merry christmas to all, and a happy new year!

Maren (and her parents) had a wonderful Christmas this year. It started about  November 6, when we accidentally encountered Santa at the local mall (note to retailers: THIS IS TOO EARLY). She asked daily for weeks if it was Christmas yet.

So there was a lot of build up to the big day(s), and we had a great time. Christmas Eve at home with Fama Diane and Papa Malcolm, and the west side cousins:

Fama Diane telling the traditional "Santa Needs a New Suit" story

Santa brought the desired, "car for my dollhouse family." (Although unfortunately, when she unwrapped it, the first thing out of her mouth was, "Santa did not bring me a puppy?!?" Note that she did not ask for a puppy.)

Christmas Day morning at home...

...with bonus cousin Jenny!

And a blue lasso from our friend Liz in Texas.

Using the new tool set to straighten that pesky thermostat.

Then, over the river and through the woods (and mountains) to Fama Jackie and Papa Bill's house for Christmas Day dinner.

And more presents!

Real ballet shoes from cousin Lauren!

Including the world's coolest personal carousel, with lights. And songs. Thanks, Uncle Pat.

Some performance time at the children's museum...

...and lots of fun pretending.

And, of course, a ride on the big carousel.

Bonus nap on the way home on Monday.

Phew! Here's hoping you had a wonderful celebration too, and a very happy new year!

now I am three!

Maren is so excited to be three! (Or, "free!" as she says it.) We had a fun birthday celebration this weekend. She really wanted a Cinderella theme, so we had a Cinderella cake, and painted pumpkins, and had great fun. And then we kicked everyone out at midnight. (Just kidding.)

First, some photos of the birthday itself, during which Maren became the proud owner of a dollhouse. And, of course, some various Cinderella accessories.

And now, the birthday party! Let the games begin...

It's hard to wait for your friends to get here...

maren and the great pumpkin

Fun at our local fruit and vegetable stand this week...

summer recap

Well, our summer remodeling project has made it a little difficult to a.) find the camera, then b.) take  photos, then c.) find the photos, and d.) get to the computer so we can e.) update the blog. So we'll just run through a quick recap.

In no particular order:

Daddy had a birthday. With cake. Yum. (Maren decreed that it should be a ferryboat cake, so it was.)

And presents.

Lots of sprinkler time.

Family trip to Spokane.

The beloved carousel!

Traveling home in style.

SUPER fun trip to the local fire safety center with our cousins!

(In case you didn't know, it is perfectly acceptable fire safety etiquette to suck your thumb.)

We had some doughnuts.

And we got to see Ken Griffey, Jr, be inducted into the Mariners' Hall of Fame.

With Grandpa.

Also, we grew some tomatoes.

And we had an excellent beach day with more cousins.

All in all, a pretty great summer!