Auntie April's birthday toy for Russell

My friend, April, sent Russell a wonderful present for his birthday. Russell was so thrilled and he has been saying 'wow'- (it is almost clearly spoken!)- and walks everywhere with it! Thank-you, April!!!

Link for video:
Playing with Toy

Queen Mary 2

Today was Dan's day off from work, so we drove into the city to see the Queen Mary 2- one of the largest ocean liners in the world. It is partially through its' 80 day cruise around the world. An inside cabin is reportedly $20K but that is only $300/day for all transportation, hotel, and food- not bad;-) Next stop is Sydney, Austrailia.

The QM2 arrived in SF yesterday afternoon at 3pm with only 28ft to spare while it passed under the Golden Gate bridge. We visited the original Queen Mary ship which is now docked in Long Beach, California, when we were on our honeymoon- quite a marvelous history she had!

Russell's First Birthday

We tried to take a family photo but Russell decided to play shy and wanted to stay close to me for the rest of the party. He started to warm up to the other babies later on. There were six other moms and their children (all under 12 months) and one newly pregnant friend as well!

The giraffe cake (also could be called the 'Woodstock' cake for Snoopy fans). It was lemon and had lemon curd between the two layers. Much thanks to Dan for his patience with me on this project!

One of Russell friends, Abigail- a real blessing to her parents:-)

Russell's first snow

We took Russell to Tucson for a few days to visit his grandparents, and low and behold, it snowed! It snowed for 1-2 hours but only a little stuck since the ground was warm.

The desert and the snowed-sprinkled mountains in the background. Certainly a sharp contrast!

At the Wildlife Museum, Russell saw his first giraffe:-)

...and his first Grizzley bear

Three generations all together

The best part of the museum was the fact that Russell could push his own stroller- which he loves to do. Ride anyone?

What a nice way to wake up from a nap

Day at the Park

Today, we spent some time at the park in the sunshine. It was so beautiful today with the crisp, cool air and the bright blue skies. From the park, we could see the East Bay hills topped with a little snow. The boys play well together:-)

Almost 1 Year Old!

Russell loves pullling himself up on our bookcase and any other object he can scale (patio windows, the dishwasher, Mom's legs). How far he's come in the last few months. We hope to have a 'Giraffe' themed birthday for him since his favorite toy is his stuffed yellow giraffe which he sleeps with.

Passport Photo Shoot

We were told by U.S. Immigration on return to the States, that Russell would have to have a passport to travel (internationally) after January 23/07. We attempted to take the photo shoot at home since we could not take him to the post office and have his picture taken without a minor catastrophe! Poor little boy;-)

Christmas in the Bay- before we left for Canada, we had our mini-Christmas first.

Oh! The joy of tearing tissue paper!

Spending quality time with cousin Dawn-Marie- what a nice girl!

Christmas 2006

Candice is modeling her new skirt from Aunt Annette at the van Dop dinner.

Mom and Andrea admiring the new purse...

At my parents' home in Cobble Hill- new silverware to start off the new year!

Snow! (Not here- in Colorado)

Kurt, Dan's bro-in-law, in Colorado, shovels the white stuff off his back porch. Nice time to use the hot tube! Dan and his sister Carolyn actually got locked out of Kurt/Bev's house a couple of years ago and spent the whole night in the hot tub to keep warm- in the middle of a snowy winter. Two summers ago, Dan and I sat on this back porch and our faces felt like they were blistering due to the sun- and the thinner atmosphere. Colorado does have great seasons:-)

Waiting for Santa? No!

You'd think that our little blue Angel was waiting for Santa and his raindeer to pull up to the house, but no- Russell is waiting for the UPS man who brings such nice things from a wonderful place called 'Amazon.com'. The nice man in his brown outfit rings the doorbell and dashes away before we can even get to the door- he'd easily beat Santa in a disappearing act! Mom and Dad love Amazon because they have rock-bottom prices and they can shop while their little boy is asleep in his bed. Merry Christmas! 

Christmas Photo Shoot

On Sunday, we did our photo shoot for the Christmas card. Needless to say, you'll be receiving them a little late this year. I still feel like it is October so we're behind in the scheme of things. Russell has recently started to blow bubbles with his mouth and what results is a very wet shirt. He is quite proud of his talent and will show it to you if you encourage him! We also decided not to decorate the little tree this year since he enjoys playing with it so much and I don't want him to hurt himself on sharp edges. The lights are fiber optic so we don't have to worry about wires, either!

Oldest Lady in the World Dies

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bolden, recognized as the world's oldest person, died early Monday, the administrator of the nursing home where she lived said Monday. She was 116. Bolden was born Aug. 15, 1890.

Family members said she had 40 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, 150 great-great-grandchildren, 220 great-great-great grandchildren and 75 great-great-great-great grandchildren.

How is that for a legacy? Not to mention an old-fashioned Sunday dinner after church!

An Eagle's View

Check out this view from the Blue Angels! The Golden Gate bridge and park can be seen in the background. Our friend, Derrick, sent this picture out to us.

A few 'stolen' pictures from 'Peters' Paridise'!

Ten months old!! He is 29 1/2 inches in length and 19 lbs 14 oz in weight. He eats anything you give him:-) Two months until his first birthday!!

Merry Christmas from California! We love these kind of snowflakes because we don't have to shovel them:-)

Union Square downtown SF. Lots and lots of lights and people!

The Sir Francis Drake Hotel lobby. It was at this hotel that Dan's work Christmas party was hosted.

Happy Birthday bouquet from my parents:-) It is beautiful.