Tea Party

To celebrate our good friend Christine's upcoming birth, we threw a baby shower tea party for the women of Dundee Covenant Church. We had a lovely time sipping and socializing.  At first McKinley was a bit overwhelmed with the bevy of ladies, but during tea time, she quickly warmed up and was a non-stop chatterbox!

Who-hoo for snow days!

I accepted a half-day substitute job for Wednesday through Friday this week. It's my first substitute gig for the school year and since McKinley was born. I was excited to get back in the classroom, especially since I would be teaching Algebra I. Getting ready for my day was equally exciting. Putting on my dressy clothes, that I seldom wear now, and applying a little make-up made me feel pretty.  However, all my excitement was quickly squelched when I met the thirty out-of-control kids (mainly freshman) that I would be attempting to teach. I tried all my best tricks, getting some of them to buy in, but I mainly kept one eye on the clock, anxiously waiting for the end of the period.  So, it was a rough ninety minutes, and needless to say, I was a little rusty. At the homefront it was daddy-daughter day. They enjoyed some quality time together while I was making the big bucks. 

This morning we woke to several inches of snow on the ground.  And I just knew I wouldn't have to see my class of crazy kiddos today.  Sure enough, school had been cancelled, and I breathed a sigh of relief that I would have one more day to prepare for our next encounter.  So, instead of making substitute pay for half a day, we made some beautiful memories in the snow.  

Let's give 'em something to blog about...

So, it's been a fairly slow week. Nothing huge to report. The biggest news may be that I've stopped nursing my baby.  Last night we implemented a new bedtime routine and cut the feeding immediately before bed. It was a gradual process that began with cutting her four feedings one week at a time.  The past month was an easy transition....something I'm very thankful for.  We also had to begin using overnight diapers because her Huggies, even one size up, wouldn't hold.  I was changing her sheets three times a week, and man, is it difficult putting the fitted sheet on the mattress with the bumper in the way!  She is getting better at walking behind her princess coach.  At first it was nothing but straight legs, but now she bends them slightly.  She pulls up on everything, including our piano (see below). I'm sure it's just a matter of time before she is brave enough to let go.  I already have the video camera charged and ready...

Future Mozart, perhaps?

 

Such a warm winter day. Perfect for a ride in

my princess coach. 

Jessiquita Mamacita

My best friend from the academy, Jessica Parker, paid us a quick visit on her way to San Diego. It was so good to see her, even if it was only for an hour. McKinley warmed up to her instantly. Right before Jess left, McKinley crawled over to her with a book in hand, like she does with me when she wants me to read to her. It was the sweetest thing, especially since we've witnessed McKinley's past shyness around people she doesn't know.

My Funny Valentine

We celebrated Valentine's Day last Friday when we grabbed lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. Man, do they have good food!  We shared a spinach, artichoke & chicken pizza and a Moroccan-inspired salad. We even ordered dessert...a scrumptious piece of red velvet cake for McKinley and I to share. That evening, Benji and I watched a movie after the munch went to bed....500 Days of Summer...my choice.

Beach Day

Wrapping up my California posts, I have a few more pictures to share (probably some of my favorites!).  The day before we flew back to Oregon, we had planned on hitting the beach. When we met Benji's Uncle Eric and Aunt Debra in La Jolla, we were surprised how warm it really was. I had brought McKinley's swim suit, but didn't think she would actually get to wear it. Well, we ended up having the most amazing day...it felt like summer! We were surrounded by family (except for Shawna and Eddie who were on their honeymoon, and Alan who was working), and all the cousins were together.  I loved watching McKinley play in the sand for the first time and loved watching Benji carefully let her play in the ocean. 

 

Finally...all four cousins!

Lizzie-beth  ~  Micah-moo  ~  McKinley-roo  ~  Abbykins

Where's my shovel?

The whole gang.

Potpourri

Driving Dumpa's brand new Mercedes. 

On our way to a nice steak dinner with Nana and Boppy.

 

Soakin' up the sun with Dadda.

Welcome to In-N-Out...may I take your order please?

Hmm...I'll have a double-double with cheese, animal-style,

small fry and a medium vanilla milkshake.

Waiting for Dadda to try on his tux.

Opening her birthday card from Gramma & Grampa C.

More cake, this time left-over chocolate wedding cake, 

on her actual birthday. I think she is signing "more please."