photo inspiration

My mother-in-law gave me this yellow cake plate for Christmas. Today Isaac and I are eating lunch at the dining room table. I glance at the hutch and feel inspired by the pop of yellow to snap a photo. Here it is!

brown bear first birthday

Isaac's favorite book is Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? We start reciting the book and he gets really excited. Often times he will then go looking for the book and start flipping through the pages. I had such a good time planning this party and making his decorations. Most of the credit I owe to Pinterest!

 

 

 

 

Baby I is ONE! We had family and close friends with baby's Isaac's age come over to celebrate. Isaac loved having people over and was going...going all afternoon he skipped his nap completely and was happy as a clam. He got spoiled with presents and ate two whole pieces of cake. He didn't make much of a mess, I think he was making sure it all got in his mouth! He loves his new toys!

the windy city

We flew to Chicago to be with my sisters for Thanksgiving. Although flying with a baby is far from a "vacation" it was well worth it to see my sister's new house and spend time with them. Isaac loves his aunts and Uncle Karl! I left my Iphone on the plane so many pictures will never be recovered from the trip but Peter and Karl snapped a few.

Isaac's first time in claw foot tub at Greta's house... lucky boy!

Isaac loves his Uncle Karl!

We thought this sign was appropriate for our first plane trip with Isaac!

The amazing view from Greta's work in the John Hancock building!

One of the residents at Greta's work owns the horse carriage company in downtown Chicago. We saw her when we were touring Greta's work and she asked us if we wanted a free horse drawn carriage ride, "um YES!"

This was taken in Geneva the suburb that Karl and Greta live in. We could walk to this park from their house!

This was taken after we ate amazing Deep Dish Pizza with the Swenson family and John and Linda Brorson, Karl's parents. So great to see the Swenson boys...it's been too long!

I'm sad I didn't get any pictures of the sisters! Aaah what were we thinking? Also no pictures of Sonja @ The Little Goat because everything was still top secret since it hadn't opened yet so no pictures were allowed. I also miss the great pictures I got of Karl and Greta's house that were on my phone :( Next time! Such a great trip and we can't wait to go back!

recycled architectural drawing wrap

I have to credit to Peter for this one. A few years back before we were married he wrapped his Christmas presents in his old work drawings. GENIUS! Let's see it encompasses all of my requirements. 

1. Simple
2. Free
3. Original
4. Green/recycled

The past few years I would ask him for them too late and he would have just thrown out a bunch. But this year I remembered early enough! I think it has something to do with having more time on my hands these days without having a full time job...well OK just a different full time job.

scandi pine

This year we picked a Pine and it even came with pine cones. Peter admitted to me later that he was skeptical that the tree would look nice (since it isn't your traditional tree) but he trusted me and he loves it. We picked out a little tree for Isaac too in hopes he could demolish it all he wants. When we put the tree up it looked so beautiful I didn't even want to decorate it but we started with lights. It was a little to bare for Peter so we settled on just the scandinavian straw ornaments and it looks simple and understated. 

There isn't a single safety hazard on the tree. No glass ornaments, no hooks, no hot lights. It's December 12th and (fingers crossed) not a single tree accident for my little curious and determined "elf."

Isaac's tree

christmas family tradition

Our first year doing this was in 2010 but we had to skip last year due to being far to pregnant to be going over the pass and hiking around in the mountains. So after our second time doing this it's starting to feel like a tradition. We were invited by the Mabbutt's (Peter's sister Elsa and her family)which I think this is their 15th year doing this. You pay $5 for a forest service permit and off you go hunting for your tree. The Mabbutt's always sled, make a fire, roast hot dogs and drink hot chocolate. This is such a fun adventure and Isaac enjoyed the snow, the dogs, and playing with his cousins...he couldn't have been happier! 

We weren't really prepared clothing wise for Isaac to be in the snow. He has already grown out of 2 snowsuits and I haven't found a good deal at a consignment store yet. So we pulled out some Carhart overalls and snow boots that were hand-me-downs that were about 5 sizes too big. We figured his feet will be dry and he can't walk in snow anyways!

Our chosen tree!