Colorado - SNOW and Graduation

As I said at the end of my last blog entry, we were off to Colorado for a wintry vacation on December 12. I was a little nervous about traveling to snowy places after watching the horror last year in Colorado in December. I know that doesn't happen often, but I wasn't interested in being stuck anywhere. Luckily, we made it there and back with no problems.

Wednesday evening we drove to Beaver Creek to meet my dad and Kay for a few days of relaxation at the The Pines Lodge. We took Tate over to ski school early Thursday morning and got him all set up for a lesson. We thought we would relax at the hotel until it was time to watch them ski. That only lasted until the front desk called to say they had wrecked our car in valet. I hate it when Derek's face is white because if he's worried, I better be freaking out. It wasn't as bad as we thought, but it makes you want to think twice about that additional insurance they offer.

When we finally made it back over to the ski area, the kids were just coming out. I shed a few tears of joy when Tate came out in his little ski suit and helmet and teeny tiny boots! Kay and I just giggled with delight at all of them!!! The ski school had advised us to try to remain incognito so the kids wouldn't get sad and want to leave. So we looked kind of goofy with our hoods up and long lens cameras - like paparazzi at the 3 year old ski school! They practiced running down the hill in their boots, and then with one ski and then finally with two skis. After watching for a while, Tate figured out who we were and told us he wanted to stay longer. Great - he can stay for lunch and more fun, now we just have to make sure all the food is safe and then we can head out again.

When we came back to watch the afternoon ski session, Tate was DONE! They were all getting very tired, and we weren't in good enough hiding so Tate spied us and began crying to leave. Oh great - now we ruined it. He made his last few times down the hill in tears, but still told us he had fun and wanted to try again while on the bus back to the hotel. After naps, we found some great Mexican food (which Derek and I long for as much as snow!) and margaritas. Friday morning it was snowing which makes for an interesting drive in the Colorado mountains, so we all headed out early. Tate has asked several times when we can go again, so maybe we'll be back out to try again! All in all, we had a great time enjoying Papa and Nana.

Since the drive wasn't too bad, we made it back in time for me to surprise a few former colleagues at Sierra Elementary. I had a short visit with my teammates, but it was great to be in that school again and catch up with them for a few minutes. If I hadn't had Avarie on my hip, it would have felt like I never left and it would have been like a typical Friday afternoon - tired and ready for the weekend. Gosh I miss those girls - Hi Kris!!!!

Saturday we met Chuck, Colleen, Kay, Bill and Will for breakfast at Wild Oats. We had a great time catching up and laughing. Tate was thrilled to have an audience and Avarie let Kay hold her while I ate my breakfast. That left us enough time to get changed and head up to Fort Collins for Amy's graduation ceremony. We got to see Amy's apartment and her new puppy. Tate found all kinds of fun things to play with and we didn't have to worry about him breaking anything in a college apartment. The best part was when Tate said he was hungry and Amy opened the cabinet and told him she had Corn Flakes but they were her roommates. We all laughed but Tate was a little concerned at Auntie Amy's bare cupboards. He has a lot to learn before he goes to college, right? It was a great ceremony and we enjoyed a celebration with family and friends afterwards. Congratulations, Amy!!!

Avarie, who does not enjoy our dogs at all, did surprisingly well with the Mattila dogs and even sat and opened presents on Sunday. She was more interested in what Tate opened, much to Tate's dismay. They got to play with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Davin and Auntie Amy who all spoiled them with attention and new toys.

It was a quick trip that didn't allow us to see everyone we wanted to see. Avarie complicated that even more by not sleeping through the night once while we were gone. We did get to sneak a visit in to Ally's house and got time to play with Ella, Deegan and Mike. That was great since I hadn't seen her for a year and a half! The kids had a great time together and I can't wait to see her again!

Now we're home and counting down until Christmas. Take a look at these picture from Colorado.

Sorry, some are repeats from the last entry.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16970203@N02/sets/72157603427658407/show/

To all our loved ones far away, we send warm wishes for a Merry Christmas!

New Holiday Traditions - Elf Visitor and "Activity" Scene

Christmas is just around the corner and we are anxiously decorating, shopping and wrapping. Of course, Tate can hardly contain himself with the anticipation of Santa's arrival. He counts down every day on our Snowman Countdown. He's singing all his favorite Christmas songs while Avarie bounces along. You are only allowed to sing along if you sing it his way, his words. Derek and I love to listen to him practice his songs for his preschool production every night through the baby monitor. I don't know if his teachers are happy or sad that he won't be there for the actual production - he does know all the words, but you probably can't hear the other children singing. That's Tate!



We have had an Elf visting us, sent by Santa himself. He arrived a few weeks ago and Tate has named him Harrison. He is our Elf on the Shelf and he is here to watch Tate and Avarie and then report back to Santa every night. Harrison has brought little treats, made a few messes and has found all sorts of crazy places to hide. You can see a few of them in the pictures. Tate is not so sure about the whole thing, too smart for his own good. Despite the fact that the story said the elves can't talk and you can't touch them, Tate has been heard telling Harrison to "count to ten" and that "if I could reach you, I would touch you." Of course, he has also been heard apologizing to Harrison when he's had a bad day and pointing out presents he would like in the catalogs. We hope that Harrison gives enough good reports that Santa will want to visit us on Christmas Eve.



Another new tradition at our house is the Nativity Scene that Papa and Nana left us when they visited in November. It is a darling set, made of wood, almost like the old Fisher Price Little People. Tate calls it the "Activity" Scene, and enjoys moving everyone around every few days. Avarie has tried to reach it on the coffee table but her big brother is much too smart and has moved it way to the back so she can't reach. Poor Avarie - foiled again!



We still have a few weeks until Christmas and will squeeze in a few more holiday activities including the Tacky Lights Tour, the Christmas Performance at the Zoo, and baking and wrapping. We got some snow last week and we are headed to Colorado to get our fill of snow on Wednesday. Amy is graduating from CSU so we will take an extended weekend and meet my dad and Kay in Beaver Creek and spend the weekend with Derek's family. This will be Tate's first time skiing so check back for those pics!!

Here's some pictures ~ http://www.flickr.com/photos/16970203@N02/sets/72157603427658407/

Off to see the world . . .

Only a few weeks have passed since Halloween, but we have had tons of fun!

Papa and Nana (my dad and Kay) came to visit the first week in November. Tate always has all kinds of things he wants to do with them. (So do I!) We started off with a bang and made a Gingerbread House with Nana on Tuesday morning. All three of us got a little messy, and it was easy not to taste the icing because it was like glue, but we were quite happy with our little creation. It looked very similar to the picture on the box! Tate had a hard time not touching it when it was finished, so he has been enjoying it while it sits on top of the pie-safe. Thursday we went on an adventure to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. We took a slight detour and saw more of DC than we had planned, but we got to Baltimore in time to have lunch at Panera and spend a few hours at the aquarium. It was our first visit and we were very impressed - lots to see - all kinds of fresh and saltwater fish, sharks, turtles, alligators, rays, and dolphins. The docent told a disappointed Tate that they didn't have any whales, but that he could go to the aquarium in Georgia to see one. Needless to say, Tate now has another trip planned. We battled the DC traffic on the way home, but the kids, and adults, were real troopers in the car. We also made time for a few car rides to look at the fall colors. It is so beautiful here in the fall. Unfortunately, I think they missed the peak, beacause I took some pictures today and the colors are much more vibrant this week! Oh well, it was a great visit and we are so lucky that we get to see Papa and Nana again in just a few weeks!

I told Kay before they came that Avarie was about to crawl; she was scooting around on her belly. With all our running around I didn't think Avarie would get it together while Papa and Nana were here, but she finally got it figured out on Saturday morning. It was really fun to see - but now not so fun to chase around! Oh my! She is still a bit slow, but determined and can certainly find her way to any stack of Christmas catalogues or pile of toys that Tate doesn't want her to have. I think the stand up jail will be our only hope this holiday season! She is very busy and has also said her first word - "Uh oh!" That's what Tate and I say all the time when she's into something else! What's scarier still is that she is already pulling up to her knees at the lego table, train table and coffee table and also tries to push up from her belly, in a "downward dog" type move. Please let us make it through 2007 with just crawling!

I love to read your comments. We miss you all and send wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!

Here is a link to pictures of the gingerbread house, Avarie crawling and some fall colors. Enjoy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16970203@N02/sets/72157603193412482/

October - Halloween already?!

When I created our blog, I thought I'd be able to update it at least every few weeks. Well, October got away from me! Derek was gone three weekends and two whole weeks, so that added a bit of excitement. He was in New Orleans for a week with Circuit City and Wyclef (youtube link to come later) and then he went to Tokyo and Seoul for a week to visit factories. We all missed him and Tate asked everyday, "What time Daddy gets home?" Now he knows the days of the week and was eagerly counting down to Daddy's return each time.

The kids and I have been busy about town, around the house and to the doctor's office. Although it took a long time for the fall temperatures to arrive in Richmond, the fall colds arrived in October. Happily, Tate almost fended his off by himself but needed no asthma treatments!!! Avarie has battled an ear infection for most of the month and finally had 4 injections of Rosephin to try to kick it. We're keeping our fingers crossed. In the big scheme, I can handle the run around to each of their doctors offices; it could be worse.

Tate has been a big help around the house cleaning out closets for Mommy's ebay sales. He helps me find the items and then package them up. His favorite is putting the stickers on the package. It has been a great way for me to stay busy and earn a little spending money for shopping on ebay. So far, I've made enough to buy Avarie's car seat, and snow gear for the kids for our Colorado trip in December. October has also included trips to art class, the zoo, and Tate's new favorite, the LIBRARY. He loves to pick out books and can't wait for Daddy to read them at night. Avarie is still a happy tag along, for the most part. She is 8 months old already and is ready to crawl. She easily pivots and scoots around on her belly, but then fusses because she can't roll over to her back. Tate has learned the hard way that she will scoot over to whatever she wants, even a lego tower and coloring books.

Of course, Halloween has also been on our minds. We were very anxious and decorated the house, got some fall plants and pumpkins for outside. Then, it was like summer for most of the month. Tate was wearing his pumpkin shirt with shorts and sandals. It finally cooled down, and got cold, so we bundled up for a parade at preschool and Trick or Treating. Tate dressed up as Dash, from The Incredibles, and Avarie dressed up as a flower. Tate happily filled up his ghost bucket and shared the candy with us at home.

Here's some pictures of the kids this month.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16970203@N02/sets/72157602815923431/show/

NEW YORK CITY

We had a great trip to New York last weekend for Derek's cousin Anne-Marie's wedding. We drove the 6 hour trip to the city on Thursday in about 8 hours with stops for food, stretches, diaper changes and potty breaks. We really lucked out with traffic, only having to slow down 2 times, over the Delaware bridge and the Holland Tunnel. Derek drove us right up 8th Ave to our hotel - weaving in and out and tailgating just like a native, or a taxi driver. I was glad he was driving! We met all of Derek's family, aunts, uncles, cousins, many of whom he hadn't seen for 20 years, for the rehearsal dinner on Thursday night.

On Friday morning, Grandpa treated all of us to a bus tour of the city. Tate loved riding on top of the bus and we saw most of Manhattan including the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park, Ground Zero, the Empire State Building, boats at the piers, bridges, and Central Park. It was a great touristy view of the city. Tate's highlight was the Statue of Liberty; Daddy's highlight was seeing Edyta from Dancing with the Stars, although we didn't get a picture. Derek went to the wedding on Saturday night and was in awe of the beautful Catholic church, although his photography didn't do the church any justice. I stayed with the kids until Derek returned from the party, at which time Ms. Avarie decided she would relish her stay in "the city that doesn't sleep" by staying up all night. Needless to say, I made friends with the bellman and concierge in the hotel lobby from 2am until 7am. We were also lucky enough to see Uncle Davin and the cousins come in at around 5am. Good thing we love 'em!

Saturday morning we left the big city to head out to Middletown, NY for a family barbecue at Derek's Uncle Jim and Aunt Linda's house. We had lots of good food and good laughs about the weekend adventures as we enjoyed a beautiful, chilly fall day.

We drove home Sunday through the Pocono Mountains and down through Baltimore. Now we have a new place we want to visit - the Poconos were beautiful. The kids were FANTASTIC on the 8 hour drive home and Derek got to listen to the Bronco game and watch the 2nd half at home. Not too bad for a 4 day weekend!

Click here to see more pictures!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14051847@N07/sets/72157602136838213/show/

Preschool

Tate had his first day of 3 year old preschool on Monday, September 10 and was happy, sweaty and tired when I picked him up - he said it was GREAT! After the struggle over what to wear (it wasn't appropriate to wear his new pants and long sleeves since it was 93) he was happy to carry his new backpack that Mary gave him and see his buddies. He said they sang songs, played outside and ate a snack. He and Tate C. are thrilled that there are now two Madeline's in his class, but no more Tate's.

(Good thing I took a picture at home - you can see he was in no mood for it at school.)

Pool's Closed - now what?

Well, this requires some confidence in our friends and family that they will not judge our housekeeping abilities (or disabilities). There was a week in between the closing of the pool and the start of preschool and, even with errands and outings everyday, the playroom took a beating. Check out what can happen when a 3 year old is anxiously awaiting the start of preschool yet it's still too hot to play outside. We affectionately call Tate a "whirling dervish" when a mess like this appears. Avarie contributed in her own way by unloading her 1 basket of baby toys and drooling all over them.

Here's a few pictures of the playroom and of our last day at the pool.

Winding down the summer

We are having a hard time believing that summer comes to an unofficial end this weekend. Tate has mixed feelings about saying so long to the pool but anxiously awaits the start of preschool next week. We have had a great summer and have managed not to melt in the heat and humidity. We have spent lots of days at the pool (the neighborhood pool and our friend's, the Blom Pool and Spa) and have also found time for Mommy and Me art at Michael's, storytime and weekly classes at My Gym. Avarie has been a great tag along for all of it. Derek and Tate had their first camping trip and a few fishing trips to the reservoir near our house

Avarie is 6 months old already and is sitting up so proudly to watch big brother and mommy and daddy. Tate is almost 3 and a half (he says) and is so proud to tell you all the letters he knows and that he can almost write his name. I just hope he stays out of trouble with his buddy Grant at preschool.

We are headed to New York City for a wedding in September. It will be great to see all of Derek's family, including Great Grandma Setala from Canada. This will be the first time Avarie meets Great Grandma. It should be an adventure since we are driving (about 6 hours) and staying in Manhattan, but we are really looking forward to it. Tate is excited to stay in a hotel, or ho-tayl as he now says after living in Virginia! Uh oh!

That's all for now!