Snow and sand

Bennett got skis for his 3rd birthday so we took him up on the hill for the first time this weekend. It was a learning experience for all. Brent and I both have skied for many years but have never taught. We went to the Leavenworth Ski Hill - they have two tow ropes, just the right size for beginners. While we only managed a handful of runs, Bennett had a great time. I hope someday we can take family ski vacations.

 It is sure a lot of work getting kids bundled and geared up!!

 Especially when you then have to carry them to the tow rope and up it.

 Clara hung in the backpack - we did a little cross-country skiing with her on my back.

 Big brother holding Clara's hand on one leg of the car trip.

Bennett wasn't into the family photo op.

 Clara hamming it up.

 This was our subtle hint that he was ready to go.

 So we took a family photo without him :)

  There was also a clam digging tide this weekend on the coast so after recovering for a night from skiing, we packed up the truck and headed the other direction. We rented a little place in Moclips, north of Pacific Beach and enjoyed the stormy Pacific Coast. We did end up watching more movies and lounging than actual beach combing but it was a fun quick trip nonetheless. Pretty sure Clara ate a peck of sand...makes me cringe just looking at the pictures.

Bathtime

We've entered the stage where Bennett and Clara can play together and entertain one other. They make each other laugh, pick on one another and share toys. It is so fun to observe the growth of this sibling relationship. There are times in the day (usually the evenings) where I am out of playtime ideas, out of energy, and short on patience - so I plunk them into the tub. These are some of my favorite moments - they both are so content and could play (contained!) for an hour.

3 years

Bennett my love, I cannot believe you are three years old already. You are such a joy and it is so fun to watch you mature and grow. Here are some things I don't want to forget about the 3 year old you.

- If you are unsure of a word pronunciation, you will always add a "B" to the word. Such as, "B-azona" (Arizona), "B-arage" (Garage), "B-uitar" (Guitar)

- You say "Togegger" for together - we love this misspeak so much, we may encourage it at times

- You love, love, love your Daddy. You want to be just like him - you mimic his chores and if you tire of that, you ask him to carry you along while he works. Which he usually obliges somehow.

- You don't sleep well - unless you consider negotiating every nap and sneaking into our bed at 3am every night good sleep habits.

- You will eat most things - you love seafood and most vegetables. Lollipops and popsicles are the ultimate bribe.

- You are a water baby but still prefer the comfort of being with your Dad in the deep water. We had our first go at swim lessons and you didn't fully trust the instructor - which meant you stood on the pool deck through the whole lesson.

8 Months

Our happy girl is 8 months old! She is changing everyday - latest milestones include:

- crawling! she is fast and into everything. She is much more curious than Bennett was and there have been more than a few finger sweeps in the mouth after various small toys.

- pulling up on things - she loves to be upright and will use any available vertical device to get there (including people). She's taken a few steps along furniture but fortunately hasn't explored beyond that.

- clapping and dancing - she's got an ear for music and will do a little shimmy and shake when the radio is turned on.

- sleeping through the night!!!! Two days before I left for my first overnight away from her she decided she could go without nursing in the middle of the night. And she has been doing it ever since - minus a minor setback related to an ear infection requiring extra snuggles.

- she's becoming more verbal - can get out a distinct "mama" and "dada" and something I swear is trying to be Bennett. Lots of raspberries in between.

Happy Birthday Baby Gerrit!

The chefs donning the appropriate protective gear and discussing the plan of action. And singing a round of Happy Birthday to get us in the right frame of mind.

And the most important part of the recipe, tasting the final product.

Approval from big sister Avery!

Approval from ever supportive friend Bennett!

Amber and Chris welcomed their newest bundle, Gerrit Christopher, which meant we got to spend some time with Avery while the family prepares (poor guy still isn't home) to come home. Bennett had his first girlfriend sleepover - and although they wanted to sleep in the same bed and swore they'd fall asleep, it didn't end up going exactly like that (there was lots of giggling, some jumping and a few songs) so Avery got B's bed and he snuggled with us. We baked a batch of cupcakes in celebration of Gerrit's birthday and the kids were a huge "help" - Avery got to pick the frosting color and chose green for Gerrit's cupcakes. Congrats Johnstons - we are so happy for you and can't wait to spend more time with your little guy.

7 Months

Beautiful brown eyes. And two little teeth finally just popped through (thank goodness as we did a lot of extra, middle of the night snuggling, rocking and nursing to get her through that development)

Sitting pretty!

Official tummy sleeper - I am a sucker for the butt up sleeping position, I find myself sneaking in there just to get a peak at her cuteness.

This is a common sight in our house -  B has no pants on (wearing just unders makes him faster), his fire truck is no more than 6 inches away from him, and he is wearing some type of hat. He's such a crack up these days.

Christmas

Trying out the new snow (marshmallow) pants

Playing in the snow on our hunt for a tree

Christmas eve's eve clam digging

Clara stayed bundled up and protected from the elements in the Bob during the dig

Christmas Eve PJs photo

Digging into the presents - bows are just as fun!

We are so spoiled by having all of our families close to one another. Clara and Bennett were loved on by everyone!

Knowles Grandparent/Grandkids photo

Great Grammy

Cousins

Santa brought B a fire truck and a digger - they have been inseparable ever since (the fire truck sleeps next to his bed every night and comes in the car with us no matter where we are going)

An attempt at a Christmas day tree photo - reality is, B is still in his PJs (not the cute "Christmas day outfit") and she's crying because I think he's squeezing her hand really hard ("helping" her)