Snow Suit, Hannah Anderson.....$16 on clearance

Hat and mittens set....$8.99

Multiple blankets.....$20 approx

The look on our Daughters face the FIRST time she went out in the snow.....Priceless

We're pretty lucky! 

Oh the weather outside is frightful

But as usual, this fire is soooooo delightful! (Thanks Hot Brian - you really have lived up to your name!!!) 

What a day - I think I woke up about 4 times last night like a 16 year old praying there was no school tomorrow - disappointed each time to see bare pavement and dark skies! When I woke up (the final time since I was up a couple of times with cutie) I knew we were in for some fun when it was super bright behind the blinds in our room!!! Love this! Snow storms are very special to Brian and I, in case you didn't know....so anytime the local news goes in to overdrive "storm watch" I feel like I'm 26 again! 

Our day of course included sledding - walking - hot soup - laughing - visiting neighbors - playing with neighbor kids - lots and lots of pictures - snow angels - cold fingers - happy dogs - and a warm fire....just to name a few! =) But the best part is now - kiddos asleep - dogs chewing LOUDLY - and Brian and I, sitting - watching the best Christmas moving ever - Love Actually. I could blog forever about this movie, how beautiful it is - but that would take all night! 

It looks like we get an additional day all together tomorrow! Yippee, we all love when Daddy is home! It seems that the week ahead, when we are of course supposed to be Christmas shopping, should be interesting as well weather wise! 

Can't wait to share stories and pictures...and pretty soon, cookies and fudge and muffins and laughs and movies!!!

Remember, Love Actually is All Around

The beautiful moments in life

This time of year - it's nice to reflect on happy thoughts, fun times and smiles that stick with you. The weather has certainly been favorable (albeit a few days) to daydream out the windows - take a drive, a walk, a run and just enjoy the scenery, the birds and the squirrels in the park.  

It's been nice to open the mailbox every day and be greeted with holiday cards from friends and family - to get the random knock on the door from neighbors who are just stopping by to say hello (note to self, try and keep house cleaner) - get invites to Christmas gatherings and to spend lots of time in front of the fireplace with loved ones and just each other.  It's all even better, with a Santa hat and a smile!

17 days and counting....we're off to mail a letter to the North Pole! 

The best city to live in the world

We are lucky enough to live in quite possibly one of the most family friendly, gorgeous, progressive cities in our state! So many people talk about where they grow up and the great things they remember from childhood - I think that both Owen and Elise will have stories that will make their kids smile and laugh...but that's way in the future! 

The day after Thanksgiving, we of course wanted to go to a tree lighting...seeing that we have a 7 month old, we missed the parade (we were bummed) but will for sure be there next year.  We decided to check out the Lake Oswego tree lighting...we were semi skeptical, but went with it! Not only did we join a very large gathering in a local parking lot to witness the large sequoia tree which has been coined "the cities christmas tree" lit with beautiful snowflake lights, our mayor helped with the countdown, there were high school choir groups singing Christmas music, Starbucks donated free coffee and hot chocolate (yum).....and then, Santa was there - in a fire truck headed down to Millenium  Park...the street was closed off and we were all encouraged to follow him and the truck to ANOTHER tree lighting where the kids would get to see many Christmas characters and of course, get some candy! I mean really - how many cities do you know of that seem to really encourage their main street shut down for hundreds of people to walk down (some with their dogs) multiple times a year....we're pretty lucky! 

We all made our way down to the park - Elise was beside herself with the lights, the sounds, up in Mommy's arms so she could get the full range of holiday offerings....mostly though, to see her brother super excited and laughing! We ran in to old friends, new friends....Owen's teacher - I don't think I've ever seen him so captivated before - his teacher, out in the real world - giving out hugs regardless of not being in a classroom....he was all smiles! He met Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph and the Nutcracker - all in costume, none of whom he was afraid (candy canes???)....big change from last year!  We thought our night was made...we were on our way home.  

And then, down the staircase - there it was - the fire truck, with REAL fireman standing outside the truck just waiting for Santa to come back.....we were only going to take Owen's picture next to the truck, until....Fireman (I don't know his name) Nice guy came up to Owen - and offered to not only show him how the levers and computers work...but to let him get IN the truck, try on THE REAL HAT (the one with the lights and everything) and get his picture taken then!!! (See above)...it was like Owen was the only kid in the world....many kids began to line up, but for 5 minutes, he was the only one who was around - See what I mean, the BEST city in the world...especially when you're 4 and those are almost all the things that matter! How many people can say they got to go to their tree lighting (with the same living tree used every year) where their mayor did a countdown, saw Santa in their local fire trucks, saw their teacher in a crowd, met local fireman, tried on a real fire hat....the list goes on! I think we've all got one more thing to add on to our "what we're thankful for" list!

Oh - and did I mention the police stopped traffic in BOTH directions to let us cross the street...WOW! 

(PS, the top photo I meant to add, is of Owen and our shadows as we walked down the driveway at some possible clients of Brian's to pick out a tree!)

My Name's Elise....

I need to chomp and chew....

I've got 2 new teeth....

So you best watch out - 

I may just bite you! 

Finally - they have made their arrival....one is fully in, the other is making it's debut - I'd guess tonight - but we'll see....thanks to the lighting at Whole Foods, we all got a great show! This is the kind of thing I am so happy to have this blog for! Our pretty princess is getting big, way too fast (17 lbs)! Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so, Owen continues to ask me for a baby brother - OY  VEY! 

Alright, time to enjoy the fire my hunk of a man has made me....

December 1st

Today - holds a LOT of meaning - for many people.  Today, 53 years ago Rosa Parks took a stand on a bus and said "NO" to giving up her seat on a bus to a white man and demanded equality.  She began a revolution that has led us to another amazing year in history - I think you all know what I'm talking about - Change has been happening in our country for a long time, and it will continue and we will all benefit and learn - and I hope, be inspired to change ourselves and stand up for what we believe in and have passion for!

Also, today holds a LOT of meaning for me personally.  Five years ago tonight, I went out on a first date with what I pretty much discovered immediately was the Man of my dreams, and it's been an amazing ride ever since! I never thought when I sat down at that table with Brian that night, that within five years we'd have the worlds two most beautiful children, a comfortable, warm loving home that provides our favorite saying, "These 4 walls....they're all that matters" and a life with a future I am so excited to continue to discover.  I am the luckiest woman in the world and count my blessings every day and every night....I love you Brian - as I've told you pretty much from the start, You're Amazing...