Pacific City - Post Xmas Trip!

Deven is 18 months today. I wonder if this means I can start saying he is a year and a half rather than the monthly equivalent?

We celebrated by taking a trip to the beach. Actually, it was our bi-annual Oregon beach vacation with our friends Codie and Alex. This time the Blocks were back in the US so they decided to drive over from WW to join in the tradition. I must say I was a little apprehensive about the 6.5 hour drive to Pacific City, OR but Deven was actually pretty good. We only had to stop twice; once for a diaper change and again for some lunch. We rolled in just in time for afternoon snack. It's interesting how we have started to measure the day in terms Deven's food schedule.

Codie and Alex were able to research and locate a house with five bedrooms (and a spacious laundry room) fitting our 6 adult 3 children and 2 dog brood perfectly. The beach was just a quick walk around the local surf shop, perfect location!

The weather this year was not very kid friendly though. Nick and I were thinking about it and a couple of years ago when we did this trip it wasn't great either but with kids I guess it was a different ball game. The first afternoon was pretty good but not until the morning we left (pictured herein) did it clear up for an extended period. Everytime we tried to get the kids out the rain, wind and freezing temperatures would get the better of us. Thankfully the house was huge and the kids got along well (unless Deven decided to steal hadley's baby doll stroller).

As I am sure everyone is aware little tykes like ours are always fighting off some sickness and it is always a toss up as to whether or not it is going to get better or worse when decide to risk it and leave the house. Deven and hadley both had a nose and cough issue when we got to the beach. Unfortunately while Deven got better hadley got worse. So much so that the blocks had to make an early departure. Deven was having such a good time with hadley learning new words like, oat meal, baby, hadley, light, beach, toast and more I'm sure. We were sorry to see them go but when kidos are sick the best place to be is home!!

We had one last stormy night at the beach house hanging with Codie and Alex and then one last walk on the beach in the morning and now we are on our way back to OUR home. 2 hours in and Deven has been asleep for 1.5 hours of it. Cross you fingers folks!

PS, Deven has an official check up first thing next week so I will give an up date on stats and other milestones then!!

Tailgating 2010

It's been a year since we were first crazy enough to bring a baby to the Husky tailgating scene. See D's First UW Tailgate for a flash back. Things are a little bit different this time around though. Deven was racing around, flirting with the ladies and showing off his football spirit. Above we are celebrating my almost win of the traditional Lasso Golf or, per Wikipedia, Ladder Toss. Alex made his famous chili, Steve grilled roast beef sandwiches and we experimented with some Pumpkin Feta Muffins. Deven tried them all and surprisingly was big fan of the chili, which was super spicy. We will see how that sits with him this evening! There is only one more Saturday home game left but if we can't make it to that one I think we have safely done our due diligence with Deven's college football activities for the season.

Lies, Lies, Lies!!

Yesterday was our friend Alex's 35...I mean 29th birthday extravaganza. I use the word extravaganza in every sense of the word. Let me explain.

For the past three months I have served as a double agent of sorts. Note: I do NOT lie well...my parents can attest...the few times I tried I just ended up telling them the truth because I did not have enough creativity to think of something else. Perhaps that is why I wasn't as adventurous as other teenagers...but I digress.

I got a call back in April from Alex. Alex and I are friends but he generally calls Nick...so right away, I know something is up. He explained my mission: discover girl friend Codie's birthday surprise plan, relay said plan back to Alex so he is sure that it is an appropriate venue and crowd to "pop the question," discover Codie's ring finger sizing, and finally, tell NO one (except Nick, of course...but I was only given this luxury with threats of which I will not describe...my Nana reads this!). I am not sure if Alex really knew how much of a challenge this would be for me. Again, I am terrible at lieing.

In order to keep this under 10 pages long let me summarize. We helped Codie plan her engagement party without her having a clue! With the help of ~30 of Alex's family and friends Codie coordinated a Booze Cruise around Lake Union/Lake Washington complete with BBQ brats, Pulled Pork, Ceviche, Haggen Birfday cake and an engagement ring that you could see from across the Boat.

During my three month mission there were many times where I thought I would fail. How in the heck was I supposed to just randomly get Codie's ring size? As every girl knows, girl talk will inevitably lead to marriage, babies and 'plans' in that order. However, I had been given a time line. In order for Alex to be able to purchase the ring with enough time before the party I had to work fast. As such I could not wait for the inevitable, I had to create it. See above discussion about overall lack of creativity. I ended up talking about my engagement/ring experience and then just ever so casually - practically made her - try on my ring. Approximate ring size - CHECK

Next...where to have this Surprise SURPRISE Party?? First thing was first...over come Alex telling Codie that he didn't want anything fancy, just low key. Codie's first plan was a Pub in Fremont, which any other time was absolutely perfect for Alex the romantic. This year's party though, at Alex's request, could NOT be in a pub. Hmmmm...a boat...a boat sounds awesome. I texted Codie, twisted her arm ever so slightly and it was done. Perfect engagement venue - CHECK.

Now all that was left was to not breath a word and remember which secrets I was keeping from Codie and which ones I was keeping from Al...ahhhh...I must admit, about two weeks ago I told a coworker the soap operah-esk story just so I could releive some of the pressure. This person has absolutely no connection to anyone involved so it doesn't count right?

Finally the day came. With Deven in the care of Gramma and Grandpa Bodle Nick and I made our way into Seattle. Little did Codie know every time she was away and even when she was sitting a foot away, me, Nick, Al and Al's family were all talking about it...pure insanity. After A lunch at Seattle's Oyster bar, a secret pony keg transport and 8 bags of ice later everyone met up at Fisherman's Terminal. 2 excruciatingly long hours into our three hour cruise we all gathered on the deck at Alex's request.

Picture a sunny Seattle Skyline, Kenmore Air plane flying by, about 3 video cameras, 4 cameras and a really confused Codie. This was Alex's surprise...right?? Alex went to open his one any only gift but he needed Codie's help. From a cereal box wrapped in news paper from 'The Stranger' Alex whipped out a beautiful blue Tiffany's box and got down on one knee. Tears immediately irrupted from everyone...deck hands included.

Of course she said YES!! Success was ours! I can't believe we pulled this off!!

My little synopsis does not do this enormous feat justice but I have included some pics taken from various friends that may help. Congrats Codie and Alex! It was so much fun helping you both surprise each other!!!

Nick's Birthday (part three)

Per my previous posts we have really been celebrating Nick's 29th birthday for the last few weeks. First with Nick's family at the Tap House and then with Nick's Ski Marathon. Next I planned a fun night for the two of us. We finally got a chance to see Avatar in 3d. It was pretty awesome and even months after the first showing the theatre was still packed. Next we trucked down town for reservations at Ipanema Grill. I have been therefore but Nick needed to go! Brazilian BBQ is awesome. Unfortunately, with all the fun we had playing with Deven that day I had forgotten to eat properly and after watching a 3d movie and getting a head ache it was only a matter of time before I had to call our night a bit early. We were able to make it to our buddy's Alex and Codie's house in South Lake Union for a night cap and some birthday cake. We had to relieve Grandma and Grandpa Bodle a little earlier than planned but it was nice to get in a little extra sleep before our big run (see following post). Hoping to get out on the town soon to redeem myself!!

Sports and Recreation

Nick and I have been getting back into a lot of things we did BD (before Deven) lately. Skiing, soccer, and jogging with Sam. It is our goal to include Deven in just about everything.


Skiing proved to be a bit difficult because there was no good place for Deven to get in his daily naps. We are hoping to be those crazy parents with their three year old on skies (only 2 yrs and 3.5months to go). So as I noted below, Nick did a ski Marathon on his own this year. From the sound of it though it was pretty awesome. Seriously, he skied for 24hours. I am not really sure how he did it but its true, he still has numb and aching toes to prove it. His team was third place in raising money for the American Cancer Society and Nick came in 21st place with 118k vertical feet. Nick took notes on how to make this a family affair and apparently the thing to do is rent an RV for the weekend, next time Deven and I will be there!!

Nick has started a an outdoor soccer league and Deven I tagged along to this weekends practice. After a walk to the Mercer Island Library, some fun crawling and reading in the kids area we watched the last bit of Nick practice by walking (with my hands as balance) onto the track and to the field to say hi to Dadda and our buddy Alex. Deven has taken to palates balls and turns out soccer balls will work for him too. He was having a blast with an extra one until he spied a piece of gum on the ground...play time may have been cut a little short! ; )

Our indoor soccer league has started up again and we always try to bring Deven. It proves a little difficult at times because we both play but typically we will find someone willing to hang with Deven for 40 minutes. Today though we had a few too many outings planned so it was just me; Deven and Nick went back home for a snack and a little nap. No goal this time but I am hoping to make it an annual thing!

We recently got a jogging stroller and decided to break it in by entering into the Saint Paddy's Day Dash. Deven and I took it out for some practice runs the last couple of weeks around Lake Stevens but basically it was a cold run this morning. It was tough on a day-light-savings morning but we made it a group effort. Nick, Ryan, Anne, Me and Deven were all Down Town by 8am this morning! Deven and I were disappointed that Shannon and Hadley couldn't join us but we decided to do them proud and kick a little jogging stroller butt. Nick, Ry and Anne were in the Red wave having a starting time of 8:40am. Deven and I were in the Purple wave starting at 8:50. We all had a blast and really did kick some jogging stroller butt. Generally, Deven had his game face on (blank stare, mouth slightly open) but around mile 2 I heard him talking and yelling at all the slow pokes to get out of our way. By the time we rounded the corner on the Aurora bridge facing south looking toward town I heard Deven laughing at all the crazy people dressed in green. He must have known we were in the home stretch. It was down hill from there and we ended up stay on pace with the rest of the gang stroller and 20lbs Deven and all! Hoping we will have many fun runs like this in our future.

Here is Deven about two minutes before start time! Game Face!

A Night Out

Nick reminded me earlier this week that our scheduled outing would be the first we have had without Deven, since Deven blessed us with his presence. I actually had to really think about this because I didn't think it was possible for so much time to pass without just hanging with Nick and the gang. Truly though, our "date-night" this Friday was the first in almost five months. If you follow our blog though you realize in no way does this mean we have not made it out at all. Deven is getting to be a restaurant regular in several cities around Washington. So, not to say we have been deprived of good ol' fashioned socialization with the general public but we have been missing the semi worry-free night that a good baby-sitter like Nick's sister could provide.

I don't believe it was Nick's ideal date night but in his words, "I'll take it." Our friend Codie is a die-hard Twilight fan and so she organized a group viewing of the 2nd in the series, New Moon, this last Friday. We (Nick, me, Anne and Deven) synchronized at our house around 5:45. Nick and I took turns flooding Anne's head with information; we hope all useful though I am sure some of it was a little over-kill. Once I gave a smiling, giggling Deven about three hugs and five kisses good-bye Nick and I climbed into the Truck for date night around 6:15.

We were scheduled for an 8pm showing so if you understand the craze that is the Twilight series you will understand that Nick and I were running a little behind. Codie and Alex graciously bought us each a gourmet Red Robin burger and snuck it into the theatre for us where we were diligently holding a spot for the group in the very long line. We were able to scarf down the burger while waiting in line and got the remaining fries past the theatre employee who had made it very clear at least two times that outside food was not permitted.

We couldn't all sit together because there were 10 of us (we were missing the Wilson's - two key players - due to sickness) but we all made it in with relatively good view of the screen. Yes, the theatre was sold out. At one point I looked around and realized just how many people were in the one room and wondered with the CDC would have to say about this scenario.

The movie it self was "OK" being a vampire genre fan from way back I of course love the fact that I can be open about my mild obsession but at the same time I am a little turned off by what has now become so main stream...I will/have gotten over it though. I think all the ladies and even some fellas will agree that the highlight of the film was Jacob Black's chiseled abs but overall the film did its best to stay true to the narrative and gave the audience what it wanted...some good sexual tension between two (or three) star crossed lovers. Good stuff.

After the movie the gang said good-bye to Julie who was so dedicated to seeing the movie that she drove three hours to see it with all of us and Shannon who stuck to her guns and insisted it was bed-time. I should have listened/followed Shan's example. With less than five hours of sleep Nick and I stumbled over to red robin where our sad lot tried to pretend that we hadn't been working and schooling for the last 5 to 7 days straight. I think we each had a drink and called it good. I tried not to feel shame as I saw the obvious disappointment in our servers face...had she pegged us for a big ticket? Sadly, at least on this night, we were not. I have faith though that we will get back on the wagon again soon...perhaps at a better bar in a more exciting city?!?!

Thankfully, Nick and my worries about leaving Deven for the first time at night was quelled by several texts we received throughout the night from Anne telling us that Deven had gone to bed timely was being a good little guy for his auntie. What was really interesting is that we were able to figure out just how much this little guy eats at night which is what will lead to my next post entitled "Rice Cereal."

Overall Nick and I had a good "first-night-out." Maybe next time we will be able to make it passed midnight.

Halloween 2009

It was Deven's first Halloween and I successfully picked a costume that will embarrass him when he's older and maybe appreciate when he's even older! His school had trick or treating for the older kids during the day so Deven and his buddies all dressed up for the occasion. He was a hit!!

The Wright's had a party so we ALL got dressed up. This was way out of Nick and my comfort zone but I guess we will do anything because of peer pressure. Here are some pics from the weekend.


1. Deven testing his costume out the night before his school debut. 2. Deven and me all ready to party at the Wright's. 3. Chip and Renee as skeleton's, Ryan as some weird news caster, Matt and Chanel as Scottish folk, Codie as a Geisha, Erin as a private school chick, Alex as the psycho from Clockwork Orange me as Dorothy and Nick...well Nick is the count from Sesame Street!! ; )

Girls Night Out!

So the Mariners had a "Girls Night" at Safco on the 29th and I decided that it was a perfect opportunity to get some friends together for a much needed night out! Codie's fella was our chauffeur and brought us to Pyramid where we all got our drink on; except for Renee who is expecting!

The Mariners were giving out free-bees which included a fashionable pink tote...we got the tote but decided that drinking and gossiping was much better than standing in line. Who needs a mani/pedi anyhow (most of us!).

We had a great time and even watched the game a little. We all made it home safely thanks to Alex who picked us up from the game even though he was sound asleep when we requested his services again!

Twenty-Nine...

Aaron and I are now twenty-nine! Aaron pointed out that we are still in our twenties but even so, it is weird to be so close to the big 3 0 ! We marked the day with a BBQ at our house thrown by our friends Codie and Alex! There was wine, beer, hamburgers, Nick's sweet potato empanada's and tomatillo verde salsa not to mention to-die-for cup cakes provided by Codie and Bethany. I of course forgot to take pictures...it might have been due to the wine I was drinking but we go one of the birthday cup cake. Aaron (not pictured here) was also sung to but the cup cake (and possibly few others) was ALL mine!! ; )

Our First Live Sounders Game

On April 25th we got to pretend that we had season tickets to the Sounders!! Our friends Pete and Emily just got hitched and they needed to give their tickets to somebody...we of course offered!! Our other friends Alex and Codie (who also have season tickets)geared us up for the event. We were equipped with sweatshirts and the infamous sounders scarf!! We had the best time and can't wait for our next opportunity. Thanks Pete and Emily!!