Holiday Season

We had a great Christmas holiday. I was able to take time to enjoy some of our favorite traditions with Felix and as a family. I love sharing these magical times with my family.
This year Felix really started to understand the holiday and the different traditions we have. He LOVED Santa and was very vocal about what he had asked him to bring. Another character he grew to love was The Grinch or as he said it "The Dinch". He watched part of the movie one time, that was all it took. I tried to introduce to him many of the Christmas specials on tv and he really got into the music!
Work is always busy this time of year, but I seemed to get all my shopping done and still spend time with my family, which is my absolute favorite. Our house was decorated and cookies were baked. I love this holiday and am watching my son turn into a total believer also! He definitely appreciates it as much as I do.

30th

I had been telling Walter for years that I wanted to see Leavenworth in December. Two of my favorite things; my birthday and Christmas at one time! It doesn't get much better.

We started looking for a place in September, figuring it was enough time... We were wrong. Places book up and they book up fast! We found a condo a short distance away and emailed the owner right away. We secured our stay, she wrote me later that evening telling me she had multiple families inquiring about the same place! Whewww!

We drove to Seattle on Friday to pick up my sister's family. From there we continued our journey to Leavenworth! The drive from Seattle to Leavenworth took longer than expected, but once we got there it was instant love!

Everything was lit up with Christmas lights, it looked like the pictures! The little town was beautiful and exactly what I expected. Our condo was super close, very nice and comfy. Saturday morning we woke up to a winter wonderland! The first snow in Leavenworth on my birthday! The hills, trees and buildings were all covered.

Walter, Felix and I ventured into Front street early. We found a delicious bakery with the most amazing pastries! Not much was open, but seeing it in daylight was just as amazing! We took our pastries home to share and ate a yummy breakfast my sister had prepared! We headed back to the main street after breakfast to browse around, the crowds started to pick up and people were coming in by the bus loads! There were lines to many stores and restaurants. All the holiday characters were out taking pictures, Felix didn't want anything to do with them! Walter and my brother in law were constantly planning their next meal, they were in heaven! Kids were sledding down any hill they could and music was constantly playing. Everyone around seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Dinner, cupcakes and presents summed up our evening! After seeing the crowds coming we decided to stay in. We made the best dinner and ate delicious cupcakes Felix and Satchel picked out.

We headed back home Sunday. It was hard to leave! Walter and I both wanted to stay longer and the snow began to fall again! It was such a great stay and we will definitely be back!

My birthday was great and exactly how I imagined. I have spent many of my birthdays with my oldest sister and she has always done an amazing job making me feel special! And Walter makes sure all my birthday dreams come true! I am so happy we were able to experience Leavenworth together! Everyone enjoyed themselves and were able to relax a little!

Thanksgiving

Every year we go around the dinner table and each one of us says what we are thankful for...every year I am thankful for my family. We might not have the "perfect" family, but who does and my family is perfect for me.

I know I have said many times how special Walter is to me, but recently I was reminded of how very special he is. He has been through a lot in his 34 years of life, more than many of us could handle and he is still a happy, loving person. He is one of the most resilient people I have ever met, you will never hear him down on life or luck. He has had it rough, but you won't hear him asking for a handout. I am so very thankful we met and that he is a part of my world. He has opened my eyes to a life I never even imagined, to a world I knew little about and to a love I have always hoped for!

Walter, you have an amazing story! You have brought so much happiness to my life and we haven't even made it halfway through the book! I am thankful for you and love you!

October!!

I was determined to take Felix to a couple Pumpkin Patches this year. In one weekend we went to three different ones. It was fun and he LOVED them all. They all had something different. When Cameron and Madison were at our house for the weekend we hit up our usual, Kruger Farms. It was muddy and packed, but the kids found great pumpkins, ate some yummy food and even caught a frog!
Felix started another season of art class, it is centered towards Halloween and Fall. He of course uses glitter like crazy, but in this class he is more interested in the play-doh. He also started a new term of swimming lessons and music class. Basically he is a busy guy and now says he goes to preschool...which he really doesn't, but I find all his classes to be as close to it as we might get.
Walter and I took a trip to Eugene last weekend for a Duck game. We had fun and again it was great to see how happy and what a die hard fan he is! His outfit was AMAZING! He is a Duck fan from head to toe! It was fun to have a day to ourselves and spend time together.
I had a couple extra days off this weekend, it was so nice to be home! I napped a couple days, which I never do! I played A LOT of Legos with Felix! We went to his classes and our usual Starbucks run. He is my partner, and as sad as it might sound, he is definitely one of my best friends! I love every second with him, even if he is being a pill! We trick or treated at Mor Mor's with his aunties, uncles, Mor Mor and Olin. It was fun. He was more timid this year and wasn't a fan of the spooky houses. He was dressed as a fireman and he was so proud of the costume. After he had enough of Mor Mor's neighborhood we headed over to Uncle Brandon and Auntie Kate's house. He fell in love with Stella, their bunny! He scored even more goodies and got to climb all over Uncle Brandon.
We had a GREAT month and it was full of excitement! Back to work tomorrow, but feel so lucky to have a job that I am able to take important days off to be with my family!

My other Best Friends Wedding!

Demond and I have been each others best friend since we were 13. We have had many ups and downs, but have always been by each others side. Today, Walter, Felix and I were by Demond's side as he married his partner!

I am proud of who Demond has become and even more proud that he chose an amazing person to be his wife! She welcomes my family with open arms and for that I am grateful! Kelsy, welcome to our family, thank you for making Demond complete!

There were many parts of the night that were special for me...besides the obvious of course! Seeing my first baby love meet my son made my life happy! Bam Bam was the first baby I fell in love with! He was my right hand man and watching Felix follow him around today was so sweet. Another highlight was Felix falling in LOVE with Kelsy, he looked for her everywhere and only had eyes for her! But the absolute best moment was when Felix couldn't wait any longer to see Uncle Mond so he ran up to him before the ceremony was over. Uncle Mond calmly picked him up and gave him a little hug. It was sweet and I am thankful it didn't ruin their special moment!
I love these two and wish them nothing but happiness! I cannot wait to be an Auntie to your kids!

Busy with Birthdays

We have been busy celebrating birthdays! Walter's sister's birthday starts a whirlwind of birthdays in our family. Trina, Walter, Chris, my mom, my sister, my nephew, Walter's niece, Layton, Walter's baby sister, Walter's, Mama Gloria and Cameron!

I love celebrating our family! We have some amazing lives to celebrate! We were in Stayton the last weekend of August to celebrate Walter and his sister, Trina's birthday. It was a lot of fun. We rode the mule (a golf cart like rig), camped by the creek and fed the cows. The kids had a lot of fun and it is something that I didn't grow up with so it is still very fun for me! On Walter's actual birthday we decorated the house and made him a taco dinner. The kids and I each gave him presents and we ate yummy cake! After the birthday celebration we had an evening of playing at the park. Walter had a lot of fun and got some great gifts. I say this often, but I LOVE his love for family! He is the true family guy! Walter, you are truly amazing in my eyes!

This past weekend we celebrated Layton turning 6! I remember the day he was born! I remember how cute and perfect he was! It has been fun watching him grow up. He is a sweet little boy! After the party we headed to the circus! I know there is a lot of controversy surrounding the circus, but I thought it would be fun for my baby boy. We bought crazy expensive snacks and had a blast! The acrobats and daredevils are mind boggling! I cannot imaging having the courage to do any of that!

Next up is our sweet baby nephew, Satchel turns 3! Time has flown by and I LOVE being a part of his life! I might not be his mommy, but I feel like he is one of mine! I think of him constantly and wish he could be with us all the time!

Love to all the birthday peeps and cannot wait until we celebrate Cameron!

My Best Friends Wedding...well one of my bests!

8/18/2012

I knew from the moment Brandon told me he and Kate crossed paths again, that they were on the road to marriage! I told him, he laughed, but I'm positive deep down inside he was hoping and wishing too.

Brandon called me after he and his mom bought the ring. I cried with pure happiness. I was so excited for him and knew this is exactly what he wanted in life. Brandon ALWAYS wanted to be in a long relationship and he was ALWAYS the most amazing, sweet, loving boyfriend to the girls.
I didn't know Kate very well, but knew if she made my best friend as happy as he is than she must be something pretty special herself. Then I spent time with her at Felix's baby shower and his birthdays, it meant the world.

I cry because I am overjoyed and so proud. I have known Brandon for more than half my life, more than a best friend, he is my family. He was and sometimes is my go to guy for answers and he still is one of my favorite people in this world.

Kate welcome to my family! I am so honored to have been invited yesterday, it was magical! So happy for you two and cannot wait to see what life has in store for you next! Love you both!