Christmas highlights with Grandma D

 We had so much fun with Grandma D over Christmas break!

 I helped her with many of the yummy meals she prepared for our family.

 Papa helped grandma with some indoor and outdoor house projects.

 My sister had a great first Christmas!

 I could stuff lots of mandarin oranges in my mouth at once!

 Whereas my sister could stuff her big toe in her mouth to help the sweet potatos go down!

 Grandma and Karen shared lots of smiles!

 Karen wore my old snow suit (from Katy, Joe and Elsa) to keep warm when we went outside to 3 different parks in Stanwood.

 We played at Lion's Park near grandma's until the sun went down.

I was the official "gift opener" this Christmas.

 We took some final pictures under the Christmas tree before we left.

 Thanks for the memorable visit and all your wonderful hospitality Grandma D!

It was quite an adventure going through the airport with 5 large bags, 2 carseats, 3 carry-on bags, a stroller...and not to mention 2 kids!



Winter Wonderland!

Our family had so much fun in the snow during our time in Leavenworth this Christmas break.

 Thank you Grandma D for all the winter gear you got me to keep warm in the snow.

My cousin Lola and I helped my papa and uncle Kevin build a HUGE snowman that I named "Ned".

The hill by my mom's old house on Dye Road was PERFECT for sledding!

 My papa was extremely nice pulling Lola and I back up the hill over and over again for lots of sledding adventures!

Karen enjoyed the snow from the comfort of her cozy, warm car seat.

 The lights downtown were extra beautiful with all the snow.

We even got to enjoy an unexpected fireworks show on our walk from downtown Leavenworth to Jenny's place.

Young Kodiak Fans

This Christmas break, my family and I (Karen) went to see the Kodiak basketball team in action.

Auntie Teddy was impressed how much I enjoyed watching the game.

 I was so proud of my cousin Johnna...she's such a leader out on the basketball court as the starting point guard for the girl's varsity!

Uncle Kevin had fun holding me at half time...a break from taking detailed stats during the game (just like my grandpa John used to do)!

 Then it was time to watch Uncle Moo in action as the head boy's coach for the Kodiaks. He is an intense and passionate coach...but his players obviously love and respect him!

Personal Tour of the Stanwood Fire Station

 During our recent time in Washington for Christmas, my grandma D and papa helped arrange a visit to the Stanwood Fire Station. My papa graduated high school with Fire Captain Scott Johnston.

 Captain Johnston was so nice to spend several hours with us. Everytime he asked if I had any more questions...I asked "Can I drive another fire truck"?

 We also went upstairs to see the living and eating quarters at the fire station. These firemen were extremely friendly...taking a break from dinner to talk with me.

 Karen held on to an old fire poll preserved from an early Stanwood fire station.



Hunt for the perfect Christmas Tree

 A few weeks ago we went to Allan Acres Tree Farm in Stanwood, WA with Grandma D. She drew a map that provided clues and landmarks to help me find our pre-marked Christmas tree. It was a lot of fun looking for our tree from this look out tower. I then carefully surveyed each row of trees before I finally spotted it. Boy, was I excited!

When it was time to decorate the tree...the bottom branches were especially full of ornaments I carefully hung.

 Karen is holding up one of the new Christmas ornaments we got from Grandma D (with our names engraved on the tag)!

Practice with peas

 It takes a lot of concentration to pick up these peas but my pincher grasp is getting a lot better with practice!

New exploration now that I'm mobile!

I'm not officially crawling yet but ever since I learned how to drag my body along the floor...my parents find me exploring underneath all sorts of furniture. So much to explore now!