Olympic Games

After arriving in Vancouver, we did a bit more walking than planned, in a bit more rain than expected but eventually found 2 comfortable bar stools in a dry place to watch the Canada hockey game.
Taking in our first game...surrounded by Slovakian fans decked out in blue.

Our seats were directly next to the broadcasting desk - and everyone wanted to squeeze by and get their photos with these guys.

Bennett stayed home with Grandma and Grandpa. We received this picture of him blowing us a kiss that morning and looked at it many times during the day - here Bennett is enjoying the game.

USA vs. Switzerland

("Stop being neutral, it's time to kick a**")

Goooooo USA! We win!

Yeah!!

Leave it to Brent to find his Olympic souvenir at Costco (his sweatshirt is from the Vancouver Costco, steps from the stadium)

The Olympic Cauldron on the waterfront.

The city was electric and the Canadian patriotism was incredible.

Bennett happy to be home with Dad and getting into the spirit!

Hello Spring!

The weather here has been gorgeous so we've been soaking it up. We took a family trip to Bachelor and I was reaquainted with my skis after a season off. We took a day trip to Whidbey to get some fresh air and explore the beach. And we've been making great use of our new pass to the zoo - which we love, especially on 60 degree days in February! We're also learning the "cons" of daycare and Bennett just conquered his first real cold - fevers and all - courtesy of one of his new buddies. He's getting a few more teeth and closer to walking every day. He's quite the ham and has learned to "cheese" for the camera. We're learning new signs - Aunt Jenny taught us "more" while we were vacationing together. Oh yeah, and we got a new camera...here's the proof: Hitting the slopes - glad to be back even with a little wind and snow to bear (the next day was bright blue skies).
Aunt Jenny - Bennett is in love with her!

Cooking with Grandma - Bennett had so much fun exploring Sunriver with Grandma!

Helping Grandpa decide which goggles to wear.

Brushing his new teeth (I'm pretty sure he just likes the taste of the toothpaste but we'll just keep "practicing").

Finding fun sticks and rocks on the beach.

Family Photo (Lola is stage right).

Penguins at the zoo put on a good show!

Watching the big kids run around while we had a little picnic.

This is his "cheese" face...maybe not his best look but it makes me laugh every time I look at it!

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

Daddy helping with the presents at the big First Birthday Party!
Friends and cousins "helping" test out the loot.

Sharing birthday cake with Lola.

More pictures to come...my camera failed me and I have very few decent ones.

Spoon Use 101

Holiday Wrap Up

And again I find myself delinquent in my posts. We've been a busy little family this last month, jet-setting and all. Here's a play by play. (a disclaimer...I dropped our camera and loss function of the handy screen so these pictures are all taken "blindly" and therefore and not the best)

Decorating the tree with Daddy and trying to figure out how to get the ornaments off the tree without being too obvious about it.

Bennett's first Christmas was wonderful. We managed to see each division of our family and he enjoyed spoiling from all. He mostly was into the paper and boxes but was gifted many things that have provided hours of entertainment. Favorite things include: stacking train, trucks, balls, and books.

Christmas morning enjoying all santa had brought.

Riding home Christmas eve dressed as Santa!

We then rung in the new year with a 3rd (?) annual feast at the Russos house. We ate a 5 course meal that lasted 4 hours with a little wine to wash it down - delicious! Bennett slept right through the festivities and transferred home to his crib with not much of a peep.




Then it was off to Arizona for a hunting/sunning vacation. Brent took care of the hunting while Bennett and I relaxed and enjoyed our Phoenix and Tucson families. One glitch in the plan - Bennett misunderstood and thought vacation meant less sleeping. But it's amazing how quickly a sunny day can turn my grumpy, sleep deprived mood around!

Checking out the animals at the zoo and enjoying Gram snuggles.

And today we visited a new daycare at Seattle Childrens that Bennett will begin attending in February. This change is going to be hard for us all but Brent and I feel that it's going to fit our lives very well. I'm very saddened that I won't be caring for Avery much anymore and that the 2 buddies will be separated but hopefully we'll make some new friends and enjoy Avery on frequent play dates. Happy 11 Months buddy - I can't believe you're almost a year old!

Poor Santa

10 month old heartbreaker

Okay, I know he's our son but he sure is cute. And will probably break some hearts someday.

Here's the proof: (Sorry Chris, pretty sure Avery took the lead on that one)

I just did some catching up on the blog (a little out of order) so scroll through for a few new posts.