A cozy Christmas

After a few days of celebrating the holidays with friends and late nights, Christmas was the perfect day of cozy celebrating between Rob, me, Macadam and even Buster. Santa came in and set up the addition to Macadam's Legoville trains (his helper even ran to the store at 10:30 Friday night for the right batteries) to go around the tree when Mac came downstairs in the morning. At first it was almost too overwhelming but soon, Macadam was down on the ground playing but also wanting to see if Santa had drank the milk we set out as well as ate the cookies and gave the reindeer the carrots.

Stockings were so fun. He had asked for an apple for Christmas and he was so happy when he saw one in his stocking. We're pretty sure that's all he would have needed for the day, but of course, the present opening continued. Between presents, playing and seeing family on Skype and talking on the phone, it was a big day for the little man.

All Mac wanted to do the whole day is play, play, play. Every time we asked him what he wanted to do, he just replied Play! We didn't leave the house all day, it was perfect. Rob and I blow torched (yes, really) our rib roast and it was delish, accompanied by some other yummy goodness.

We hope all of you had a great holiday, no matter where you were!

Funny, goofy and oh so silly

I just saw these photos again which are a couple months old and had to post because they are so Macadam.  He runs around with his pirate hat or other accessory and just loves taking his Rody horse, which he has now named, wait for it...Whinney, around with him.

His recent acquired skills are a set of stall tactics, strategically implemented when he knows he's just minutes, if not seconds, away from having to go upstairs and go start the bedtime routine. He'll charmingly go play with toys he rarely touches or insist that Whinney needs to be fed and ridden. It's ridiculously cute and funny and well, he knows that too. The other night Rob and I were dying laughing from his newly shaped routine and couldn't stop long enough to catch it on film. Until we do, here are some of those from earlier this fall.



And here's a couple more from earlier today when the Mizuno shoes moved to slippers:

O, Christmas Tree

A best laid plan. We'd originally been scheduled to head out into the wintery wonderland of wilderness with some good friends and chop down a tree with a permit, followed by sledding and roasting things over a fire. The weather and our immune systems had other plans. Instead, we made the most of a record rainfall and had our friends over for a delicious brunch and then headed to Swanson's for reindeer, a camel, miniature donkey and koi. Those are the four animals you think of for Christmas, right:)? Macadam and Natalia loved it. Afterwards we made a game of looking for pinecones in a local park and then headed to support our local boy scout troop by buying our tree from them.

It turned out to be such a fun day and we stayed relatively dry and were close to home. By the evening the tree was dry and we started the trimming. Mac helped this year with hanging ornaments and so far does more to keep them on there than take them off.

Here are some fun shots from the day!

Ho ho ho!

The holidays are the best yet as Macadam understands the whole magic of Santa and our little friend, The Elf on the Shelf. We discovered the elf a few years ago thanks to our friends, the Boyers, and while last year Mac was excited to find him every morning, this year he's ecstatic. The book itself, we think, did a ton to make it so Macadam was okay with hanging out with Santa. We were invited to go on the Santa Train this year, and what a fun trip! It's on a train from the early 20th century that they've restored and runs from North Bend to Snoqualmie, just a 20 minute train ride and then the kids get to meet Santa and listen to carolers. We were shocked that Macadam not only sat on Santa's lap but he kind of even jumped into it. While shy, he was super happy and excited when with him. It was adorable and so fun to see. In fact, out of the six kids in our group, no one lost it. After Santa, we had some warm cookies and hot chocolate before getting back on the chilly train. We even had VIP treatment from a sweet conductor who is friends with one of ours. He gave the kids train whistles - which to some other adults was not the gift of music:).

Mac doesn't say Santa. He says, "Ho, ho, ho" and "lap." Maybe by next year, he'll have his name down:).

Thanksgiving part II

After celebrating up north here in Seattle, we traveled south for a three day tour of Oregon to see family. Friday we spent at the farm in Gobel with Grandpa Terry and Grandma 3/Dinah as well as Rob's brother and his fiancee and her family too. It was fun, festive and Macadam's love for the farm grows each time. He had a blast walking the grounds and getting see the honeycombs. Saturday we spent the morning with my family, not only seeing Grandma and Grandpa Fox but also Macadam's aunts and uncles and all six cousins! The newest addition, Olivia, is just a beauty and was only two weeks old. Mac had so much fun with his older cousins, they loved entertaining him too. That afternoon we headed to Grandma Karen and spent some much needed time with the Kullberg side of the family. Macadam's cousins are even closer in age to him and there was plenty of fun. Uncle Justin put in the hard work of chasing the kids, which kept them running, laughing and screaming for more.

As a kid who grow up with no cousins (that weren't my aunts' pets), it's so fantastic to see Mac play with his. While it was a tiring weekend of travel, it was a joy to get time with family.

Here are just a few shots from the weekend:

Backtracking

While I was getting caught up on our Flickr photos I realized I never posted photos from our trip to San Francisco back in October. One of my dearest friends from college, Kathleen, married her fantastic man Chris and we were there to celebrate the beautiful occasion. One top of that, we had an extra day or two in one of our favorite cities, saw Pat and Megan as well as more time with college folks.

Macadam had a blast chasing the birds at the Ferry building and waterfront, sampling our favorite bakery Tartine, as well as exploring Golden Gate park and hanging out with his new friend, Anna Badger who was just three months old when we were there. Since there are a ton, but many great, of photos, I've put the link to the slide show below.

Thanksgiving part I

Before we headed down to Oregon for our family tour, we had a lovely little Thanksgiving celebration at home. It started with a snowy visit to the coffee shop, chatting with friends, then a day of cooking, movies and eating. Macadam, at first, looked to be revolting against Thanksgiving fare and then he went crazy for cranberry and the turkey leg, it was hilarious and surprising. While I always think we should do more throughout the year to remember how lucky we are in life, there are few holidays that match for tradition, coziness, love, and delicious food as Thanksgiving does. It's more and more fun as Mac gets older too, which makes me even more thankful for a happy, healthy and whole family.
More photos from family time in Oregon to follow!

Let it snow

We had three days of wicked weather here in Seattle. Luckily, we were able to stay close to home once it got really bad. The good? Snow on the ground and a little guy who loves it. Early Monday morning Macadam insisted it was tickling him and by Tuesday afternoon it was his snow, or rather, "my snow." What's the point of anything if it can't be yours alone. At least to a two-year old, everything is his:).

Here are some shots from yesterday afternoon and bit of the snow had melted, as well as a walk on Sunday which had him getting prepared with his cold weather gear.

Funny faces

Last week we celebrated Rob's birthday and during our birthday breakfast of waffles and strawberries, Rob and Macadam decided to work on their lion imitations.

Happy Halloween!

Macadam patiently handled his costume and won many a heart around Ballard today. Actually, more laughs. He was asked many times if people could take photos of him and with him, very cute. He and his friends had a blast together and I have to say, it was so much fun to watch him enjoy all the tradition and frenzy of it all. Once he figured out that people gave you candy if there was a bucket in your hand, watch out. He was loving it!

Here was the inspiration (in case you haven't seen Nacho Libre):

He wanted nothing to do with a mask so it became his candy bucket cozy.

Squash, rain, fun

A couple of weekends ago we made our annual trip to Bainbridge to a sweet little pumpkin patch. We went there even before Macadam came along and it's quickly become a tradition. Before venturing into mud, we ate some yummy food and enjoyed spending time with good friends. It's so cute to see Mac react to our plans. I told him we were going to the pumpkin patch, "Yay!" I told him and we were going to see Aunt Marissa and Uncle Ali and that got a, "Yay!" plus two arms in the air. So cute!

More festivities

After celebrating Mac's birthday with his friends, we entered a weekend of non-stop family and friends. In addition to getting to see all his grandparents, Macadam also got to see his cousins, Aunt, Uncle, Olivia and Ryan as well as have an extra play date with his buddy Jack. He had so much fun, and was spoiled to the nines. It was so nice to have so many of those close to us celebrate him!

It's still slideshows galore as we get caught up, but there's some very cute moments caught on film.

Really, he's two?

 We are almost in a constant state of disbelief around here that Macadam is two now. Every age and stage has been a favorite for me but this new age of super chatty, super active and super opinionated is easily vying for one of the best yet. Macadam constantly has us in stitches with his humor, conversational skills and undying desire to do things "by me" which is Macadamese for let me do it on my own. The independence days have arrived as you can get him to do practically anything if the alternative is you carrying him:).
September 3rd marked his second birthday and it wasn't but within a week where it seemed he was saying new things, more things, and just all around blossoming. He loved getting to celebrate with a few of his small friends and then individual time with grandparents (will post those photos soon).

Some of Mac's favorite things at the ripe old age of two:
Trucks - mainly garbage (garbee) but not terribly discrimantory
Horses - everything can be turned into a stick horse
Music - guitars, his new keyboard, castanets, you name it, such as a parent's head, is a musical instrument
Feed the Frog - his favorite band, which plays at the Ballard Farmers Market
Sports - football, soccer, basketball, all sports. He dragged me six blocks the other week just to go to his favorite sports bar (slightly frightening) aka our favorite family friendly happy hour spot which plays sports
Hugs and kisses
1,2,3 - Go! - A fun game which consists of him running back and forth between the kitchen and living room or any space really
Tuck tuck - being tucked in
Please and thank you - seriously crowning achievement on the parental list for us right now
Little Bear - recently edged out Elmo for favorite weekly tv time
Shoes - I think it's hazard of Rob's job but this kid knows shoes and loves wearing them:)
Stalling tactics - he knows what's coming and works out ways to delay such things as bedtime, diaper changes and leaving fun places
I'll post more pics from the weekend soon!

A whole new view

I mentioned in another post that we redid our backyard/patio. In the more than four years we've lived in our place, we've never really used the backyard. At first it was too small, and then it just became a minor jungle and riddled with rainy days, a dog and a temporary fence. Back in May, I pulled the plug and started the demolition phase. After we got back from our trip, we put a plan in place and transformed it into one of my favorite places to relax yet. I've longed wanted a European courtyard/outdoor living room space, and thanks to our recent trip, Rob agreed after seeing the concept in action.

While I worked on all the prep and demolition, Rob faithfully helped me spread more than 3000 pounds of gravel and solo, built the most perfect fence, which we stained a dark walnut. In the end, we added 24 square feet by redoing the yard and Mac loves it as he can shovel and spread the gravel over and over. Too bad it's not an Indian Summer this year but thanks to some recent sunny days, we've spent plenty of fun days and evenings with the babes and friends.

The before:

And the after:

Bonjour, we're back!

In addition to taking trips, redoing a back yard and enjoying the summer, we (I mean me) took a break from blogging. After more than two years of being rather diligent about posts and photo uploading, I just had to take a breather. Now, with new schedules and a new season upon us, I'm back and hopefully on track to share more happenings with our little man.

To catch up, we went and returned from one amazing trip! Rob and I wanted to get in one last big trip before we had to start paying for Mac's airfare and we'd long wanted to go to a small, quiet corner of the world and just relax our own way. We realized it hadn't been since our honeymoon that we'd gone on a trip afar without a wedding involved! Where did we go? We went to a region in Southwestern France called the Dordogne. It was magical. Macadam loved it and so did we. The hope is to return in a few years when we need another relaxing holiday.

We took more than 2000 photos but I've uploaded about 200 of them, which you can see via Flickr slideshow below.



We cooked, we ate, we swam and we saw a lot of medevial structures and towns. We made day trips to Bordeaux, Cahors, Bergerac and had just a day in Paris. What makes me smile, is that Mac still remembers so much about the trip. He made friends with many animals there, and still talks and asks about them. And he'll still say bonjour and merci if you ask him. He also expanded his flirting routine to a whole new level.

Lots of action around here, just not on the blog

We're in a bit of a blogging drought  and hope to update with all of our happenings. Photos from our fantastic trip are uploaded but now just need them to be on the internet for your viewing pleasure. Until then, here are two videos of Mac from earlier this week. It's also the debut of his new 'do.

Riding his new horse standin - his broom:


Singing and playing the guitar with his pops - he's kind of on to something here:)

Setting up camp

By the time most of you read this, we'll be on our way here, here and here ( I know, I know - it looks awful:)). Since it may be awhile before we post again, I wanted to show a little of what Mac's been up to lately.

This last weekend, I rigged a little tent with a piece of twine and some fabric. After being a little hesitant, Macadam loved it. Here's a series of shots from our little rainy afternoon fun.



I've finally caught up on our photos so click on the flickr link if you have some time to kill and want to see the latest and greatest. Oh and we'll be back in a couple of weeks. Hopefully with plenty of fun photos of Mac living the good life abroad.

Chasing skirts

Maybe not the most appropriate title for a post about a toddler but there is something just so lovely and funny about this photo. Chasing his cousins, Addison and Alistair, in April.

Gimme gimme green beans

Ah vegetables. They used to be a fan favorite but for several months now, we've diligently and covertly snuck them into Macadam's diet as he hasn't been keen on their presence. Mind you, at child care, we know that he eats certain ones a lot. However, in the last week or two, he's been loving green beans. In fact, he'll skip the usual favorite of cheese or brown and rise and just eat the beans. I caught him on tape for the first devouring of them last week. Enjoy!


Green bean machine from Keli Faw on Vimeo.

Ride 'em cowboy

It was hard to pick the best of the three videos we last took of Mac and his Rody horse. He loves the book, Cowboy Small by Lois Lenski and he is really into riding his horse these days. Mostly it's because the bouncing is a lot easier. He's also enjoying strumming his air guitar and singing, "Home, home on the range..." It sounds more like, "Ohmmm, ahhh, raaaa," but either way, it's equal parts entertaining and adorable.


Giddyup from Keli Faw on Vimeo.

boy's best friend

There are times when silence doesn't come down to mischief for Mac. Lately i often find him working on refining the art of snuggling. Sometimes it's one of his lady friends, Rob or me, his blanket, but mostly it's Buster.

Orange you glad to see a post

The title of this post makes me squirm but can't help it. You'll understand soon enough. Catch up on posts, photos and much more continues. Macadam continues to charm, surprise and entertain us. Leaps and bounds. The change these days is that significant it can seem. Hope to update with more of his favorite activities and recent antics. Until then, here's a slideshow from a recent afternoon with a sunlit window, some toys and oranges. I heart these photos of him...

Sunny day

Small shot from the park today. So nice to have the need for hats and shorts.

Seventy-five days

That's how long it's taken me to get photos uploaded from our very fun trip to Ocean Shores back in February. Our friends, the Martins, were nice enough to invite us for a weekend in a perfect place for six adults, three toddlers and three dogs. It was a weekend full of happy and small feet going pitter patter, good food, the beach and quality time with friends. The weather was equal parts stormy and sunny. Still not sold on the Washington coast over the Oregon coast but maybe it just depends on the company you keep...
The slideshow is long but there are some wonderful moments between Mac, Lila and Natalia. Watching three toddlers interact is something else.

And now the video

Here's the video from Mac's first ride yesterday. It's short but just enough to see how much he likes it.

First bike ride from Keli Faw on Vimeo.

Happy Friday!

First bike ride

Mac was so excited to ride his new (to him) and first tricycle this evening that there was only time to get boots on him. Pants were deemed not necessary;). Parental feet will most certainly be more firm when put down for future rides. I have a video on my phone which i hope to upload soon too!

Baby's first purchase

Well, kind of. It was the first time that we ended up buying something Macadam picked up, or rather, wouldn't let us take away and since he seemed to be strategic - cute winter hat, on sale and a little big, thus perfect for next fall, we figured we might as well accept we've taught him well. Somehow, I don't think this will be the last battle we'll have over such things.

Uh oh...

This is was Macadam's response when I told him what a bad blogger I have been of recent...

Uh oh...

I could try and promise more updates but I have found I am not staying true to that. For now, all I can say is soon, soon:).

Goodness gracious

While I try desperately to get Flickr updated to March 2010 (currently up to December), I can't help but feel guilty about not updating the blog. We've had so many adventures in the last month and it's hard to try and capture all of them.

I guess the biggest is that Mac is now 18 months old. He's a toddler in every sense of the word. He loves to have fun, get sick and throw tantrums but most importantly, he's becoming who he is and who he will be. As much as recognizing that we really have no control over him is hard, it's also a rather wonderful dose of reality. Yes, we diligently work to set boundaries and expectations but he is the one who knows best how to surprise us and keep us on our toes.

So what's he up to? He's coming off a serious bout with stomach flu (sorry to all of you infected, which were many), an ear infection and giggles. For the first time in months though, there's no runny nose and thankfully, our funny, silly little boy is happy again. A week is a long time in childhood and we're happy the last two are over. Macadam is loving to talk, dance, sing and interact (aka flirt) with all around him. Mac also likes everything to do with football, basketball and music. It's hard to tear him away from the park, his friends and the computer (which symbolizes his time with Elmo and nail trims). And next time you're with him, say cheers because this boy knows how to toast! Mac also loves to read right now, which we hope carries on forever.