Sad news for friends; special visit for us

A few weeks ago we learned that the father of my best friend's children had passed away. As an escape mechanism for my friend, and as a diverision for the kid's attention, they headed over the mountains for a visit with us.

Sita spoke with me a bit about her dad. Chance not a word. But we tried to steer the conversation away from their loss and give them a small break from reality by showering them with new places, sugary treats, and presents.

I don't know if it was just what the doctor prescribed, but I think we all got a few hours of fun times together to help us forget about the things we'd rather not think about.

First on the new places list: the Seattle Aquarium. This was Sita's primary objective, so we made it our first destination.

Love these guys so much! Sending all my love and good vibes out into the universe with the hope that some good luck lands in their lap.

A Yankee Doodle Dandy 4th of July

For the first time in 5 years, we actually celebrated Independence Day at home. Ian really wanted Emma to see fireworks. (She has an unfortunate habit of falling asleep before firework displays.)

We didn't quite make the Kiddie Parade in time, but Emma got to see the town's Grande Parade and street fair.

Here are a few highlights:

Emma got a unicorn painted on her face.

Glow-in-the-dark toys are always fun

Camping in the park waiting for fireworks

Emma watching the fireworks display

Our view of the show--it was a blast!

Woosh...there goes June

It's been a crazy summer so far. What with work, kids, a garden overrun with weeds...it seems like all I do is blink and weeks have flown by. Emma is learning to ride her big Barbie bike (with training wheels, of course). Ariyana is talking up a storm, practicing her crawling, and eating solid foods. Everyone is growing up so fast.

Along the way, I've tried to capture some hilarious family moments.


A shot of Emma as she pretends to be the mermaid, Ariel, during bath time


Sisters snuggling in a sleeping bag out on the lawn while I weed


Ariyana is building up neck muscles. We're working on getting her to sit up on her own.


Nana is helping Emma build confidence to ride her bike all on her own


Check out Ariyana's hilarous hairdo

Ariyana is feeling ire in her Bob Marley onesie

Road trip to Winthrop

This past Memorial Day weekend we loaded up the rig and headed over the mountains for some much needed respite from our hectic lives. For 5 wonderful days we enjoyed great weather, great friends, and lots of fun. Emma got a fishing lesson, learned how to squirt monstrous water guns, practiced her driving, and played with lots of other kids. Ariyana got some good grandma time in, meditated under the mother willow tree, and won over her cousins' hearts.
Here are a few snapshots from our trip.

Grandma Pat and Ariyana

Peaceful Ariyana under the willow tree

Watch out boys, this girl's in control

Have gun, will nail you

Patient fisherwoman sitting at the edge of Lake Bonaparte

The Posse (Emma, Sita, Aidan, and Chance)

Chance, Sita, and Emma at Lake Bonaparte

Best buds since birth

Sickness running amuck

It's been over a week now since Ariyana's diarrhea problems started. The poor thing has been fighting dehydration and diaper rash issues. Yet, through it all, she keeps smiling, giggling, and being a generally happy baby. What a trooper!

Emma seems to be fighting off a cold, as well. She's been having trouble sleeping through the night. I believe nightmares are to blame for her waking up in the middle of the night and jumping into bed with us. How she tells it, "Mom I don't like to sleep in my room, because of the wall color." That's my girl. :-)

With all of that going on, we're also in the middle of some home improvements. This week we're starting the process for installing granite countertops in the kitchen and downstairs powder room. We're super excited about that! The granite we picked out is amazing and I absolutely love it. Incredibly, Ian and I agreed on it, which has made the whole remodel process go rather smoothly. Gotta love that!

Ariyana's 4-month check up

Ariyana had her 4-month check up yesterday. She's over 2ft tall and almost 14 lbs. We need to bulk her up a bit, but other than that she's doing fabulous. The doctor thanked her for making her day, because all the other babies were being fussy.

The whole staff just dotted on Ariyana, and it was fun to watch her respond to their faces. She received lots of compliments on how well she handled the shots, how hilarious her hairstyle is, and on her charming disposition. All in all, she did great.

She's still got a bit of a stuffed up nose from her first week at daycare, but she's not letting that get her down.

Meowing baby

I can't believe that it's been so long since I posted to this blog. Where does the time go?!
Ariyana is 4 months old now and is practicing her baby talk, which sounds like a meowing kitten to me. Adorable! Of course, I'm a bit prejudiced. I think she's just the cutest baby on the planet. She's a real charmer, I gotta say.
Emma is growing up so fast. I don't even know where to begin to talk about what's new with her. She's got an amazing vocabulary. She's doing really well with her reading and writing. And she's really starting to explore the world of make believe. I love it!

I'll try and write some stories about the girls another time. Right now I'm fighting off a cold and desperately want to slink away to bed. I just wanted to post some new photos today before I let another day pass us by.
Happy viewing!

Ariyana holding Molly Moo Cow


Yes, that's Emma reading Carlos Castenada to Ariyana. hehe



Ariyana is working some serious aerobic activity into her day.




What a doll!

Sisterly Love

Here are a few cute pics of Emma and Ariyana showing sisterly affection.

Dinner with the Michelettis

While Grandpa John and Crazy Deb were in town we had a group dinner date. The Bosts, the Erwins, and the Michelettis broke bread together and toasted to the New Year.



Marco's sister, Dina, just had twins in October, so it was Babypalooza. This is a picture of the ladies.
(Dina, Melina, Jennifer, Petra, Ariyana, and Tanya)


Ariyana and Melina have their first play date.


Nana and Aunt T were having fun with the babies.

Emma made sure to sticker everyone at the party. Mike is proudly showing off his Jupiter sticker while Emma searches for Grandpa's sticker.

Ian and Marco smile pretty for the camera.

Grandpa meets Ariyana

Grandpa John and Crazy Deb came to visit just after New Year's to meet Ariyana for the first time.


Of course, Ariyana was quite taken with him and flashed him one of her winning smiles.


Emma was bouncing off the walls with excitement. She kept asking Grandpa when she could come visit him at his house.


It was a short trip, but the girls were ecstatic to see their Grandpa. I guess we'll have to get up to Alaska real soon!!!

Christmas Eve 2008

'Twas the night of Christmas Eve and all through the house...

Wafted the delicious aroma of cookies being baked for Santa and his elves.

The tree was all decorated with ribbons and bows...

With loads of glorious presents that Emma couldn't wait to expose.

Ian sat in his chair snuggling with Ariyana and watched with great joy...

As Emma tore through those presents looking for toys.