The start of some wonderful traditions

This year for Christmas Eve, we did a couple of really fun things. We went to PJ's sister's house, where we all got to open some presents. It was fun to see all of PJ's family while they opened their gifts. After that, we spent the evening in Downtown Seattle. We bought a Carmel Apple Spice from Starbucks (great apple cider that we recommend to anyone), and went to Pacific Place. Every night at 6:00, it snows inside the mall. We watched it snow, and Dylan said it was a wish come true. We thought is was all the snow we would see, but that comes later. Then, we took a horse-drawn carriage ride though the city. It was wonderful to see the lights and then enjoy the decorations. Seattle during the holidays is truly a beautiful sight. Dylan and Peyton both slept through the carriage ride, which gave Rachell and I a chance to spend some time enjoying each other. Once we were home, we drank hot chocolate, lit a fire, and watched the Polar Express. It was a great evening, which inspired in us some of the Christmas spirit that had been forgotten. Christmas Day was just as amazing. We had our Christmas wish come true with some afternoon snow. We spent the afternoon at Rachell's parents house, opening presents and eating food. Overall, this was an amazing Christmas. Check the pictures below...

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

Our boys crack us up...

So, we had two funny events happen today. First off, Dylan's ability to express himself has become a tremendous joy. Tonight, we were at the mall, and ran into Jason, one of our good friends. Jason was not wearing his glasses, and we could tell Dylan did not recognize him at first. On our way home from the mall, Rachell asked Dylan about Jason, and how he wasn't wearing his glasses. Dylan said that he didn't know him at first, and he thought Jason was trying to trick us. Then he said "Uh-oh, I think we've got a goofer on our hands." Rachell and I could not stop laughing.

Our second moment invovled Peyton. I swear, he must have met Houdini up there in heaven. Rachell and I were in the living room watching him play. Peyton was standing up, holding on to the back of Dylan's Fire truck. Background: Peyton is able - with a lot of effort - to pull himself up and walk, as long as he has something to hold on to, but he cannot walk by himself yet. Rachell and I both went into the ajoining room for a minute. When we came back, Peyton was in the exact same position, but his pants were off, and he was holding them in his hand. We have no idea how he got them off, or how he stood back up so fast, for that matter. Dylan was napping so we know it was a one man show. We took the picture below to document his first great escape.

The Christmas Season

If you haven't figured it out by now, we are not exactly the "textbook bloggers." We don't post on a daily, or even weekly basis with funny stories that make our lives interesting. We are more about posting pictures and various mediums that reflect who we are, and what we are into at the current moment. Of course, the majority of our content is centered around Dylan and Peyton. Regardless, we love sharing our little family with you, and hope that you enjoy the updates that we do post. Below is a copy of the Christmas card we sent out, with the accompanying message (click on the picture to see the enlarged version). Be sure to check back after Christmas for our 2007 family video, which will replace the 2006 video above. We hope the blessings of The Savior find you this Christmas season. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year.

How to save a life

I know that most of you have heard this song, but I thought this was an especially poignant version of it. Hope you like it as much as I do...

Halloween Pictures

We had a great Halloween. Friday night we went to the Woodland Park Zoo for the "Pumpkin Prowl." Dylan got to watch a performer do some tricks. His favorite was when a magician swallowed a long, thin balloon, and then pull it back out as a heart-shaped balloon. Then we went through the "Haunted House" which was perfect for Dylan. Inside the haunted house, he met a "spoooky tree" that talked to him and dropped candy down a slide to him. Peyton was great, and loved looking at all of the pumpkins and decorations.

On Halloween, the boys got dressed up once again to go Trick-or-Treating at Bellevue Square. Rachell entered a pumpkin carving contest (and totally got robbed). She didn't win this year, but she got some great experience, and will make a go at it again next year. We got plenty of candy, and had a blast.

Dylan's Birthday

September 29th was Dylan's 3rd Birthday. Rachell made him breakfast in bed (Mickey Mouse shaped, apple-cinnamon pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream. We then watched an episode of Word World on the laptop in bed (TV in bed is something we don't usually do). Dylan's friend Max also had a birthday that day so we went to his party at Pump It Up and spent the afternoon jumping and playing with many great friends. Dylan even beat his dad on the air hockey table. Finally, we ended the day at a restaurant called Canyon's where the wait staff brought out his birthday cake. When Dylan got home, we all went on a hunt for his last birthday present. He finally found it in the garage. His new Mickey Mouse tricycle was a hit, as was his new bomber jacket. Here are pictures from the day as a whole.

Rachell made an amazing "Lightning McQueen" birthday cake for his Birthday. She actually made fondant and covered the cake. We then used food coloring that came in a spray-paint can (we really should have done that outside, as our socks still get red on the bottom from the cloud that settled in our apartment after we painted). We considered this a great success, especially since this was her first attempt at a fondant cake. These are pictures of the process of making Lightning.

Remlinger Farms

We took Dylan and Peyton to Remlinger Farms for Dylan's Birthday. This is becoming one of our family's favorite traditions. Dylan really is coming out of his shell, and becoming more courageous. He allowed the fair workers to lift him on to three rides which he rode all by himself. Mom and Dad were very proud. One of the best parts of the day was when the pigmy goats nibbled on Peyton's foot. Hope you enjoy the pictures in the slide show below...

New family photos taken at Anderson Park

Cool Video

Here is a great video from our friend Cameron. It's a spoof on Man vs Wild. Enjoy~

Our first Post

This is our first attempt at a blog, so you have to bear with us. Things have been extremely busy for us this summer. PJ has been interning at the Boeing Company as a procurement agent. This has been an exciting and tremendous blessing for us. He will be working there part time until next June when he graduates. At that time, he will transition into a full-time procurement role. This has been bitter-sweet. He has missed watching Dylan and Peyton do some of the amazing things that kids do.

Rachell has been busy as well managing the apartment complex we live in. The rental market in downtown Kirkland has been really good to us, and she has enjoyed success keeping the units occupied. Of course, she also has had her hands full with the boys. Dylan is learning his numbers and letters. He can count to 13 if you catch him in the right mood. He also knows all of his letters, and the sounds they make. He has grown into a wonderful big brother. Whenever Peyton is crying, Dylan will rush to his aid pat his head, or hold his hand in an effort to calm Peyton down. He is extremely sensitive. Peyton is growing everyday. The dark brown hair he had when he was born has turned almost white. At one point, it looked like Rachell had colored his hair when it was growing out. Peyton is full of laughter, and is always watching what is big brother is doing, just waiting for the day when he can follow Dylan around. Peyton has also discovered what it is like to want things. It's fun to watch him struggle and roll on the ground until he can reach that toy that was just out of his reach.