Winter Happenings

 My parents came for a nice visit. We went to the zoo, shopping, dined out, crafted (with my mom), and enjoyed Russell. Can you believe this is the ONLY picture we took-well the only one I took. I am sure my mom has every moment captured on her camera!

 While my parents were here, Brian surprised me with a overnight stay at the Columbia Gorge Hotel. Kinda an early Anniversary (7 years in April!) celebration. It was so fun not setting an alarm or having little footsteps wake us up before dawn!

 Russell LOVES to help Brian around the house. He uses his lawn mower as a vacuum. He even pretends to plug it in on makes motor sounds. This particular day, I guess he felt it was gonna be a dangerous adventure so he donned his helmet!

Enjoying his tractor in the rain/snow. We usually get some outdoor time awaiting Daddy to return form work. It is an exciting time as the mail truck comes the, too. Russell thinks the US mail system is AWESOME!And lastly...we got to see the first ultrasound of Russell's sibling!!! Due to join us mid-September!

A California Christmas

 Outside my parent's home on Christmas Eve...

 At my Aunt's house for Christmas Eve dinner...

 Russell with his cousin, JP. They are 9 months apart to the day!

 My parents...

Christmas morning

"BaPa" and Russell walking around my parents' property.

I Think He is Getting it...

A BIG package came to the door today-hand delivered from the mailwoman. Russell already loves to answer the door (since Halloween) and when the package was for him-it just added to the fun! It was from Great Grandpa Russell! He then had to learn to leave the package alone until Christmas (actually even a day later since we will be in California). That was a bit rough, but I hope he learns the power of self control... :) something I am not so great at.

Lucky Lady

 One afternoon while I was cooking dinner and Russell was dancing at my feet and seemingly unable to please, I decided to put him in front of the sink with some kitchen "toys". He was very pleased with his job of "washing mommy's dishes." At first I thought, "Oh great, there will be water everywhere, I may have to change his clothes, now I will have to re-wash the dishes, and mop the floor.... on went my list of "have-to's."  But watching him play and concentrate so hard on his "job", I quickly realized it was worth soaked clothes, floor and extra dishes for me.
I am a Lucky Lady to be blessed with a beautiful, healthy boy. This was a great reminder of what a gift he truly is! :)

The Visit

We went to the Alpenrose Dairy. They have Storybook Lane, live animals, Santa, model trains and a yummy bakery. All free! (Except the picture with Santa). Very cool place, we liked it better than the carzy zoo lights!

Trick-or-Treat

The Carving

I love the Fall time and especially pumpkins. So I was thrilled to watch Russell dig into the pumpkins and enjoy the goo on his hands! Good job, Bear! Now if I can just get him to enjoy the roasted pumpkin seeds next year I will really him hooked!