adventures in hanson-land

Camp Out at BV Jetty

2011-08-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

Second annual pilgrimage for the Taylor/Hanson clans, and the Cleavelands made their camping debut! A great weekend at the sunny OR coast. It is such a joy to watch the girls run free. :)

Ruby, Ava, and Juliet

Ruby & Thatcher at the campsite.

Amazingly the campsite next to us was free almost the whole weekend so the kids had their own spot to explore and be away from the parents.

Derek rigged up the ipad for movie night in the Hanson's chateau.

Beach games...

The little ones trying to scare Juliet.
Ruby, Juliet & Nora. Appreciating the beauty or peeing? Hmmm, tough call.

Working together to build a fairy kingdom.

Ava and Juliet busy working on their seaweed mountain.

First night camping @ at BV Jetty

2011-08-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

Juliet & Ava pushing the limits as always...don't know where she gets that from. ;)

Summer time rolls...

2011-08-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Lazy summer mornings. Both Juliet and Ruby earned their very own pillow pets (all the rage these days). Juliet earned stars for various good deeds and Ruby earned hers for learning and using her good manners.

Quiet time
Nana visit! YAY!
Thatcher (above left), Kincaid, Juju, Finola & Ruby.

Love
I have nicknamed Kade "Taz". I love his energy and love of fun!

A wonderful day for a BBQ with all the old crew at Jess & Tim's. Thanks guys!

Juliet learns to sew.

A quick staycation at McMenamins in Forest Grove. Kung Fu Panda II at the in-house theatre, A soak in the pool, and running all over the grounds and making new friends with our stop rocket = a very tired couple of girlies!

Tuckered out!

Time to bust out the big pool!! Hopefully the sun stays for a while!

Dodge Park, OR

2011-08-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Our second camping adventure - and we (naively) set out without a reservation! Who new it was so difficult to get a spot these days? With Oxbow sold out at 6:30 AM on Friday what were we to do? Luckily new this year they opened Dodge Park for overnights, previously only a day use area. It was great! Brand new everything -- can't say I've ever experienced that before.

You are surrounded on 2 sides by the Sandy river (above) and Bullrun (below). They converge here, and Bullrun continues on east.
The Bullrun side was awesome! There was a really lazy part of the river with a little beach, natural swimming hole (brrrr -- Juliet swam, the brave soul), and rock shelf that you can walk out on. You can even see it in the picture below.

Lots of big boulders to scale.
Derek and Juliet had to explore the other side of the river of course.

Ruby likes to make Mama scream. :)

Follow Daddy!

It is so great to be camping again. Althoug now everything is bigger! Tent is ginormous, camping stoves do not fold away and are not named "whisperlite". The car is riding so low... car camping at its finest. :)

Family Reunion 2011

2011-08-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the water, view, and company -- and especially D's ribs & Coconut rice! :)

Mulrine clan, circa 2011

Nina & Jessie

Bruce and Frank

Sistas

The hard truth -- Tim is no longer the tallest of our family. Is Ethan done yet? We shall see...

Andrea & Nina
Sean being a GREAT sport and letting Juliet practice her toe painting.

Derek hamming around. :)

4th of July

2011-08-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

A promising start! Blue sky, no clouds and all the mountains in attendance!

Jets practicing for the airshow.

Here comes trouble! In its milder and wiser package. ;)

Juliet, Poppy, Porter & Sawyer gaining confidence and getting warmed up for the heavy artillery!

Anthony, Haley, and Andy.

A beautiful way to end the day...

A tour of the old school

2011-08-16T22:50:00.000-07:00

A view from our Tok-A-Lou beach rental in the old-old neighborhood. This little beach house was next door and below the house we lived in when I was in kindergarten. It was fun to share with the girls all the places we'd go as little kids.

Brown's Point Lighthouse

Milkshakes at the diner

Visiting the twirly slide park -- although they took down the super tall cool one and replaced it with this much smaller version. So sad.

They were both mezmorized (me too) by the haunted house. It still looks creepy.

We hunted for oodles of crabbies. Juliet was a master by the end of the trip and was not afraid of picking them up at all. Once she figured it out, she was on a mission. The albino ones are the luckiest catch.

They found lots of golfballs. Could not get that Seinfeld episode out of my head!

A nice visit with Auntie Nettie

Spring hodgepodge

2011-08-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

Ruby's first face drawing. Yes, really. She named it Ethan. :)

Tree climbing has been really big in our world lately. And slugbug. I completely forgot about the game and now I can't stop seeing them everywhere.

This child never does this. A sweet moment for mama.

The assignment was to come as your favorite character from a book. She wanted to be a ninja from Jack and Annie, but was not allowed to wear a mask...what is a ninja without a mask?! All the other girlies were dressed as princesses and Pinkalicious, but Juliet donned the pleather. Hooray for my brave little Bat girl.

Creating their own wrapping paper for Daddy-Day.

Garden song

2011-08-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

Maiden voyage. So far the watering trough has been a great way to garden! I drilled holes in the bottom for drainage and dumped 3 bags of hazelnut shells in the bottom to keep it light and as filler. Then added a mix of potting soil, veggie mulch, and compost. So far it it thriving although it does tend to get dry fast. Next year we are adding small ones on either side for the toms.

In the beginning there was...room.

I over planted the zukes though -- they are taking over and I don't have the heart to tear them out. I have one little delicata (my absolute favorite squash) and I am babying it like no other! yum! I forgot how satisfying it is to grow your own food; I really missed it.

A promising start to the new season...

This is how it really ends up looking!! :)

A little heavenly sunburst from Ginger. Thanks Ma!

A tribute the coolest ginko leave lanterns ever -- that lasted roughly 48 hours in my garden. No, Scotchguard will NOT protect fabric from the rainiest spring EVER. Rest in peace.

Escape to the Ranch!

2011-08-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

Dirt mountains to master, trails to nowhere, untamable fires, a jam session or two in the loft...the Ranch never disappoints!

Bruce's gorgeous old barn

Kimmies greenhouse creation with all old reclaimed windows.

Kung Fu Kimmie and her apprentice Ninja Nina.

Cuddles for Auntie. Check out all the work they've done in the farmhouse in back. Added a full basement, porch and deck - it is stunning. Incredible vision, work and commitment. Especially in the wettest winter/spring in decades.

The safest vehicle for Nina...

Woodland Park Zoo

2011-08-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

Spring break is not complete without a visit to the zoo! A nice respite from all the grey!

Sean and Ruby summonsing Azlan the Lion :)

I just love this photo of these two. sigh.
Enter monkey joke here...

RubyDoo ~ Part Deux

2011-08-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

Ruby was excited to have all her little buddies over to celebrate the big 3. A gaggle of girls and the one fella she only ever talks about...Otis. :)

Ruby-toots had her heart set on the biggest, pinkest pinata from the mercado. Every Thursday we get burritos and ice cream, and we visited the pinata weekly - I don't think she realized we'd ultimately be destroying it...

But she took to the idea with gusto! Apparently they make these things in a steel factory in Mexico because it took some major parental wacks to get the party started!

Thanks to everyone for thinking of her! She can still report who gave her what special gifts :)

Ruby Cate is THREE! Wow-wee!

2011-05-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

"oh yeah?"

Party #1 - the low key family affair.

It was hard to do on Monday after work -- but Derek picked up the girls and I rushed home to make things special for her. I then decided it would be fun to hide and spray them both with silly string. Juliet loved it, but Ruby had a fit! A little too much excitement for her. Learning, always learning...

Easter

2011-05-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

Easter day puddle stomping.
Easter walk with Nana & Poppy.

Peter Cottontail looks a little cross.

Peep wreaths -- you sure can't eat them, but they will last forever. :)

Assessing the Easter loot.

Hanging at home

2011-05-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

Juliet's call for spring...if you draw it, it will come. :)

PAAS time.
Exploring the neighborhood and all the flowers.

Feeling close to my Mom by pulling out the big book of construction paper and and plotting with my girls on all the things we can create.

Quadruple Trouble... we live in a block radius of 5 intelligent, strong, beautiful 5 years. God help us all in 10 years. ;)

Spring has sprung!

2011-05-15T17:20:00.001-07:00

Visiting all the new baby lambs at the Black Sheep Creamery past Chehalis, WA. Beautiful day!

Thanks Auntie Sarah!

Ruby thought it all was so funny. Especially when then pranced and jumped.

Juliet was all business ~ loved being helpful and feeding the babies.

Pure joy.

Spring Break in Kahhhh-neeeee-tahhhh

2011-05-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

View form our deck. End of winter and the promise of spring.

It was a flash back to 80's Native decor, but we had a ball riding the water slides, hanging in the pool and soaking up the high dessert sun. We'll be back again...

Playing in the river. Juliet learned to skip rocks just like Dad. :) She was so proud.

Juliet and her horse Roxy. She was excited to have a real ride and not around little metal ring!

Ruby Cate rode Princess and it was love at first sight. She was in heaven!

Pre-Spring Break

2011-02-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

Time for a little break from the PNW. We took the family down to SoCal to visit friends and family and to warm our bones. Just might become a yearly spring pilgrimage. Thanks to our wonderful hosts!

Travel in the 21st century

A visit to Mel & Jason's for superbowl. The kids loved terroizing each other.

Derek & Ruby Cate at Oceanside.

Pool party!

Big girl, Juliet Anabeth

San Diego Zoo

2011-02-20T08:31:00.001-08:00

I was 14 the last time I went to the SD zoo. It was just as wonderful -- but as an adult I couldn't get over all the gorgeous landscaping. So lush. A great day for the kiddos who mostly walked the entire way! Everyone slept great after this adventure...

Cheers from the Saber Tooth Tiger express!

Ruby never felt anything quite like it...

The Japanese garden had the biggest koi we'd ever seen

Little buggers

More Zoo Madness!

2011-02-20T08:23:00.001-08:00

Darcy & Justus chillin with the locals

Mama and new baby hippo

Ruby loved the zoo - her favorites were the Pandas and Polar bears

Happy kiddos!

Lazy winter beach days

2011-02-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

San Clemente in the winter is such a treat! Hardly a soul on the beach, we practically had it to ourselves. Warm sun, crisp water, and no wind. Heaven!

Looking for treasure

Ruby enjoying the waves with Aunt Darcy & Dada

Ruby's "Stew". Tanner and Juliet in the background

Cousins having a ball!

Trip to the Bay

2011-01-28T14:49:00.001-08:00

Derek was kind enough to let me leave him and the kiddos behind for a quick trip down south. It was so fun to have a little break with the Cali girls. Thank you for the hospitality! xo

Momo, Jen and Drake hiking a trail at Mt. Tamalpias

Nina, Jen and bambino
Drakey promoting world peace one magnificent smile at a time.

Having a Mai Tai in the place that first concocted it.

My lovely Jasmine tea at The Slanted Door -- if I hadn't been overserved the night before I would have eaten so much more! YUM.

New Years in PC

2011-01-28T14:24:00.001-08:00

We had beautiful (cold) weather in Pacific City over the holidays! The girls had a ball, although we did get drenched by a sneaker wave! Ruby got sucked face down and was NOT happy about it. She recovered though... the next day! ;)

PC Beach on a glorious winter day.

Dr. Weksler's prescription for NYE fun. Ahhh - much better now. Happy New Years!!

Christmas spirit '10

2011-01-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

Girls are sporting their winter gifts from Yauntie Momo! Thank you so much! The boots of course are Montana originals! Thanks Nana & Poppy!

Santa brought the girls a dollhouse with an elevator -- it was a Barbie Christmas this year...car, house, horses, tent, and an ensemble of clothing that makes my closet look out of date! The Barbies are living large.

Merry Christmas! This was taken right before we had breakfast with Santa with the Cleveland's and Taylor's. They both actually sat on Santa's lap this year. A Christmas miracle!

Happy tree.

Juliet & Jake Turn 5!

2010-12-19T09:45:00.001-08:00

They were born 4 days apart at the same hospital and have been to school with each other since they were 5 months old. Just recently they're both attending Japanese immersion together. It is a special friendship to watch grow. :)

Pump it Up!
Jake and his family recently travelled to Hawaii on vacation and rented a mini-van. Jake told his parents, "This will be the car I'll buy Juliet when we're married". (!) Such a practical guy.

Juliet also reported to me recently, "Jake says he is going to marry me...I told him that seemed like a pretty good deal." Man oh man.

Jake's mom Tami, Baby Thatcher and Jake.

Juliet's seal of approval. Half Spider Man, half Hello Kitty.

Super slide!

2010-12-19T09:41:00.000-08:00

"You'll be ok Dad"

Gillian & Mike
Crazy Clevelands!
Ruby & Mama!

Getting their Ya-Yas out!

2010-12-19T09:36:00.001-08:00

The Mom's take a ride...

Ruby was in heaven with all the big kids

Megan's happy landing...
Go Abbie!
Gillian's grin is priceless.

A Wonderful Fall

2010-11-21T09:17:00.000-08:00

What a long and beautiful Autumn we are having! Leaves are still not all down yet and the sunshine this weekend was heaven sent. Just enough time to put the garden to bed for the winter. Snow possible this week? We hope so!

Girls have been extremely busy with learning all kinds of things. Juliet just learned to ride a 2-wheeler all by herself! Very exciting! She is also very focused on learning to write her letters and learning to draw different things like horses, birds and all sorts of animals

Ruby is really into learning and singing whole songs and of course trying/copying anything her sister does. The potty is our big milestone with Ruby right now. #1 is pretty much covered...but not the other. OY. I forgot how messy part two of the learning process is!

Derek has been as busy as ever with work and is back to traveling a bit here and there. I've been taking a Japanese class at Juliet's school which is going pretty well. Juliet and I shared our first real "mini conversation" yesterday. Juliet: "Nan Desuka?" (What's that), Me: "Kore wa hon desu." (This is a book). Simple, I know, but I still can't believe I'm having this conversation with my 4 year old.

Her birthday is right around the corner and I'm having some mixed feelings again. I was not the mom who felt sad when my child turned 1 -- I was so excited, but at 5 I'm started to get a little tinge of "my baby is growing up so fast" disbelief. I'm really starting be taken a back by how fast things are going! I know I know, that old chesnut!

Petite Artiste

2010-11-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

Juliet's rain garden
She is big on natural light
Just learned how to color stripes :)

Woody's Round-up!

2010-11-01T21:51:00.001-07:00

Come on gather 'round!

Happiness is...elbow deep in pumpkin guts

2010-11-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

School Days

2010-10-24T14:08:00.001-07:00

Juliet loves these rings at school -- she practices and practices and can even skip a ring now.

Juliet's best friend Grace.
Sakura festival

The 3 amigos...er... I mean... san otomodachi Grace, Juliet, and Anna

End of summer hodepodge

2010-10-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Ruby with the wind in her hair

Jen and baby Drake visit PDX -- great to finally meet her fellas.

Wren giving Ruby & Juliet a lift.

The Otis & Ruby story...true luv.

August visit to Spokane

2010-10-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Dinner with Ketti, Marcus and their boys

Big bro, Grandpa Dan, Little Bro

Great-grandpa Dan looking so spry! Still can't believe we lost him 2 weeks after this visit.

Juliet and baby Logan

Missoula comings & goings

2010-10-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

A visit to baby Norah :) So sweet!

A beautiful night at the Big Sky rodeo! Girls loved it.

Country fair...Tantan and Ruby Cakes protecting us by air...

Hotrod-o-rama

Downtime in Mizz

2010-10-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

Good times with the cousins at Nan & Poppy's

Movie night

Poppy, Justus, Tanner & Juliet

Loveall & Hanson Reunions

2010-10-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Life on the ranch is GOOD

2010-10-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks Rhonda & Les for hosting sucha great visit! Your house is so much fun!

The cousins can't get enough of 4-wheeling.

It was so much fun to ride all the trails! I thought I was going soooo fast and I look downa dn it said 20mph. :)

That's a lot of ammunition!

Barview Jetty, OR

2010-10-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Masters RuRu & JuJu leading morning exercises...

This is right before the flaming balls of 'mellow

Check out Derek's cozy. There is a niche market there - how to keep a 22 oz cold? ;)

First Camping Trip with the Girlies

2010-10-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

Derek's brilliant idea for a jungle gym at the campsite...entertained the girls for hours...

Danielle, Chris & Nora
Somebody is excited!
Cheers from the balmy OR coast! Never to cold to be in your skivvies.

Camping adventures

2010-10-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

Our first camping beach trip...so much fun! The Taylor's showed us the ropes.

Ava and Juliet finding secret beach caves

First campfire
Ruby's first tree climbing...

Fire = magic

Blueberry picking at Sauvies

2010-07-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

I had never been berry picking before. It was so much fun! I think it is definetely a type-A activity: fast, detailed, rewarding and you get to chat the whole time. We'll have berries all winter long. It might be different strawberry picking (you must have to stoop over the whole time?) But the blueberry bushes are just the right height for everyone and loaded with goodness. Bella Farms is completely organic (next to Krugers)

Poppy and Juliet sharing secrets

Andy & Poppy

Joe and Frida

Juliet loved it -- I would hire her in a heartbeat

Ruby Cate & Dada

Leaving island life behind...

2010-07-08T21:41:00.001-07:00

After 8 ferry rides in 4 days the girls are tuckered out and we're back on the road to P-Town. A great trip.

Lucky to have a sister...

2010-07-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

It has been so amazing to see their relationship grow. They are really starting to play and help each other. It is wild to see how fast Ruby is to pick up on something Juliet is doing (good or bad). Microseconds!

2010-07-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

Mama's treasure -- my very first heart shaped rock!

View from kitchen -- weather is about to change.

Even got a some sunshine to play in.

Having fun on the Sound

2010-07-08T21:16:00.000-07:00

They had no idea how many critters there were to discover...and capture...and whoops -- there goes a leg. Awww.

Hammie Joes goofing around

2010-07-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

One of Ruby Girl's favorite sentences is " Jujubee funny". Juliet loves to make her little sister laugh.

Happy Birthday Big Bro!

2010-07-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

Looking hot at 42! :)Andrea, Dad and the ladies.
Ruby Cate sizes up Papa Frank
Shelbie and Jess all grown up. xoxo

Visit with the Mulrine's

2010-07-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

Juliet was so excited to get to visit with her "girl" cousins. That is alllll she could talk about before during and after our visit. Both Shelbie and Jessie are already taller than Derek and me...Ethan too, only 3 more nephews to give noogies to (you know who you are!)

A little lunch on the 8th tee -- thanks Dad and Andrea for hosting.

And thanks Auntie Minnie for all the great treats! :)

Loving our view

2010-07-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

Our Vashon Cottage

2010-07-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

We rented a sweet little beach cottage on Vashon for the 4th. It was right on the water and looked out over West Seattle. You could watch the ferries come and go and hear their horns at night along with the crashing waves...good to be home.

Juliet was simple incredible. It was 112 steps down and UP to the cottage and she walked/hiked the entire way her self everytime. Very proud of her!

So lush and beautiful...many different types of ferns, foxglove and hostas

Our favorite view...

What a way to start the VK!

2010-07-07T21:53:00.001-07:00

Very lucky to see some dear friends at the start of vacation. So strange that I had to travel back to Tacoma to do so!Da boys kicking it in the hood. Andy's place looks GREAT!
I could hug Melly forever...miss my girl.

Girls Girls Girls -- and Gavin

2010-07-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

The kiddos had a great visit together at Uncle Wallas. Poppy sahred all her dresses and we wished we could have stayed longer.

Gavin is such a good sport -- he is seriously outnumbered. Need to get the Arnold's over here to even the score. :)
Ruby loved playing dressup with the big girls. At one point we found her running around, naked with only a gold medal around her neck. Classic Ruby.

Zagone-zone

2010-07-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to get some time to BBQ with Tim and Jess that same weekend. Their yard is just lovely -- they worked so hard and it turned out beautiful!

Tim sizing up the situation. 33 and 39 inches to be exact. :) They loooove Tim.

One - count it - one nice weekend in June...

2010-07-07T21:16:00.000-07:00

We finally broke out the pool for it's first use this season...what happened to June? Felt like April this year. Derek is the master of keeping the girls entertained -- what that boy can dream up with a simple pool noodle. Amazing! :)

Hanging with my girlies; I'm one lucky Mama!

Too wet for you? Well, suck it up and get out there!

2010-06-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats a good afternoon puddle stomping and some hot cocoa and baths afterwards.

Move along little pony...Ruby girl is not too sure what is going on...
After she finally figured out that we were allowing all the splashing and being in the street, she was right in the game!
This one on the other hand is an old pro and is getting mighty talented in telling you were to stand so she can splash you most effectively!

Bored? Too rainy outside to camp? Set up a tent in the living room...

2010-06-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

...warning -- you should first think about the size of your new mcmansion tent vs. the size of your living room before you set it up. Girls loved it though. :)

Ummm...can we just zip them in there for an hour or two? heehee
Practice makes perfect...Juju promises me she will be good and actually nap in the tent. That lasted about 25 minutes.

It is HUGE! Look at all that headroom. Even our tall friends can stand.

Next nice weekend day and we are outta here! Can't wait to get the little buggers out there.

A wet and soggy Rose Festival

2010-06-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

The main walkways were a muddy, sloshy obstacle course -- but we still managed to have a great time eating, people watching, and riding some "funtastic" rides. Can't wait for the ships to arrive. I love seeing all the sailors in their uniforms...so forties...must be the Rackliff genes. :)

Finally a bit of sun!

2010-06-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

Downtime at the cottage

2010-06-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Ruby trying to log some bottom bunk time together to get her used to it...not moving her quite yet, although her first crib escape happened this weekend!

Poppy and Juliet coloring...you have good color Ness! ;)
Juliet and Mama practicing letters
She is taking quite the interest in our music lately. She likes to say, "this is my faaaavorite song ever!"

Pit Stops

2010-06-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Time to stretch those legs and play!
Ummm -- I wish they had a permanent ice cream cart at the park.

Dogs at the Firehouse.

Sunday Parkways!

2010-06-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

Terrific event -- apparently a few cities have adopted this idea that originated in Columbia. A set route from park to park where they shut down the streets to cars and you get to explore a bunch of neighborhoods in your city with music, food and fun!

Follow that tutu! There were so many people and pets out and about on a rainy Sunday morning. Luckily the weather broke just in time for our ride.
Mama is hoping to make the six mile loop with no new toe/foot issues...
Very very excited.
Da Ladies getting ready for the big bike ride...can't miss them in these tutus!

Ruby Cate is TWO!!

2010-05-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

Chasing big bubbles on her birthday
We found her with her finger in the cake
Love sent from the family
She knows it is her special day
Happy Birthday to our sweet lovey -- who reminds us daily that being two is hard work and that she is doing it her way. Her words are coming fast now and we are amazed each day at what she picks up. We are still calling her mini-mac (ala John McEnroe); she can really let you have it when she doesn't like your call. She is easy to laugh and easy to cry. She loves farms and animals and especially loves Diego ("Eggo"). Ruby is a carnivore who will eat most anything if you call it chicken and is teaching her 4 yr old sister about the love of bacon. She likes to lead you by the hand and will stop in front of the one thing she is not allowed to have and look at you with those huge brown eyes...and melt you.

Tissue Tear

2010-05-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

She understood this was her day and her presents. She normally is NOT into sharing AT ALL... but today of all days, she actually let Juliet sit right next to her and help. It was very sweet.
Thank you Auntie Darcy, Uncle Erik and Boys -- I loooove it!
She couldn't be happier!
HOOOHooo! She loves horses - - they are her favorite
Giddyup!

Hands off the pancake!

2010-05-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Mama, please leave me alone and do not even think of touching my pancake! I don't need you hovering, trying to cut it into tiny unrecognizable pieces due to your worthless worry that I may choke. I want it whole and I want it round. Long live the pancake!

My sweet peach

2010-05-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe her first real year of school is almost over! She has many words in Japanese and I love to see her make the connection when she knows a word in both Japanese and English. She is very proud. We couldn't have asked for a better transition with such a wonderful staff. Her favorite things right now are books (always), the game "Guess Who", Taiko drumming, and swinging on the rings at school. She is fearless and I have even witnessed her doing a cherry drop off of them! I just about lost my lunch on that one!

Spring Break in WA

2010-05-13T21:47:00.001-07:00

Ruby Cate and Mama riding the rails...she just loved it! Made friends with everyone on the train. She had so much fun saying "hi" to everyone.

The girls just love their fellas. When Juliet gets sad, she always cries and says, "I miss my cousins!" Juliet talks about them soooo much her friends at school also say that they too have cousins named Ethan & Sean. :) Ruby has just started to call them by their names: "Etan and Twaney".
Ruby jamming out in Bruce's shop loft...she knew just what to do! Girl loooves music and is starting to really sing. I love to hear her figuring it out. I am banned -- she shouts, "NO MAMA!". Just like Juju used to do. She loves "A Punk" by Vampire Weekend. She has all the "Heyheyhey" parts timed perfectly!

Ummm...someone is pretty excited!

Juju to space command - we have landed!

2010-05-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Time to see if Steven Hawkins is right...Aliens -- friends or foes? Our little warrior princesses are ready to find out!

We come in peace... (love the glove - nice touch E-man)
Or do we?? Juju is prepared to rid the world of Bad Aliens.... cue BSG sound track
Fierce
Victorious! Thanks cousin Ethan for setting us up with all the props!

Day to day...life's a bit of a blur!

2010-05-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

A rare sighting! Ruby Cate in the tub by herself! Does not happen often - all this room!

Super Ruby
Daddy is the best!

My girl Friday

2010-02-27T21:27:00.000-08:00

Order up -- fairy chef with a side of rockstar

Girl is faaaaaaasssttt! Giddy-up

Auntie Nettie & Me...

2010-02-27T21:21:00.000-08:00

2010-02-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

Poppy & Juliet

2010-02-27T21:10:00.000-08:00

Andy giving the girls a serious fit of the giggles

Spring is in the air!

2010-02-27T15:02:00.000-08:00

Officer Hanson says time to get outside!

Big shoes are better

Let's go! Ruby is always up for an adventure.

Mama and Ruby have been loving our Friday morning rides together

Four & a Quarter

2010-02-27T14:56:00.000-08:00

Juliet loves to tell you she is 4 and a 1/4 and lets you know that after that she will be turning 16. She is obsessed with the number 16. Slowwww down girlie! She is loving Japanese school and is learning all about shapes, body parts, and New Year in Japanese right now.

She loooves cuddling..especially waking up at 4AM and making her way into our bed (just like mama did when she was at that age). I secretly relish every minute of it...cold toes and all.

RIP Alexander McQueen

ROAR!!!

2010-02-27T14:46:00.000-08:00

I like to hide behind the curtains for unsuspecting mommies and daddies to scare!

Peek - a - boo...I see you

Miss Ruby Cate is 22 months and as lively as ever! LOTS of new words, and a ton of activity. She wants to do whatever her big sister does which makes Juliet really laugh. She repeats everything after her, so we've been calling her MJ (mini-juju). She says "O-TAY" cuter than Eddie Murphy could ever hope to be and "Boo Boo Tat" for Jackson. She is even using her "please and thank yous" appropriately. Our little lovey.

SNOW DAY

2010-01-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

Hooray! Who knew it was going to snow? We feel so lucky for our one half day of magic!

Ruby girl loved it! She thought eating it was the most fun of all.

It was perfect snowman/snowball snow. More perfect was when neighbor Pat (who we adore) called out "warm eggnog and brandy?" Don't mind if we do! :)

Tuckered out -- time for hot cocoa and jammies.

Trying out her new skiis

2010-01-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

Juliet did great with the skiing. When she fell she was really good pushing herself up. Baby steps -- even got a taste of a little downhill action. She loooved that.

MAD

2010-01-02T14:52:00.001-08:00

Grrr...Ruby the Red looking to find a fit

Yeehaww! SNOW!

2010-01-02T14:46:00.001-08:00

Snow angels making snow angels

Ava & Juliet tasking this winter's vintage

Playdate with Ava -- a snowy walk around town

The snow is juuuust beginning and we are getting excited. Mama had the pleasure of waking Juliet up from her nap telling her "it's snowing!!!" and Juliet ran to the window excited as can be with that look of "is it sticking?" Love the small moments of wonder.

Ahhhh -- post XMAS glow

2009-12-25T15:26:00.001-08:00

He came! Christmas is here!

2009-12-25T15:22:00.000-08:00

Santa Claus is coming to town

2009-12-25T15:19:00.000-08:00

Pre-Christmas Jitters

2009-12-25T15:16:00.000-08:00

Now I know how hard it was for my Dad to wait until Christmas morning...you let them open one one present on Christmas Eve and the floodgates start to open...

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-25T15:14:00.001-08:00

I love my Nana and Poppy!

Juliet's favorite Peeps

2009-12-25T15:09:00.001-08:00

Tissue tear madness
Ava and Finola -- two of her favorite girlies
Grace and Anna -- the new school girls we hear so much about at Japanese school
Adreienne and Luci, two of her favorite old school cohorts!
And Jake -- her favorite boy in the world... they ahve been fast friends since they were 4 months old.

She got to have all her favorite people there -- and everyone could make it! New school, old shool, and family & neighborhood friends. Life is good!

That cake -- a study in pink.

2009-12-25T15:07:00.001-08:00

THE 4th Birthday

2009-12-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

So cool to see all the kids figure out what playing with the parachute meant. Non one had ever seen this before. FUN!
Gillian Going for the gold
Ava -- a perfect study in balance
Juliet pushing the limits as always
Abbey and Megan...no fear!

It was a wild time. This is the last of the BIG parties. From here on out it is as many guests as your age. They had a ball at the Children's Gym, best part for all was the Parachute. Who doesn't love the parachute? So cool.

THE Haircut

2009-12-25T14:53:00.000-08:00

Post haircut princesses. Love is being 4 years old and doused with sparkle hairspray.
Pre-haricut, what hams.

Juliet couldn't wait to have her hair date with one of her BFF's, Finola, at the "Cutter". This was only her second real haircut. She loved it...Mama will miss trying to cut her hair. It was fun while it lasted...Ruby...come heeeerrrre...

Life is more fun with a sister...

2009-12-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

Drumroll....
Dinnertime seems to be constant musical chairs as of late.
My favorite goofballs
Tender moments

Bring on the snow!

2009-12-25T14:45:00.000-08:00

Juliet is practicing for some prime powder...

Fun about the homestead

2009-12-25T14:31:00.000-08:00

This is the hat that no one can resist. Ruby wakes up and asks for "at -- at" and whenever she wears this out, the people come in a bee-line and Ruby Cate soaks it all in. This is the diplomat-hat. It may help promote world peace even. It does help that Ruby has an uncanning resemblence to Suzie-loo Who.
Little miss Juliet pre-haircut. She is doing her best "I am on the nice list" pose.
Ruby girl is so big! I am stunned with how much she has grown. Sitting at the breakfast bar, eating cheerios with her spoon. Wow.
Mama interrupting "show" time.
Ruby: "Don't even think about sharing my popcorn"... movie night in the basement lounge

LEGOLAND!

2009-11-24T21:02:00.000-08:00

2009-11-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

Rides for all sizes

2009-11-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

My favorite moment of the day was seeing Juliet ride on her very first roller coaster. You never know how these things will go. You hope they like it, but what if they start freaking out and lose it? I was a little nervous. Just one look at her and you could feel the excitement and the unknown feelings building as we climbed the first hill...and when we got to the top and started to drop she was lost in a fit of giggles! I can't even explain how amazing it felt to witness these moment of sheer joy. Very cool. A ride lover is born...

2009-11-24T20:44:00.001-08:00

We loved it here -- not only did we get to ahng out with Mel & Jason, Darcy & Erik and all the kiddos, but we were surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds and great free play structure so it didn't feel like you were standing in line all the time. Highly recommended...I am not sure who had more fun...

San Clemente

2009-11-18T21:50:00.000-08:00

We loved seeing Darcy and Eric's new house and enjoyed the pace of life down south. It was great to reconnect with the boys and are always amazed by how much they've grown and changed between visits. Wish we lived closer. Peace love and happiness

Quality time

2009-11-18T21:46:00.000-08:00

We miss you all so much! The girls had a blast.

Juliet fell in love...

2009-11-18T21:38:00.001-08:00

She didn't want to leave the beach. Who could blame her?

Goofing around in the Pacific

2009-11-18T21:33:00.001-08:00