When Did My Baby Boy Get So Grown Up? [Preschool Pictures 2013]

Isaac had preschool pictures last month at school (age 3.5 years).

When did he get so grown up!?

Thanksgiving in Tricities 2013

Highlights of Thanksgiving in the Tri-Cities with the Merhar gang:

• A frosty 5k Turkey Trot
• Many gourmet meals
• Dune Racer!
• Time with family 
• Hours (upon hours) with the train set
• Wine tasting

A Birthday, Fro-Yo, Wedding Dresses, Work, and Play

A Birthday, Fro-Yo, Wedding Dress Shopping,Work, And Play.

Yup, that about sums up our last couple of weeks. 

I had a birthday. We got to do some shopping with my parents, and then did an evening downtown for dinner and the Sounders match.

Do I look too happy to be out, childless?

This weekend Isaac and I ventured to Bellevue Square to see friends and go to dinner. The playground there is always a big hit.

Fro-Yo after play time

I got to go wedding shopping with my sister! Such a fun and special day. I can't show a picture of her in the dress, but here is a silly one of me trying on accessories.

I.O. is really adjusting well to preschool, and loves to "work" -- what they call the lesson and learning time. Here he is working on his cutting skills -- just working away at his desk.

 And of course, hard work is rewarded with play!

Checking out the new playground at north acres park - Lodi got to run around at the dog park too. Bonus.

A strong climber

 Tractor at Central Market!

He looks a little bigger than last time, huh? (2 years ago...)

Trick or Treat :: Happy Halloween from The Incredibles!

Have you seen the movie "The Incredibles"? We have. A few times. 

Here is Isaac's costume -- all ready for his Halloween party at preschool. I stayed up late sewing him those black briefs and when it came time to wear them he refused - saying they were too much like diapers (hence his look of discontentment in photo 1 below). He was a much happier super hero without them.

After preschool, we went trick-or-treating as the whole family of Incredibles (including Lodi). Isaac had so much fun. He walked up to each door very confidently on his own. As I was tucking him in he said "Mom, Halloween is Awesome!". The holidays just keep getting more fun!

Fall Festival, Spider-Man, and Family

Between Isaac's fall festival program at preschool, visits with family, and enjoying some fall sunshine, we had a great week. Oh, and Isaac got Spider-Man PJs that he (literally) hasn't taken off since opening up the package....

Dad & I.O at his preschool's fall program

signing songs to the parents

Even Spider-Man eats his veggies

visit with grandma and grandpa!

story time

More hiking through Carkeek Park

Portraits of the Bug

A couple very nice shots of our Isaac bug. Taken by our photog friend Ryan Carlson at last weekend's Halloween party. I thought he did a nice job capturing his spirit.

Halloween Spirit

Fall is officially here, and we're all getting in the Halloween spirit.

Yup, all of us.

A housewarming party was overdue, so we had a spooky housewarming party this weekend. I had almost as much fun decorating as I did seeing so many good friends.

Those who follow my Halloween board on Pinterest had a sneak peek of our decor. Here is the tablescape pre-guests.

I was too busy socializing at the party that I forgot to take photos. Hopefully I can snag some from friends this week.

Today, Isaac and I continued the Halloween spirit by painting pumpkins. I really like Isaac's abstract "rainbow" pumpkin.

Fall Days & The Great Outdoors

We were spoiled in Park City with so much nature in the near vicinity. But, we're reminded every day that Seattle is quite amazing as well. Here are a few photos of us out and about in the neighborhood, and right in our own back yard (literally).

Isaac and Dad Hiking at Carkeek Park

 Isaac Picking Apples in Our Backyard

Isaac with Lodi at Carkeek Park

Photos of Our House

Fall is Here!

Back in the PNW (and Snapshots of the Journey)

We're baaaaack.

Back in the Pacific Northwest!

After two great years in Park City, Utah we were pulled back to Seattle with a fantastic job offer for Eric, and lots of family and friends saying "yes, come back". Of course, the decision was more difficult and complicated than that... but not by much. The hard part, of course, was saying goodbye all the fantastic people and the unparalleled lifestyle perks of living in Park City. But the decision to move back to Seattle felt right. And now, after a month of planning for the move, physically moving, Eric starting a new job, and getting Isaac settled into a new routine and new preschool, we're feeling at home again back in Seattle. We moved back in to the same house, and I am working the same Park City job remotely. There's so much to write about, and yet I'll let the photos do the talking.

Snapshots of the last few weeks in Park City, packing, and saying goodbyes ("see ya laters"). One of the hardest goodbyes was to Isaac's beloved preschool teacher, Ms. Terri.

Snapshots of the last few weekends in Park City. Enjoying the weekend festivals and Park Silly markets.

Snapshots of arriving in the PNW. Isaac and I stayed with my parents for a few days while Eric arrived with the moving truck.

Snapshots of life back in Seattle which includes seeing lots of good friends.

And of course... Snapshots of the Sounders! Isaac was so excited to go again, and was a trooper in the (literally) 90 minutes of pouring down rain.

Overall, the move went smooth. Just a few hiccups and character-building days that are part of every move. Isaac seems to be thriving at his new preschool (after about a week of, well, let's just say "adjusting").

Summer Vacation with Grandma & Grandpa

Our little guy is back from his awesome vacation with Grandma & Grandpa in Washington. We missed him like crazy, and it was so good to see him today (yes, I cried). But, he had such a great trip with G&G. Here's a few photos from Grandpa's camera. I look forward to hearing all of Isaac's stories over the next few weeks!

Jackson Hole Get-Away

While Isaac is finishing up his summer vacation with grandma and grandpa, Eric & I escaped to Jackson, WY ("Jackson Hole") for a weekend of hiking, exploring, and relaxing. Jackson is four hours from Park City and at the base of Grand Tetons National Park.

We arrived Friday night in time for a late dinner at the Roadhouse Brewery. We checked into our hostel at Jackson Hole Teton Village. Saturday we had a leisurely breakfast, then drove out to the Lupine Meadows trailhead in the Grand Tetons National Park. On the drive out we saw both a bear and a moose.

We conquered an 11 mile hike (roundtrip) with 3,150' gain. It took us 4 hours including a break at the top to dip our feet in the cool glacier lakes and re-fuel. The type-A'ers in us were quite proud that we smoked the brochure's "6-hour, strenuous" description of the hike.

The hike was amazing -- the panoramic views were breathtaking and we had 3 bear sightings on the hike. Luckily, they were non-aggressive black bears and not interested in us one bit. We had bear spray just in case.

After showering up we headed out to Thai Me Up Brewery for some stellar IPAs and noodles. Then we headed back to the village for the Seahawks game and beers.

Sunday we drove back to Park City after breakfast in Jackson and a few touristy photos. All in all a great weekend get-away.

Hike to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes, glacier lakes in the Grand Tetons from the Lupine Meadows trailhead

Being Tourists in Jackson Town Square

Meanwhile in Washington... Isaac is having a blast with grandma and grandpa M, but we miss our little dude and will be totally stoked to see him on Tuesday.

More photos here.

Camping in the High Uintas

With Isaac off with the grandparents, Eric and I escaped to the Uintas, near the Wyoming and Utah border. We went with friend Andy, and of course the dogs. The boys were scouting. I tagged along for an escape to the mountains and the hiking.

Hike through the hills (sans trail...)

Beautiful aspens

Signs of black bears

Campsite... very remote spot... beautiful stars at night

taking in the view