Northwest Trek

Last Sunday, along with a couple of friends, we went to a very fun place called Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, located in Eatonville, WA. It was an amazing place. Despite the freezing weather, we had a great time. All of the animals were out and ready to be seen.

The girls were very excited to go on a "safari" right here in Washington. We were just missing the zebras and elephants... They have animal exhibits as well as a very large free roam area that you can take a tram ride through. This was almost better than the regular zoo. The staff was great and it is definitely made for kids of all ages. They even had a craft area to go to - all included in your admission price. If you haven't been, I would strongly recommend going!

Winter Hike

Karina and Daddy went on a nature hike together last week. They had lots of fun tromping around all of the moss covered wetlands behind our house.

Karina's highlight: "I found a stick that was sooo big! I used it so that I didn't get dirty at all...I think. I tried to see animals, but they were all tired."

Blow me a kiss...

At night, after reading stories and tucking them in, we blow our girls kisses and "throw hugs" from their doors as we finish saying our goodnites. Last night, as Julie blew her kiss to Karina, our little one began her usual stalling efforts... which usually include any reason to keep us there and prolong the moment...

Julie: "Goodnight Karina~"
Karina: "Mommy, I need a kiss!"
Julie: (blows a kiss) and says, again, "Goodnight"
Karina: "Now I need a hug!"
Julie: (waves to imitate "throwing" a hug) and again says, "Okay... goodnight"
Karina: "Mommy, I missed it!"
Julie: "No you didn't... I threw you a hug. Goodnight"
Karina: "No - I missed it. See! It's right there on the floor!"
Julie: (trying not to laugh) "Well... then pick it up"
Karina: "I got it. Goodnight!"

A new "neighbor"

We are very excited that Julie's sister, Marcella, and her husband, Walter, just recently moved into a house that is only about 20 minutes from us. Now we will be able to visit them much more often. The girls just absolutely LOVE going to see their Aunt and Uncle!

Congratulations on your beautiful new house Marcella and Walter!

You can see a few more pictures on our Family Photos link.

Manners...

Karina has been learning and trying hard to remember to say "excuse me" after important things like burping, coughing, etc. The other night we added a new one:



Karina: "Mommy, do I always have to say excuse me after I burp?"
Julie: "Yes, that is being polite and showing good manners."
Karina: "But what if the burp came from my bottom? How do I get it to say excuse me?"

She was so serious, which made it even harder to stay serious with her. She has now decided that it is okay for her mouth to do all of the excusing for her. :o)

Happy New Year!

The cookies are all decorated and looking irresistible!

(Sorry, there are not many left!)
We celebrated the New Year with the New Yorker's this year. Same fun celebration, but a few hours earlier. Our friends, Kelly and Dennis, from Arizona came over for a fun night of dinner and games. The girls even got to "help" Daddy light off a few leftover fireworks.
Then we ended up spending some more fun time with some neighbors across the street. With us there, we had 6 adults and 8 children. Overall, a great way to start our new year off.