This Girl

Kendall very proud of herself for putting on Ryan's hat all by herself.

 
In the last couple weeks Kendall has transformed from her sweet, laid back self to a full-fledged mischievous little toddler.  This girl is ruthless.  She goes non-stop all day.  She has mastered climbing up on dining room chairs (which are bar height) and spends all day climbing.  When she's not at the table (or on the table) begging for markers, she's finding something else to get into.  Whether it's filling the cat's water with cat food or pulling all the books from the book shelf, it's something that creates a HUGE mess.  Last night she decided she'd made a big enough mess and started cleaning it up herself!

David and I are at our wits end.  We felt the house was child proofed, but she has definitely proved us wrong.  She is so quick, and finds an opening within second.  Tonight I turned my back to fill the bath tub and when I turned around she was standing on the edge of the tub ready to jump in. 

When she's not being mischievous she is being silly.  She loves to dance, and to laugh.  At the grocery store she waves and says "hi" to everyone who passes by.  She's become so independent and strong willed.  And beware if you tell her "no", drama is sure to follow.  She knows what she wants and is not happy when she does not get it.  We love her to pieces, but do hope she cuts us some slack pretty soon.  We're exhausted!

Photos By Ryan

As promised, here are some of the photos Ryan took with his new digital camera. 

I love seeing the randomness of them.  It's amazing how he always gets the camera out on the days when our house is the messiest.  Of course, you won't see any of those photos posted here.
 

Eleven Years Ago

Eleven year ago today, I cashed in my dream - my one way ticket to Maui to live.  I arrived safe and sound without my luggage, or a phone.  Waiting to pick me up was my landlord's son, whom I had never met.  Thankfully, Daniel was a nice kid, and drove me to my new home where I was expecting the boxes I had shipped to be waiting.  They were not. 

Daniel took me on a little shopping trip so I could get a bathing suit and a phone.  I thought that would be enough to get me by until my belongings arrived.  When I got back to my empty apartment I plugged the phone in and called home.  I didn't stop crying for a week.  What the heck was I thinking?  Moving halfway across the world without knowing a soul, or having a job.

I used the sweater I was wearing when I left Minnesota as a pillow that night and curled up on the floor.  And then there was a knock on the door.  I answered, and there stood my saving grace - Mary Jane - my next door neighbor.  She gave me a mattress to sleep on, a pillow, a blanket and a flashlight.  And even though I cried myself to sleep that night, I was definitely feeling better about things.  Mary really was my Hawaiian Angel.  She watched over me from day one.  She'd even have dinner waiting for me when I'd work late! 

Every day the homesickness got better, and I started meeting people and working and I was living the dream.  And then I came to a crossroads.  Should I stay in Hawaii, or move back to Minnesota?  I did neither.  I went to Sitka to work for the summer, and met David.  And then I ended up in Seattle, and here I am eleven years later.

I thank God every day that my parents were open-minded enough to let me follow my dream, and I hope I remember to allow my kids to do crazy things to follow theirs when the time comes!

Christmas at Home

This was the first Christmas I have ever spent at my own home.  We usually go to the Boehm's in Castle Rock, or Minnesota to be with my family.  Never have I spent Christmas at my own house.  And I found it was a little weird, but nice.

Kendall in her pretty dress.

Ryan and his two best buddies.

Christmas Eve Day the entire Boehm family gathered at our house for a great visit and another amazing dinner by David.  After dinner we went to to view Garden D'Lights - a spectacular light display that always impresses.

One of the spectacular sights.  The photos don't do it justice!

Ryan and the alligator.

When we got home Ryan left out cookies and milk for Santa, and an apple and carrot for the Rudolph.  He had so much fun!  This was probably my favorite part of Christmas.  I loved watching Ryan's joy and excitement about everything!  Kendall was a bit overwhelmed with it all, and just wasn't quite her busy self.

Getting the goodies ready for Santa!

Christmas morning was the best.  I woke up before everyone, and was so thankful I was there to witness Ryan's expression when he saw that Santa had come!  It was priceless.  I think he was most excited that Santa and the reindeer had licked the plate clean of all the treats he left.

Ryan so happy Santa and the reindeer ate all the goodies.  In the background: the Snowman Ryan asked Santa for .

Later in they day, we opened gifts with Karen, Bill and Melanie.  Ryan was involved with everyone's gift opening.  He sat on everyone's lap as they opened their gifts.  He wasn't into opening just his gifts, which was so sweet.  Kendall, again, was pretty glossy eyed and fell asleep.

Kendall and Grandma Karen.

Kendall enjoying her toy Santa brought her.

My Happy Boy!

The Dynamic Due and their matching fishing games.

Ryan's favorite gifts were the digital camera he got from Auntie Jenn and Uncle Michael (look for photos to be posted soon!) and the race track for all his cars.

Ryan having fun with his new camera!  Thanks Auntie Jenn and Uncle Michael!

It was a really laid back, fun Christmas and, as always, I'm so sad it's over.