Simpsons in Seattle

Happy new year from these munchkins!

Guess what Evie and I watched tonight?! This 4 star movie that featured the one-and-only YeeYee!

Evie and I had such a blast visiting Ian and Owen this past weekend in San Francisco! It was the first time she and I took a "big girls" trip away from Daddy and Nora for so long and while we missed those two, it was great for us to have 1 on 1 time together.  Anyway, our trip was a too-short weekend getaway, but we packed it in with yummy food, a sweet-filled trip to the Jelly Belly factory, LOTS of lego time, and lots of cuddling time with Owen! Little baby O was such a cutie pie - he was so good during our trip. He only cried when he was tired and hungry and he didn't seem scared of me at all! He let me hold and snuggle with him - I've forgotten how tiny but how sweet little babies are. He also had several expressions that made him look so much like his big brother. I can't wait to see his little face again! Bouncing with excitement on our flight down to SF. In line at the Jelly Belly factory. SO MANY BEANS! All waiting to be packed and ship

The weather has been sunny but cold (highs are in the 30s!) which makes it perfect hiking weather. Well, that's not really true, but it's nice to not be cooped up indoors and once we're bundled up and trekking along, it's not actually that bad. Bonus that it tires the girls out!  While we were on Orcas over the weekend, we decided to try Turtleback Mountain. We've never been before and reading the hike descriptions made it sound not too bad - medium impact, benches for stopping at, groomed trails and great views. Seemed easy enough!  In reality, we learned that it was quite a steep hike for the littles. Considering we didn't have a backpack for Nora, was kind of arduous to get up to the top with them. It was fun nonetheless! It helped that we doled out little snacks and treats to keep the girls pumped. We were rewarded with almost no one on the trails and spectacular views of the island and the surrounding San Juans. Forgot our backpack? No problem

I know it's almost halfway through January, but I have to finish telling you about our awesome Christmas vacation! So, after spending Christmas morning at Grammie and Grandpa's house, we trekked over to PohPoh and GoongGoong's house for a few nights. We typically celebrate Christmas with dinner that night after all the family has arrived into town but this year, Way and her family stayed up in SF because of the new baby and Kin took a later flight and didn't get in until late. Because of that, we had a low-key but DELISH hot pot dinner on Christmas and then did our big family Christmas dinner the day after, on the 26th! It was a bit strange, but also wonderful because for the girls, it meant many days of opening presents! The girls did great with hot pot! SOOOO happy with her donut the next morning. Each kid got a pile of presents! Evie being so helpful with opening gifts! Taking little Oliver for a ride in the toy stroller. kids table!

Boy, so much has happened since we last posted! We had a very merry Christmas and a fun New Years and we hope you did too! Here's what we've been up to these past few weeks.... On Saturday before Christmas, we met up with our friends Vivienne and Winston to check out Snowflake Lane in Bellevue. We've gone in years past but since it's close to us, we usually just pick a clear week night to partake in the festivities. We didn't follow that pattern this year and paid the price for it! The place was MOBBED on a weekend! It was crazy busy. Evie was up on Scott's shoulders so maybe she saw some of the dancing and singing, but Nora and I really only saw the backs of people's jackets. We ended up leaving early to beat the exit crowds because well, we weren't really enjoying it anyway! Next year, we will stick to a weekday! Not sure if Evie could see anything! She was overwhelmed by all the people and noise, and very clingy. The next day, we went to