Snow day

Thursday, we headed to Mt. Hood for a fun adventure in the snow. Franny was immediately fascinated with the snow, but she was even more intrigued when she and her daddy hit the mini-slopes with the sled. From their first run, it was obvious that Franny had found a new love, as she was giggling all the way down and signing for more before they could even come to a complete stop! Her daddy obliged, of course, and they continued until the cold finally got the best of us and we stopped to seek out some warmth and hot cocoa to complete our mountain adventure. And what a fun adventure it was!!

Zoo Lights

Wednesday, we bundled up in our warmest winter gear and headed out to Zoo Lights. Thankfully, our trip couldn't have gone smoother. There was no parking hassles; just a short wait to ride the train; the weather was cold, but no rain; and no huge crowds to make things tedious and awkward--which was a relief, as I had friends encounter some or all of these problems in their trips prior to Christmas.

As for the lights, it was great fun and the displays were elaborate and beautiful. Franny definitely enjoyed the train ride and the lights, but she also just loved running around and being part of the scene. She seems to really thrive on the energy of large crowds and festivities, as we have witnessed during the many events we have taken her to. Even when she was just months old, rather than being intimidated by the noise and chaotic activity, her eyes light up and she is completely intrigued by her surroundings. This aspect of her personality makes it a joy to take her to differents events and expose her to different things, because she has so much fun. This year's Zoo Lights was one of those times.

The Zoo Train

One of our views from the train

Franny and her daddy

Running wild

Following the continuous trail of lights

Getting warm in the elephant house

Franny unbridled

As if there wasn't already enough to look forward to when visiting Grandma and Grandpa, theythey managed to find one more thing to completely thrill Franny during her visits! Although she was initially cautious, Franny now loves this rocking horse, which is equipped to match her enthusiasm and exuberance. Thank goodness it will be quite some time before she is able to brave a real horse on her own!

A little fun at the car wash

Christmas morning smiles

And one stands alone

When they get together, these adorable cousins are a happy bunch, to say the least! They have such tremendous fun running around and playing together, that I would give just about anything to catch their joy on film just once! But due to their constant flow of energy, to just get them all in one place at the same time and be ready to snap a few quick pics is really next to impossible. Not to say I don't try...

The three together, albeit briefly

Then there were two

One stands alone

Quintessential Franny

Bon appetit!

We have recently been able to enjoy going out to eat at some of our more favorite places again. For a short period, Franny's cooperation level, not to mention her table manners, had made going out to eat rather unpleasant. After one disasterous incident at the Old Spaghetti Factory, we decided it was necessary to address a few issues before we would subject the rest of the dining public to our presence again.

Chipotle became our safe spot, where we could work out our kinks and find a routine where we could all go out and have a good time. It was ideal because there is no waiter, which cuts our sitting time nearly in half; there is food that Franny likes--beans, rice, cheese, and salsa; and even if Franny were to become difficult, the atmosphere is such that I don't feel like we are really spoiling anyone's meal. It really worked out great, and there were even days where Franny we had to wait for Franny to finish eating before we could leave.

But we missed our old spots, and a few weeks ago, when we were feeling brave, we ventured back to Portland Brewing. Franny did great--sitting patiently in her highchair, eating, and remaining in great spirits throughout our entire meal, which ended up lasting for over an hour. It was such a welcome relief, and we have since returned to a number of our favorite places and had wonderful times, which is great because eating out has always been one of our primary sources of entertainment. I am sure we will encounter other challenges in our future, but for now, we are having a good time!

Franny enjoying her hummus at McMenamins Roadhouse

Franny charming our neighboring table at Portland Brewing

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Franny's new snowsuit finally arrived yesterday. It has a cozy fleece liner and a windproof shell--so, she is now, without a doubt, ready for some winter fun! Amazingly enough, she even seems to be interested in wearing it! Of course, she is also interested in taking it off. Regardless, it is here just in time to enjoy some outdoor Christmas festivities during our extremely chilly weather. She has some matching gloves, as well, but she wasn't too interested in modeling those.

The late sleepers

Something about Elmo

I am not sure what it is, but there is unquestionably something special about Elmo and the whole Sesame Street gang. Franny has never watched Sesame Street, yet when we are at any store, she is inevitably drawn the fuzzy guy. We were at Powell's yesterday, and when we reached the toy shelves, Franny immediately picked up Elmo, Cookie Monster and Big Bird. Everything else was barely even a distraction. I think Jim Henson must have truly been a kid at heart.

A tree just for Franny

Grandma and Grandpa made this wonderful tree for Franny that she can decorate herself (and redecorate, and redecorate...). Franny's a lucky girl to have such thoughtful grandparents that are always finding new and special ways for her to have fun! And I think that smile says it all!

Family tradition

One of the wonderful events I enjoy every holiday season is finding a Christmas tree with my dad. Last year, we included Franny--then, only eight months--in our tradition. For the last several years we have gone to the Petschi Christmas Tree Farm out Mt. Home Road. Although with Franny in tow, our trips are unquestionably shorter and my selection criteria has needed to be amended, it is still a very special excursion that the three of us share. It's special days like these that bring such wonderful feelings and meaning to the holidays.

Christmas tree excursion 2005

The search is on!

How about this one?

This looks like a good Franny-size tree...

Finding a tree can get the hands a little dirty...

Thanks for the yummy lollipop Mr. Petschi!

One sock at a time

From the very early time that she first managed to take them off, we couldn't get Franny to leave her socks on. And, for some time now, Franny has been extremely focused on wearing as little as possible. For any kind of event or gathering I need to make sure her attire includes a onesie, because it is the one item of clothing--including her diaper--that she is unable to remove, and she is very indiscriminate about where whe may be when decides she wants to disrobe. I realize a lot of kids go through this, but it can be a little exasperating at times.

Recently, however, she is taking an interest in attempting to clothe herself, as well. She is able to get her shirt on, but not the sleeves; she can put her pants on, but can't yet manage to get them over her rump. She has much better luck with our clothes, such as with her daddy's socks. As with everything else, it is endlessly fascinating to not only watch Franny acquire her new skills, but also to witness her process of mastering them. I admit, it will be a little sad when I eventually must relinquish control of Franny's wardrobe and allow her to choose her clothes and dress herself, but as for this "removal phase"--that's a different story...

Downtown in December

Realizing that life has been way too serious as of late, we gave ourselves a much needed family fun day, and ventured downtown to absorb some of the holiday festivity in our favorite city. Although we were very disappointed to see that Macy's had abandoned the wonderful traditions Meier Frank once shared--Santa Land and the 12 Days of Christmas--it was great to leave our worries behind and be regular people out and about. We shopped, enjoyed walking around in the brisk winter air, and then concluded our excursion with a relaxing dinner at the Portland Brewing Company. We needed this day and it was wonderful!

Shopping at Pioneer Square

Going up and down every escalator (6 in all!) at least once

Running around and charming sales associates at Eddie Bauer

Using a straw like a big girl, and eating lemons (she loves them!)

Heading home, sockless and shoeless within minutes

Post-Thanksgiving thoughts

The events that took place this past Thanksgiving have brought many things to the forefront of my mind for which I am very thankful.

Franny is too young to understand how very fortunate she is to be part of such a wonderful family. (Although, there is no question that she does adore everyone quite thoroughly!) It brings me tremendous joy to see the relationships develop between Franny and her different family members and to see the love they share. How one little person can have such an impact is no less than amazing. I had hesitated to teach her to sign "I love you" because I wasn't sure it would have real meaning for her; but now I can see that I underestmated her, as I do believe that she does understand and it melts me heart whenever she signs it spontaneously on her own.

We are also so very fortunate to have family around us to lend support and help when we need it. To be able to leave Franny with them, without worry, while we are forced to focus on other situations is a blessing that I didn't fully comprehend until recent events made it so relevant. To be unable to have her with me, but to be able to close my eyes and know, without question, that she is not only safe, but also secure and happy with people she loves, overwhelms me.

There are so many other things in my life for which I am thankful, but these are the things that evoked great emotion with me this Thanksgiving.

That's Ms. Squirrel, if you please!

One of Franny's new favorite activities is being on look-out for who we have affectionately, and very creatively, dubbed Mr. Squirrel. Franny is also enjoying watching the birds, but nothing quite beats Mr. Squirrel. Throughout the day, we are continuously on the lookout for our new friend, and fortunately, he visits quite frequently and sometimes brings along a companion, which is always a welcome treat. Ironically, from the looks of some key equipment, I think Mr. Squirrel is actually a female... But she will remain Mr. Squirrel to us!