MUSEUM OF FLIGHT

What can I say?  Gavin was in absolute heaven here at Seattle's Museum of Flight.  We could have, or should I say Gavin and Curtis could have, stayed all day.  I enjoyed myself, but it was watching Gavin's reaction and excitement that was so fun for me.  It was a great day.  I'm still not sure how we convinced him to leave.

This was by far Gavin's favorite airplane there.  Can you guess why?  Because it was both a car and an airplane combined.  Yeah, what could be better.  Maybe if it had some train components too or something.  So needless to say we spent much of our day staring at the Aero-car and even more of our day trying to keep Gavin behind the barriers and out of it.

I don't think he had any intentions of leaving this baby's side all day.  He was in love.

For the first time in Gavin's life he stood in line for almost 20 minutes without complaining or whining once just so he could ride this 'flight simulator' for less than 2 minutes.  He was a very patient boy and almost burst when the girl in front of him wouldn't get out quickly.  Pure toddler boy heaven.

A future pilot I think.  Either that or a chef or a make-up artist.  It's a toss up at this point.

Curtis stole the show at the make your own paper airplane table.  Soon he had a line up of several kids wanting him to make them the same airplane.  But what's new.  It's the same scene that always takes place if there is paper, kids, and Curtis in the same room.  Gavin's lucky that his dad can make him one whenever he wants.

The Curtis P-40 Warhawk.  Not only is this Curtis' favorite plane of all time, but it is also what he was named after.  Bet you didn't know that?  Well, except you, Susan and Alan since you're the ones who named him.

TOURING SEATTLE

Our trip to Seattle wouldn't have been complete without a day or two spent in downtown.  The Olympic Sculpture Park was top on our list, as well as the Experience Music Project, and the usual Pike Place Market.  We also made it to the Space Needle, the waterfront, and Alki Beach.  Can anyone say 'Pegasus Pizza?'  YUM!  It just happened to be one of the coldest and snowiest winters on record for Seattle, but that didn't stop a bunch of fair-weather Californians from walking around outside for two days without any gloves or proper winter coats.  But who cares?  Seattle is by far the coolest city anywhere.  So urban, so artsy, and so vintage all at the same time.  I would LOVE to live here again.  Especially if we could afford one of those cool new townhomes near the city center or some old bungalow on Queen Anne Hill.  I wouldn't complain about having friends and family finally near by either.  Maybe some day.

Our attempt at a family portrait.

'Whoa, where did Uncle Brent's body go?'

Seattle's famous Monorail.  I hadn't ridden this thing in years.  We thought Gavin would get a kick out of it.  He certainly did.

The 'underground' portion of Pike Place Market.  Some of the coolest and funkiest shops you'll ever see.  It's almost a must-see every time we come home to visit.

The Experience Music Project from the outside reflecting the Space Needle.  We also went through the exhibit inside, but was a bit disappointed.  Don't get me wrong, it is really cool inside, but if you're not a serious music buff and if you have a very active 2 year old wanting to run around it is kind of a waste of money.  The music studio was pretty cool, but everything was out of order and so crowded the day we went.  I'm glad we went though.  I've always wanted to go inside.

SLEDDING IN SELAH

We brought with us from California all the winter clothes we had and then borrowed and shopped till we were sufficiently bundled and ready to take on the snow.  A smallish hill at a Selah elementary school proved to be the perfect spot for first time toddler runs and even some dare-devil stunts.  Our California boy was not too thrilled with the cold and snow, but was a good sport and humored his mom and dad for an hour or so.  I, on the other hand, had the time of my life (as well as everyone else) and  was soon dreaming of skiing down one of those ski slopes we passed on our drive through Snoqualmie Pass towards Yakima.  We never did make it to the ski slopes, but we sure did shread on that small Selah hill.

  

Californians trying to stay warm.

Gavin's first time down the 'bunny hill' by himself.  Obviously not as thrilled to be sledding as we were watching him.  He was not too sure what to make of this odd past time.  But being that this was really his first time in the snow, he was a trooper and unenthusiastically participated in the festivities. 

Buddy, the sledding mascot.

I believe even Buddy took a turn at some old fashioned sledding that day.

CHRISTMAS 2008

It's been said that Christmas is more fun with kids.  Now that Gavin is two years old (and really into Christmas and all that goes with it) we couldn't agree more.  I don't think I've ever seen anyone more excited to unwrap gifts than Gavin this year.  He loved helping everyone else open their gifts too and made sure that there was never any down time between presents.  With our trip to Seattle and Eastern Washington, Gavin was lucky enough to get three different 'Christmas mornings' this year.  Gavin has finally taken an interest in Thomas the Train and got his first train set under the tree.  Of course there were many other cars, buses, and airplanes that showed up as well.  The best gift of all though was spending time with all of you.  It was so nice being able to come home and celebrate the holidays with our families.  I know that Gavin had a blast spending so much time with his Grandparents and Aunt and Uncle.  Maybe next year he'll be more excited about the snow!

Gavin's stocking filled with goodies from Santa.

This Thomas the Train set was a big hit Christmas morning.  He had wanted one for a while and was so excited when he realized he'd gotten one.  We had to set it up right away.  That yellow school bus in the background quickly became a new favorite toy as well.  He carries it everywhere he goes and always wants to take it to bed with him.  Planes, trains, automobiles, and buses....that's what he loves.

Christmas morning at Grandma and Grandpa Wallwork's house.  Before the chaos began.  You can barely see out the window that there's snow on the ground, which meant that we had a white Christmas!  A first since I was about 4 or 5 years old and certainly a first for Gavin.  It was a perfect Christmas...complete with snow, family, and lots of orange rolls.

Helping Aunt Tammy open one of her Gifts.  Watching the two of them sit there together made us realize how similar these two are.  It's no surprise that they share the same birthday.