroom when we finally buy a house. She keeps telling us that she wants to be an art teacher when she grows up, and from the looks of these, I'd say she'd have no problem getting hired!

Deception Pass State Park

When my Aunt Brenda was visiting from New Mexico, we took a little jaunt to Deception Pass State Park, one of the most beautiful places in Western Washington. I think my kids were born in the wrong era--they would have been perfectly happy living like nomads in the fresh air all the time. The weather was chilly, but we were blessed with delicious sunshine the entire time.

Ah, the glorious Pacific Northwest. How glad I am to finally be home again.

Halloween

A Happy Halloween from 1611 Rucker Avenue

The Tiger and Little Bo-Peep enjoyed a fun filled evening playing with other costumed children and enjoying delicious Halloween treats. Maya had the privilege of trick-or-treating with both her parents while Marmie and Bapa played with Sam.

And of course the more adult members of the household had to dress up for the Petersens' annual Halloween party as well. No one is allowed in the door without a costume. I think we put forth a significant effort, don't you?

Peter and Heidi yodeled their way through the evening, while the frazzled housewife and her unemployed husband tried to enjoy themselves. Oh, I think I'll be laughing about this picture of Aaron and me for years to come!