Winter in Cle Elum

Haven and I stayed at my parents' new home in Cle Elum after the wedding since we were planning on spending Christmas there. Plus, my brother and sister-in-law, Philip and Kara, flew in for the wedding and were also staying till Christmas. We haven't seen them in a year, so it was an extra special treat to spend two weeks with them. Cle Elum became a winter wonderland, and Haven found herself helping my dad with the shoveling. She actually loves to "help" and found other opportunities to assist wherever she was needed... like tasting sugar cookie dough! We enjoyed a very relaxing time at the Flatau resort (the new house is beautiful - a true first class lodge). Nate came later with his parents, so it was a very special Christmas to have both families together.

Cousin Carrie's Wedding!

On Decemeber 14th, my cousin, Carrie Flatau, married the love of her life - Josh Jameson. They were married in Kirkland, Washington at the Northwest University chapel. Haven was one of the three flower girls, and had a wonderful time in her "princess dress" spending time with all the family that made it out for the special day. GG (Grandma Gayle) styled Haven's hair with the same pink sponge curlers that once curled my hair as a young girl. I wasn't sure if she was going to make it down the center isle to the front of the chapel, but she did - with the help of cousin McKynnlie - who held her hand and led her down the entire way! I did sweep her up before she managed to find the stage (there was NO way she would remain with the rest of the wedding party). It didn't take long before Haven was quickly removed from the ceremony when she continued to have very loud conversations with everyone around her. She still doesn't really comprehend the concept, of "quiet". We need to work on that one....

Bundling Up!

Haven did get some new snow bibs and boots for the cold and white weather. With over a foot of snow here, we all need a good pair of snow boots!

Give Thanks!

We had a small group of seven at our home on Thanksgiving: Nate, myself, Haven, Nate's parents - Bruce & Jill, my uncle - Gary, my aunt - Molly and cousin, Jenna. I can't forget to mention Haven's close friend, Fancy - Nana's puppy. We enjoyed wonderful food, exciting football, shopping on Friday and even caught a movie at night. It was a fun Thanksgiving as well as a relaxing weekend.

First Snow!

We had over a feet of snow a few days before Thanksgiving. The first snowfall is always so beautiful and exciting!

Haven and Evan

These two are good buddies and love playing together! They enjoyed a quick jump on the bed while watching cartoons together.... what fun!

Trick or Treat! Happy Halloween!

This Halloween with Haven was a ton of fun. She was our hot pink lady bug for the day. She literally wore her costume ALL day long starting with toddler gymnastics in the morning till the church Fall Festival at night. She learned to say her own version of "trick or treat"... sounded more like "tick ter teet"... but we all knew what she meant and even more, what she wanted - TREATS! And, she did bring back more yummy loot than we know what to do with. If anyone wants more candy, please let me know! =0)

It's Pumpkin Carving Time!

We decided to do it right this year for Halloween and carve our own pumpkins. Haven was curious and wanted to help daddy draw the outline for our Jack O' Lantern's face. She can say pumpkin very well and informs me each time she sees one. We have been working on "trick or treat" for tomorrow - Halloween! =0)

Weekend with Grandpa and GG

My parents took Haven this last weekend, so I could spend the weekend with Nate in South Beach - Miama, FL (he attended a medical conference; I relaxed and explored). Even though I did have a great time with my hubby in humid yet happenin' Miami, it looks like Haven had even more fun hanging out with her grandparents!

Hair gel

This is what happens when mama leaves me alone with yogurt and Chex cereal! I use it to style my hair. Hee... hee... hee...

Welcome Fall!

At the beginning of October, we spent a weekend with some good friends in Spokane, Washington to officially welcome the Fall. We traveled to a working fruit farm where we spent the day picking apples, walking the corn stalks, hanging out in the pumpkin patch, and drinking warm apple cider. It was the perfect opportunity to capture some great pictures among the golden hues of Fall.