Working men!

Hobbes looks a little funny here, but this was a cute story. I had picked up a 75% off art easel for the kiddos, and it turned out to have a broken leg. Bray, being the handyman that he is, thought to put metal brackets on either side of the legs, so it still works. He was working on this, and Hobbes came running out with his drill gun to help, too. He would hold it up to a leg, and push the button (it makes the sound) and then move to the next screw. So cute! He wants to be like his Daddy-fine with me!
The finished product!

Potty Pals.

Meeting Amara!!

Waiting for our plane-they were soo excited!

Today the kiddos and I flew to Moscow to meet my new niece, Amara. Bray will join us on Friday, as we are performing for a Logos fundraiser. Although we were sad to be apart, it has been soo fun to meet this new person! Both kiddos have been interested on and off, but Madeline went and brought her her paci, Hobbes likes to rub her head, and they both think her nose is really interesting. Kids! They were great on the plane-I was worried about security, but Hobbes was excited to help put the 'buckets' on the belt, and help the security guys move them forward (I don't know if they liked it...). He loves to ride on big planes, and he kept telling it to 'fly in the sky!' when we were taxiing on the runway. Altogether it should be a fun week! We miss you, though, Daddy!
First time with her eyes really open!
My favorite picture!!
Kisses!
Having some quality Daddy-time.
Hobbes, coming in to see what's happening...
Madeline, not knowing quite what to think...but she still had to wear her Princess crown!
I got to hold her! She's soo tiny!
Look at that face!

Sweet sleep smile.
Wonder where they get the crazy face? Wonder no more.
Ama and Amara. So sweet.

Welcome Amara Ann!!!

Amara was born at 8:20am!! She weighed in at 7lbs 2oz and was 19in long. (Seth is proud of the fact that her blood type is O-). Congratulations!!!

Hobbes' imagination...

Hobbes has always played well by himself...even before he was 1, he would sit and 'drive' a car back and forth for hours. Lately, he's been telling me what he's doing more. Today he got out all his blocks, and built what he said was a 'birthday cake.' He got Madeline's plastic knife, and cut me a block of cake that I had to eat. Then, a few minutes later, it was a tower that his cars parked on, and crashed into. Like his Dad, he can turn almost anything into a game-even if it's just with a stick and a rock.:) (Sticks are usually swords-in-the-stone)
As most of you know, we live near a Boeing plant. Hobbes loves watching the airplanes fly overhead, and he often pretends they are chasing him, and he has to outrun them (which does not happen). This morning, Bray went in to their room, and Hobbes had 2 of his airplanes, and was making them fly back and forth over his head, complete with airplane sounds.
I love kids' imaginations!

Homemade Hamburger Buns!

A few nights ago I was at a loss as to what to make for dinner. I had ground beef, a few tomatoes and some onion. I was craving hamburgers, but did not have the car so as to go get some buns from the store. Vicki Church, Kathryn's mother-in-law, makes some delicious homemade hamburger buns. I did not have her recipe, so I googled homemade buns, and found this one. It was easy, fairly quick, and the result was delicious! Bray adored them, and we even ate them plain the next morning with butter and jam! So, for all you recipe explorers, here it is! The actual title is 'Belles Buns.'

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (.25 ounce) envelope active dry yeast
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the milk, 1 cup of water, butter, sugar and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then remove from the heat and let stand until lukewarm. If the mixture is too hot, it will kill the yeast.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the flour and yeast. Pour in wet ingredients and stir until the dough starts to pull together. If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook to mix for about 8 minutes. If not, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let stand until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 portions They should be a little larger than a golf ball. Make tight balls out of the dough by pulling the dough tightly around and pinching it at the bottom. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. After the rolls sit for a minute and relax, flatten each ball with the palm of your hand until it is 3 to 4 inches wide. You may want to oil your hand first. Set rolls aside until they double in size, about 20 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Mix together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water in a cup or small bowl. Brush onto the tops of the rolls. Position 2 oven racks so they are not too close to the top or bottom of the oven.
5. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove the rolls from the oven and return them to different shelves so each one spends a little time on the top. Continue to bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until nicely browned on the top and bottom.

Hooded Homies

Bethany gave Madeline and Hobbes these Idaho jerseys for Christmas-and although soft and cozy, they are still a little big on the kiddos. Since it's so chilly here, though, they are perfect for walks by the lake. I took the kids out in them yesterday, and I couldn't help but laugh a little, as with their hoods up, they look like they're 'gettin' down with their bad self.'
So, here's a few pics of my little hooded homies.:)

2 Princesses...1 Drama Queen

The Frown Princess. (or the don't look-at-me-I'm busy playing princess)
The Smiley Princess.

I guess it just depends which crown she has on...or maybe it's the mood, or maybe it's just that she's a Drama Queen. Already. It'll be a fun road!

Sunny Sunday...

We had a gorgeous sunny Sunday this week, and we took advantage of it by going and having coffee at Jordan's work. The kiddos were really good, and colored for quite awhile while we drank the delicious coffee! Altogether, a fun afternoon!
Bray had a craving for these Bisquick cinnamon rolls that Wendy makes...so I looked up the recipe, and although not perfect, they turned out pretty well!

Cupcake face!
Coloring away...
Hobbes, being very intent.
Lunch at the deli down the street...
My handsome dude!

Presents from Gege and Bop!!

Since we were in Moscow for Christmas, Wendy and Steve waited to send our Christmas stuff till we were back and settled in Seattle. The kids have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the presents, and today they came! Here they are, ripping into their loot.



Hobbes got a full set of Lightning McQueen cars-and immediately took them to the table to drive them 1 at a time.:)Madeline got a set of Disney 'pincesses' which she has been piling into her arms, and moving them to different locations to set up. When Bray came home from work, she showed him each one, and gave them all a kiss. I think she likes them!
She must watch her brother....this is the 1st thing she did with her dolls-line them all up!
Playing tug of war with the ribbon...
"Cheese!" arms.
New PJ's!
Hugs all around.

Oh, and my personal fave (which I'll take a pic of later) is a very chic, mustard yellow bag from Charity, Wendy and Steve! YAY! Thanks, everyone!

Can't help it.

Yes-I know this is a much more girly background than I normally do, but I must admit-I can't help it! I know that many people consider Valentine's Day a corny holiday-but it has always been one of my favorites! Even in elementary school, I loved making little bags, and making Valentine's Day cards to give to people! And please tell me, who does not love the little candy hearts? (that's a rhetorical question).
So, to brighten a somewhat rainy and cold season here in Seattle, I am brightening my blog, with my second favorite flower, and a splash of girly. Don't worry-it will only last through the holiday!

Reading by the fire with Daddy.

Market Gospel Singers (for Dad)

These are our favorite musicians at Pike Street Market-they are really nice men, and they're out there singing all day! We always stop and listen, and the kiddos love it!

Reading time with Madeline

I finally caught Madeline 'reading...' which she does all the time! She sits in corners, and has her reading time. If you listen carefully, you can hear her talking about what the different animals say-sometimes she sounds like she's speaking Chinese.:)

'Monster' voice with Daddy

Madeline and Bray, sharing a 'special' moment together.:)

Sun amidst the rain!

Today was the first sunny day Seattle has seen in a lonnnggg time! Bray had a light schedule, so we decided to hit Pike Street Market again, as it has been several months since our last trip! The market was packed with people, but we still managed to get crumpets at The Crumpet Shop (Bray's first one!), and head out to the waterfront! The kiddos enjoyed it, and the view was gorgeous-it was even clear enough to see Mt. Rainier! What a gorgeous, restful, and much-needed day!
Bray and the kids outside the Crumpet Shop.

Hobbes was soo excited to see the ferries again!The view from the Pike St bridge-if you look closely, you can see Mt. Rainier behind Safeco field!
Bray got ahold of the camera...
Looking out at the ferries.

2 handsome men in the sunshine.Sitting on some stone benches.

Seattle=ferries!Gorgeous sunset!

2 monkeys in the tub, at the end of the day!