Sweet Dreams

I'd like to think my children lay in bed at night dreaming sweet dreams about their beloved Mom, or at least gumdrops and rainbows. But alas, my darling baby girl dreams about spoons. Yes, spoons. Or, if you ask her, "spooooons". That was the first thing she said when I went to get her out of bed this morning. I bet I'm #2 on her list of best things to dream about, though. For sure.

Night Lights

We met Grandpa Joe and Grandma Vicki downtown for dinner and to see some of the Christmas lights that were on display this weekend. The second picture is a bit blurry, but you get the general idea. Jason took Jake to use the bathroom while we were on the ferry, and Payton spent the entire 5 or so minutes they were gone yelling "Daaaaad". Goofy kid.

Date Night

Jason and I rarely go anywhere without our kids. So, we implemented Saturday as date night in. It usually means we don't eat dinner until 9pm or later, but it also means dinner with uninterrupted conversation and time to eat our meal and taste it.

AIA Seattle 2009 Honor Award

See Jason's project below (Novelty Hill Januik Winery)! He's had a number of projects win honors, awards, and has been published numerous times. This one is the most recent. I'm so proud of him! Even though he downplays his success he's incredibly talented.

The press is now running stories about the AIA Seattle 2009 Honor Award-winning projects, including jury comments.

According to AIA Seattle, this year’s program, Improv/Improve, was about projects that demonstrate the agility, inventiveness and foresight architects bring to their work in this era of change – improvising and reacting quickly to new constraints, and going above and beyond to improve the built environment.

“These projects truly epitomize not only the best of what is possible here in Washington, but also what our colleagues are trying to achieve across the country,” said event moderator Elizabeth K. Meyer, University of Virginia. “We found the work inspiring and thought-provoking.”

Regarding Novelty Hill Januik Winery, the jury observed, “The program takes on a larger relationship between the building and surrounding wetlands. There is a clear and intelligent experience throughout the spaces and the process of production is transparent. The blurred relationship between the interior and exterior is also pleasant.”

AIA Seattle

http://www.aiaseattle.org/node/3600
Build Blog, November 10, 2009

http://blog.buildllc.com/2009/11/aia-seattle-2009-honor-awards/

Seattle Homes & Lifestyles, November 10, 2009

http://blog.seattlehomesmag.com/design/aia-seattle-improvimprove/
Architectural Daily, November 10, 2009

http://www.architecturaldaily.com/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleId=83
Archinnovations, November 11, 2009

www.archinnovations.com/news/new-projects/winners-of-the-2009-aia-seattle-honor-awards/
Daily Journal of Commerce, November 12, 2009
http://www.djc.com/news/ae/12011954.html

Toddler Days

Payton has officially moved beyond baby and is all toddler. At 13 months, she is walking and can say Mama, Dad, Jake, dog, ball, duck, quack, up, snack and can tell you that a cow says moo and a dog says woof. She can also say nose and loves to point to hers and anyone else's who dares to get close enough for her to grab it (she also loves to find belly buttons, which can be a bit awkward!). She loves to read, play pook-a-boo, crawl up in her rocking chair, play with the dogs, use crayons, play outside, and when Jake lets her play with him and his toys. Her favorite books are Are You My Mother, Goodnight Moon and Who Lives Here. She's really goofy and makes us laugh constantly. In such a short time she's completely wrapped herself around our hearts and we can't remember what life was like before she was part of us.

Indoor Slip and Slide?

This is trouble. Or more accurately trouble disguised as Jake and Jason coming up with a "plan".


This is trouble contemplating their approach. On your mark............


get set.................


GO!

This was not in the parenting handbook.

Last night while getting into the car after running errands, Jake called out from the backseat, "Can I get a little help here?" When we asked what he needed he said very matter-of-factly "Well, my butt cheek is hanging out." Nice.