December 2011

Kids,

Between Mommy's birthday and Rio's first Christmas, we had a fun-filled December. Here are a few photos.

Though tummy time is not your favorite, you tolerate it if you have something fun to distract you.

Usually when I ask you to smile you go over the top, baring not just your teeth but your gums as you squint your eyes together tightly. I had to teach you a "medium smile" to get this shot, which eventually made it onto the Christmas card.

We visited the Bellevue Botanical Gardens for their annual Christmas lights display. There seemed to be millions of lights arranged in all kinds of fun displays. They had gardens, monkeys, parrots, crocodiles, a smoke-breathing dragon and icicles. Lily's favorite were the icicles.

Making Christmas cookies with Mommy.

You have several magnetic doll houses that you just love to play with.

Don't worry, we're not sending you back.

Playing with the nut crackers, Private Peanut and Colonel Cashew.

One of your many talents, Lily, is lining things up. In this case, all of the characters from Dora. I'm pretty sure I used to do that too, except with Transformers.

You both loved the Christmas Ships that visited Leschi Beach on Lake Washington. They floated along slowly and played Christmas carols from loudspeakers. Lily was very surprised that other people knew the Christmas songs we had been singing at home. I think you thought they were our family's little secret.

Having fun on the carousel.

You are very serious about taking pictures and smiling on demand, like your father. I took no fewer than 12 pictures like this and this is the one with the biggest smile.

For Mommy's birthday, Daddy took the day off and we went to a local play gym. Exciting? Yes, exciting!

Mommy is not too old for a bounce house.

Though she was saddened upon learning there was "No Dunking" allowed. Lame because Mommy's got mad ups. Mad ups, I say.

I didn't know they still had Big Wheels!

Nowadays when we say we're going to the grocery store you say, "Oh, we're going to Trader Joe's." How Seattle of you.

Daddy can't resist a soccer ball.

Multi-tasking. Notice the soccer ball in the upper-left.

Static hair.

Make a wish! (more than four consecutive hours of sleep, please)

Lily's wish was to get every last particle of chocolate cake in her mouth.

Quite fashionable in your skinny jeans.

Rio, you're getting really good at this bouncy thing. Sometimes it seems like you're going to jump yourself right out of it.

Mommy making Christmas cookies.

Cousin Jack wearing his superhero cape.

Aunt Heidi knitted you this blanket.

You look like Cousin Randy from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Unlike most kids, Lily, you do not rip open your presents. You find the seam and slowly pull apart the tape. For every present you opened you excitedly said "Ooh, what's that?" before you could even see what it was.

Though you can't tell from your serious expression, you have now learned about Barbies and you are a fan. Big fan.

Trucks and balls were a big hit for you this year, Rio.

Rio and Audrey. In a box.

Audrey, Lily, Jack and Rio. Trouble.

Early in the month when we asked you what you wanted Santa to bring you, you said you wanted a blue train that you wanted to name Azul. Later in the month when we took you to see Santa, you asked him for a blue train that you could name Azul. Looks like you were a good girl this year.

Lily and Rio would like to thank all of their grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends for all the happy memories, presents, cards and happy wishes this year. We keep you all in our thoughts and prayers every night and we are grateful to have you all in our lives!

So, that wraps it up for 2011. We wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2012!