Visitors

Whew! We had a busy end to January, which flowed over into February.

One of the hardest things for me when we moved the first time was knowing all my family was together celebrating at most holidays, birthdays, nice weekends, Cougar games or simply just because, and I wasn't there. That was how I grew up -- we always got together with family. I was shocked to learn that what we did wasn't really the norm when little country mouse (me) went to the "big" city (Pullman) and met lots of different people. I couldn't understand why their mom didn't make spicy cheese dip for tortilla chips when an aunt, uncle or cousin would come by, or why they didn't sit out on the patio for hours after the sun went down, eating that dip and chatting. I thought everyone did that??!! You don't play nerts with everyone at Christmas until it's almost the day after Christmas??! You don't you all live about a mile away from family??!!

When we moved to California, we didn't know anyone. Well, save for a couple people in San Francisco, but that was like a two hour drive away, even though it was only about 25 miles away. Our first New Years was spent in a cheap hotel with cheaper pizza and the cheapest champagne. Our first California Easter was just the two of us and too much ham (again). Same for 4th of July, Halloween, birthdays, Christmas...I can't even remember what we did that first Christmas. It must not have been very exciting because, according to this blog, I just made Elf Yourself videos and never even blogged about Christmas.

This repeated itself over a few more holidays, but then we found the Bracketts and our lives changed forever. It still feels weird not to celebrate a holiday with the Bracketts. But I digress.

What I'm trying to tell you is we had a lot of family come visit this January and February. More than ever came to visit us when we LIVED IN WASHINGTON. Go figure ;)

The best part? They all came at once!

The worst part? I really failed at taking many pictures.

Plus, most of the pics were taken in the early-morning time frame when no one should be photoed.Also, the weather wasn't as warm as it had been or as it is right now, but those visiting from Chicago thought anything was better than -6F and the "polar vortex!"

Drew was the first to arrive, though it was just for dinner. He was in town for a business trip, so he came by to say hi and treat me to Jimmy Johns :) WOOT!

The Olmsteads were also here in their RV, but on the other side of Phoenix. Rolly and I made a trip over for an afternoon outing where he went swimming with Rah Rah for almost an hour. He loved being in the water, especially after we took off that dumb rash-guard shirt that made him freeze.

Rahrah and Rolly swimming.

Next came some of the Rabes and the rest the Chyterboks, sans Drew this time. Maggie brought her two little bugs, James and Owen (who was just 2 months old at the time). Mags and the boys stayed here while the Rabes stayed at a hotel a few miles away. I was excited to see Rolin and James together, especially because James is a year and two days older than Rolin. They got along pretty well for the most part, especially considering Rolin kept swiping James' toys, which more or less forced James to share his goods without being asked. He was good about sharing his trains, the most prized possessions of them all. In short, we've since purchased a couple Thomas the Train trains for Rolin as they've been the latest requirement for nap time (wheee).

Pajama pals cleaning up after breakfast.

What Rolin is really saying here is, "James, take this awesome duster..." So I can go play with your train by myself.

Dinner time!

Hugs!

Rolin was also really interested in baby Owen. He kept a close eye on him and made sure we remembered he is, in fact, a baby. "Baby! Baby! Baby!"

 Rolin making sure Owen knew he had a nose. "Nose!"


Making sure Owen's swing was swinging and playing music...

Cousin Laura joined us Friday night, after driving about seven hours to get here (wowza!) and stayed at our house. Maggie's friend Maggie, her husband and baby girl came down from north Phoenix for an afternoon at the park -- we were going to hit up the train museum and farm-themed park, but opted for the park in our neighborhood for logistic and food reasons, ha! Kids have a way of derailing (no pun intended) the best laid plans from time to time, right?!

Daddy and Rolly at the park.

Laura had to leave early Sunday to get back home, but we're so glad she made the trip to see everyone! The kiddos were glad to have a non-parent adult around to play with them, that's for sure!

One of the early-morning shots before Laura hit the road. 

Sunday afternoon was the Super Bowl, and Team Thompson hosted a viewing party. Everyone brought snacks, we enjoyed a chili bar with all the fixin's, and finished with football cookies and these cute "Seahawk Nests" Maggie and I made.

Seahawks nests for the Big Game. 

It was a great game, and having everyone here made Seattle's victory that much sweeter.

Thanks to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Lou, Mags and I were able to sneak away for (desperately needed) pedicures and some time to ourselves. It was a great treat! My parents got in late Monday, then everyone hit up the aquarium Tuesday. James and Rolin loved it, particularly the "water spot" on the floor, made by projectors, smoke and mirrors. We could hardly get them away from it. The underwater tunnel was also a hit.

Swimming in the "water," aka "the spot on the floor."

A little hesitant about stepping out onto the water!

James and Rolin checking out the shark mouth!

"Swimming" in the tunnel

The Rabes and Chyterboks left Wednesday, but mom and dad were still with us for another five days, so we weren't going to be all alone all at once.

Another early-morning shot before the Rabes and Chyterboks left for the airport. 

All the visitors kept our schedules packed, and I loved every minute. Mom and Dad's trip included a weekend getaway to Sedona, by way of Prescott, which we'll save for another post.

Stay tuned for more!

Christmas

We were joined by Justin's parents for Christmas. It was nice to have some family around for the holiday!

I left nearly all the grocery shopping to do until the 23rd, the Monday before Christmas, you know, like any sane person would do. I had a plan. I had different lists for different stores. Rolin and I were going to gobble breakfast and get out of the house by 9:30 a.m.; we got out by 10 a.m., but I was still happy with the time knowing I could get it all done and be back for lunch and nap time.

Well, the car wouldn't start.

I popped the hood, shook some wires, checked the oil, looked at the filter, jiggled the battery...

Just kidding, I didn't do any of that.

I called Justin and told him what was going on with the car. Then I texted my mom to complain that I was a fool for leaving shopping until that day anyway and then the car wouldn't start. Then dad called and we covered a list of possibilities. Everyone involved suspected the battery, but it was odd the car would sound like it wanted to start, it just wouldn't finish turning over. Thankfully, Justin was able to rework his schedule a bit and came home to my rescue. We got a new battery, even though the battery people told us there was nothing wrong with the old one.

They were right -- the new battery didn't fix the problem. We had the car towed to a repair shop where we learned it was the fuel pump and that they could get it fixed by Friday. I'm grateful we have Justin's work car as a backup!

Team Thompson against faulty fuel pumps. 

via

Anyway, we got errands done, naps taken and Christmas dishes were started after bedtime. The Thompsons arrived that night around 10 p.m., just as the cheese ball was chilling, the rolls were rising, the eggs were boiling, the twice-baked potatoes had completed their first baking rotation, the fudge was cooling and I was finishing the clam chowder we'd have Christmas Eve.

Rolin greeted his grandparents in the morning, who quickly swept him off to the park to play. Justin worked for a bit on Christmas Eve day, but was home in time for the candlelight service at church. After dinner, at which was served the traditional clam chowder, spinach salad and rolls, we all opened one gift and then got everyone to bed.

If I'm being realistic, this was probably the last Christmas, for about 17 or so years, or at least until my children are teenagers, where I'll have an opportunity to sleep past six in the morning. We all took advantage of the extra sleep time, but were ready to hop downstairs once Rolly was awake. No one wanted to miss seeing Rolin's face when he spotted his presents.

Lots of playing with toys was done after breakfast, and the Thompsons each took pajama-clad strolls around our cul de sac, pushing Rolin in his little car. He was quite insistent in going outside every 10 minutes or so.

Rolin also received the moon for Christmas.  

Dinner was the Team Thompson tradition of surf-n-turf. We had crab legs and flank steak, accompanied by twice-baked potatoes, salad, rolls and a few other small delights.We played games, watched Christmas movies, FaceTimed with other family members and overall enjoyed our day.

The following day, the Thompsons, Rolin and I went to the Phoenix Zoo while Justin went to work. Rolin cruised in style in his new car, was enthralled with the lizards, lions and a duck that he and Grammy fed Cheetos. He and Grammy even got to go feed the giraffes! He didn't fall asleep or get cranky -- I was very impressed, especially since we were there from 11a.m. - 4 p.m.; he had a great time!

Headed to the zoo with Grandpa Lee and Grammy Karen!

 Grammy Karen and Rolin got to get up close and personal with the giraffes. 

Rolly wasn't much of a fan.

Before the Thompsons left that Friday, we met Justin for lunch and then hit up the train park in Scottsdale. I'm glad Rolin got to spend a few action-packed days with his Grandpa and Grammy, I know they were glad about it too!

Watching the trains pass by overhead at the train park.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and yours! Team Thompson did not send out Christmas cards this year, simply because we just didn't. Also, the pic below is the only one I have of the three of us taken in the last couple months where all of us are recently showered and wearing more than just yesterday's mascara. However...

We send our best and pray for blessings and joy for you all in 2014. We wish you a wonderful, merry Christmas, wherever you may be and with whomever you're celebrating. 

We're entertaining Justin's parents this Christmas, and are excited to reinstate some of the traditions we started as a young married couple during the years we spent Christmases all alone in California.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas tree

Same shirt, same baby. Different house, different state.

2012

2013

Day at the Lake

Tara, my college roommate, and her family have some lake property north of Spokane where we joined for an afternoon over the 4th of July holiday weekend. 

I went last year during the same time -- I was almost 9 months pregnant and had a bit of trouble getting myself out of the kayak. This year we got to take Rolin!

Rolly and I have been going to swim lessons at the YMCA so I think he was more excited about playing in the water at the lake. 

The other kiddos had some sand and water toys which Rolin really enjoyed using/eating. 

Puppy ears!

It was nice Justin was able to come along this year as it allowed me some time to lounge on a floatie with the other ladies and drink some brews. Yay for some me time!

We got this sunshade, but had no idea it was this big. It was a nice surprise! It was also a huge pain to put away, but with all of our powers combined we eventually made it happen. 

"Ohhh. This redheaded lady is quite lovely," said Rolin. 

Thanks for the fun time at the lake, guys!

Mother's Day

We had a lovely Mother's Day, full of food, gifts, sunshine and relaxation. I hope all you mommies out there did too!

Rolin was unsure about wishing me a happy Mother's Day. "Don't you consider every day with me a celebration?"

Justin made breakfast -- delicious French toast with sweet strawberries!

We went on a hike out where Justin rides his bike. 

Rolin fell asleep near the end -- good thing he thinks it's comfortable to sleep like this!

Overall, we relaxed. Justin was eager to help with everyday things, such as Swiffering, changing diapers (which he usually helps with, anyway) and cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, all while insisting that I chill on the couch and read or whatnot. Quite nice!

Justin also made dinner, consisting of kabobs (beef, pineapple, mushrooms, onions and sweet peppers), corn on the cob and Aunt Kathy's lemon-dill rice. 

You should probably whip up some of the rice for yourself, it's delicious!

Aunt Kathy's Lemon-Dill Rice
I like this rice best as a side to grilled meats or steamed artichokes. 

• 2 1/2 c. chicken broth
• 1 c. rice (not instant)
• 1 clove garlic, crushed (stick a toothpick through it for easy removal later)
• 1 TBL grated lemon peel (or more, if you like lemon, like me!)
• 1 tsp. dry dill ( or 2 TBL fresh)
• pepper to taste
• 2 TBL unsalted butter

Add rice, broth and garlic to a medium pot. Bring to a boil and cook according to rice package directions. When rice is tender/liquid is gone, remove from heat, remove garlic clove and then stir in lemon peel. Cover and let sit 5 minutes. Stir in dill, pepper and butter. Serve. 

You can make a double batch and freeze the rest for later!

Easter weekend

Last weekend was intended to be a one-night trip, but it turned into a three-night, fun- and family-filled weekend getaway for Team Thompson.

We decided to leave for Grandview Friday night instead of Saturday morning so as not to disrupt Rolly's sleeping so much. The little bugger is not much of a daytime napper and if he sleeps too much during the day, bedtime turns into an UNadventure. After usual bedtime proceedings, we slipped Rolin into his car seat and took off, arriving in Grandview around 11:15 that night.

While Justin worked a bit Saturday in Yakima, Rolin entertained Grandpa and Gigi with his giggles, claps, disguises and near-crawling revs. My friend Linsley also stopped by (YAY!!) to meet Rolin and catch up.

Creepy? Yes. Hilarious? Absolutely.

Joe and Brianna came later in the afternoon. Justin and I waved hello to them as we passed off Rolin and zoomed by on my parents' new mopeds. Yes...I said moped. My parents got themselves mopeds. They're going to join a moped gang with Gary Rohde.

We scooted all around the back roads near my parents' house and then down to see the Olmsteads to grab some chocolate, a key ingredient for my Easter dinner contribution.

Good news! I didn't crash! I didn't run into the side of an RV! I didn't spook the horses we passed on the road so they didn't buck up and kick me in the head! (I saw the whole scene go down in my head as we approached the trotting horses...an irrational possibility, perhaps, but I'd like to think it's natural for a new mother to assume something awful could happen to her while separated from her child.)

!! !!

We woke Sunday to Easter baskets, butter braids and other delicious breakfast treats. After church, Rolin promptly peed through his Easter outfit, and I quickly dipped strawberries in chocolate. After we cleaned up the respective messes, we headed to the Olmsteads' house for family Easter dinner.

After dinner, we made a Harlem Shake video:

Everyone from 8-month-old Rolin, to nearly 93-year-old Nanny was involved. I LOVE IT!

We ended up staying in Grandview until Monday as Justin had to go back to Yakima for a work to-do before we could head back Spokane. I'm glad we stayed longer than anticipated (even though we planned poorly on the diaper and extra clothes front); the weather was gorgeous, and, as always, there's no place like home!

The Lights

Working in the world of retail makes for a different holiday season experience. When both of us were working retail the last three Christmases we hardly saw each other from Thanksgiving to New Years, what with Justin working long hours six days a week and me only getting Christmas day off.

Not that I'm complaining...we were both thankful to be employed...it just took a little getting used to!

This year is different as I'm staying home with Rolly, and, thanks to a rewrite of the rules at work, Justin only works five days during the holiday time frame  The only catch is that one of those five has to be a weekend day.

However...that allows us to do holiday-type activities during the week instead of the weekend when everyone and their grandma is out trying to do the same activity!

On one of our free days in early December, we drove out to Coeur d'Alene to see the light show around the resort. There is also a Journey to the North Pole lake cruise, complete with 30,000 lights and the "world's largest living animated Christmas tree," but we figured we should save that for when Rolin is able to stay awake, feed himself and appreciate the boat ride.

We stayed near the resort, moseyed around the decorated marina and ended the evening with an adult beverage and dairy-free potato skins at the resort restaurant. It was a chilly night out, but it was fun to get out of the house for a family night on the town.

Here are a few pics:

Lit path to the resort.

 The marina at the resort is all lit up!

You can see Rolin's face over the handle this time!

Click on the pics for a larger view.

Rolly was in a good mood the whole night, even at the restaurant! 

Also, I love his hat...it was a 50-cent score at a consignment shop. Holla!

Thanksgiving

We had a full house for Thanksgiving -- 11 adults and one baby! Most of the crew stayed a hotel, but gathered at our place during the days they were in town. This year, in addition to the many other blessings in our lives, I was very thankful to have inherited Grandma Chris' expand-o dining table.

Thanks to those of you who reached out with turkey-in-an-electric-roaster tips. Our turkey cooked in less time than expected and didn't explode, burn or stay raw. Nice and juicy. Flavorful, too. I used Giada's recipe for Turkey with Herbes de Provence and Citrus. Delish! I also made her Warm Artichoke & Bacon Dip. I gave myself a pat on the back for that dish. 

We had plenty of people to keep Rolin company, the men washed the dishes, we watched a movie called "The Grey" (do yourself a favor and don't watch it -- I'm looking at you, Olmsteads!), the gals went out for a little pre- and Black Friday shopping, we snacked, we slept, we played games and we watched a lot of football. A lot. 

Including...THE APPLE CUP. Go Cougs :)

Here are a few picture highlights:

Rolly and Uncle Joe

Rolin and Grandma Karen

Another four-generation shot: Grandma Grace, Grandma Karen, Rolin and Justin

Some of the gang. Thank goodness we did finally invest in a bigger couch!

Kitchen supervisors should always have a glass of wine...

Thanksgiving table.

Table from another angle (in the forefront: Breanna's cranberry-pear sauce. So good!).

Thanks for the bib, Aunt Kathy!

Justin carved the turkey after carefully studying Alton Brown's instructional video.

We failed to get an official shot of everyone sitting at the table, but you get the gist.

We hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving too!