Weekend in Photos

Our weekend started on Friday. George took the day off work so that we could have all hands on deck for our big 3-day potty training adventure. We knew that Madeleine was (really, really) ready for this when she started playing potty a few weeks ago.

She did a great job telling us when she needed to go to the toilet (sometimes even when she didn't) and is in underwear full time now. Hopefully the sleep wets will resolve themselves over time.

Grandma and Papa's package with firefighter hats, a new book, and stacking logs arrived at the perfect time! 

Madeleine's not the only one who got to enjoy extra Daddy time!

When the kids were sleeping, I started an overhaul of my craft storage, including uniformly folding all 52 yards of Madeleine's fabric (that big one in the middle is fabric from Hawaii that will be the back of a quilt for her). 

This morning, Elliott and I joined a friend for a cruise around a local quilt show. I soaked up lots of inspiration, including this original design. 

As we try to do most weekends, we took the kids to the pool. Madeleine is a water maniac while Elliott happily floats along. 

After his swim, Elliott was exhausted. He connected with his hand for just long enough to put himself solidly to sleep.

Once we were home and he was fed, Elliott allowed me to capture his beautiful smile. He's very content but rather stingy with his big, toothless grin, so I'm especially happy to have finally captured it. 

We're bracing for a busy week and much colder temperatures. How was your weekend, and what's on your agenda for the week?

Weekend in California

We spent this past weekend in California. I'll spare you the details of the various illnesses that caused us to modify the trip on both ends and the sleeping disaster that was our daughter. Instead, here are some photo highlights from the happy parts of the trip. 

On Saturday morning, Madeleine and I were out the door by 5:20am to catch our flight to SJC. She was an angel, and this was probably my easiest flight with her except for her very first one (at six weeks) where she slept virtually the entire time. Knowing that so much is about to change, I especially treasure these little adventures with my girl. And, yes, Mama, belly, toddler, and bear all fit in a seat. Barely.

Each time we see the Midglets, the kids interact more and more and their six-week age gap gets smaller and smaller. In all of their joyful chaos, somehow this photo of the three kids trying to figure out how to play catch in a triangle was the only photo that captured all of them.

John and Sally graciously invited us along to a fun BBQ at their friends' house, and I was able to snap this shot of the boys in their own personal heaven: climbing on a slide while being fed strawberries and cream by their doting parents. True happiness, I tell ya.

Madeleine was a big fan of the strawberries and cream (on top of pound cake that had been flown in from NC!), too. 

One of our favorite things about visiting the south bay is the density of parks. It's a great way for Madeleine to spend some energy and all of us to get some fresh air. 

I have very fond childhood memories of playing on play structure bridges, but they are one of the few things that gives Madeleine serious pause. 

Love this Peek-a-Zoo shirt!

For Sunday brunch with our friends Mike and Tracy, Madeleine wore a dress made by another friend. She sent it to Madeleine for her first birthday, but it fits just about perfectly right now. 

While this trip wasn't the disaster we experienced in Phoenix, it certainly didn't go to plan. Nonetheless, I'm happy to take away these happy memories from our sunny spring weekend. 

Weekend in Photos

Our weekend started on Friday, when George took the day off of work so that we could celebrate his birthday as a family. 

We took the ferry to Bainbridge Island for lunch and enjoyed some windy and sunny weather. Fortunately, the 40-percent chance of rain never materialized.

On Saturday, we attended Tiny Tots at the symphony. Despite all the other pre-performance activities being offered, Madeleine was most interested in the books and watching the buses outside Benaroya Hall. 

20 week bump; 21 months old

Sunday morning, I enjoyed a single shot mocha while waiting for the rest of my brunch party. It's so nice to be back to a moderate amount of coffee after being completely off of it for about six months. It's also so good to catch up with friends!

Oops, I did it again: why can I never stick to my shopping list at Target?

Sunday dinner was George's birthday meal: homemade from scratch pulled pork enchiladas followed by banana cream pie. 

How did you spend your weekend?

Weekend in Photos...and a Video

I'll start by showing you a video from Friday in which Madeleine is practicing her jumping (and twirling) skills.

Our true weekend consisted of two sunny days, so we took advantage of them as best we could, knowing that temps are supposed to drop dramatically this week and give us a burst of real winter.

Post nap reading of "Go! Go! Go!" with Daddy and Monkey:

Running along the nearby trail: 

Post-brunch swinging at the park:

Holding onto the world's best handlebars:

Signing for "more" during the halftime show of the Puppy Bowl while we waited for the big game:

Of course, we watched the Super Bowl with amazement as our Seahawks stole the show. I must admit that I was hoping for a little closer game. Oh, well. Madeleine mastered "touchdown," and we got to enjoy hearing fireworks throughout our neighborhood. It's going to be an exciting week in the Emerald City!

I hope that you have a great week here or wherever you call home.

Weekend in Photos

It was such a beautiful weekend here in the Pacific NW. We enjoyed just the right balance of planned fun, spontaneous activities, and relaxation this weekend. The blue skies and sunshine were a special bonus. I wish they all could be like this.

Madeleine was so tired on Friday night that she instantly assumed her sleeping position. 

Saturday morning, I tripled my favorite pancake recipe to stock the freezer.

My Saturday morning breakfast dates. 

We visited the local pumpkin patch. Check back soon for more photos.

Madeleine spends hours watching out the window for the neighbor dog. What does she do when he comes over for a visit? Keeps her distance and stares him down.

My phone took a picture inside my clutch during our Saturday night date. 

Big girl eats her own soft taco these days.

I spotted some perfect fall ombre in downtown W-ville.

Fresh from our garden.

Leftover carrot cake. OMG.

Madeleine has outsmarted some of our childproofing, so George stepped up his game with tighter latches.

I had a "helper" while sewing on Sunday afternoon. Future tailor?

After weeks of rain, it was wonderful to get out and run about in the yard. 

Of course, Madeleine had to tear up the leaves she found on the ground. 

What did you get up to this weekend?

Weekend in Photos

It was such a beautiful weekend in the Puget Sound region (well, until those thunderstorms Sunday evening) that I thought I'd do a little weekend in photos action.

We moved M's toys into the cabinets. I'd say that she's figured out how to access them. 

On Saturday, Madeleine attended her first concert: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor.

The only two minutes when Madeleine wasn't on the move was when she was strapped into her chair, eating her current favorite food: strawberries. 

Turns out, the picnic cooler is the perfect height for pulling up.

The sun was so intense in the concert venue that we ended up hanging out outside of it, in the shade, for most of the concert. Who would have predicted such a fine day in June?  

On Sunday morning, I picked an enormous crop of strawberries from our garden. Woo hoo!

We spent most of Sunday out and about. Mum treated Daddy to some spa time, and we all had lunch together at one of Daddy's favorite restaurants. I was a little star struck when I spotted Rob McKenna dining with his family at Steelhead Diner, too. After buying some fresh fish and the world's juiciest peaches (#firstpieofthesummer), we came home to lounge in our yard. It's looking awfully jungle-like after skipping a week of mowing due to exterior painting. 

How was your weekend? How are you enjoying the summer weather?