Will Work for Cheez-Its

We felt a little cooped up today and decided to bundle up and head outside.  Surprisingly, Zoe was unwilling to let go of the Cheez-Its so we got to walk the neighborhood with Zoe and a box that appeared to be nearly the same size as her.  I love when she takes off with the pom-poms bouncing on the back of her boots.  She's got a little strut and she's ALL business.  We also have a little copy-cat on our hands, so whatever Mia does, Zoe is close behind.  It was a nice idea to take the scooter out for our walk today, but let's just say that we didn't get very far...

Cuddle Bug

After a long weekend, this is the photo I snagged as Dad passed out on the couch with baby in arms.  If you flip on Dora, Zoe will snuggle right up to you.  It's a fun stage, she always wants to be right in your lap.  It's really fun when you're trying to write, address and stamp your Christmas cards!

Trying to get caught up...

Oh wow.  I almost feel guilty that I haven't posted since September!  I've tried many times to sit down and upload a few new photos (thus the photo of the carved pumpkins that showed up in the header), but lo and behold, something would always pull me away.  Could it be the 1 year old tugging at my pant leg or the 4 year old needing some attention?  Hmmm.  :)  You know the story.

Either way, I am sad that I haven't posted more because this is my online journal for Mia & Zoe.  I can only get better!  The good news is that we've been busy and celebrated yet another birthday party (Travis' was this past week), our first big snowfall, our 13th Anniversary, Zoe's first steps and Halloween.  For this week, we're getting ready to have Thanksgiving at our home with Travis' family.  Should be fun and action-packed to stay home this year and enjoy the holidays together.

We spent a lot of our time this Fall up at Snowbird.  They had some great activities for the kids (Mia loved the alpine slide!) and we stayed up at The Cliff Lodge for our anniversary.

Every now and then I find random snapshots like this on the hard drive when I'm going through the photos.  Not sure how Mia's face showed up in this photo, but I can tell you that this is a very typical scene in our home.  Two beagles, patiently awaiting the crumbs and sometimes the sweet taste of a Bunny Graham that either gets tossed or falls to the floor.  What a life!

We celebrated Halloween FIVE times this year.  It was exhausting! (School, church, work, family...and then the actually holiday finally showed up)  Once again...what a life!

Eleven years later (or 77 years old in dog years) and she's still got that spark to run in the snow!  Go Piper GO!

Here is Mia's FIRST EVER snowman.  Built with love and care by Mia and her mom in our backyard.  Mia named her, Foofa.

I had to post this other very typical scene in our home.  Zoe loves the fridge...inside and outside.  It's become a favorite pastime.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!  We love you!!

You know it's the end of a season when you catch Mia inadvertently singing Jingle Bells while running errands.  Grandma Cheryl hasn't helped by sending packages of snowmen that light up along with other fun holiday decorations.  Go QVC!

Since our last trip to Seattle, I've been trying to keep tabs on all the funny sayings and milestones that we've crossed with the girls.  Here are a couple that come to mind:

1. When mom lost her iPhone in a Seattle Target and was frantically searching the store shelves, I got the, "Well, maybe you should have left it at home" discussion from my 4-year old.  Thanks, Mia.
2. Zoe popped her first tooth on Sept 21st and it looks like the two bottom ones are starting to come in.  Yes!  It's right on time...14 months and some change and our girls finally have a smile without all gums.  :)
3. While driving home last night, Mia asked if she was going to be 5 on her next birthday.  I told her I would be sad when she turns 5 because she would be going to kindergarten at the big school.  Here was her reply, from the lips of Mia, "It's okay, Mom.  I will still be a kid.  One day I will be an adult, but I will still be a kid."  Gotta love her.

We're almost done with soccer, and we're starting to plan for a Happy Halloween!  Here are some snapshots from a recent hike up to Cecret Lake, swimming, Wheeler Farm and more.

Happy Fall, everyone! 

  

My Soccer Girl

I've officially embarked unto the world of a soccer mom!  Taking "healthy" treats, setting up the nylon chairs (with cupholders, of course) and cheering from the side lines.  I find myself looking around at the other moms and dads, wondering if they're really into it or just glad, like I am, that my daughter actually ran towards the ball and not away from it.  For 4-year-olds, I'm quite impressed that they actually do play competively.  We've never played soccer with Mia, but she ran right out there and tries to play every time.  Not to mention that she looks pretty darn cute in her over-sized pink uniform!  Go Mia! 

Getting Caught Up!

Between the end of the year school programs, figuring out schedules for summer camp, swimming, a trip to Boise and Seattle, we've been busy!  I wanted to post a couple photos from the end of the year school program from Mia's class.  They did a tribute to the soldiers and even sang, "I'm proud to be an American!" 

Zoe still doesn't have teeth so we're back to the green beans, bananas and peas like we were with Mia!  We're trying a bit of baby food here and there, but she'd rather eat what we're eating.  It's a tough gig when you want to eat big food, but don't have any teeth!!  At least she's such a happy baby!

Mia with Allison & Ainsley at a birthday party!

Everything ends up in Zoe's mouth...even the things YOU WOULD NEVER IMAGINE!  How could the bathtub drain lever be tempting?  HOW?

Mia having a picnic with all her "friends".

Where do you want to go?

I can't tell you how many times Mia asks when we're going to Seattle.

On her cartoons this morning, they asked, "Where do you want to go on a trip?"  You guessed it!  Mia yelled, "SEATTLE!"

Most of you know that Seattle has been on our radar for years, and if you haven't heard, we finally pulled the trigger and bought a condo up there!  After much deliberation and discussion, Travis came to the conclusion that moving to Seattle wasn't realistic at this time and that we are "pretty comfortable here."  Ahhhh....sigh.  I never thought I would hear those words!  So, the condo is the perfect alternative and gives us a place to go and a place to rent when we're not there.  Our closing date is scheduled for mid-June. 

More photos to come...but here is a sneak peek. :)