Saturday, January 24, 2015

Kiewit District Meeting


On Thursday and Friday this week, Jeff had the annual Kiewit District Meeting for the Northwest District. On Thursday evening we had an evening out a Punch Bowl Social. We visited with friends, played some darts, and ate some tacos. 











On Friday morning Jeff was asked to give a speech on the importance of safety in the workplace. He was nervous, but later in the evening, several co-workers told him what a great job he did. He is such a shy guy and not one to speak in front of crowds, so to say I am proud of him is an understatement. Also, he looks so handsome in a suit!


WE decided not to stay overnight, but since Kiewit paid for a room for us anyway, we had a place to leave our coats before dinner. This was the pretty view of the Willamette from the window.


Then we headed to the ballroom for cocktail hour and found a private room to I could watch most of Jeff's morning safety talk on his co-worker's phone. 


Then we grabbed a couple of cocktails and chatted with people before heading into dinner. 



The dining area was full of amazing ice sculptures.





After dinner, a few of the wives asked the husbands to take photos...






 as you can see I got mostly outtakes. 


The after party consisted of a live band, flowing spirits, amazing lounge areas with rustic Alaskan decor, and billiards and other games. 





We had a great time but didn't stay out too late. Until next year!

This & That


We've had very little rain in Washington this past month so we've been taking walks almost everyday, which the kids love. Ella rides her bicycle and soon may be ready to try pedaling without her training wheels!


Gramme stopped by for a visit last week and happy donned a crown with her granddaughter. 


We've already decorated for St. Valentine's day. I only have two banners, so decorating was pretty simple. It's never too early to spread some love, right?!


My former workplace, Pacific Crest Academy, had a fundraiser for Nationwide Children's Hospital to help raise funds for a gene therapy clinical trial which will likey cure SMA. There was a dinner and rock-a-thon a week ago at a local restaurant so the kids and I happily attended. Thank you Barbi Jackson, for coordinating this!

 Nicholas has several therapy, speech, and reading tutoring appointments during the week, all of which happen in our home, so during that time Ella and sit together and practice writing letters, colors and shapes, or we read together. It's nice to have time to reinforce what she learning in preschool. 


Portland Trail Blazer Game


Our good friend, Joe Miller, invited Jeff to the Blazer vs. Miami Heat Game a couple weeks ago. Jeff had a great time and even got this photo with Blaze, the mascot!

Friday, January 2, 2015

2015 Begins

This is my motto for 2015...


Saint Teresa of Calcutta said the most amazing, inspirational things during her life. She was a true hero and a beautiful woman of faith. 


Elizabeth got some roller skates for Christmas from her Grandma Steph. She absolutely loves them and spent a couple of hours practicing in them a couple days ago.


She's a little wobbly and a little unsure of herself, but she's doing great so far and with additional practice I am sure she will get the hang of it.


Until then, thank goodness for protective gear!


I have been on vacation from work for two weeks and it's been wonderful. This is my daily outfit...cozy yoga pants and a comfy sweater. Pure bliss. 


We had some visitors on the last day of the year. This little cutie pants, Riya, and her older sister, Lily. They stayed to play for a couple of hours and the kids enjoyed the time with them immensely. Ella and Lily played most of the morning in her bedroom with all her new toys and Riya happily entertained Nicholas who was absolutely enamored with her. 


He LOVES babies. But who doesn't?


We rang in the new year with close friends who live around the corner from us and the kids made it to midnight. Ella napped earlier in the day, so she had plenty of energy for the evening. 

On new year's day, Ella & I went to mass and we saw my parents sitting in the church when we arrived, so we sat with them and they treated us to lunch. What a treat! It was a wonderful way to begin 2015!

We wish all our readers a happy and healthy 2015!!