Icicles or Fireplace?

Koda is so content staying outside in the snow we literally have to pull him by the collar to come inside to eat and drink! I feel like I have to stand over him with a stick to make sure he eats. He LOVES this weather...can you tell?

Our Nieces

Ciara in her new leotard from Nana and Papa

Elise- 6; Ciara - 13; Noelle - 8 (will be 8 on Christmas)

Shane and I have 3 wonderful nieces that live in North Carolina. We don't get to see them very often but love when we get updated pictures of them. All 3 of the girls are involved in gymnastics. Ciara is actually competing and could wind up at the Olympics! Noelle and Elise are always looking up to their big sister. They have both advanced in gymnastics as well. Here are a couple of pictures of our beautiful nieces. We miss and love you girls!!

Tree Decorating

Now, we need the star (not Baker, the star on top of the tree ) :)

The tree is decorated (it has been for about a week and a half ---oops, a little behind in posting)! Baker now has a new chore of making sure the tree has water (he tends to forget unless we remind him). But, he did a fantastic job of helping us decorate and putting the star on top. Makenzie was so patient watching us the whole time. Happy Holidays!

In Search of the Perfect Tree

And the search begins

Baker thought this tree was perfect (it's a little short, I think)

And, this was our perfect find (the one in back, not the little one in front)...

it's only 9.5 feet tall!

And this is what happens when a 3 year old just can't hold it any longer


On Saturday we went in search for our perfect Christmas tree. Thank God that I have a patient husband! Anyone who knows me knows that it takes me forever to make a decision. Everything has to be perfect, even the soup cans in the grocery store (no dents). Well, 1 hour later, in the pouring rain, we found the perfect tree. Now, I have to decorate it. UGH!

***Side Note - the hat that Makenzie is wearing is from my friend Bethany. Her husband thought it was a little too girly for their son, Oliver. I have to agree :) It looks much better on a little girl :) Thanks Bethany, we love it!!!

Our Little Girl....

She cracks herself up!

She found her hand


She's looking over at her crazy big brother

Bored to tears!!!

Before getting her shot...

Baker being the best big brother holding his sisters hand telling her "it's ok"

After the shots...NOT HAPPY!


...literally! Makenzie had her 2 month check up! She is doing great, growing as expected. She had to have 6 shots today (oh my baby!) and Baker even had to come along and have one (they were out of the Hep A shot at his 3 year so this was perfect timing). Baker handled his shot like a champ and was there to cheer on his sister. She was NOT impressed with the shots! Poor thing screamed her head off.

Here are her 2 months stats:

Head - 15in = 10th percentile

Length - 22.5 in = 50th percentile

Weight - 9lb 8 oz = 10th percentile

Well, I can't take credit for her lean body! I guess that credit goes to her dad!! But I do take credit for baking cute babies!

PS...I apologize for so many pictures but my god she is just too cute!

Thanksgiving in Tacoma

Baker's surprised expression on the train

Great Grandma Marion and Makenzie

Shane and Grandma - aren't they cute? Shane's go-tee is looking a little amish but I promise you that it isn't really that long - it must just be a bad shadow

Great Aunt Berta and Makenzie

Uncle Tristan and Makenzie

Could this be any more precious?

I surprised the kids for an adventure on the Amtrak to my parents on Wednesday before Thanksgiving (Baker was thrilled, Makenzie could care less). Shane drove down after work and had to deal with all the other late nighters on Wednesday. We had so much going on Thursday that I don't have any pictures of Makenzie with Auntie M or with Nana and Papa. Luckily there are a few pictures that I am waiting for from my dad and aunt so hopefully there are some in there. But I wanted to get some posted.