Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!

It's been a very eventful year... celebrated Matilda's 1st birthday... welcomed our Mora home after 3 days on the road... found out that Matilda will become a big sister... said goodbye to Grandma Mildred... welcomed 3 darling nieces/cousins... and purchased our 1st home as a family. After reflecting on this past year, Nate and I couldn't stop thinking about how thankful we are for all we have and it's becoming more clear to us what is really most important in life.

Wishing you all a very happy and HEALTHY 2011. We are especially sending many positive thoughts to Matilda's newest cousin Sahale and her buddy Oliver. They're both little fighters and wishing them tons of hope and health.

Little Sahale is expected to have open heart surgery in a couple of months (needs to
gain weight and strength). Sending her all our love and we know she will do just great!
Here she is pictured just a couple of days old:


And many well wishes go out to our little buddy OW. You can read about his story here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/owp
Our hearts go out to his parents and know that he will beat this.
Here's a picture of him at Matilda's birthday party:


Hoping that all our families and friends have an amazing 2011!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Home for Christmas

Not able to fly to Washington and/or Florida this year, we stayed in Wilmette for our very first Christmas in our new home. It was a quiet, yet festive weekend with just the 3.85 of us + Mora.

Our stockings...
The tree...
Our attempt at a family shot in front of the tree on Christmas Eve...
Matilda opening one gift the night before Christmas...
Heading up to bed...
Matilda's Christmas morning smile...

opening gifts...
packing around the baby brother's gifts...
joining her 'baby' in her cradle
reading a new book with the daddy...
Tea time!

Afternoon sledding session

Mora thoroughly enjoying her gift
Matilda and Blaze, her new horse.
You can watch Matilda and Blaze in action here:

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Sledding






Hello Wilmette!

We love, love, LOVE our new home and now that we are getting settled, we will start posting more pics and videos of Matilda before February hits and we suddenly don't have time again. :)




Goodbye Logan Square

While we will miss strolling the Boulevards, playing in Palmer Square, dining at Lula and picking our produce at the Sunday market, we are very excited about our move to Wilmette.
Here are a few pictures that were taken before the big move.


Matilda sure loves her Mora

Playing in the backyard before the snowfall


Thursday, November 18, 2010

Fall Visit to Washington

A couple of weeks ago, Matilda and I made a trip out west. We had a great time and I know the family loved having her around!

Matilda and Grandma taking a stroll through the park...


Matilda bundles up as Grandma rocks her shades!


In Leavenworth, Matilda and Grandma stopped and smelled the flowers. After a delicious Bavarian lunch, we decided to check out some of the shops. We went into one and heard 'Waltzing Matilda' playing overhead. We of course had to continue browsing in this shop until the end of the song.



'
One day, we drove up to Camano Island to visit with Grandpa Raymond and MaryLou. Here is a cute picture of the three of them after lunch


Picking up leaves


Out by the woodshed


Matilda loved hanging out with her cousins Jayden, Ryan and Alexis. Here is a picture of Matilda with uncle Michael and cousin Alexis.


We had a great time and are looking forward to going back soon!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Halloween

Friday night was the neighborhood Halloween parade. When we arrived at the square, there were hundreds of kids, babies, dogs and parents dressed ready to spook. It took Matilda a little time to take it all in. And then we caught her yawning...several times. Thinking that she would not make it past the first turn in the parade route, we carried her for the first few blocks. Then she insisted on walking. Her walk turned into a steady march and we even started passing people. By the end of the parade, Matilda was totally in her element and ready to party! She enjoyed two gingerbread cookies and knocked back a cup of warm apple cider. A great time for sure!!!

A Day With Nana and Aunt Nancy

After a fabulous lunch, where we had a great time celebrating Nana's birthday, we came home and Matilda prepared a little afternoon snack for everyone.





A kiss from the birthday girl

Gorgeous Autumn Days