First recital.

L had her first ballet recital.  She was a flower fairy.  Thank you grandparents for coming out to cheer her on!  She still talks about being on stage.

My Bell.

We had the honor of going to my niece's class to hear her read/act out a short story.  The kids felt so important getting to sit with all the older kids.  It was a great little break in the day.

Lion & the Mouse - Aesop's fable.  

Story.

So, today was a Bea-U-tiful sunny Seattle day.  We spent over an hour at the park soaking up the heat.  As L & A were swinging together, Laila started singing her heart out - making up a song about princesses, Jesus, our phone number - you name it.  Well, Ax wanted in on the action & tried to out-sing her: "LOOK DOWN, LOOK DOWN, DON'T LOOK 'EM IN THE EYE; LOOK DOWN, LOOK DOWN, YOU'RE HERE UNTIL YOU DIIIIIIIIIIIIE..." over & over.  It was hilarious.  (Clearly, I'm going through a Les Mis phase & need to lay-off the soundtrack.)  But, don't you love him!

Nutcracker 2012.

I surprised Laila with a trip to the Nutcracker.

A date with Dale.

I've always been in awe of Dale Chihuly's work.  Haven't ever heard of him?  Well, you obviously don't live in Seattle...  Or Washington.  Or the US.  This guy is a world-renowed glass blower.  He has work all over the world.

His museum just opened this year at the base of the Space Needle.  We pawned the kids off on the g-parents & had a wonderful evening out.

The NW room. 

Sea room. 

Up close at the sea sculpture.   

Garden.

Boats.   I told Jason that this boat represents how I want my life to feel.  

...this boat is how it normally feels.   

So beautiful.  

Peek-a-boo Space Needle view. 

Giant outdoor sculpture.  

I'd love to visit again in the day light.  AAAAND when it snows.  Way to go Seattle, this is way better than the tired rides that used to sit on this plot of land.

Gettin Busy.

It's no secret how much L loves Lee.  She now wants it to be known that she also "loves Andy lots-of too" & had fun telling me what to write & where, professing her love to daddy's crew.

My heart is full.

Our niece, Natalie made this in Sunday-school today (sniff, sniff).  

Frog & Toad.

J & I are trying to be more intentional about spending one on one time with the kids.  Jason took Laila on her first real date to the Seattle Children's Theater.  They loved it.    

Christmas cheer all month long.

University Village

Our sweet little nerds.  

Visiting our favorite Anthropologie worker.  

Jingle Bell Dash - 2011

Team: MLK

L's first race.  She ran 3 times with M & I.  After race treat, Top Pot!  

N's choir concert

She did so well!  (front row - white dress)

Olympic Ballet Nutcracker in Edmonds:

We had a sweet date with our daughter.  (I'm pretty sure J was the only male in the audience, what a trooper.)  :)  L loved it so much & cried when we had to leave.  

Family day filled with downtown & gingerbread.

The 2011 Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton, followed by strolling through Pike Place Market, eating-our-hearts-out at DragonfisH & strolling downtown.  Capping off the evening decorating our own GB house & having story-time with Gram.

Sheraton Gingerbread Village theme:  Holiday Express (with Polar Express playing in the background).

Know how to tell if someone is an out-of-towner?  They say, "Pike's Market".  
Tisk.  Tisk.  

Mesmerized by the Beechers Flagship curds separating from the liquid
(my mouth is watering as I type.)    This pic is dedicated to you MJ!  

We all equally enjoyed DragonfisH.  They do not disappoint.  

wa-la!