Dragons and fire...

Last Saturday, we took the kiddos to their first 'official' opera experience (at least that they'll remember!). The young artist program does an adaptation of Act 3 from Wagner's Siegfried and the Ring of Fire. The kids were enthralled, and both wanted the dragon to get killed! I will be posting a more detailed report on Bray's opera blog: braywilkins.blogspot.com, so keep an eye out!

Madeline's groove.

Madeline is our dancer-she just has to move. Anything with a beat, and she's up and groovin.' She heard this on my workout mix, and this is now her new fave.:)

Up the Space Needle!!!

I have always wanted to ride up to the top of the Space Needle. The first time I came to Seattle was when I was 12 years old, and ever since then, I have WANTED to ride that elevator. It is really expensive, though, and so we have never done it. Yesterday, the Seattle Opera young artists got to sing at a fundraiser in the Space Needle. Bray wasn't one of the ones singing, but he and I got to go for free! We had a great time, enjoyed the free ride up and the free food, and fulfilled a childhood dream of mine!:) I highly recommend it-if you're not afraid of heights!
Space Needle at night-so pretty!
Down by the Music Experience museum-excited to ride in the elevator all the way to the top!
In the revolving restaurant...
Out on the windy, 500-ft high observation deck!
views of the city...

Sunny winter.

Food fun.

1st Chicken Pot-Pie!


Pfannkuchen: I experienced this delicious treat at the Wilkins' house the 1st time I visited. Bray's Grandma has been making them for years, and Wendy has carried on the tradition. This summer, I finally found a pan that works for them, and have been attempting my hand at it! This was the best one so far...but I have years to practice!Finished product.

Face Painter.

Lights!

Sorry these are late getting up-things have been pretty crazy! If you remember from last year, they do a fantastic light show at the park across the street from us. We thought we'd missed it this year, but they kept it up through New Year's, and so we took a New Year's walk through the beautiful park!

the Bray Wilkins blog

We've done it. After a long time of pondering, wondering and thinking it might happen, we have started a 'Bray Wilkins/opera' blog. I have to give credit to my sister Kathryn, as she gave me the final push to get it going, and I hope to be able to keep up with it! Until Bray has a full-on website, this will provide a venue for us to inform you all of his schedule, shows, and general opera goings-on. I will be writing on it as well, and will be giving overviews of the operas he's doing, talking about what opera is (in general) and just keeping a record of our crazy happenings. We only have a few things on there right now, but keep an eye on it, and let us know what you think!
Enjoy! Here's the link:
www.braywilkins.blogspot.com

Bama time!!!

The picture Bray wanted taken for the Rose Bowl against Texas.
Madeline got a new hat from Gege & Bop, but wanted a shirt, too, so she decided to wear Mom's. but was then sad because it was 'too small.'
Guess whose the most excited?
RTR!

Bringing in the New Year!!!

some little sneaky girl decided she needed to welcome in the New Year, too.
After the Church's yummy food and wine, we went to Seth and Naphtali's for sushi, drinks and games.

building blocks with Ampa at the Church's house!
Hobbes and his absolute favorite snack: carrots. He literally eats pounds of them.
sisters and wine.
The delicious spread!