Meeting the newest Japanese, French, Canadian ADORABLE member of our family

Sophia Yuki born January 7, 2009

We were so excited to have been surprised by Stephane and Naoko this weekend and their new bundle of joy. Sophia Yuki is just over 3 months old and incredibly beautiful. She has big dark beautiful eyes and inquisitively expressive eyebrows. She is a perfect blend of her beautiful Japanese mother and incredibly intelligent French Canadian father! We were sad to learn that they will be going back to Ottawa in June. It is incredibly important to live somewhere we feel safe and really enjoy so it easy to understand! Maybe we can get to Ottawa now! We will miss you all when you go! Yeah for Skype.

"Going on a bear hunt"

Elephant Car Wash

Going on a camel ride?

For spring break this year we decided to go somewhere instead of doing the local thing. It has been a while since we have taken a little family trip so it was about time. We decided to go down to Roseburg Oregon where there is a little sanctuary called Wildlife Safari which turned out to be quite amazing. As we entered the main gate I kept thinking I hope this is worth it! It definitely was. We got to encounter many different animals that I have never seen in a natural (Oregon) habitat without bars and fences. The White rhino was right on the road and was so completely amazing. I had never seen one before! Wow. The giraffe was just roaming free and actually passed our car with in arms reach of Atticus! The tiger was amazing. I never have looked into the eyes of the awesome cat. Beautiful is all I can say!

We all had a great time and quickly remembered how great it is to be together doing something we all enjoy (especially the zoologist of the group)!

Moved and Settled In!

Well I got the blog up and running but have failed to maintain it...Sorry:(

We are now into our new little townhouse in Beaverton and are getting used to all the changes. Mainly no yard, but we have been working very hard to find some great parks and space to play. It is so nice that Amanda and Micah (sister and brother-in-law) are so close with a small yard. The boys absolutely love going over and playing wii or doing some gardening on the spot.

Spring break is here and we have had such a wonderful time together as a family. We started the week off by touring many of the Goodwill stores in our area looking for reading books. Atticus found the most treasure. He loves reading nonfiction books particularly about sharks and other ocean creatures (maybe a marine biologist on the way :). He amazes me everyday how much he is growing both physically and intellectually. Matt and I often sit and say wow, is that Atticus making those connections. It makes me feel so proud, but very old :)

Tennyson is also growing like a giant weed. He also amazes me with his amazing personality. I have never seen someone so jam packed with emotion, intelligence, and laughter all at the same time. He is such an amazing little boy and has truly given me a completely different experience as a mother. I love him so much for the challenge, love, and fun I am posed with every waking hour with him.

FYI: our new address (yes, yet another one)
17484 SW Chris St
Beaverton, OR 97007
Same phone numbers
Matt: 503-260-6553
Monique: 503-880-2417

Here it goes Mel.....

Well I promised my amazing friend I would have this up and running by spring break.  See what you do to me Melanie?  You aren't even 100 miles away and I am here blogging!!   You inspire me so much!!  It was so great to see you and Tony... and the kids, wow!  They are so completely incredible. I may not be good at this blogging thing, but if it gets me closer to you guys, I am going to try!

We are getting ready for yet another move.  We are looking forward to purging some unneeded things and starting afresh:)  I am so excited and overwhelmed with emotion to know Atticus will be going to school with me every day.  I am going to be a school-mom again.

Tennyson is enjoying preschool so much.  He is known as the "T-bug".  Everytime he sees a T on a paper or in a word, he tells me that it is his name...T-Bug!  I love the the 3's.  I miss Atticus being 3!  There is excitement and wonder if everything around us.  

Yesterday was my Grandpa's birthday.  I am so blessed to have loved and been loved by such an incredible man.  I miss you and think of you everyday!

I promise to leave comments if you do!

Monique