Trip to Puyallup

Last weekend Ethan, Corinne, and I flew to Seattle with my mom and dad to visit my in-laws who live in Puyallup. We were a little concerned since it seemed like Western Washington was being flooded, but despite the weather we had no problems getting there, getting around, or getting back home. It was Corinne's first plane ride, and her first visit at Nana and Pappy's house. She also got to meet her Uncle Bren and Aunt Michelle. It was a great trip, and both of the kids were good as gold. Corinne didn't fuss on the plane at all, and despite an erratic nap schedule she was generally a happy baby the whole trip. Ethan was his usual happy self and a great helper. Ethan also bonded with his Uncle Bren, was his teammate for "Apples to Apples" and talked with him about movies and video games. Even though it was a quick trip, I am glad we went and I am thankful that my parents were with me to help navigate through the airport with two kids. It's also nice to be one of those people who gets along with both parents and in-laws, and who has parents and in-laws who get along with one another. I also couldn't ask for better grandparents for my kids.

The kids with Nana and Pappy at Stanley and Seafort's, Tacoma.

Corinne with Grandma and Papa.

Ethan with Grandma and Papa.Ethan chillaxin' with Uncle Bren.Corinne with Aunt Michelle.

playing catch-up

For all my "bah-humbug-ness" Christmas turned out pretty nice. So nice, in fact, that I was sorry to see the holiday season end. I bought a new digital camera with my birthday money, so I was able to capture a lot of holiday memories. We spent Dec. 20-27 in Buhl. It was nice to be with my family, but Brian had to go back to work and didn't come back until Christmas Eve, and I missed him. But the kids had so much fun with cousins and grandparents.

It snowed, and Melissa, Jackson, Leah, and Ethan made a "Snow Sea Turtle" as you can see.

The kids also did a pre-Christmas show. Ethan, with a Boppy on his head, and Jon are doing some sort of stand-up routine.

Boone looking wistfully out the window at the snow and the little birds.



Ethan and Corinne on Christmas morning.

Corinne seemed to enjoy all the excitement of her first Christmas, even if she didn't quite understand what was going on.




Ethan is a BIG Wall-E fan. He got the DVD plus a Wall-E and Eve toy. I have since watched it twice and I have to say it's one of my favorite Pixar movies.




Brian teaching Grandma Murray how to bowl on my parents new Wii.


We were back home for New Years and spent New Years Eve playing games at Pam and Chad's. Both Ethan and Corinne were up at midnight, but we all slept in on New Year's Day. As with all vacations, the time went by way too quickly. But, like I said, we have a lot of good memories.