Portland Highlights

Back in September for my birthday, my dear friend Tal and my husband planned quite a surprise present: a trip to Portland where Tal lives! I was very surprised and could not have expected to enjoy myself so much. Part of the gift would also be that this would be a trip all by myself (good for not having to travel with a two year old on such a long flight and deal with the time change with him).

And January worked out best for everyone! So off last weekend I went. And what a trip!

*Stumptown Coffee; this day also included some shopping - great little shops here and really unique towns.

*Infamous Voodoo Doughnuts: I loved the blueberry cake one but should have asked about the purple sprinkled one. The sprinkles were sour grape flavored...

*The Gorge: beautiful scenic drive and just on the other side of the river is Washington!

*Tal and I by Multnomah Falls

*Multnomah Falls: double drop waterfall. And there had been extra rainfall before and during my time there, so it was (apparently) bigger than normal!

*Bar+Arcade=Barcade. :) Super fun! (Downtown Portland)

*Downtown Portland has got to be one of the prettiest downtowns ever. The bridges, the shops, the trains are even interesting. 

I'd love to go back again if not just for my friends but to see Portland at a different season. The west coast has yet to disappoint me. :)

Thanks to Tal and her husband for wonderful hospitality, showing me the sights and food (oh man!), and letting me use their camera since mine died the first day there. :)

Santa Train

Did you know that Chicago has an official Santa Train? Now, this isn't your ordinary train. It is completely decked out with garland, green and red lights, santa fabric chairs, festive music, snow on the windows, elves, and of course Santa! For a moment, when all the kids were running to catch a glimpse of Santa, I felt like we were on the Polar Express. What a sweet moment.

However, while all the kids and parents are enjoying the warmth inside the train cars, Santa has to sit outside on a flat bed while the train moves. Talk about cold! But he seemed to be the jolly ol' santa that didn't have a care in the world except to make little kids happy. And hey, if he rides all night on a sleigh, surely he can ride a few hours outside on a train. :)

Christmas Cookies

I had a lot of fun making cookies this year. Timothy even enjoyed helping me mix batters and cut out sugar cookie stars. I made my grandmother's ginger snap recipe, candy cane cookies, vanilla bean sugar cookies (thanks mom for the real vanilla beans), and my favorite marshmallow wreath cookies.

The Arboretum

We had a wonderful time at the Morton Arboretum! Not only is this a great place to explore nature, but we had a fabulous time with family. (Note: This would be better for a nice 65-80 degree day.)

Trains!

Our little guy loves trains!

Whether it is the Thomas Trains generously passed down to us:

*Picture by Mama Buck

Or the train tables at stores or play places: 

Or riding a kid-lifesize train out at Hufford grandparents block party: 

Trains are just his thing. :)

*Not pictured riding the 'L' (aka: TRAIN!) downtown to visit Daddy at work!

Sunny California

(Disregard the fact that we're inside)

A must see!

Family Photos!

http://www.alaunapetersonphotography.com/2011/03/family-eric-kristine-timothy.html

We cannot say enough thanks to our wonderful friend Alauna who took pictures of our family. She was great with our uncooperative boy. She let him discover the camera and roam around our house until he was comfortable. She found perfect places to take fantabulous pictures. And she captured pictures of my husband and I that haven't really been done since our wedding. Thanks to Alauna!

You can check out more about Alauna at http://www.alaunapetersonphotography.com/.

Presenting...

A one year old little boy! While I'm sure you'd LOVE to hear all the details about the party-times, I'll let you enjoy the pictures from a party with the Hufford family (you know, his cousin is one day older than him!), birthday at the Chicago Children's Museum, and a Farm themed party with friends.

With Love, The Huffords

Thanksgiving

Is Dec. 1st really Wednesday? Wow, this year has FLOWN by!

But I am so thankful for the blessings and joys and lessons this year has brought. We were showered with hospitality at the Hufford's (that is, my in-laws) the past couple days. There was an abundance of food to go around and such good company. And I have to give props to my sister-in-law for her killer Pumpkin Pie with homemade whipped cream. Yum!! I think I ate more than my "portion" of the pie.

Even after all their hardwork to make Thanksgiving come together, my in-laws watched Mr. T while we went out for ice-cream, a movie, and late night Dunkin (decaf of course). :) What sweet, sweet times as husband and wife! And lots of laughter and heart-to-heart conversation. What a treasure.

Speaking of that treasure, I'm going to spend some time with him. :)

take a moment to decompress...or multitask

i've just grabbed a cup of decaf and have allotted myself 20 minutes to write. :) no grammar today! and i'm in need of a shower (don't judge me). laundry is running, and pictures are downloading.

start time: 4:07p. -> Go!

...while at the mall today (i had a old navy gift card! thanks grandparents!), i thought i would opt out of getting a milkshake (it was tempting me) and just use the quarter i discovered in my bag for some m&ms from the quarter machine. well, i guess it's been a while since i've done this, cause the quarter machine was no a TWO quarter machine. sadness. however, i spotted another candy center just down the way with a ONE quarter machine. :) i joyfully put in my quarter, turned the knob, and received...5 m&ms. 5. sigh...at least i had a quarter, right?


...i must confess that i am struggling. struggling with the comparisons of baby to baby. i remind myself that mr. T is going to be who he's going to be, and i love him for who God has made him to be. i'm blessed to experience so much of his life. struggle with saying no because i don't want to, or can't, spend extra money. i don't mind living a simpler life, but i know there are times when the only way it seems possible to hang out with friends is by spending money. can we just hang out at each other's houses? struggling to feel like i can do it all. and i don't even work out of the home.


...i'm finding much joy from being mr. T's mother. the littlest things make him laugh. (although, the same things don't always work a second time.) :) this week he's like a popping sound i make with my mouth and stacking toys that fall and hit the floor. and oh yes, when daddy scares him.

...from my "finding joy" jar: when my husband plays guitar for our baby while i hang the clothes. :)

...and yes, i still need to update about my trip to st. louis with my family, but for now, here are some pictures:



end time: 4:29p (okay, i had to upload pictures and a friend texted me!)

Timothy and Daddy