2019 Year in Review

While I'm not blogging these days, it definitely does not mean we're not making lots of memories.  It was another amazing year, and again, I'm shocked at how quickly it flew by.

Looking back at our year, one word that comes to mind is ADVENTURE.  Whether we were local or on one of many trips, we were living our best lives and enjoying fun adventures.  We made our annual trip to Whistler with the Barths in January, Southern California (San Diego and Disneyland) for spring break in April, annual Kauai trip with the Reeders in May, two adults only trips in July (Walla Walla for the 4th, and Vegas with the Reeders to celebrate Lisa's 40th), and a staycation before school started that included the fair, a ferry ride, Wild Waves, a Mt. Rainier hike with the Shinns, and the boys' first trip to The Melting Pot (which Cole is still talking about).  And Corey visited Curtis in in Santa Rosa in June, went to a friend's wedding in Spokane and enjoyed a guys' trip to Portland in September.  And we sprinkled a few trips to Yakima sprinkled throughout.

Cole joined Jackson at Creekside Elementary school this year, and oh my goodness, it's so nice to have both boys at one school! Cole is LOVING Kindergarten.  He has made lots of friends (most girls), including a few fifth grade lady friends, is reading and seems to enjoy math. While he isn't dressing up in costumes quite as much these days, he has a passion for sequins, unicorns, mermaids, and well, just about anything sparkly.  He's really into art, and has been taking drawing classes, becoming a wonderful artist.  He has great handwriting, is a good speller (or at least sounding things out phonetically), and loves to write and illustrate stories.  He took a few rounds of swimming lessons (he's right on the cusp of swimming on his own), played Sammamish Little League t-ball, learned to ride his bike , and began Tae Kwon Do with Jackson.  While he may not always remember all the steps they're learning, or the board as quickly as Jackson and some of the other kids, his perseverance is amazing.  And in Whistler, he took ski lessons, which he really seemed to enjoy.

Jackson started third grade this year and continues to do well. His writing is getting neater (sometimes), continues to love math (recently moved into times tables).  He wrapped up his first and last season of basketball (not a huge fan), did another season of baseball, and another season of soccer.  He lost four teeth this year, none of which grew in very quickly, making for a jack-o-lantern smile for about six months.  While both boys enjoy TKD, Jackson especially seems to love it - his focus and confidence is pretty amazing.  Jackson and I skied/snowboarded in Whistler earlier this year and then at Snoqualmie last week, and I'm amazed how well he is doing after taking lessons just once a few years back. He went some some beginner and intermediate runs and looks forward to lessons this winter at Snoqualmie with Cole.

In other family news, Corey and I both hit 12 years at HMG and T-Mobile respectively, my dad (semi) retired in March and my mom retired in September.  And after nearly 40 years of dreaming about it, my dad did the Everest base camp hike last month.  They also built a new home, resulting in the sale of the home I lived in throughout my teen years.  We were able to see my brother this holiday season, our first time seeing him since his move to Thailand last August.  And I can't forget seeing The Who with my dad (one of his all times faves) and the Jonas Brothers with Jen on back-to-back weekends this fall.

Here's a visual look back at our 2019 adventures! (The second song was per Cole's request, as it's one of his favorites right now.)

And in case you're interested in previous recaps, you can check them out here: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009.

2018 Year in Review

It's hard to believe another year is coming to a close.  While I didn't blog at all this year (Instagram seems to be my documenting tool of choice these days), I couldn't give up my annual year in review/video recap.  It's always fun to look back on everything we did throughout the year, and the boys love seeing the photos and listening to the music.

We enjoyed numerous trips this year, including Whistler with the Barths in February, Vegas with the Reeders, Gossetts, and Barths in May, Kauai in July with my parents and Joan, Chelan in August with the Reeders, and several trips to Yakima. We also had a few staycations in Bellevue - a parents night out on NYE, my mom and I had a girls weekend in April, and we stayed as a family last weekend and enjoyed a dinner out, seeing Snowflake Lane and swimming in the hotel pool.  We were able to visit with Curtis on his trip up here back in January, and with Elliott over the holidays this past week.

Cole, who has been anxiously awaiting his 5th birthday next month (for just the last 6 months or so), is doing really well in Pre-K and cannot wait to join Jackson at school next fall. With Pre-K came no more naps at school so now on the weekends, we give him the choice. He usually skips them (though may snag a catnap in the car) but every once in awhile, he'll choose a nap, or even put himself down for one, which I think is the cutest thing ever.  He has many friends at school but especially enjoys his girl friends.  He still loves dressing up in princess costumes, drawing and coloring (which he's actually quite good at!), playing outside, and riding his bike or scooter.  He's the free spirit of the family, and continues to make us laugh with this jokes and enthusiastic jazz hands.  I wish I could bottle up his energy and use it myself.

At age seven, Jackson is in 2nd grade and is doing really well.  He especially loves math (didn't get that from me!) and science.  At recess, he loves playing on the bars and apparently can go forwards or backwards over 30 times in a row. He enjoys playing with lots of friends, including our neighbor girl, who recently moved from Thailand (and whom he'd met briefly in our cul-de-sac and then started playing with her at recess, without realizing it was the same girl).  He tried baseball for the first time, deeming it his favorite sport, played soccer, and ran cross country again in the spring and fall through school.  He's been taking swimming lessons and both boys are taking gymnastics on the weekend.  This winter, he'll give basketball a try.  He lost his first two teeth mid-year, and has five partially wiggly ones.  He continues to be a very curious, respectful, responsible, organized, sweet boy and older brother.

Corey celebrated 11 years at HMG, while I reached 10 at T-Mobile.  I completed a half marathon over labor day with my goal time, and was thrilled to have the boys, Corey and the Reeders and Gossetts cheering me on.

Our year included hospital visits for two of us (one planned and one unplanned).  Cole had tubes put in his ears in August, to help with numerous ear infections, and I made an unplanned emergency visit back in February, after a run in with the cheese grater (my thumb is fully healed, but I've gotta be honest - I still get the chills thinking about it, and haven't used a grater since).

In sad news, we had to say goodbye to our Roxy girl in August.  She celebrated her 10th birthday in June but over the course of the next few months, her health rapidly declined after already running into some health challenges, and we had to make one of the toughest decisions ever.  In the end, we made the call that would avoid continuing to put her through surgeries that her poor body wouldn't be able to handle well, and that wouldn't result in a better quality of life. Nothing can prepare you for saying goodbye to a pet, especially your first baby - you think you've prepared yourself, but it's so so much harder than you imagine. Luckily Corey and I were able to say goodbye to her, and be with her until the end.   The boys took things well, and we still think of her often and talk about her as a family.

Here's a look back at our year, set to music.  And if you're interested in previously recaps, you can check them out here: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009.

Cheers!

2017 Year in Review

Looking back, our theme for 2017 was TRAVEL! With a trip of some sort nearly every month this year, it was a BIG year for us in terms of trips and adventures.  Trips included Disneyland with my parents (January), Whistler with the Barths (February), a girls' trip to Portland (March), Kauai with the Reeders (May), adults only Ibiza/Amsterdam getaway (June), an Alaskan cruise (Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria B.C.) with my family to celebrate my grandma’s 95^th birthday (July), a boys camping trip at La Wis Wis (August), a parents-gone-wild trip Nashville with the Barths (September), a girls' trip to Vegas (October), and Corey visited his dad in Santa Rosa (December)! 

In other news, Cole turned 3, became potty trained, and officially started Preschool.  There, his teacher finds him very independent, happy and is impressed with his writing and drawing control.  He continues to be a clown, always finding ways to make us laugh, and to have tons of enthusiasm and zest for life which he conveys through his endless amounts of energy, excitement over everything, BIG hugs, and our favorite – jazz hands.  He enjoys costumes/dressing up (he has a special appreciation for dresses that “twirl” and capes), playing outside, doing puzzles, and playing with his kitchen toys/food. Some oral testing earlier this year deemed him no longer allergic to peanuts or almonds, and he has been loving all the new food options now available to him. Currently he’s looking forward to his 4^th birthday next month.

2017 was a big year for Jackson, who turned 6.  He graduated Kindergarten at Evergreen Academy (queue the mama tears!) and started 1^st grade at Creekside Elementary. He rocked the transition from a small school where he was among the oldest and knew all the kids and teachers, to a school of over 750 kids (!!!) in grades K-5. Seriously, he made it look like no big deal and here I was a nervous wreck over it for weeks leading up the switch.  He's in the before-and-after school care program there, and has seemed to enjoy that and all the activities and (summer) field trips it provides.  He continues to love school (especially math), enjoyed cross country at school and soccer through Arena Sports, and is looking forward to playing baseball for the first time come Spring.  He learned to swim, and was thrilled to pass the swim test at the YMCA which allows him to go on the water slide.  He continues to be (extremely) curious, sweet and kind, and his teacher and caregivers all talk about what a great, responsible and helpful kiddo he is.  He loves going to the movies and the arcade (his top pick when he earns enough poker chips through his behavior chart).  

After this year, we'll be slowing our travel schedule down a bit, but not completely.  We've got Whistler, Vegas and Kauai trips planned, and my mom and I will be returning to Palm Springs for a quick mother/daughter getaway in the spring.  I'm hoping to run another half marathon.

Here's a look back at some of our 2017 highlights. And if you're interested in previous yearly recaps, you can check them out here: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009.

We wish you all the best in 2018!

We Heart Nashville

Yes, it's been almost two months since we actually went to Nashville, and like four months since I've blogged, but this post has been on my to do list and I really, really want to cross it off...so here you go!

Back in September, Corey and I headed to Nashville to the weekend with the Barths. We'd talked about tacking it on to one of my Chattanooga work trips, but that didn't ever work out, but then when the Seahawks schedule was published and included a game in Nashville, we decided it was time to pull the trigger.  Luckily Joan and Elliott agreed to watch the boys so that we could go (thanks again for taking such great care of them!)

We arrived around midnight on a Friday and were greeted with very hot and humid temps, and an incredible nightlife. We literally wheeled our suitcases down streets busting with crowds.  I've never seen anything like it outside of Vegas (though on a much smaller scale of course - the main drag in Nashville is only about three blocks long).

Our hotel was right in the middle of all the action, and we enjoyed some amazing food at Etch, Silo and Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint.  Even though some of the places we ate were in other neighborhoods, it's an easy city to get around in quickly with Uber or on foot.  We did some shopping, enjoyed lots (and lots) of cocktails, and stayed up way too late enjoying all the live music Nashville had to offer. Seriously, every bar was several floors and each floor had a different live band.  And then most bars had a rooftop deck, which would also showcase live music.  We loved it and just couldn't get enough.

On game day, it was just a short walk over the river from our hotel to the stadium.  Prior to the game, we hit up a Seahawks tailgate. It was fun to see so many Hawks fan so far from Seattle; however, it was HOT.  I think the temps were in the mid-90s and it was SO humid.  In just shorts and jerseys, we were dripped sweat before the game even started.  Titans fans were very friendly and didn't do a lot of trash talking (minus the 10-year old boys behind us), which we appreciated, considering the Hawks lost. 

Despite the loss, we had a wonderful time with highlights being the food, going to a Hawks away game, Alex singing karaoke (!!!), and the music.  Our three day was definitely not enough and we hope to make another trip out there again sometime!

Alaskan Cruise

We just returned home from a great getaway with my family aboard the Norwegian Jewel. Our party of 11 planned our trip to help my grandma celebrate her recent 95th birthday - my parents, brother, sister-in-law, uncle, aunt, Corey, the boys, and I all joined in the fun.

We sailed out of Seattle last Saturday and stopped in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria. And in the middle of the Alaskan stops, we were able to see some icebergs and a 500 year old glacier.  In port, we typically wandered around a bit and did souvenir shopping, and in Juneau, we did a gold mine shore excursion at the AJ Mine with my dad.

Overall, the weather in Alaska was gray and on the cool side (60s) but we did get a bit of sun in Ketchikan, and luckily no rain.  The cool weather didn't stop us from enjoying a few hot tub outings on the ship, or the boys from enjoying the water slide (and since you had to be 42" to ride it, my dad and I got to enjoy a few freezing cold slide rides with Cole - ha!)

The boys seemed to enjoy cruising, with highlights being running in the wind on the upper decks, the arcade, activities at Splash Academy (NCL's kids club), evening shows, whale (tail & spouting) spotting, and mining for gold in Juneau.  Corey and I were able to enjoy drinks alone several evenings, and some adult only dinners with my family.

The room was pretty small but the boys slept well.  Keeping them quiet and from jumping around was tough at times during the day, but we did our best.  Cole napped like a champ, cuddling with us (something we never get to enjoy during naps at home anymore!) and falling asleep almost instantly. 

The restaurants on board were really good, but with such a big party, various schedules at play, and kids in tow, it meant more meals at the buffet than we all probably preferred. But convenience and large selection often won out and we ended up there for several breakfasts and most lunches.  We did all enjoy a few nice meals together at the steakhouse and Benihana-like restaurant on board.

While we liked the posts in Alaska, our favorite was Victoria and we hope to return for a long weekend sometime.

Here are some photos from our week at sea!

Seattle & Around the Ship

 

 

The boys LOVED the Benihana-style dinner we all went to.

 

Tablet time before bed...

 

Sunset somewhere between Ketchikan and Juneau

 

They both loved virgin strawberry daiquiris

 

 

 

 

The boys thoroughly enjoyed the evening entertainment - especially the dancers and singers. 

Ketchikan

 

Souvenir (aka "pretty rock") shopping

 

Juneau

 

Jackson got to be the mine tour guide's "boss" and loved every minute of it (it being shining a flashlight where the guide needed him to)

 

  

 

 

 

Ice, Ice Baby

Skagway

 

Victoria

 

Shoulder rides and songs sung by this boy made for fun walks back to the ship

 

Passed a park on our walk, so we HAD to stop!

 Had fun playing around with the 'pano' setting on my phone

 

As much as I normally do not appreciate gray skies, I could not get enough of these - they were amazing; truly looked like a painting in person.