3 months old!

Miss Chloe is 3 months old and changing before our eyes. She is focusing on so many things in her surrounding world - our voices, objects, people, etc. Her coos are infectious and she is starting to giggle often, which makes her mommy laugh. She pretty much goes with the flow in any situation, but when she's hungry, she will let you know with a pouting lip and often a loud cry. But, really, that is the only time she fusses.

She remains a great sleeper - both during naps and at night. I'm anxious to see how she's grown at next month's appointment.

Big eyes, big smileTrying out the bumbo for the first time
Peaceful slumber

Ma fifille (dressed in french - one of mom's favorites)

Chloe - we love having you in our family and our lives. You brighten every day and bring so much joy. Mommy of course loves having another girl around, too. So does grandma. I know she finds it bittersweet that you never got to meet your great grandma Jeannette, your grandma's mom. Unfortunately, we missed out on special times together as your mommy grew older due to Grandma Nette's (as I called her) passing when I was only two. That's why I am so thankful that your grandma has been given this chance after last year's scare and looking forward to all of the girltime we will have ahead! Your great grandma lives on in you.

February Sun

Looking at some of our recent pictures you would think that it was springtime. The sun has been out (until the last few days) and we had to enjoy every moment by getting out for some fun.

Last Thursday we met our friends Kate (and her kiddos Adam and Ava) and Samar (and her kiddos George and Clive) for a trip to Point Defiance. I always forget how great a zoo it is. You can get so close to the animals and there is a fun play area, too. With the beautiful weather, the animals were all out soaking it in and we got to enjoy great views of them and Puget Sound. We couldn't believe the show we got from the Pacific Walruses, as you will see below.

Mason gets up close and personal with a peacock

Up close and personal with the elephants

The Pacific Walruses

The boys check them out (l to r: Adam, George, Mason)

Mason takes it all in

Ava is mesmerized (and this shows the size of it compared to the kids)
The kids think it's hilarious

How many kids can fit in a double stroller - try 4

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Weekend Fun at Magnuson Park

Chloe nods off
Soaking in the rays after a napZipping away from dad on the scooter
The boys throwing around the frisbeeSandbox time - Mason thinks a helmet is needed
Dig, dig, dig

Baby Blues

We've been getting a lot lately that Chloe looks just like her big brother. Perhaps it's the big blue eyes that trigger it. When both kids look at us with their baby blue eyes, our hearts either melt or we have a hard time saying "no."

Valentine's Weekend

After returning from our trip to Suncadia, in time to catch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, we had a busy Valentine's weekend. Mom and dad got time out for a nice dinner and movie (thanks Grandma and Grandpa Gable for watching the kids), and then family time on Valentine's Day enjoying a yummy breakfast and Blake's Valentine b-day party.

Our usual Saturday morning Little Gym class - Mason sporting his Valentine red

Serious concentration with the hitting sticks

Valentine dinner at Newcastle

Special Valentine breakfast

Playing air hockey with birthday boy Blake at his Chuck E Cheese party

Mason loved it - we might have to get him one for his b-day

Enjoying a roller coaster ride with Lucy

Meeting Chuck

The boys dig into their cake

Our sweet Valentine's in pink and red

Kisses from big brother

February Fun

It seems like January went by in a flash and we're already halfway through February. I have around 5 weeks left until returning to work, so I'm trying to savor every little moment with the kids. Time has gone much quicker this go-around, as I divide my time between Mason and Chloe. When it was just Mason, and he was a newborn, it always seemed so difficult to get out and do things or I felt compelled to catch up on cleaning, errands, laundy, etc. when he was napping. This time, I find even the simplest tasks like running to the drycleaners or grocery store quite difficult with the two kids. I either find myself cramming in certain errands on the day when it's me and Chloe or prepping myself for extra time to do errands and hoping Mason will cooperate and Chloe will either sleep or be content. I also find that when one is napping and the other isn't that I want to soak in that time to give whoever is awake my undivided attention. We've had some fun activities this month, including a Super Bowl outing to Grandma and Grandpa Sams' and a trip to Suncadia - boy what a place. I'd highly recommend it to anyone.

Chloe's first ferry trip - up top
Mason (aka Ladamian Tomlinson) contently watches the water

Mason practices his surf moves

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SUNCADIA TRIP

It's true that this relatively new resort is Washington's version of Sunriver. It's super family-friendly and also a great romantic getaway. We would definitely go back.

Mason's stylish hat - a puzzle lid

Snow bunny Chloe

Our snow bunnies - ready to head out

Mason enjoying the small amount of snow we had

Pooltime

Where is Chloe?
Mom and Chloe on a walk

View from our room
Checking out the property
Lounging

Mason loved lounging in our king bed