Ethan's first camping trip

We lucked out and got reservations at a group site on Salmon Cove, just over Chinook Pass on Hwy 410.  It was perfect, huge, but perfect with 5 picnic tables and right along the American River.

Mori-chan all stuffed

We lucked out and had access to an amazing day hike, Naches Loop Trail, 4.5 miles

Wildflowers were in full bloom; lupine, paintbrush, queen anne's lace and columbine.  We hit the timing just right!

And, the loop had amazing views of Rainier, at 5400 feet elevation, you feel like you could reach out and touch it

Nate carried Elle Belle the whole way on his shoulders (minus some walking on her own)

Ethan slept the whole two hours

Nate and Eliana had an afternoon of fishing for rainbow fish.  They saw salmon and the only way Elle Belle could go was if she wore her glasses the whole time.  She followed the rules and loved it.

S'mores time!

Huge group site!

Right along the American River; not too swift or deep and plenty of beach space to play

Sleeping was interesting...we all ended up on the queen air mattress.  It was cold so the snuggles were good, but the head-to-toe arrangement may make us want to buy one more air mattress next time.

Nate constructed this swing for Eliana and she loved it!

First time

...Poop on the big girl potty tonight. I know this must be something to document in her baby book, so I'm writing it down here before I lose track. It's amazing how it just happened when I took her diaper off before bed.  She went and sat down and then looked in the potty and seemed somewhat embarrassed and wanted me to quickly get rid of it.   I got her to say "bye bye poop" as I flushed it down the toilet.  She was so relieved when it was gone.  I applauded her and told her I was so proud of her.  Growing up so fast!

November, 2011

Highlights included (in chronological order):

1. Every day happenings
2. Moving
3. Grandma, Grandpa & Auntie Amy visit Seattle
4. Birch Bay Thanksgiving
5. Vancouver, B.C.
6. Seattle Half-Marathon
7. 33 years old!

Every day happenings

Moving
This is a historical documentation for Elle Belle, as she spent her first 20 months at 2331-B W. Crockett St.  More pictures here: We've Moved!

Grandma, Grandpa & Auntie Amy visit Seattle
We were lucky to have my Dad in town during the move to our new house.  During that time, we also found out that we were expecting!  So, we told my parents by putting this shirt on Eliana. They were surprised and delighted. And we were so glad to tell them in person.

 Playing in Grandma & Grandpa's bed (yay for no pull-out sofa!!)

Birch Bay Thanksgiving
Before we were going to move to our bigger house, my parents had booked a condo at Birch Bay for us to spend Thanksgiving.  We spent Tuesday-Saturday there, enjoying time together, swimming and quick walks outside (there were huge storms that week and the wind was terrible).  Due to the move and all the other things going on, we opted out of cooking Thanksgiving dinner and treated ourselves to a great buffet at Semiahmoo Resort.  Thanks for such a great week, Mom, Dad and Amy!!

 Walking with Auntie Amy in the rain

 Puddles!!

 Great picture of my Mom & Dad

 Picture with Grandma & Grandma sometimes sounds more simple than it actually is...

 Thanksgiving dinner at Semiahmoo

 Swimming time with Daddy & Auntie Amy

Vancouver, B.C. 
Birch Bay is only about a 10-minute drive to the Canadian border, so we ventured into Vancouver for the day after Thanksgiving. We had a great lunch on the waterfront and then hit up Granville Island for the market.  

 Grandma, Mom, Eliana, Auntie Amy and Grandpa

 We also found this great park right when we parked - perfect timing as Eliana was ready to get out and stretch her legs. 

Granville Island duck feeding

Seattle Half Marathon Walk

Amy, my Mom and I walked the Seattle Half the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  I am so proud of you, Mom!  You beat your goal by over 30 minutes and did amazing!  It was the worst weather possible - raining, windy and cold, but you couldn't care less.  You look amazing, Mom and we are so proud of what you've done in the last year.  

 At the starting line

 Finisher!!

Nate and Eliana surprised us by being at the finish line, equipped with Top Pot donuts!  Thank you, honey!

33 years old!

I had a mellow, but perfect birthday.  Since Nate and I were both working downtown at the time, he surprised me by taking me to lunch at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in the Georgian Room.  It was the perfect treat.  And then we got to celebrate with Eliana that night.  Thanks to you both.  

The dessert they brought at lunch