Seattle sunshine

It felt so so good to get away for a weekend to the big city, as it is for us now.  Lucie, Quinn and Luna were such gracious hosts and let us camp out in their West Seattle home; even smiling in the morning after Elise cried through most of Saturday night!  They are troopers, thanks a million.  Seattle teased us with perfect weather, beautiful walks on Alki, a trip to the U-Village, Green Lake, and a little shopping downtown.  Ohhh it was so lovely and so missed, but at the same it it felt so good to return home where the traffic is just a little less (or a lot), blue skies are almost a constant, and a sense of calm covers you the minute you cross Blewett Pass and see the valley of orchards unfold . 

Elise's LOVE, Luna... as she screams and points " DAAA"



She may be small, but we know who's in control here!

Ballard rendez-vous with auntie Lucie

Amie Jess

Though our visits are now far and few in between as Jess lives in LA, this very special girl is a treasure in my life and I miss her so much.  Elise is going to be ready for a LA visit in her new nautical sweater:)  Thanks Jesse for a wonderful day.

One Year Old

Happy Birthday to our sweet Elise Ana! 

- Stats -

19.0 pounds (18th percentile)

29 inches (49th percentile)

18.4 inches head circumference (85th percentile)

One year ago you came into our world and showed us how to love a deeper love than no other.  You have given us perspective on life and have taught us lessons that only being your parents can teach.  This past year we have laughed more, smiled more and yawned more than ever before...all because of you sweet girl.  We cannot imagine this world and life without you. 

You are quite the confident walker now and no longer choose to crawl around.  With eight chompers you eat pirates bootie, gold fish, havarti cheese, toast with cream cheese and yogurt; everything else you push away and throw off your high chair.  When the doctor asked today how your intake of veggies, fruits and meats was we had to say none of the above:)  Hopefully soon your palet with increase and include some of those.  You LOVE to play hide and seek and walk around the house with your new alligator walker.  You also have quite the musical ear and love to bang your new piano and dance to all kinds of tunes.  Dada, mama, ball "baaaaaal", dog "daaaaa" (and pointing like crazy at all the doggies passing by), up "aaaaa", baba for grandma and deda for grandpa are all sounds and words that come out pretty regularly, although your understanding of others is growing every day. 

We love you our sweet and sassy Elise, welcome to toddler hood!

This little squirmer is harder and harder to take pictures of, mommy is going to need some lessons in toddler photography:)

Fun with daddy on our holiday weekend

One tired peanut



A celebration in pink

Tomorrow, our little baby turns one year old and yesterday we celebrated till we could celebrate no more for all the joys, laughs and smiles our Elise has brough into our lives.   As our family and friends gathered for the special party, we were reminded how full our lives are and how this little peanut has enriched them forever.   Thank you to all that were here and to all that were here in heart and spirit ~ we had a great party.  I didn't pick up my camera all day, so thank you to all the photographers that captured our moments.

Allison entertaining the kiddos... so good:)



A little bit of controlled, sometimes uncontrolled present opening.... our girl was spoiled!

Lola on the new lady bug cruiser! Thanks auntie Lucie.

Caed, Lola, Logan and Elise

Look at our technique, musician in training.

Window artwork.

All partied out!

Story time with Travis, he's a natural.

Evening concluded with vino and these amazing girls.



Elise and Ali... a collision

Ali & Eli reunion

Elise's girlfriend, Alexandria (Ali) came to visit this past weekend from Seattle.   Not only are these two only two days apart in age they are like two peas in a pod in so many ways.  It is so special to have these three come visit, we love spending time with Joanna and Garrett and watching our girls grow. 

Lunch at South, Leavenworth

 

Getting into mischief:)

Twins in their matching birthday skirts!

Joanna and I used to walk Green Lake every week with the girls for their first 6 months; how I miss those walks but these visits are just as special.