Back to Winter

After the previous post's focus on mild weather, winter is back. We've actually been getting a bit of snow at our house the last few days. Saturday we took advantage of it and did some cross-country skiing in the Elkhorn Mountains, the range closest to our house. We're "exposing" Claire to being on her own skis this year, and she is good for a few turns around the car before getting in the backpack to ski on Nate's back.

Winter weather means more time inside, and this picture makes me think Hem wishes we had had a little boy instead of a girl since Claire is desperate to dress anyone and everyone up as a princess these days--dogs named after very masculine writers (Hemingway) included.

All Out of Fresh Air

It has been a cold winter so far, and my working mornings often makes afternoons too filled with "to do" items to get outside as often as we should. Today, I had a momentary lull in grading before finals hit tomorrow, and the temperature was a balmy 45 degrees, so Claire and I took a "hike" on the hills across the road from our house. I remarked how nice it was to get some fresh air, and Claire replied, "Yep, I'm all out of fresh air." Seemed about right. We were able to see some rabbit tracks (like we've read about in a book on animal tracks), smell sage, and watch Hem flush some Hungarian Partridge--what better use of a half an hour could there be?

Notice her backpack with the pink Carebear brought along for the ride.
Nate started the year with a New Year's Day hunt for pheasant.

Christmas Trip to Washington

We arrived home safely on the 30th after spending a week in Washington with my family. The 12 hour drive each way went much better than either of us could have imagined (of course we were imagining a worst case scenario); Claire handled all the time in the car like a champ, though I'm sure it helped that we left at 4 AM so she would sleep for a few extra hours!

We enjoyed a great week with gorgeous, clear weather that allowed us to take in the views of the Puget Sound, the Cascades, the Olympics, Mount Baker, and even Mount Rainer. Through several long walks we were able to enjoy the scenery even more. My parents willingly babysat whenever asked, so Nate and I got to have several dates, including an epic meal at Adrift, our favorite Anacortes eatery.

Claire loved the time with cousins, especially her first trip to the movie theater with Grandma and Grandpa and cousin Elly to see The Princess and the Frog. I was able to spend some girl time with my sisters, and we had a great Sunday visit with our friends the Kloosterhofs. What a memorable week to end 2009!

Christmas Eve day walk along Padilla Flats.
Christmas morning...the third Christmas for Claire!
Grandpa and Grandma made an amazing doll house for Claire; she'll be enjoying it for years to come.
Christmas Day dinner at the kids table surrounded by cousins.
A short walk at the beach near my parents' house with the Kloosterhofs.
The two princesses before the trip to the movie theater.
A hike to work off some of the decadence of holiday eating and drinking.