Tacoma Christmas

Thank you Aunt Lisa and co. Henry loves his firefighter getup! 

We left my parent's house Christmas morning to spend time with Garrison's family in Tacoma. We've been busy since we arrived and I'm desperately trying to slow the time down. However, it feels like the harder I try, the faster the time passes. Already the end of this trip is in sight and I'm not ready for it to end. A lot of change is happening the week we get back to Savannah and I'm kind of freaking out about it all.  I'll unload all of that in another post though. For now, I'm going to try and soak up every minute of this time with family. 

Snow Big Deal (And Hello Instagram!)

If you can get gloves on a toddler in under 20 minutes, then you're cooler than I am.

Yesterday we took Henry to Mt. Rainier. The last time he saw snow he was so tiny, so I wasn't sure how he'd handle the cold. He has witnessed a lot of snow rescues on Go, Diego Go! though so I wasn't too worried. HE LOVED IT. Every five minutes he would stop to face plant in a huge hill, eating the snow and saying, "I'm a baby polar bear and I eat snow!" Halfway up the hill he took off his boots and ran in his socks screaming, "Haaaalp! I'm an amm-a-mul in trouble!" (Thanks Nick Jr.). And he denied being cold until the very last second. Seeing him so excited and not afraid to try everything meant a lot to me because being in super hot Georgia all the time, I worry often that we're raising a weather wimp. But that doesn't seem to be the case! Oh Henry, you're a true Washington boy at heart. 

Oh and hey, I'm on Instagram now. Only about two years behind everyone! Follow us by clicking the link below!

Home Alone

Someone's Confused...

Last night, while setting up the nativity scene, my mom held up Mary and asked Henry who she was. Henry said, "That's Mary!" Impressed, my mom held up Joseph and said, "And who is this?" Henry looked at the kneeling man with a cane and replied, "Poncho!" 

Getting a Christmas Tree: Washington Style

 So show me family....

 And all the trees that we would neeeed....

.....I'm sorry for that.

I've hardly written here lately because I've been so busy enjoying this time with my family. Washington only happens once or twice a year and each time the days pass by so quickly that I find myself stressing out about the day we say goodbye once again. Being back in Washington brings out so many feelings inside me, many of which I haven't felt in years. It's such a beautiful state with endless possibilities for adventures and I find myself wanting to hike through the woods and run down the (cold and rocky) beaches. There's just something so special about this place. I mean, they still play Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Radio Head, The Shins, and The Strokes on the radio for goodness sake. Who does that? Seattle does. Because it rules. 

It's so good to be home. 

Hallmark

One of Henry's favorite things to do right now is to look at the ornaments hanging in Hallmark.  We've actually gone so many times that now I feel like the employees see us and think, "Awesome. They're totally going to touch all of our stuff and leave without buying a thing..." It's so fun watching him admire all of the detailed ornaments and I'm sure he would stay there for hours if I'd let him. Isn't free entertainment the best? (Also see: Bass Pro Outlet Zoo of Taxidermy. Holla!)

Oh and....... HELLO WASHINGTON! WE'RE HERE! WE'RE HERE! It feels so good to be home. 

You Get a Line and I'll Get a Pole...

Garrison bought Henry a miniature-sized fishing pole and we all headed to a nearby river. Henry had been talking a lot about fishing and how you have to use your pole to catch sharks from the water. Garrison thought it would be a good idea to show him what "fishing" is really like. We didn't catch any sharks or fish (shhhh, there was no bait on his hook!) but he had a blast anyway.

Fishing is something really special to me. I have the best memories of hanging out with my dad, eating red licorice and drinking soda while we watched our lines dance in the water as the sun set. We would come back smelling like fish bait and bug spray but it totally didn't matter because we had been having so much fun. I'm so happy that we can start these simple traditions with our Henry. I hope he looks back on it some day and has memories that are just as special as mine.

Play this song while you look at the pictures! Do it! It rules. 

Florida Thanksgiving!

Flat Stanley Goes to Florida!

Puzzles with Baby Abby

Just like daddy!

Aunt Lindsey gets all Kate Middleton

Henry collected every type of coupon book outside the Florida rest stop...

When my husband has my camera...

(There were 7 more of these, but I'll spare y'all)

Eating with Aunt Lindsey. Henry tried everything this year but like the cranberry sauce the most. He ate 15 cranberries! 

Thanksgiving whut uppp?!

We always have such a nice time in Florida. Thanks to our Florida family for a wonderful and fun Thanksgiving! We miss you all already :)