i didn't expect this on camano

Jon woke me up this morning before we actually woke up and said "look outside." Even in my sleepy stupor I couldn't believe it. And by the time we got up at almost 9:45 (snow does amazing things to keep things quiet and promote heavy sleeping in apparently), we found 5-6 inches of fresh snow covering everything we could see. Eventually, the skies to the north cleared just enough to reveal the gorgeous water, as the clouds moved south and provided an almost charcoal backdrop for the snow-covered evergreens. When Emory hunkered down for his nearly 4-hour nap, we snuggled up to The Godfather on AMC and let Paisley meander out onto the deck where she skirted around the snow and still managed to explore the most she ever has outside. And later, we ventured out for little E's first time playing in the snow. (I know, I know, we just moved from Utah, but we didn't have a yard at our disposal at our last place, and Emory was too little last winter). By that time, the cold Canadian winds thrashed the snow into our faces, so we became expert wind-blockers for our little man.

After Emory had enough of being plopped in the snow, being plowed by dogs, and watching us build a snowman, I brought him inside where we shed our wet layers of clothing and gave him some hot cocoa. Because what would a good play in the snow be without a cocoa chaser? He drank it while sitting under the heating pad and enjoyed the moment, as you can see.

ps this reminded us of Christmas 2008 when it snowed and snowed and snowed and Olivia discovered how much she loves the fluffy white stuff. don't worry, she reminded us today how she feels about it.

for the love of leftovers

We decided long ago that since we would be staying in Utah for Thanksgiving, that we'd have a quiet holiday by ourselves, probably for the only time ever now that we're moving back to Washington and all our family. With the prospect of eating with our dear friends the Millers, we determined that we would still have to make our own meal just for the leftovers of turkey and cranberry sauce and cream cheese sandwiches. Mmmmm. So after a weekend of thesis writing (Jon), move organizing (Meghan), packing (Meghan), and chasing around the house (Emory and Paisley), we made our meal yesterday. Or I should say, I made it, which is actually kind of monumental. For the past several years, Jon and I have enjoyed cooking the feast together, with help from family, and it was a little strange to be by myself in the kitchen most of the day. Strange, but good, because our house is so tiny that I could feel his presence extremely near, even from the next room. And if I do say so myself, I'm good at Thanksgiving.

Possibly one of the best things about cooking this meal for just the three of us: all the homemade cranberry sauce our little hearts could ever want, without having to be mindful of several other people needing to take a spoonful. I think cranberry sauce is the prettiest part of the meal, and for me, it ties it all together. Am I right? I like to make it with the zest and juice of an orange, and less sugar than recipes normally suggest.

It snowed all. day. long. And it was absolutely beautiful. At this point we're saying, "bring on the snow!" (at least in Utah). Jon actually shot these photos hours before the skies halted their project. We ended up with twice as much of the powdery goodness. Today the skies were clear and beautiful, making everything glisten.

Emory, seriously looking like a kid these days in all his big boy 15-month-old glory. What you can't tell is that he's still shy of 21 pounds.

Though the kid loooves turkey (with cranberry sauce, of course), so who knows... maybe after partaking of this beauty he'll be heavier. We cooked less than a 4.5 lb breast and had enough meat to feed 8 people. I didn't know that was possible.

The spread, and Emory's miniature plate, which he devoured immediately after this photo ended. Yams and potatoes much? You'd better believe I had mashed potatoes for breakfast this morning.

Also, this is the little man's "more" face. We laugh so hard because he opens his mouth as absolutely wide as it can open, sometimes moving his head a bit to make sure we get the point. And he locks his gaze on whatever he wants more of; in this case, sparkling cider.

Until next year, bounteous feast.

a letter

Dear Blizzard of the Century (or at least the last 4-5 years),

That's all, really? You dropped maybe 2 fresh inches of snow on us, even after a late arrival and an early departure. I was hoping for something much bigger from you to send us away with, but seriously, Seattle area has more snow than you left in Salt Lake City. Also, I'm pretty sure it's your fault I broke my washing machine yesterday.

Thanks but no thanks,
Meghan