Addison and Maya

Halloween 2011

2011-11-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Carving

So proud!

Haloween Night...

Our little ladybugs

Addy's First Day of Kindergarten 9-12-11

2011-11-04T22:20:00.000-07:00

Addy...so ready to go to school!

Maya had to get a picture too

Outside of Little Mountain Elementary

The new "Lion"

Addy at her desk

Working on her first assignment!

Addy's 5th Birthday!

2011-11-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe but Addy is five! She is so excited and tells me that because she is now five she will do the following...like tomorrow:

Lose her first tooth

Ride her bike without training wheels

Read books

She is making progress in two of the three goals above, reading and bike riding. I really am glad that she is naturally a kid that likes to make goals...I just wish that she understood some of this takes time!

Addy is really ready to start kindergarten and we are all excited (a bit sad too) about this new chapter of our lives...she will always be our "little" girl but sometimes I swear I am talking to a mini-teenager. She is such a sweet and kind hearted little lady and we are super proud to be her parents!

Below are some pictures from Addy's party. This was the first year that we had some iffy weather...we were glad it cleared off a little bit so we could BBQ and hang out outside. Thanks everyone who was able to make it so special for her!

July 4th 2011

2011-11-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

July 4th was a lot of fun this year...like most years, we celebrated with Jason because it's also his birthday! The morning of the 4th Joel, Addy, and I ran in the Great SW Footrace. Addy completed her two miles in 23:38...she did excellent but was exhausted when we finished. We were so proud of her for sticking it out and finishing.

This year we also got to go to my parents house for a BBQ. My grandma, Maris, Chris, and the kids joined us. We had some fun target shooting, I know...weird but we got to use Ellie's pink bee bee gun, Joel's favorite by the way....I just didn't happen to get any pictures! The kids ran and played all day and eventually we all ended up in the hot tub.

Cutie!

The Kids

Maya...loves climbing around on Papa's tractor

Tyler and my dad displaying their guitars. Ty has been learning to play and is doing really well...he now gets the honor of performing at every family function which we enjoy...not sure he does though:)

Pre-race

Nice work Addy!

Go Joel!

Addy's First Mariners Game 6-18-11

2011-11-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

Although the Mariner's didn't win Addy's first time at Safeco Feild was still exciting. We went with Recreation Without Boarders and really enjoyed not having to drive (and park) not to mention the fun trivia on the buss!

It was "Felix Night" and we all got super sweet stocking hats (pictured below).

Its About Time...

2011-06-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

So it has been a really long time since we last updated the blog and although I could list some excuses the blog will speak for us as to how busy we have been this past 11 months. We are all doing great and have enjoyed many adventures during this time.

Enjoy the blog!!!

Maya's 2nd Birthday

2011-06-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

A little late...

Maya turned two on March 7th and we celebrated with a fun family and friend get-together. Maya enjoyed the attention and the presents:). Angela's mom made Maya a quilt and it was instantly a hit.

Thank you everyone who was able to celebrate with us, you are all important to us and have helped make this a great memory!

Kona 2011

2011-06-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

Great trip and a great place to relax! Kona was a lot of fun, we rented a house with the Turners that suited us perfectly. We had a pool and plenty of room for the kids to run and play when we weren't sight seeing. Tammy, Jack, and Peggy were great hosts and showed us around the island. We took a trip to the volcano and a day trip to the Hilton for lunch and fun at the beach. We will definitely hit some of the hot spots again when we visit this coming December when Jack and Peggy celebrate their 60Th wedding anniversary.

We forgot our camera but Tammy was nice enough to share her pictures with us!

Christmas 2010

2011-06-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

This Christmas was awesome we spent a lot of time with family and friends and welcomed a new arrival, Harper Pratt (Jason and Heather), to the family. Addy was surprised by her great-grandparents and Aunt Tammy with a trip to Hawaii (they left not even 10 days after Christmas). Her being gone so long stressed me out an dit was an excellent excuse for us to join her for at least part of the trip so Joel, Maya, Chris, Maris, Tyler, Ellie, and I did just that! We cannot wait to go back next December.

Halloween 2010

2011-06-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

This year the kids really had a great time with picking their costumes and "trick or treating". We spent some time at Angela's parents and got the kids ready then made a few special stops before heading to Joel's mom's for dinner. The kids walked the neighborhood for a while and ended up with a ton of candy. Addy was a scary witch and Maya was a pretty sweet kitty that struggled to keep her costume on.

Disneyland 8-2010

2011-06-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Disneyland was awesome, the kids had a blast and we all really enjoyed the sunny warm weather. We spent three days at the Disney parks and one day at Sea World the rest of the time we spent at the house and in the pool. It was great to have Angela's mom with us for this trip and she really seemed to enjoy her time with the little ones, we aren't so sure she loved the water rides but all in all she was a good sport! We can't wait to go back to Disney World and we are planning a trip for 2013.

Happy 4th Birthday Addison!!!

2010-07-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

Addy had a great birthday! It was a really fun day with family and friends. The kids had a blast on the slip n' slide, playing on the play set, and running around the yard.

We can't believe she is four already it is so fun to watch her grow! She is a wonderful big sister and daughter and we are blessed to be her parents!!! This year we surprised Addy (oh, and Maya too) with a trip to Disney Land, we leave August 12th, she is getting more excited as each day goes by...we are too:)

Enjoy a short slide show from her birthday party.

Sunset at Bayview

2010-07-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

2010-05-31T16:06:00.000-07:00

Addy and Maya are doing great they are both growing and changing so quickly!

Addy's newest most notable leap has been in her interest in writing letters and people's names. She recently was drawing on our chalkboard in the kitchen and wrote her cousin Ellie's name all by herself (see below for a picture) She loves school and will be changing classrooms when she turns 4, we are sad that she will be leaving her current class because she loves her teachers but fortunately she will probably change with many of her friends.

Maya has started to communicate more with both words and gestures. She really has begun to be quite an entertainer, she makes us laugh on purpose and will do it over and over. She can still be quite dramatic and is trying her hardest, it seems, to get more independent. She still requires a lot of holding and cuddling, which of course we are totally fine with:)! She loves playing with baby dolls, especially putting them in strollers, giving kisses to her cat Jax, and looking at books. whenever she can she sneaks into Addy's room to see what she can find...you know like Barbie shoes and other choking hazards!!!

Day-Trip to PT

2010-05-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

Addy, Maya, Liz, and I headed over to Port Townsend for the day a couple weeks ago (Mid-May) to see Maris and Chris who were camping there for a couple of days. We enjoyed a parade, a walk to the beach, and a couple of ferry rides! It was really fun and it was great spending time with some of our favorite people.

Fun in the sun April 2010

2010-05-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

From First sunny days 2010

Addison, Lydia, and Maya swinging...it's great to be able to go outside and let the kids play! Maya and Addy could both swing for hours, and it was fun having Lydia over for the afternoon to play as well!

Trip to the Zoo April 2010

2010-05-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

From zoo collage

We ended up taking an impromptu trip to the Woodland Park Zoo in April, I know its June but.... we had a great time despite the sprinkles and cooler weather.

Addy really enjoys being able to "direct" us using the zoo map. So as well as seeing some of her favorite animals like the bears, tigers, and peacocks, we got to see some of the spots we have missed in the past which was great! Maya had a great time but most of all she just wanted to be free to roam which unfortunately, as parents who wanted to enjoy the trip as well, we couldn't always allow that...

we got to see a dancing elephant, some pretty pink flamingos, and a young gorilla who was a really big pest to the older ones.

Good times!!!

Maya's First Birthday

2010-03-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that Maya turned one on March 7Th, time has gone so quickly. We had a fun party with many family and friends. Maya didn't really understand what the big deal was and really didn't like our singing...don't think it was anything personal...she was just scared of all the noise. She ended up eating a lot of her "mini" cake with help from Addy who couldn't stand watching her figure it out. Maya got a lot of great gifts and has loved playing with them since the party.

Maya's One Year Stats:

Weight 20.1 lbs (60Th Percentile)

Height 28.5in (40Th Percentile)

She is talking (babbling) quite a bit and is really starting to understand us when we ask her questions like are you hungry, do you want up, lets go, can you bring it here. She is really funny and likes to make us laugh by being generally silly and sometimes she does a fake laugh to see if we will copy her...which we probably will : ).

Slide Show Maya's First Birthday

2010-03-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

Some more shots of Maya's first birthday party...

Family Pictures 2-10

2010-03-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

We decided to get family pictures done to both mark Maya's first birthday and my grandma Bess' 90Th (June). Overall things went well, we took several different shots and the kids had to do a lot of different poses. Enjoy!

When asked to lay down on the floor Joel was really annoyed but we all think the picture turned out pretty well...sorry Joel:)

The whole family...

2010-03-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

Maya

Maya admiring her big sister.

Tyler, Ellie, Addison, and Maya. (that one was difficult!)

G.G. (Great Grandma) turns 90 this year!

December 26th 2009

2009-12-31T15:47:00.000-08:00

We went to Mammy Laura and Papa Ken's house on the day after Christmas because Uncle Chris had to work on Christmas Day. It was really nice of him to make the trip over so we could see him for the holidays!

It was a really relaxing and fun time! Enjoy the pictures!!!

More and More and More Christmas Morning Pictures 2009

2009-12-31T15:32:00.000-08:00

We had a very relaxed and calm morning, the kids woke up around 7 and Addy immediately checked out Santa's cookie plate after that we let them see what Santa brought and open their stockings while we waited for G.G., Mammy Laura, and Papa Ken to come over for breakfast. Then we let the girls open the rest of their presents. Maya was ready for a nap at that point so we hung out for a while and watched Christmas Vacation, which is a family tradition. Later in the morning we went to Mammy Debbie and Papa Mike's house (no pictures...forgot the camera) for a gift exchange and stayed there until a little after 1pm, when it was clear that Addy was ready for a nap.

In the afternoon we had everyone over for dinner and had a great time, again, I didn't bring out the camera, but should have:).

Maya "striking a pose".
She was having a great time with all the paper from the presents, it was pretty hard to get her attention for a picture.

Addy and Maya

Maya looking at her presents from her stocking.

Addy learning how to use a yo yo.

Christmas Morning 2009

2009-12-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

Addy checking out the cookie plate...she wondered why Santa didn't finish all of the cookies and milk.

Addy didn't realized the footprints right away but when she did she was very concerned about how they would get cleaned up, she even brought it up later that afternoon. I don't know why she worries so much...must be something she gets from Joel:)

Addy opening her presents!

Maya showing us what a big girl she is, she really loves her new toys!

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-31T15:07:00.000-08:00

Santa's foot prints in our house!!!

Christmas Eve was pretty low-key this year. We went to Auntie Jody and Uncle Mark's house for dinner. Both Addy and Maya had fun playing with their cousins and we had a good time catching up with family that we don't see often enough. Addy was very excited about Santa coming to our house so it was a little difficult for her to get to sleep that night, we left milk and cookies for Santa and tracked him on NORAD (spelling?).

Addy and Maya December 2009

2009-12-31T14:47:00.000-08:00

Addy and Maya cuddling and enjoying a show!

Addy and Maya are doing great! Addison is really enjoying preschool and is learning new things everyday, although, the things that she learns from her friends and not her teachers can really test our patience:). She tries to tell us all of the time that she isn't three but that she's five and we find ourselves arguing with her...then we give up realizing we are arguing with a three year old!!!She's a lot of fun to have around and she is such a great big sister. Maya is also learning new things all the time, peek-a-boo and waving hi and bye are a couple of the newest "tricks" she does...not on demand of course :). Maya is getting around a lot more, she crawls from room to room and really has become fascinated with the bathrooms, so the gates have been put back up and we're getting pretty good at hurdling them again.

Christmas Tree Hunt 2009

2009-12-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the McLean Road Tree Farm for our Christmas tree. It was a bit cold but the girls loved seeing all of the animals. They had bunnies, llamas, alpacas, sheep, a dog, and ponies (it was a regular dog and pony show:)). Addy really liked helping to choose our tree this year; we finally had to convince her that we didn't want a tree that was only about 2ft. tall. For some reason she really liked the little ones. We ended up with a tree that was about 5 or 6ft. tall , which is a bit smaller than what we normally get but in my opinion it looks like a picture perfect tree and I can't wait to decorate it!

Addy and Maya update...

2009-11-29T15:49:00.000-08:00

Addison is growing up so fast, she is no longer our baby or our toddler but now our little girl. She is so sweet and fun to be around, she is stubborn, and honestly I wouldn't have it any other way, she is eager to learn and enjoys it so much, she loves with all of her heart, she cares for all of her family and friends, for one reason, because that is what your supposed to do. Addison We love you and we are so proud of you!

Some of Addy's new skills include writing letters and spelling her name, she is doing better coloring inside the lines which is important to her...she's a perfectionist too, and she can now pick out her own outfits which at times is more of a challenge for me, but we get through it.

From August and September 2009

Maya our sweet little baby is also growing so quickly. Her personality is starting to shine, she is loving and really likes to be around people, she loves to make you laugh by making her cute little sounds and by mimicking what you do like waving, saying ya and shaking her head yes, and clapping. Maya is crawling now, she started in early November, but she doesn't use that new skill all the time she would rather be packed from room to room or be sitting with somebody she loves.

From Fall 09

Disney on Ice 11-09

2009-11-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

Peggy, Debbie, Bridget, and I took Lydia and Addy to the Disney on Ice show this month. The girls loved the show and Addy hasn't stopped talking about Ariel since, she is also talking about trying out ice skating but I think we'll wait on that!

Enjoy the pictures!

From Fall 09

Addy dressed like Tinkerbell.

From Collages

The show included scenes from Little Mermaid, Lion King, and Tinkerbell. Addy and Lydia were very interested in the show and they hardly moved from their seats.

October 2009

2009-11-29T15:12:00.000-08:00

This month was very busy! We went to the pumpkin patch with the Pratt/McManus family, carved pumpkins one evening while Joel was home (few and far between right now with EMT class going strong), had a very fun Halloween night which included an attempt at Trick or Treating at the mall, several important grandparent stops for pictures, and ending with a wonderful party at the Meeces house! Oh ya, we got a kitten we named Jax in october too! One of my clients has a volunteer position at the Humane Society and this kitten had been there for about five weeks and we both really got to know him well and found him to be one of the sweetest and most mellow kittens there, the timing was perfect, Joel and I had been talking about looking into finding a pet for Addy as she had been asking for quite a while and we felt she was ready so we surprised her with Jax the day before Halloween. She has taken such good care of him and he is gentle with both Addy and Maya.

Fun at the pumpkin patch!!!

Joel, Addy, Maya, and I carving pumpkins.

All the kids dressed up on Halloween. Addy was Thumbelina, Maya was a flower, Ellie and Tyler were Starwars characters, Lydia a garden nome, and Keegan a doctor.

Meet Jax!

Victoria 2009

2009-11-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of October we took our annual trip to one of our favorite places, Victoria B.C.. This year we took the girls with us (we go kid-less every other year and I am glad this year was a kid year because I couldn't and wouldn't have left Maya for that length of time yet!) We had a great trip, we went to the museum, we swam in the pool, walked around town, had some really good food, and participated in the 8k footrace. I am very proud of Joel, he also participated in the race and finished in a better time than he expected. Also, Mammy Debbie (AKA McDebbie) and Big Papa came up with us and watched the girls while we ran!

Ocean Shores 9-09

2009-11-29T14:09:00.000-08:00

We met Maris,Chris, Tyler, and Ellie at the Martin's OS house for Labor Day Weekend. It was a great end of summer trip, relaxing and fun! We took some walks to the beach, went to the Irish Pub and the amusement park.

Enjoy the slide show!

The Zoo 9-09

2009-11-29T13:52:00.000-08:00

Heather, Jason, and Keegan met us for a fun day at the zoo. We were on our way to the ocean and thought it made a lot of sense to take a break in our long drive and stop at the zoo. it was one of the last beautiful sunny days of summer and we had a lot of fun checking out the animals and attractions.

This was Addy and Maya's first trip to the zoo. Keegan and Addy loved how close they could get to the animals! Maya didn't really get too excited about it but it was nice for her to be out of her carseat for a while. We ended up buying an annual pass so we will probably check it out a few more times this year!

2009-09-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend when we went to Sequim for the first time in a long time we had a lot of fun...the fair, walks to the river, some outdoor acting/performing on the outdoor stage, and of course some time playing in the backyard.

Addy got to meet Ollie, Tyler and Ellie's new kitten, this weekend and now, more than ever, wants one of her own!!!

Trip to Sequim 8-09

2009-09-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Eaton Family Reunion

2009-09-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

This years Eaton Family Reunion was a complete blast. Since our last reunion we have lost some important people and it was good to get together this year to celebrate their lives and catch up with family that we rarely see all year.

Scott opened up his new house to us and asked a friend of his if he would give some plane rides, Tyler was really the only kid old enough to participate in our immediate family and he got to go with his cousins Tammy and Isaac. We also took golf carts and Garters out on the dikes that surrounded the house/property, the kids loved this!!! I would have to say my favorite part of the day was when five+ old fighter planes did a fly-over in a really cool formation. Oh and I have to say trying to ride a Sag way for the first time was fun too!

It was a bit of a crazy day and something we totally couldn't have expected at one of our family reunions! Usually its just a potluck and catching up with people:)...What are we going to do next year???

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-19T22:34:00.001-07:00

First Day of School 8-4-09

2009-08-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

Addy is now an official preschooler!!! She is going three days a week and has already learned a bunch of new songs and crafts...she is meeting new friends and really likes her great teacher Sam!

First day of school picture...she was really "hamming" it up!

Maya tries solids!!!

2009-08-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

Maya's first experience with eating solids went fairly well...She still prefers her bottles though.

Over the past couple of weeks we have continued to try new foods like bananas, pears, apples, and cereal. One day I am sure she will have a favorite...for now, she is still looking at us like what are you doing to me...the pictures say it all!

Addy's 3rd Birthday!!!

2009-08-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

It's definitely been a while since we've updated our blog but we have been incredibly busy lately and blogging has taken a "back burner"...It feels good to finally share some of our memories of the summer!

Addy's birthday (July 14Th) was celebrated a little early this year because of our schedules and because of what we knew was going to be a very busy couple of months. We had a great time, lots of family and friends joined us for shrimp boil, home brew, and yummy cake! Addy had a lot of fun playing with her cousins and her friends. For the first time Addy really seemed to understand that the party was for her...she handled the pressure well and surprisingly there weren't any major issues:).

Here is a slide show of the party....enjoy!

Family Pictures

2009-06-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

We finally got family pictures taken last night! They turned out great, Addy seemed really into posing and getting her picture taken over and over...it was pretty funny how she didn't want the photographer to stop. Maya did well until we had a little delay in the picture taking because our first photographer decided to quit her job in the middle of our session (apparently some earlier dispute with her supervisor caused her to quit). Anyway, all worked out and here are some of the pictures...

June 2009

2009-06-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

June has been a very busy month and a good start to a very busy summer. On June 1st Joel started a new job, which is very exciting, but of course, it's always stressful starting a new job. Joel's new job, Lead Training Coordinator for Skagit County Medic One, is a perfect fit for what he enjoys doing and what he is good at. On June 2nd I went back to work only 32 hours a week, its nice having the option of going back sort of "part-time"...it was still pretty stressful and it is definitely difficult to believe that twelve weeks had gone by already.

On the 4th of June we celebrated Keegan's first birthday and then we celebrated again with the whole family the following Sunday (this is starting to sound like somebody else we know...Jason, are you teaching Keegan to have birthday weeks like you do?), the kids had a blast swimming, running around, and playing with Keegans new presents. I can't believe he is one already! there is a slide show below.

Keegan Turns 1!

Summer is Here!!! We finally got out the pool and Addy jumped right in! The water was soooo cold so she didn't stay in long.

Ellie turned 5 on the 14th and Tyler turns 7 on the 30th so we will have done a lot of traveling to and from Sequim this month. It's always a lot of fun and we wouldn't miss it for the world. Ellie's mermaid party was a blast, she had a bouncy house, pool, and the kids got to decorate cookies.

These are some recent pictures of Ellie, Addy, and Maya taken in May. For some reason the camera didn't get taken out at Ellie's party.

Ellie and Maya

Ellie and Addy

We have been doing a lot of work around the house and now that the fence is completed and the play set is up we have noticed a lot of things that have fallen behind. Of course the weeding and trimming have fallen behind, as well as some of our house work inside...mostly because we don't enjoy doing those things! So on our only free weekend this month we tried to catch up on some of that stuff (there are some pictures in the slide show below of the work we have done lately).

The work is never ending...

July is around the corner...and soon Addy will be three, it is so hard to believe! Here are some then and now pictures.

Then...2 days old

Then...1 year Then...2 years

And...Now... Almost 3

Maya is starting to change so much too. She has started to try to roll over when she is on her back and she can already roll from her stomach to her back. She is smiling and giggling and she has recently started reaching for her toys. There still isn't a good napping routine...but I hear that's because she's the second child and must go when and where we go. Not like the first where everything revolves around their schedule:). Oh well ...she sleeps really well at night (and always has) and I guess there are bigger things to worry about. Here are some current pictures.

Just in time for Summer!!!

2009-06-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

Last week with help from Jack and my dad we started and finished the new play set! It was a huge project and I can safely say I have never come close to building something so complex and that I couldn't have done it without their help (and tools)! This thing isn't going anywhere...we basically started with one board and slowly finished by adding one after another, after another, after another, until it was finally done!

Addy has already really enjoyed it and as I am writing this post our new fence is nearing completion! Soon we will have a fenced backyard where Addy (and someday Maya) can go outside without as much supervision...giving us all a little more freedom:)! Enjoy the slide show...

Mammo holding three kids!!!

2009-06-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

Irrigation Festival, Sequim 2009

2009-06-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

This week/weekend we traveled to Sequim for the Annual Irrigation Festival. Maris usually has to work some extra shifts so Mammy Laura went with us to watch Tyler and Ellie. We enjoyed the carnival, parade, and playing outside...the weather was great! Enjoy the collage!

Trip to the tulip fields April 2009

2009-05-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Bridget, Lydia, Heather, Keegan, Addy, Maya, and I went to Roozengaarde (spelling may be wrong) to look at the tulips and get some pictures of the kids. Maya only made it in a couple and it seemed really difficult to get an almost three year old, almost two year old, and almost one year old to pose for a picture...why do we even try:)! Of course some of the best pictures we got were the ones we didn't try too hard to get...Addy was even invited by a tourist to be in a picture with him, it was a little strange but actually quite funny and she accepted.

NEW BIKES!!!

2009-04-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

Jack and Peggy got both Lydia and Addy new bikes and when they watched them on Monday the girls spent their awake time learning how to use them. Addy ended up having to take her new bike home so we promised to bring it back to Jack's whenever she visits!

Lydia had so much fun playing on the slide!

Kinda of a goofball!!!

2009-04-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

Lydia ended up really liking her new bike but while we were outside she mostly wanted to slide or play in the dirt.

Learning the pedals...

Addy riding her new bike...she did great only fell off once.

2009-04-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

Addy helping Jack put together Lydia's Bike!

I am sure that Addy was reading the directions to Jack

Maya is almost 2 months old!!!

2009-04-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe but Maya is already almost two months old! Some of her most recent milestone...staying awake longer during the daytime, she is starting to smile at us when we talk to her, and she is sleeping through the night from about 9 to about 5 or 6. We go in and see the doctor next month and I will try to post her measurements then...

Enjoy some of her most recent pics!!!

April 2009

2009-04-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

Addy has been very interested in learning about medical type stuff since she was very young. But when I caught her eating her breakfast and reading one of Joel's medic magazines I had to capture it on film... then later last week she got very interested in Joel and his co-worker Eric's discussion about interesting ways to use backpacking equipment for rescues (like ski poles for leg braces and hip belts for a back braces) so of course she joined in!!!...enjoy!

April 15th 2009 - Pictures with Great Grandparents

2009-04-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we went with Addy's and Maya's Great Grandparents to get pictures taken along with Keegan and Lydia. It was a lot of fun and we actually got lucky all the kids were in good moods and ready to smile!

Adoption Finalization Hearing April 3rd, 2009

2009-04-16T23:40:00.000-07:00

ADOPTION IS FINAL!!!

Our friends and family joined us in Family Court this morning at the Skagit County Court House to go before Judge Meyer and finalize Maya's adoption. It went very well and it was wonderful having every one's support.

To our family and friends...keep in mind I have never been good at expressing my feelings...

We honestly couldn't have gone through all of this without you...there are so many "ups and downs" through the "adoption process" and it is wonderful having so many people to support us and listen to our fears one day and the next listen while we talk about our exciting plans because for some reason we aren't fearful that everything will fall apart (that day anyway), it really is a roller coaster we wouldn't have survived if it wasn't for all of your caring support...so thank you!!!

March 2009 - Fun Pictures...

2009-04-16T23:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun pictures from March...We have been adjusting fairly well to having a new baby in the house. Maya continues to be a mellow baby and Addy continues to be a good big sister. Unfortunately right after we brought Maya home both Addy and I got some sort of virus that caused us to run high fevers, have low energy, and cold like symptoms. It was completely miserable and magnified by having a new born in the house. Luckily we got through it and Maya escaped without getting sick! Maya has met many family members and will continue to meet more because both our families are huge!!!

March 2009 - Sister Pics

2009-04-16T23:21:00.000-07:00

Our newest addition!!!

2009-04-16T23:09:00.001-07:00

Maya Luella Pratt is finally here!!! She was born at 11:10am on Saturday March 7Th, 2009 weighing 7lbs5oz, and 20 1/2" long. She is a healthy and beautiful baby girl that will complete our family! Addy is extremely excited about her arrival, she has been talking about being a big sister for a very long time! Maya seems to have a sweet disposition and it is very exciting to look forward to the days, months, and years to come knowing that she is in our lives!

Note: somehow Joel didn't end up in any of the pictures in the slide show, because he was more than likely taking them...we will make sure to post one of him and Maya soon!

January 2009 - Addy's First Hair Cut!!!

2009-04-16T22:52:00.000-07:00

The Children's Museum...Addy's new favorite place!!!

2009-04-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

The Children's Museum is a great place. Addy loves running around looking at and learning about stuff in general so this place really keeps her attention. We go there at least once a week and sometimes we meet Lydia and Bridget there and when Tyler and Ellie are in town they enjoy it too.

January 2009 - Ocean Shores

2009-04-16T22:27:00.000-07:00

This year we went to Ocean Shores for our Pratt/Meece/McManis Family Christmas. We do this instead of exchanging gifts and we usually wait until January or February so that we avoid the actual holidays. This year we were all able to go and we had a great time. Although the weather was somewhat decent it was still cold so we only spent about a half hour at the beach...but by the time we got all the kids bundled up and out the door it was quite an excursion:). We had some ping pong tournaments and played some Apples to Apples...not sure why but we never got out the good old Skipbo cards...hmmm we will have to remember that next time! Enjoy the slide show...

January 2009 - Whistler, BC

2009-04-16T22:23:00.000-07:00

We went to Whistler for a nice winter get away with family and friends. Maris, Chris, Tyler, and Ellie, as well as Liz and Nick joined us for our trip to one of our most favorite places! It was a first for all but Liz, Joel, Addy, and I so it was fun to show everyone else around as well as find some new favorite spots. We had fun shopping, eating, drinking, and of course relaxing in the great condo we rented. We took a trip on the Gondola and went night sledding...we would highly recommend both things they were great!

Walking around town we found some cool picture spots...check out the Olympians:)

One of our most favorite memories is night sledding. Even Addy got her own tube and was able to go down the hill, she loved it!

The Gondola trip was very exciting...it was an all day trip, but so worth it when you get to the top!

January 2009 - Addy in the Tub

2009-04-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Check out these funny faces!!! I just love them:)

2009-04-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

New Years Eve 2008

Addy took some pictures...they actually turned out pretty good...take a look!

All the kids on New Years Eve 2008

2009-04-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

Christmas 2008

2009-04-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

Christmas 2008

Enjoy the slideshow below there are pictures from Christmas Eve, Christmas Morning, and some with Santa himself!!! Addy had a great Christmas her cousins came and stayed for a whole week and we had lots of fun playing in the snow. Our extended families are great and it was fun seeing everyone over the holidays.

Christmas at Mamma and Papa's

We had a great time at Mamma (grandma) and Papa's house! Papa made a sled jump with his tractor and we had a really good dinner and exchanged gifts...it was so much fun. You will notice I'm not in any of the sledding pictures below and that is because I was sleeping while they were outside but it looks like even Mamma got in on the action...oh well, it was fun exchanging present and having dinner!

2009-04-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

December was a crazy month in many ways! We traveled, got a ton of snow, and found out that a birth-mother was interested in us adopting her baby girl due in March of 2009.

Watching Addy play in the snow is a blast! As we have known for a long time...Addy has no fear, and she loved her Uncle Chris and daddy spinning and pushing her as fast as they could down the driveway on a sled. Addy, Tyler, and Ellie had so much fun, especially, on the sledding path that Chris made by rolling himself down the hill in our front yard (pic in the collage). you will also see, in the collage, that Ellie is now somersaulting everywhere, and yes even in the snow. We got some great pics, enjoy!
(double click on the collage to make it bigger)

We met with Shelby (potential birth-mother) and her mother Dori for Lunch earlier this month to discuss her plans and as a way to get to know each other. It went well and it seemed like we clicked right away. (sorry no pics)

December 2008 - Sequim

2009-04-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

We spent a few days in Sequim and enjoyed some fun in the snow.
Addy got her first ride on a four wheeler, Grandmas pay no attention to the no helmet thing!

Go Faster!!!!

2009-04-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

October 2009 - Halloween!

Halloween was a lot of fun this year, Addy picked
her own costume and really got into the "act"!

2008-09-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

Grandma Debbie left her glasses at my house the other night so I thought I should try them on...things looked really funny and mama and dadda could hardly stop laughing long enough to take my picture.

Lynden Fair 8-08

Grandma Laura, Maris, Tyler, Ellie, Mama, and I went to the Lynden Fair today. We had a great time going on a few rides and eating infamous "fair food". I hope you enjoy the slide show too!!!

Slideshow...

JULY 2008

2008-09-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

Lydia's 1st birthday party

see more Lydia pictures at:

http://www.prattmeecebaby.blogspot.com/

7-20-08

A couple pics of Addy watching our mushball games in Newhalem

7-13-08

A day at the Beach...

July 12, 2008

Addy's 2nd birthday party

SLIDESHOW...

On the 4th of July we went to the Independence Day Parade in Sedro-Woolley

JUNE 2008

2008-09-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

June 14, 2008

Ellie Turner turns 4

Here are a couple pictures...

June 4, 2008

While I was in Disney World my new cousin Keegan was born. you can see more pictures of him at the following address

http://www.keeganwallis.blogspot.com/

Disney World 6-2008

We had a great trip to Florida, we spent most of our eight day trip at Disney World Parks but we also got to see Sea World and hang out by the pool for a day!!! Eight days really isn't enough:). High lights are below in the Disney World and Sea World slide shows!!!

Here is our only group photo!!!

Slideshow...

Sea World 6-2008

Slideshow...

MAY 2008

2008-09-07T15:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend we took a fun filled trip to Sequim. While we were there we took a drive up to Hurricane Ridge and then went to the "Dream Park" in Port Angeles. After dinner we walked to the Dinginess River, Tyler pulled Ellie and Addy in the bike trailer and did a great job. On our way home from the river Addy didn't want to ride any more and ended up jogging the mile back to Maris and Chris' house.

A very fun and beautiful trip to Hurricane Ridge

Addy couldn't wait to play in her pool for the first time this year!!!

2008-09-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

May 10th 2008
Today we got together with some of the families we met through the adoption process, we didn't get many pics because we were so busy meeting all the new additions!!!

Addy was helpful getting some toys for Lydia...here are some snapshots.

2008-09-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

While daddy was on his fishing trip we had a fun weekend in Sequim which included a bouncy house (of course I loved it), a trip to the Sequim Game Farm where we saw and fed several animals, and a fun trip to Silverdale for some shopping and a good dinner!!!

APRIL 2008

2008-09-07T14:17:00.001-07:00

Its been a very long time since we have updated our blog, sorry about that!!! Here are the first of some new pics...Joel, Angela, Addy, Bridget, and Lydia took a trip to the tulips in April 08.

Here is a slide show with pictures from www.baby-addison.blogspot.com my old blog. Enjoy!!!