Christmas Traditions

Since I was younger, Christmas never really began until after my birthday. Walter and I have carried on that tradition in our house. We got our tree and decorated the house the weekend following my birthday. This year didn't feel as festive in the beginning, probably due to our two car accidents and being without a family car (total bummer)! We bought a new car and our fun traditions soon followed! We went to Peacock Lane, Victorian Mansion, Zoo Lights and PIR! Peacock Lane and Zoo Lights are an every year tradition for us. I have been to the Victorian mansion many times, but we don't get there every year. PIR was a first for us all and it was beautiful. The kids loved the whole thing.

We celebrated Christmas at Mor Mor's on Christmas Eve. The 5 cousins were all together and had fun playing. It is a lot of fun watching them all open their presents. Christmas morning we all wake up to see what Santa brought us and my dad came over a little bit later to give his gifts. The kids got some fun toys this year! Christmas night we went out for our traditional Chinese dinner. It was delicious and fun!

I love this time of year! Our next stop will be Seattle this weekend! We are so excited to ring in the new year with Chris, Signe and Satchel!

Almost Two

Felix is 22 months today! This past month his language has developed so much! It is quite amazing!

What's he sayin:
"What's that"
"There it is"
Balls
Bubbles
Baby
"Hi"
"Bye Bye"
Mama
Dada
Papa
Mor Mor
GG
Up
Book
Hat
Hug
Star
Moon
*I am sure I am missing a few...

What's he singin:
Twinkle Twinkle
ABC's
He does the hand motions to "The Wheels on the Bus"

One of my favorites is he can tell you what just about every animal says!

Felix is still going to his music class, which he has grown to really love! He gets excited when I tell him where we are going and recognizes the building. He also started a class all about balls. It's hilarious to watch, he is the youngest in there. The teacher tries to get the 2 year olds to stretch before they play, funniest thing to see. Felix has no part of that, he just wants to kick the soccer ball, throw the baseball or make a basket!

This has been such a fun month and I just love the time I get to spend with him!

Pumpkin Time

In the past week Felix and I have gone to two pumpkin patches. Last weekend, as a family, we went to Kruger Farm. It was such a beautiful day, the farm was packed! The kids went through the corn maze, we all went on the hayride and fed the chickens. The kids loved all the animals and picking out the perfect pumpkins. We ended our trip at the farm in the farm store. We loved picking out the fresh fruits and veggies!

We then met Tiffany and her boys at Liepold Farm in Boring on Tuesday. This farm was so fun for the kids. It is all set up for the kids and to make pumpkin picking easy. The farm animals were a big hit for Felix. There was a kids pavilion that was full of fun stuff for the kids; hay maze, corn box and a little merry go round. Since we already picked our pumpkins last weekend, Felix picked a small one out.

I love this time of year and had so much fun watching Felix take in all these new experiences!

Fun Filled Weekend

For Walter's birthday I gave him Oregon Duck tickets. He has always been a huge fan, but had never been to a game. Saturday morning we took Felix to my mom's and headed down to Eugene. We hit some traffic, but the drive really wasn't too bad. Walking into the stadium, Walter was so excited. He looked at me and said, " I never thought I would come to a game." 

 Go Ducks!

 Touch Down!

And we had pretty good seats! 

The game pretty much took up our whole Saturday, but it was so worth it.  Walter and I hadn't had that much time to ourselves in 19 months! It was a great day...but we were happy to get home to Felix.

Last week I decided to buy tickets to the circus for us. Felix LOVES animals and bright lights so I thought this would be a fun experience. We got there an hour early for the pre show and were able to see the animals up close. It was pretty fun to watch, even for Walter and me! 

 On our way

 The elephant up close and personal!

These ladies hung by their hair! OUCH!

We had such a fun weekend! It was a perfect mix of time for us and time for Felix! 

The best part was walking into Autzen and seeing Walter's face! I wouldn't trade that for the world!

33

At the end of August we celebrated Walter's 33rd birthday. We had a yummy breakfast at home with our family and Signe, Chris and Satchel. Later that day we used our library Oaks Park passes, it was so hot and crowded. Felix went on his first amusement park rides! Cameron and Madison went roller skating for the first time, which was absolutely hilarious! The next morning we went to breakfast at my mom's house and then headed out on my sister and brother-in-law's boat (again another first for Felix).

 First of many Happy Birthday's!

 Felix's first ride, he went on twice!

 Happy Birthday DaDa!

 Our captain!

 Walter looks ready!

It was a great weekend and fun celebrating another birthday with Walter! He doesn't ask for much on his day as long as he is with his family. I couldn't ask for a better partner! Walter, you are the best and we LOVE celebrating you!

First Time at the Beach!

Felix had his first dose of the Oregon Coast! We went to Depoe Bay this weekend with some of my family. Felix wasn't so sure about the sand at first, but it didn't take him long to get into it. He ran all over chasing Walter and me. The ocean water took his breath away (it was freezing). The weather was beautiful and warm. We couldn't have picked a better time to go. 

 Digging in the sand

 Cutest foot print in the world!

 Loved walking hand in hand with Da Da

 Sandy Feet!

 Running to Da Da!

 Saved by Mama from the waves!

 Pretty sunset from the condo (Tim, Olin, Felix and Walter)

 Forgarty Creek (Olin said he was a "Shell Collector")

 I couldn't get a picture of it, but we did see a Sea Lion! 

Mor Mor and one of her babies!

We had such a great time! I didn't want to leave, but it was time to get back to reality! We will definitely be back!