That's Just Great! (lots of pictures)

We had an amazing time with our holiday together. Some plans fell through, others stayed the same, and some weren't plans at all, but a luxury: a spontaneous day trip to a place we'd never been.
We went clam digging with the Jarvis's for New Years.
Jake's fascination with clams: not so great.
Frying clams in panko: Great.
Allison practicing the perfect circle: Great (never mind the rest).
She drew a perfect... spiral on the otherside.
Praise from mom: Great.
Port Hadlock and Chimacum on a calm winter's day: Great.
The hair acorn not falling far from the tree: not so great (sorry, kid).
Plucky Americana: Great.
"Parking lots:" Great.
Realizing I had a wide angle lens to play with this whole time: it depends on how you look at it.
(Fort Flagler, Port Hadlock, WA)
-Watching a three-year old naturally run like a maniac: Great. She's beautiful at it.-
_____________
Exploring with the Navigator,
the Captain,
and the.... Guardian,
Pretty Dang Great.
I think we all could have had a tantrum putting that day to an end: It Was Just Great.
(Though it did break hers and our hearts just a little.)

The Hallmark of Someone New

I will continue to marvel at the fact that of all the goings-ons of the world-- business, politics, social climbs and vices-- I will never be more grateful that there's no Red Tape when it comes to adding Whole New wonderful, better-than-anything members to your Family. Life, and those who live are crux to one's soul.
The past, present and future thinking of family turns my heart, anyway. But, don't you agree? And it seems no one understands that better than family and especially when we're all together.

So I can truly find it fitting that since, within days, we all came together for Danielle's blessing and honored Memorial Day, I can share both unitedly.

It's all-together Family.





Beautiful.

...speaking of Life, can someone with experience let me know how to keep my two year old from waking up my newborn from every nap?? Life is this girl's oyster...

Getting Closer (-don't get too mad I'm mentioning it!)

Christmas is in the air- and the generosity to prove it! Jake's coworker knitted this hat for Allison and he's never met her! Though this picture is getting passed around the office because she's a cutie and looks very festive indeed in her hand-made headgear. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and think it unfortunate that more isn't shared with anticipation, but merchants need to get at the next big thing, and I'm seeing it everywhere. Plus, I think Thanksgiving is a private holiday, rightly spent with family-- and that's what we'll do. ...Then look out! 'Cause I am sharing the love at Christmas, a holiday more special because I think I like being pregnant during, very much. It seems more people with the spirit of the holiday being generous, congenial, etc are sharing the happiness I feel with anticipation of a new little day of celebration in the coming months... :) It is all getting closer. I'm volunteering to be in charge of some mashed potatoes!