Monday, the 23rd,  turned out to be a sunny day, so we took full advantage. While we got ready, the boys went on a rafting trip. Got to love the kinect.

We headed to Pike’s Market to check out the sights. I knew it wouldn’t be that busy, so we took the strollers along. We took a walk through the market first, to see what was out. Then, we went to the park for some lunch. Christina loved looking at all the “interesting” people in the downtown park. Jameson crashed as soon as he got in the stroller, and didn’t wake up will we got in the car to leave.

Since we had 5 kids and 2 double strollers, that left 1 kid stranded. You would think, the oldest child could walk, but he decided a ride would be better. So Ella found a new favorite seat.

As we were waiting for Kayden to take a potty break, I was standing there with both strollers. I had so many people walk by me and stop and talk about how adorable Ella was. Then they’d keep walking and see the front of the stroller and say, “You have a full load,” or “Don’t you have your hands full?” Ella was just happy to sit up top and eat and be able to give her little smirk at everyone.

Luckily, Drew fit right under Ella’s bum. We also ran into a group of missionaries walking out of the book store. I joked with them for a bit, and we talked about who was serving in our ward, and if they new them. Christina and Kayden finally came out of the bathroom, and we continued on. We picked up some fresh bread for dinner, along with a few other treats.

After the market, we headed over to the Ballard Locks. I have never been, but thought they would be fun to see. When we got there, there was a boat in the lock that was pushing gravel through. The kids loved watching the boat, but didn’t really get what was happening until the lock was empty and they saw the next boat come in.

Ella loved to act like the big kids. We walked across the bridges (which are actually the lock doors) and crossed to the other lock. There is a salmon run on the far side, so the fish can get through the dam. Unfortunately, they were upgrading or redoing the salmon run, so there were no fish to see.

As we were watching, the guy in the tower called out, “All right, kayaks. Come on in.” From around the corner came about 7 kayakers. They entered the smaller lock, and held onto a bar that ran the wall. The locks are about 15 feet deep, so the kids got to watch to small kayaks rise up to our level, and then paddle into Lake Union.

See how far they were at first and then were level with the lake. We checked out a few more things, and headed home. I do hate some Seattle roads, though, so we ended up taking the longer way home, which might have actually been the shorter route. And our first adventure in Seattle was complete.

I woke up that morning to hearing Jameson knock on the door. If he can hear people, he will sit in his room and knock on his own door. If he can’t he will come out and knock on my door. I guess it’s better than waking up to him staring or jumping on me. Anyway, I heard him, and got out of bed. I could hear Ella too, so I told Jameson to go wake Daddy up. While Jameson did that, I went and turned the lights for the tree on, and got Ella out of her bed. We told him Santa came, but I don’t think he believed us until he saw his “Big Rex.” Even on Christmas Eve, when Kevin asked Jameson if he wanted to open some presents, Jameson would reply, “Not until Santa comes.” I had that pretty drilled into him. When he realized Santa had been here, he was so excited. Kevin pointed out that that meant we can open presents, and Jameson dug in. I think Ella was just as excited.

We spent a long time opening presents. We did one at a time, and Jameson helped us all. Then he had to play with everything that was opened before opening another one. We stopped for a break around 9 for some German Pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs from the chickens next door. Once we were fed, Ella went back down for a morning nap, and we opened all the packages that have come over the last couple weeks. Although it was different not being with any family on Christmas day, it was so much fun receiving packages. Jameson loved the hand puppets Grandpa Judd had wrapped for him.

Around 12:30, the missionaries showed up. We invited them to spend the day with us. I asked them what they usually eat on Christmas, and the first answer from Elder McClellan was tamales. Since I don’t make those, I asked Elder Bergstrom. His reply was that he usually makes Christmas dinner. I asked what it was he makes, and he said, “Prime Rib.” Well that settled my question of what to have for dinner. I told him to get me a list, and he can make our dinner. It was awesome. They got here, and he got the prime rib in the oven. Then he called his family. We chatted and ate some appetizers with Elder M. and  he was enlisted to help me with rolls. Then got into a game of Settlers of Cattan. We finished that game about the time Elder B. got off the phone. We gave the missionaries their gifts… buckey balls and nerf guns, along with groceries. Jameson wanted to show them the train…

(They weren’t quite prepared for a picture. Elder B. is on the left and Elder M. on the right.)

Then it was time for a nerf gun war. Furniture was turned over for barricades, and grown men were hiding on the floor. After the ammo was lost behind the couch or other furniture, it was time for a break. We finished up dinner, and had a fabulous prime rib. Kevin said it’s the best he’s ever had. After dinner, Elder M. called his family while we cleaned up and then put the kids to bed. Once he was off the phone, we played one more round of Settlers, and ended just in time. Our game ended at 9:15 and the missionaries needed to be home by 9:30. So that was our day. It was nice to have the missionaries here, because the tv wasn’t ever on, and computers were left off. There were no outside distractions, and we were in our own little world for a day. Hope everyone else was able to enjoy their day as well.

Friday, we had decided to go trick-or-treating with some friends at the Microsoft game studios. We were supposed to meet them at 3. I started to get Jameson into his costume, and he freaked out. I mean tantrum on the floor. So I held him as best I could, dressed him, and strapped him in his carseat as fast as I could. I even had to cinch it down extra tight. As he was kicking and screaming, Josh offered to stay home with him. Normally, that would have been great, but Jameson had no idea what he was missing, therefore, it would be a reward for him to stay home. Instead, he cried almost the whole way there. As soon as he saw his friends in costumes, he calmed down a little. Then, once he saw the point of dressing up, he was all for it. He even let me put his arms back in and the hood on. We entered the building, and the older kids ran from office to office getting candy. I didn’t realize my flash was not on, so all my pictures are blurry.

He was so excited, and now is willing to put on his costume whenever I ask. I made sure if the employee was in their office he earned his candy. He would go into the office and tell them, “To infinity and beyond!” Or, he would tell them, “I’m Buzz Lightyear. I come in peace.” Followed by a, “Thay-do” (Thank you). One guy told us that was the best thing all day. (He got the second phrase.) I had to tell most of them what he was saying. Not only did he have his costume on, he had his Buzz shoes on that light up, and say both those phrases. When did shoes start talking? I have no idea, but we own a pair that do.

After the first building, we had to empty the kids buckets, and start fresh for the second building. We ended up with 4 full buckets of candy. Steph was gracious enough to hall the candy in her purse. I had to carry the 20 lb. lion cub. Josh was interested in all the offices, and different things around the offices. Honestly, I did not buy a single bag of candy this year.Whenever we passed out candy, we used the candy the kids got, and I still have a full bowl.

October was a month of visitors for us. October 8-12th we had Scott staying with us. He came up to do some motorcycle riding with Kevin. They got a few rides in before one bike got a flat. They dropped it off Monday morning to get fixed. The business wasn’t open yet; they didn’t open till 10 am. So the boys returned home. They soon found they were not being called by the repair shop. Upon further investigation, they realized they didn’t open till 10 am Tuesday morning. They had dropped the key in the box, so they couldn’t even take the bike to another shop. I kind of think it was a good thing, because they were both getting sick. They didn’t need to be riding in the cold.

The following weekend, my dad came for a visit. Dad left Sunday, the 17th, and by Wednesday, the 20th, we had new visitors. Josh and Steph (Kevin’s sister) came to see us. Jameson was so excited. Kevin picked them up on his way home from work. Thursday morning, they relaxed while I took the kids to our playgroup. Jameson would not wear his Buzz Lightyear costume, but would wear Ella’s costume. She was a pretty dang cute lion. She has even started growling to go with the costume.

After playgroup, we came home to pick up Josh and Steph. I took them to my favorite bagel place here, Blazin’ Bagels. It’s delicious. They thoroughly enjoyed it, too. After, I showed them around town, we stopped by the mall. We let Jameson get some energy out on the boats (the play area), and then came home. That night, we took on the task of carving our pumpkin. They picked out a face, and Stephanie offered to draw it on the pumpkin for us. Jameson made sure she didn’t mess up.

Then Kevin cut the top open so we could start on the dirty work. It took a while, and once we got the top off, found out why. We picked a very thick pumpkin.

Josh tried to get Jameson to touch the insides. He was not about to go near that stuff.

Ella, on the other hand, couldn’t wait to get close to that pumpkin. She knows when something is edible, and she doesn’t care what it is. She was so excited to get her hands in there.

Finally, Kevin started to scrape. After he started searching for an easier method, I took over. There are no pictures of my hard work. Just know, that pumpkin was scrapped clean by the time I was done with it.

Jameson was excited to pop the eyes and nose out after Steph had carefully carved them.

Josh had to help him a little, but once he got the eye out he was so excited. I know the picture is blurry, but look at the excitement on his face.

After that, it was time to get down to some serious business… the mouth. This had to be discussed as it was done.

It turned out awesome! Just wait and see. (I forgot to take a picture of it this night.)

My dad came to visit on Oct. 21st. Jameson was so excited Grandpa Judd was coming. I didn’t tell him till that day, so that he wouldn’t be asking every day. Time is a very hard concept for a 2 year old to understand. Friday, we went to Pike’s Market, and toured around. We ate some lunch, and we did a little taste testing. After some diaper changes, we headed back home. Apparently, I didn’t put the diapers I pulled out for Jameson in the bag. I went to change his diaper, and had to put him in Ella’s. Good thing she’s a chunky monkey, and wears larger diapers. Friday night was spent relaxing.

Saturday, Kevin and dad got up and went shooting. They actually found a place to go that wasn’t a range. I guess they had to be careful, though, because some people were deer hunting near by. Once they got back, we headed off to the pumpkin patch. Last year, I took Jameson to a really fun pumpkin patch and wanted Kevin to enjoy it, too. (See it here.) We went with our friends, and I don’t think the guys were too excited it is about an hour’s drive away. It was also raining. I told them, “Rain or shine, we’re going.” You have to here, or you never go anywhere.

I’m really sad, though. My memory card was full, so I went to delete an old folder. Instead, I hit the wrong button and deleted everything. Thankfully, I had just uploaded photos, but everything from the weekend so far was lost. All my pictures with my dad in Seattle, the boys trying to rope the saw cows… all gone. So I only have the second half of our trip to the Pumpkin Patch.

The kids got to go on a small train ride:

The older boys found something to keep them entertained. If you shot the apple in the bucket, you got a free something. Not sure what. Probably a pumpkin.

Jameson played in the cornbox. He kept saying, “Look Mom, its corn!”

After playing around on the farm, including roping the saw cows (Jameson worked really hard at this, and I’m sad I lost the pictures. He was one determined little boy.) , milking the cow, pumping the water, and driving the tractors; we headed out to find pumpkins.

See how Jameson has grown?

2009 2010

And Ella this year…

And the search is on!

Jameson and Grandpa on the search.

Kevin went and found his own pumpkin right off the stalk. He was so proud of it.

Taking a ride back to the store.

On the way home, we made a stop at XXX Burger. I got my craving fix for deep fried mushrooms. Then once home, it was time to get the last of the energy out.

Luckily, Dad came to visit on the weekend of the primary program. That meant Kevin had help with the kids while I was on the stand keeping 5-6 year olds focused. After church, we had some dinner, then Dad took off for the airport. Jameson was so excited, thinking he was going with Grandpa Judd on the airplane. He wasn’t so happy when he learned he didn’t get to go. He watched from the window as Grandpa drove away. The next day, he woke up asking where Grandpa Judd was. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before another visit from Grandpa.

Jayci, my cousin, was here visiting her parents. We were able to go see her and one of the cutest little boys in the world. We got there, and Jameson immediately wanted to see, “Uncle Bruce’s motorcycles.” My Aunt tried to tell him he didn’t have one (thinking he meant a motorcycle like Kevin’s), but he wanted to see the little ones in the cabinet. I told him he had to have Uncle Bruce get them out for him. Uncle Bruce was still outside, doing yard work, so Jameson waited patiently. As soon as he walked in the house, Jameson was his shadow asking to see all sorts of stuff. Luckily, Aunt Colett wasn’t working that day, so we got to see everyone, and have some delicious lunch together. The kids all did well at the restaurant, and we watched a seal play out in the water.

We even got the kids together for a quick picture. (October 15th)

Mont loved teasing Jameson. See… here’s proof. 🙂

(September 10-12)

Jameson waited all day for Papa to come. He was even really good, and wanted to show his sister some love. FINALLY! It has taken about 6 months for this to happen, but I finally have some pictures with Jameson showing some love for his sister.

Papa and Grammy finally came by, and Jameson showed off his skateboarding skills.

On our way to dinner, Jameson was showing Dad his singing skills. Usually, he doesn’t sing in the car for Dad. That show is only for Mom.

(In the middle he shouts…”I see a bus!”)

We ended up at a Korean bbq restaurant. We weren’t quite sure what to do, so the servers helped us. You actually grill your own meat at your table. Would have been really good, except we started talking and forgot about our meet for a little bit. Oops. It was really good. Papa took over grilling ,while Jameson was a walrus with Grammy.

Saturday, we headed out for our adventures. We had some brunch first…

The boys headed out to check out gun shops, and we headed over to Bainbridge. After going earlier in the week, I knew Debbie would love the little shops. We found some really neat things, and met back up with the boys later that night. Ella did so well shopping with us for the day. Sunday, Grammy and Papa stopped by for one last good-bye before heading home, and before we headed off to church. Jameson wasn’t too excited about them leaving.

Thanks for a fun weekend!

(July 6, 2010)

Uncle Paul came up for a visit on his summer break. We hung out the first few days he was here, then we were all hit with some virus that nearly killed us all. Paul had it the worst, but we were all out of commission for at least 24 hours. Luckily, the kids were spared from the horrible illness we caught. Kevin caught it first, but was probably the least sick. 3 hours later I was down, and within 3 hours Paul was down. It was kind of odd how it hit us all. We spent all Monday recovering, and Tuesday ventured out. We headed to Seattle to show Paul some sights. We parked by Kevin’s work, and then had to hike a ways to get to the market. Pushing a stroller with 2 kids after being seriously ill, up hills,  was not the brightest of my ideas. We took a walk through the market and then headed back. That was about all the strength we had.

We met up with Kevin for some dinner at Johnny Rockets, although Paul and I were still not up to eating very much. Then we headed for home. We checked the mail along the way and found a letter for Jameson from Grammy Brazell. She sent a present from Alaska. We thought she would like to see Jameson’s reaction.

In case you didn’t catch it, she sent an “Alaskan Ice Worm” which was a strip of hair with some eyes glued on it. Don’t worry, Jameson defeated it.

And on to Ella…

like I said earlier, she can roll about 95% of the way over. She can’t get her arms out, so she gives up and rolls back.

So close!