Self Photography

Ever since Sam and I took our engagement photos, we've somehow managed to be our own photographers.  (I'll be honest--usually Sam's the one with the camera.)  So with the holidays coming up and the leaves in our back yard at their peak fall colors, we got out the camera and tied Cohen's toy Cookie Monster to the tripod. 

Sometimes as a parent you have to decide between stopping your kid from doing something gross,  or getting something really funny on camera--we chose the latter.  Here Cohen is discovering a snail shell.  Of course we knew where this might go ... 

Here he is after tasting the shell.  Luckily he didn't like it, and luckily we got this picture!  

My two favorite guys!

My cute family in lighting that wasn't cooperating.

I LOVE this smile!

Handsom Hubby!

Cohen letting us know he was finished with the photo shoot.  He left Cookie Monster to fend for himself!

I think we finally got one good enough for our Christmas card, but I think next year we may hire a photographers other than ourselves--it's a bit more challenging with a kid running around!

First Haircut

I've been trying to get Sam to let me cut his hair for years.  He has the greatest hair ever, and I must admit I was a little scared I'd totally screw it up, but I still wanted to give it a try.  He FINALLY let me. 

Holy Shmoley!  Look at all that hair!

The result.

Sam says he likes it, but I don't think I'll know how he really feels until the time comes for his next haircut.  We'll see whether or not he asks me to take care of it.

Happy Halloween!

Definitely the cutest Charlie Brown ever!

Road Trip

Last week we took a last minute road trip to the pacific northwest.  We both have family there and we love this area--if we were to move to a different part of the country, this is definitely where we'd want to go.  But our main purpose of the trip was to visit Sam's grandma who lives near Seattle.  Sam's mom and sister Emily also came along for most of the trip.  

We were very lucky to get to stay at this awesome bed and breakfast owned by my dad's cousin.  It's located right on the beach and the property is filled with award-winning hydrangeas--it's magical and oh-so relaxing!  

Light House at Long Beach

Puget Sound

Seattle Aquarium

Seattle Aquarium 

Exploring the boardwalk--nice face, Cohen!

Mission accomplished!  Cohen and I finally got to meet Sam's mom's mom.  

Cohen with one of his Auntie Em's (he has one on each side).  Do you see Emily's white streak of hair? It's  a rare family trait from Sam's dad's family.  Cohen has the same thing but further back on his head.  Of course he didn't get it from Sam--Katrina's brother has a white streak in the same place as Cohen. 

On our way home at a rest stop in Pendleton, Oregon.  We had perfect timing to watch this beautiful sunset!

Adios Office!

I've had the same job since my last semester of college. I've loved it, but not as much as I love being a mom. I've always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, but for the last year it's worked best for our family for me to keep working while Sam stayed home and finished up his last couple of classes. About a week after I returned to work after taking a 12-week leave when Cohen was born, I came home to a tired looking Sam standing in the middle of the kitchen saying, "every dad should have to do this so that they know what it's like! I can't get anything done!" I just laughed. Really, he's done a stellar job. He cooks, he cleans, and most importantly, he has a blast with Cohen. All while finishing up his last couple of classes. I'm sure he's the best dad EVER! It's been a blessing in many ways. I have a new appreciation for mothers who must work; Sam and Cohen have an incredible bond; and Sam truly appreciates how much work it takes to care for a child. But now it's time to switch places. Yippee!!! I will never take it for granted.

Aquarium

Here are a few photos from a trip to the aquarium to took Yesterday with the Cub Scouts (Sam's Cub Master and I'm a den leader). Besides some very poor customer service, we had a great time. 

He Walks!

Yesterday was a pretty big day for my niece, Ellie.  Not only did she turn 8 years old, she also chose to be baptized and confirmed a member of the the LDS Church.  Yeah, Ellie!  We are so proud of you!!

Yesterday was also a pretty big day for Cohen!  Ellie was posing for pictures with her grandparents when Cohen totally stole her thunder (sorry, Ellie!) by taking his very first steps right into the frame of the picture being taken.  He's had very good balance for quite sometime, but he's never even tried to walk.  Then suddenly THREE perfect steps.  Unfortunately, Sam was helping out in the kitchen, so I excitedly screamed for him to come see (and scared him half to death) and luckily Cohen repeated his moves for his dad and the photo below.  Yeah, Cohen!  We are so proud of you!!  

He already gets around so fast and gets into EVERYTHING, so I'm just bracing myself for when he masters walking.  He knows how to keep me busy!