Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Birthday Pix

Eric's Birthday Dinner at SUSHI LAND...

Andy, Dad and LoriMore pictures from Eric's 40th Birthday - thanks again Sheri and James for all your hospitality. It was Orion's first sleep-over!Dave and Orion

Nicole and Me!

Hi Heidi!

Eric, Russ and Dave

More Dave Pederson Love xoxo

Christmas Card Picture

So you know the story, you try to find a picture of the family for the annual Christmas letter. I try to find one where we all look good, no crazy clothes, drunk stares or wierd hair. This year no such luck. We celebrated Eric's 40th Birthday with a bunch of good friends who all volunteered to take a picture for us...check out the series below and see what we ended up with.

Just Because

I am a smitten mom...

Orion with his first gingerbread man...thanks grandpa ed!

Waking up after his first sleep by himself in the crib - big news in my world!

Ohh The Rain

Yes, I know that Western Washington is wet...I was born and raised here for goodness sakes. What I can't get over is just how wet and rainy. We took a walk on the soos creek trail and there was moss growing on the sidewalk and mushrooms on the side of the path.

Happy 2 Month Birthday Baby!

I can hardly believe that my little dog turned 2 months old today. Other moms always said that the time just flies by but you know what? It really does! While trying to make plans with our friends from Fort Defiance, Marion and Lester, I found out Marion started a new job at a UW Clinic in Shoreline. She works as a pediatrician and knowing that Orion would miss his 2 month well baby visit - I called the clinic and we got to see her today. Orion was a champ - only a bit of screaming during the exam. It was so great to travel so far and share this event with a friend - who is not only a fantastic health care provider but an amazing woman as well.

As for vital stats - Orion weighed 9 pounds even today and was 22 inches long. How in the world does a child grow 3 inches in 2 months - WOW!
Picking out the perfect Christmas Tree

2 months old and wide eyed

Same picture - a month later

We spent an amazing day in the city. We could not have chosen a better day to walk down memory lane. We drove past our old house in West Seattle and I have got to say - the garden looks so overgrown and raggedy. We also checked out our old apartment on Pike Street and had lunch at Ballet - you have got to love their fresh spring rolls. Cafe Ladro topped off the day but was rather a disappointment. I have yet to get to Vivace...the day will come.

Turkey Day - A Few Days Late

The Ali Family - Bella the wonder dog presiding over the event

Patrick, Bill, Uncle David and Grandma Great digging in!

Becky Jo, Scott and Aunt Bobbi

Tina, Patrick and Bill

The Star of the Day - Grandma's Little Gobbler

In Search of the Elusive Smile...

Smiles, who knew they would start to rule my world. Talking and interacting with Orion everyday has made me painfully aware that I keep looking for some indication that he is understanding what I say, you know some sort of glimmer in his eye or a nod of acknowledgement. Well, Grandma LouEllen and Grandpa Billy swear that he smiled at Grandpa. I was not there to witness this so can't vouch for the authenticity. I did see a full on smile from Orion when he was being held by our friend Roger and then today of all days he smiled two full on grins to Eric this morning and then Uncle Andy and I both got toothless gummy grins today.
Trying for a smile - its not working very well...

Contemplating how crazy his mom is...

Getting closer...but still not captured on film

Thanks Dave!

Long Time No Blog

So we made it...after nearly 1400 miles on the road and 6 nights we arrived safely in Washington with a car full of junk that makes it look like we are moving into my moms house for good. It was a great trip with only a few moments of insanity and this is the path we followed:

Fort Defiance, Arizona

Blanding, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

Twin Falls, Idaho

Baker City, Oregon

Richland, Washington x 2

Check out our map quest journey at http://www.mapquest.com/mq/4-*dV9It94RzmYbLnb

We left after work on Monday November the 17th and spent the night in Blanding, Utah after checking into some random hotel that was Bella friendly, Eric went to find some libations for the night only to find that we had chosen a dry town to spend the night in. Go figure...

Stir crazy madness sets in with me in the passenger seat...

Chilly view in Utah

Orion in Blanding, Utah - he doesn't look very thrilled to be there.

Yes - there is a child under there - Orion hanging out in his car seat somewhere in Idaho.

Hotel room in Twin Falls, Idaho

Ohhhh the never ending plains in Idaho

We made our way North and averaged about 4 hours on the road each day - adding in stops for breastfeeding and coffee along the way. My favorite town of the trip was Baker City, Oregon - it was a quaint little town with an old school main street and lots of interesting shops.

Since pulling into Auburn we have been complete and utter loungers - we wake late each morning and then I ply myself with coffee and we usually manage a walk and lunch before my mom gets home. After that its almost like I don't have a 7 week old infant as grandma is busy holding him each and every minute between feedings. Its been great to share this new bundle of joy with everyone.

Orion had his first "tequila Tuesday" last night as he slept peacefully in his car seat in the bar at the local Mexican restaurant. His momma had two really great margaritas and chatted with grandmas friends. It was great!

This trip is sure to be full of lots of big firsts for Orion - especially

Thanksgiving and Christmas and all the trimmings. Hope this finds you and your families full of peace and love and ready for turkey day.