Samuel Turns 2

Samuel definitely suffers from second child syndrome. Nothing is ever as done-up or planned ahead as they for his older sibling. Good thing he goes with the flow. I will add however, that this birthday celebration was blunted by the fact that both kiddos were under the weather. Two days later they started antibiotics for double ear infections. Grace still says "WHAAT?" to just about every thing you say to her as all the pus in her eardrums is making it difficult for her to hear! It is actually kinda funny.

We spent January 4th visiting the impressive Children's museum in Olympia for the first time. Then had a relaxing day at home followed by delicious cupcakes after dinner with some of our precious neighbors.

 

 

This amazing boy fills our hearts with such joy. He is full of smiles and giggles every morning when you lift him from the crib. I see so much of his father in him. His energy for adventure, eagerness towards learning, constant playfulness and good looks. He is such a blessing to our family. Happy Birthday big boy.

Christmas Recap

I wanted to slap on a few more Christmas photos before it gets too late. The special season is now behind us, although you wouldn't know it being in our house. Still tons of decorations to put away. Hoping to put a dent in that this afternoon.  

We spent the week of Christmas in Denver and our days were packed with activities. We spent an evening at Zoolights, meeting and taking pics with Santa.

 Then it was baking and decorating sugar cookies. Santa had 3 left out for him on the fireplace at Papa and Grandma's house but they were still there in the morning. Santa must have been full (or didn't see them!)

 

Christmas morning Grace and Samuel opened presents and were soon joined by the rest of the Hesseltine clan for brunch and opening stockings (all made by Grandma with such love).

 

Grace received her highly anticipated Barbie doll with several sets of clothes made by Grandma. Grace is putting to use my old jewelry Caboodle case I used growing up for all her doll items.

 The grown up kids had some adventurous fun sans little kids as well. The ladies enjoyed tea and lunch at a historic bed and breakfast downtown (http://www.castlemarne.com) with Mom and friends then it was off to beer tasting at no other but Great Divide. We met the men at The Source, an old warehouse recently turned into a multi use space where were spent time tasting more delicious beer and filling our tummies with the best tasting tacos around. The watermelon/jalapeño and pineapple/habanero margaritas were a huge hit. Gotta love the selfie portraits :)

 

Cousins enjoyed play time together with many trips to my old elementary school. These three have officially graduated to the big kid swings. No bucket seat required!

 

Such great memories! Miss the Hesseltine clan already!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Strep

I kept Sam home from daycare on Friday because on Thursday he had been diagnosed with Strep Throat.  It's been going around in his class.  When we visited sick call, to say the Dr was skeptical of our suspicions is a bit of an understatement.  He looked at us over spectacles riding low on the bridge of his nose and with a stern look he flatly stated, "He's a bit young for that." It didn't help that Sam was literally bouncy off the walls with energy - obviously forgetting one of the symptoms of Strep is lethargy, or maybe more precisely, tiredness.  And yet, after but a mere glance into Sam's mouth the Dr, with some reluctance in realizing he was wrong about his initial assessment, stated, "Yep, that's Strep.  No need to even do a culture."  So a bottle of antibiotics was on order and Sam and I would plan our mischievous adventures while wearing pajamas all day.  It helped that snow fell that evening for us to play with, and Sam to eat, to help his throat of course. 

 Sam going to town on his breakfast and snack.

 I let Grace dress herself - possibly a bad idea on a snow day.

 Sam, DON'T EAT THE YELLOW SNOW!

December Sunshine

It feels a little weird wearing shorts and swimsuits the second week of December. But we aren't complaining. The week so far has entailed sunny visits to the playground, playing in the sand, swimming pool, and bicycles. 

Sam cruising on his first pedal bicycle. 

Sprinkler fun

Grandpa hosing off the kiddos after playing in the sand

Visit and pool fun with Uncle Gregg and Aunt Suzanne

Sam checking out his new tractor, Thanks to Grandpa and Grandmuhie

Grace loves her new purse and kids handkerchief 

Visiting Great Grandma Grace

Disney World Delight

This year our annual trip to Florida fell early in December, just in time to celebrate a bit of the holiday season with some sunshine! As the temperature plummoted below 20 in Tacoma, we were blessed with over 80 degree weather in Orlando. Soon after our arrival we ventured to Magic Kingdom. Our time was filled with rides, climbing in tree houses, meeting a handful of princesses, dancing in the street parade, eating ice cream and watching the night time lighting of Cinderella's castle.

Grace enjoying the carousel

Grace window shopping for the perfect Minnie ears

As a 3 1/2 year old you can never get enough princess magic, especially if your name is Grace. She had been asking about seeing Snow White for several days (out of nowhere as she has never seen the the movie). She was excited to see her when we entered the princess fairytale hall. She conversed with Rapunzel and Ariel as well. We visited Beast's castle from Beauty and the Beast as she was picked to play "Chip" the small teacup in the reenactment of the movie by all the kids. She then got to see Belle.  

 

 

Samuel licking his first ice cream cone.

Dad and Grace enjoying a sunset rocket ship ride

The best part of the day (if you ask mom) was actually at night when they lit the castle. The Disney characters and the Fairy Godmother invite Cinderella out and with some magic "Bippity Boppity Boo" action the castle lights up. An amazing sight if you ask me.  Can't wait to visit again next year. 

The pre-lightling show

Covered in ice

The view from Main Street leaving the Magic Kingdom

Traveling Templins

Sam doesn't need his own seat until he's 2, but when you fly to FL, you don't want a 23 month old trapped in your lap for 5 hours or more. Even Sarah is getting excited about the new coloring books - that is, until we get to cruise altitude - then the iPads come out!