Christmas

Christmas this year was terrific.  Our dear friend Rosey came down from Anacortes on Christmas Eve and stayed until Monday night.  We made our traditional homemade pizza for Christmas Eve with Holly, Angie, Janet and Rosey and then did Christmas Dinner at Janet's house with Cissy, Susan, Sue, Benita, and Rosey.
I am glad Christmas went well because I got the stomach flu the day after Christmas and it lasted five days.  Sharon, Cooper and Rosey did not get it and allowed me to rest while they played with Cooper.  Sharon did get bronchitis around New Year's Eve.  It seems the holidays aren't much without some kind of illness. 

Cooper got a farm from Santa and took his time opening all of his gifts.  Aunt Rosey spoiled all of us with gifts.  We spent the entire morning opening presents because Cooper would open one and then ask to either put it together or read the story.  He was very deliberate and patient in the opening.  He also received about a gift a day when more family came to town on Dec 29.

Here are some pictures from Christmas.

New Year's and Family

We were blessed this year with a visit from Jeff and Chikako (my brother and sister-in-law) from Japan.  My mom and dancing partner, Bob also came to town over New Year's.  They all arrived on Dec 29th and stayed through the 5th.  We had a great time with them, ate lots of good food, did tons of shopping (a bit much for Jeff) and hung out at home. 

On Jeff's request we booked an appointment for a pedicure for Chikako. I couldn't let her get one by herself so I joined her.  It was Chikako's first pedicure and she chose clear polish.  I think she really enjoyed being pampered, I know I did.

The Wisconsin Badgers played in the Rosebowl on Saturday and we had a big bash at the house.  Jeff's friends, Eric and Christina, from Seattle came down to spend some time and for the game, New Year's Eve through Sunday.  It was a great game even though Wisconsin lost.  We all wore red and had brautwurst, Taco Bell (for Chikako), nachos and beer.

I took Jeff, Chikako, Eric and Christina to Kennedy School Saturday night for a tour and some beer/coffee.  The soaking pool was packed and people kept waving Chikako in to soak.  We went to the Boiler Room and had poor service but excellent quality time with friends.

Jeff, Chikako, Cooper and I took a trip up to the snow on Sunday.  We went to Carson, WA and found an access road that didn't require snowshoes.  We brought a sled for Cooper but he mainly liked to eat the snow, and sit on Uncle Jeff's shoulders. At the end he did ride in the sled with Chikako while Jeff pulled.  Riley came with us and was bounding in the snow.  It was a gorgeous day and we all had a great time.

We spent Sunday night at Grandma Lindsay's house and she cooked us a great casserole.  Chikako was unsure what a casserole was but she liked it and ate three helpings.

We only ate two breakfasts out, Petit Provence and Cadillac Cafe.  We had pizza from Hot Lips and Thai from Sivali.  Jeff and I got our morning, afternoon and evening coffee brew on daily.  Chikako left us on Monday and the rest of the family stayed until Wednesday.  It was great to all be together for the New Year and can't wait for Jeff and Chikako to live with us!!!!

Love

Cooper love





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Hiking

I took the kids to the Vancouver Land Bridge this week for a nice walk.  I brought Cooper's bike and he had  fun chasing Larkin and I around.  The bridge is awesome, it goes right by the railroad tracks and the Fort Vancouver Airport. We saw lots of large planes heading to PDX Airport, two small planes that landed at Fort Vancouver, right over our heads, and three trains.  Cooper was in heaven, Larkin was happy to be
running and Riley was happy to be with us.

 

Cooper, Riley and I went to Lattourell Falls in the Gorge this week too.  The Out and About with Kids book said this trail is great for younger kids. 

We were sprayed with freezing cold water as we crossed this bridge.  Cooper and Riley had a great time running and it was nice to be outside.  I am looking forward to many more hiking adventures now that  Cooper can walk for longer bouts of time.