East meets West

Family pictures at the Eastern and Western Weddings. We just got back from one of those trips where you need a vacation, after your vacation. This past weekend we ventured to Tahoe for my cousin's wedding. It was Amelia's first time on a plane, in California and meeting many new friends and family. She was in her true form (ham) and did well with everything the trip had to offer. I also think we are starting to see some personality shine through this little girl. Two words: Party Animal!!! Yes, we are a little worried.

In my years I have been to a number of weddings. All beautiful and special in their own way, but Josh and Hirini's was an EVENT I will always remember. It was not only two weddings (Eastern Indian and Western/USA) but also a HUGE party!!!! There was food, more food, music and lots and lots of dancing. The weddings took place at a campsite/cabin called Shinneyboo Creek, so there was no neighbors to complain. I am going to let the pictures tell the rest of the story (I have so many it was hard top choose what ones to post) and hope I can give the weekend the spotlight it deserves!! Party Animal!!!!

The Whites (Fred and Helen) and the future Whites (Derek and Kaitlin).
This picture is very GQ.

Papa and his girl. Over the weekend she learned how to headbutt (dicci dicci),
wave hello and growl.

Party Girl waiting for the party to start!

The crowd enjoying one of the bands. Can you find Wade??

Taking a break from dancing for a photo.

Aunt ReBecca and Amelia just getting ready to party.

Great-grandma and her Squeaky/Baby Millie.
Josh and family walking into the Indian wedding (groom procession).Hirini and her family walking into the wedding.

Mimi and Papa in their Indian dress.

"I Do" the second time

Amelia skinny dipping in Lake Tahoe. It was very cold, but that didn't faze her!!
She is our water baby.

Uncle D cutting the rug (literally).
Flying home...a little sad to leave, very tired, but overall happy we had such a great trip.

Weekend with Rask.

This weekend, Rask came up to stay with me while Wade headed back to Russia (St. Petersburg). We had a great girls weekend and Amelia and Katie became BEST FRIENDS. Amelia LOVED her Rask. Friday night, Grandma and Grandpa watch Little Miss so Katie and I could join the Bellingham girls for a night out on the town. It was fun, but I soon realized I am not as young as I once was. By 10pm my bed was calling my name. Katie played dress-up with Amelia. Please notice she is wearing Sounder colors.

How many people and animals can you put into one bed??? Even the dogs enjoyed the slumber party!!

Saturday involved watching soccer and college football and eating like we were in college again: Pita Pit for lunch and Pipeline for dinner. Saturday night, Sarah also joined us (shhh its The Secret!) for great conversation over some wine. Sunday we headed south so I could run (thank you Katie for biking next to me) and my parents could see Amelia. On my way home I got to meet Georgie Ray. She was beautiful and I am really wishing I had a picture to post!! Anna and Mike, you did good!!!!

Amelia learned a new trick. She is now pulling herself up into a standing position. I think it is time to start thinking about baby proofing.
Amelia has been fighting a bug for the past couple of weeks. While at the doctor 's I saw these children's masks. I grabbed a couple for when the Swine Flu really hits. She didn't seem to mind it!

Cougar Football Saturday!

Over the weekend, Amelia got her first taste of Cougar football. Wade and I took her down to Seattle for the "Battle in Seattle" against Hawaii. Amelia was a little under the weather, but she hammed it up and was a real trooper for the day of tailgating. We decided that we would take it hour by hour and leave if she wasn't feeling well. However, it was the Cougs who weren't "feeling" well and Wade couldn't take it anymore so we left during first quarter. In Wade's words "they were playing like a high school team!"

For the game Amelia wore her pink WSU jersey. It was a hand me down, but fits perfect for football season. It lasted until we walked into the stadium when she pooped over it and Wade! Once in the game she loved the sounds and people watching (just like her mom).

Tailgating takes a lot out of you. Just taking a bottle break and a nap.

Multi-tasking at its best! Cougar Babies! Amelia and Jake meet for the first time.

Amelia came on a little strong at first, but they seemed to like each other

more as time went by.

Sandpipers

For my side of the family, our year starts and ends on Labor Day. For over 30+ years, my parents (and us kids and our families) have been going just north of Ocean Shores to a "resort" called Sandpipers. It is units you can rent right on the beach. It marks the end of summer and I look forward to it every year. Especially this year because it was Amelia's first.

We didn't get there until late Friday night due to work, but we lucked out and had good weather on Saturday. Sunday we had on and off rain, but it cleared up that night for a fire on the beach. Overall the weekend was relaxing, but Amelia did have her first "stomach" issue. I don't know if she ate something bad or caught a bug from daycare, but Saturday night she puked everywhere, many times (first on my dad and then me later continuing until the next morning). It was no fun to have a sick baby, but she was a trooper and never cried. It just wore her out and she slept hard!! I am hoping that she is much better this week because school starts tomorrow for me and I would hate not being able to be home with her if she is sick. Mae Mae and Amelia hanging on the beach. A couple handfuls of sand made it to the mouth. Hopefully that isn't what made Amelia sick! On Sunday there is a parade and activities at the town of Pacific Beach. Here are the girls searching through cedar shaving for money. It was pretty funny to watch. Shelby came out with a couple dollars. Leave it to Wade to find a time to workout! Amelia and her Papa. It was so cute that they were cuddling in bed together that night before she puked ALL over him! Mimi and Papa celebrating Amelia's first Sandpipers!! We are all excited for next year when she will be running all over the place. Our little beach babe!

Hi ho, hi ho...

...It's off to work I go.

So far this week has been the hardest one since Amelia was born. After almost seven WONDERFUL months of maternity leave, I now must return to the classroom. My days of facebook, blog stalking/posting and my stay-at-home-mom routine are done. I am so thankful for the extended leave that I was able to go on (not sure if it made this transition harder for me) and I know going back to work is the best thing for our family. However, I will cherish the time I had at home and the future times I have with her even more.

On Monday, Amelia started at the YMCA full time in their infant room. Each drop-off and pick-up is me holding back tears. I guess I am lucky that my school is moving into a new building and I am very busy while at work and can hold my emotions. Lets keep your fingers crossed that this year is a smooth one.

What have I learned these past couple of days? So far I am finding there isn't enough time in the day for everything that needs to be done (I know understand why my mom has always been a night owl) and I feel like my head could start rolling at any minute. Advice from fellow working moms is much appreciated.

Cowgirls!

Today my sister brought Shelby and Macie up for the afteroon. It had been a long time since the cousins have seen each other and this was the last week before school starts (Shelby is starting Kindergarten). While they were here, we went over to Ruth and Daryl's to see the horses. Daryl saddled Jewel up and the girls couldn't have been happier. Each of them got to go for a ride, including Amelia!!

Cowgirl Shelby

Cowgirl Macie

Cowgirl Amelia and Grandpa

Thank you so much Ruth and Daryl for having us over. I am sure they will talk about Jewel and Cody for a long time. Get ready for their visit again next summer!!

Family Vacation

With summer coming quickly to an end, Wade thought it would be a good idea to go on a family vacation before he starts traveling again, I go back to work, and Amelia starts at daycare. After much thought about where, we decided to head to Bend, OR. I have been there a number of times growing up, loved it, and Wade has a co-worker/friend there that we have been talking about visiting for a while. So, we packed up the car/dog/kid and started the 8+ hour ride. We stayed at a great resort called the Inn at Seventh Mountain. It was the perfect size with great amenities. It is also only 5 mins outside of Bend and 20 mins from Mt. Bachelor. Due to this we were able to explore the wonders of what both had to offer.

During our excursion of the town of Bend we rented bikes (Amelia in a trailer) to help us get around easier. We decided that because Bend is known for their breweries, we must go and see them. We took a self-guided brew, bike tour and enjoyed learning about the local brews and tasting their fine quality :). I found a new porter favorite and Wade a new IPA. We also took the opportunity to go to where some of the beers are made and learn the importance of hops and the beer making process.

On another day, we headed towards Bachelor and found some great lakes to hike and swim around. We stopped at Todd Lake and went for a refreshing dip in the cold water. Amelia even enjoyed a swim. That afternoon we spent some pool time before heading to Rutger's house for dinner. The hot, dry heat was very nice!!!

Even though it took us 12 hours to get back to Bellingham (stopped to eat, bathroom, visit my parents and sat due to two accidents) Amelia was a great in the car. We are now having to re-sleep train for naps because all of hers while on the trip where in a car seat, stroller, or backpack. She also slept horrible while on the trip (had to sleep in the big bed with a bottle ready each time she woke up. Not easy having a screaming baby with people sleeping around you.), but luckily has fallen right back into sleeping through the night back at home.

I am really wishing that this trip turns into some kind of family tradition!!