O Christmas Tree!

After returning from Mammoth Thanksgiving weekend, I got a bee in my bonnet to get our Xmas tree. It wasn't the usual U-CUT farm, but it was close to home, and we found our perfect tree!

I had quite the crew w/ me to help pick it out. Surprisingly it was down to the low 60's, so it almost felt like Winter time!

Levi approved of our 7-footer

But he took his time picking out his 3-footer for the play room

All in all, we were in and out in 30 min. It was the smoothest Christmas tree adventure I think I've ever participated in

The boys got the lights up immediately and by 7pm we had our trees shining brightly! Christmas at the 'Yellow Submarine' has arrived (final picture of trees to follow shortly).

Turkey Tradition in Mammoth

After a 2 year hiatus, we returned to our tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving in Mammoth with old friends. It snowed 7 - 10 feet while we were there, so we spent a good portion of the time playing in the snow and enjoying the winter wonderland festivities.

Headed out to play in the snow... Levi in his new Uggs!

It can't all be smiley faces and ice cream cones. Levi refused to wear mittens, gloves, or anything for that matter that will keep his hands warm. This posed a serious problem in the sub 30 weather!

JWG, Connor and Levi playing Bingo

We spent Thanksgiving morning hiking up to some untouched sledding hills!

My dear friend Linda, who I met backpacking around Scotland in 1999 and ended up touring all of Europe together

Uncle Michael catching a few moments of calmness

Hank's lead came in handy when the boys grew tired of walking

Early Thanksgiving dinner for the children

Uncle Michael was a smashing hit w/ the boys

Finally a calm moment!

Jeff and I were on Turkey duty

Adult + Labradoodle Thanksgiving dinner....awe...calmness as the little monkeys slept!

Levi is ready to hit the slopes

Apres Ski at the Mill

Uncle Michael and his boys soaking up some 1:1 before we headed out for our 5+ hr drive back home. This indeed was a very special Thanksgiving. So much to be thankful for, and even more special celebrating it w/ very dear friends in one of our most favorite places!

Levi turns 2

Little Levi turned 2! We celebrated in Mammoth w/ our dear friends Michael Goodwin (Levi's Godfather), and Jeff, Linda and Connor Knippel, who drive from Salt Lake City. Levi had a delightful day complete w/ balloons, a visit to Mammoth Mountain, the playground (despite it being covered in snow), presents, and peppermint ice cream.

The balloons were the biggest hit

Baking cookies

Hitting the playground

The big 2!

Levi's big 2-year milestones included: scaling walls, eating by himself (w/ both hands), repeating the words 'bubbles, cars, and clock,' sleeping solid 11 hrs a night, happily enjoys 2-hr nap,s and going a mile a minute. He is both a very busy and very happy boy!

Levi and Connor met for the 1st time; Levi was smitten from the get go

The highlight was blowing out the candle...again, again and again

Both John and I are loving this age, despite collapsing in bed every night from pure exhaustion. We feel so blessed to have this little guy in our lives. Happy Birthday to our sweet buggy!

Levi gets baptized 11.07.2010

On Sunday, Nov 7th we celebrated Levi's baptism at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Seattle at the same church where we were married. We were joined by close family and our dear friends Michael and Sarah, who are Levi's Godparents.

Levi watching other children get baptized

"Peace be with you Grandmommy"

Michael and Sarah, Levi's Godparents

Levi is crazy about Sarah Mitchell

Melissa and Toma brought baby Viggo who is precious

Levi's Mumsey and Grandmommy

GGMA at 93 didn't miss a beat

Some of our favorite family members made it out for the special occasion (Grandaddy and Aunt Karen and Uncle Kieth)

Of course, Levi followed his kitty Sinclair around and soaked up the warm Nov weather!

Primal Syphony 2010

I was given the opportunity this year to chair my Children's Hospital Guild, after taking 2 years off while in London and missing it terribly. As most of you know, we put on the most spectacular Symphony each year. 65+ Guild Members work through out the year on PR, Marketing, Raffle, Silent Auction, Production ...you name it ...we do it...all to benefit Uncompensated Care (ensuring families who end up at Children's can afford treatment).

After taking 2 years off, it was the most rewarding treat to be part of the team again. Below are some pics from the night. If you want to read more about the big event, check out this great article which posted in the Seattle Weekly following our show! We're still waiting on the final amount fundraised, but regardless of the total, I can honestly say this entire experience made my list of 'Top 5 highlights for 2010.' Thank you to everyone who came to the show and supported the Guild along the way.

Just a fraction of the 'Symphony Guild' who made this incredible event happen

Our dear friend Matty, who is the founder of the Guild and creative genius behind the actual writing of the Symphony (along w/ serving as the executive producer and working to get 500+ artists to participate and sing/ play his music).

A packed Benaroya Hall...which holds 2,500 people!

Claire Nordstrom, who's 13 years old opened the show. Her voice is so special she accompanied Andrea Bocelli when he received his Hollywood star and sang his very famous song, 'Time to Say Goodbye. Blake Lewis, former American Idol and the most magnificent human beat boxer, also helped raise the curtains keeping us all on the edge of our seats.

Little Alfie (former Children's patient) received the 1st ever intestine transplant in the Pacific NW 3 years ago at age 8. Blessed with an ability to sing, this little boy brought down the house. Little Alfie now has a new intestine system and can enjoy life to the fullest. Amen.