Siena gets plenty of Eskimo kisses from Bethany, who loves to spoil her rotten. (And we don't mind a bit.)
Everyone was in awe of The NutQuacker - Katie's gift to Siena was too good NOT to share.
Pumpkin pie is a breakfast staple at Sorbello holidays. What a charming pair.
After a quick bite we were called into the living room by Luke's insistent "Presents!" and when everyone arrived he plopped into Auntie Ra-Ra's lap.
Bethany, Richie, and January 8th.
Siena, as usual, was passed around quite a bit.
Richie wins the "magic touch" award. Moments later, Siena was snoozing in his arms.
Dance session in the kitchen to Gracie's new Collective Soul CD. Yay Collective Soul!
Time to play with all the toys! Poppy tried out Luke's tricycle for him because Luke can't reach the pedals. Looks like Poppy can't really, either.
Mower takes the cake. Good work, Auntie Ra-Ra.
Sunday afternoon my good friend Karen (from high school) and her hubby, Steven, stopped in for the night on their way back up to Seattle.
Siena got a sweet hat and blanket out of the deal, hand-knitted by Karen!
New Year's Eve was fun this year, with my parents and sister, all of the Sorbellos, Aunt Robin, and the Gouthreaus (Richie's parents - spelling?) assembling.
The guys played a lot of pool - 8 rounds or so.
Tony LOVED Siena (or so it seemed) and she gave him LOTS of smiles.
And the female contingent learned/played Carcassonne a few times.
Gracie was in fine form, doing tricks for the camera, entertaining us as usual. :)
At the strike of 12 we were all out in the street, banging our pots and pans.
Kinda dark video, but you get the picture... a dark one. :)
After a full night of partying, Siena was plumb tuckered out, just the way Daddy likes her.
Close-up of our cheeky monkey
Happy 2009!
What better way to start a new year than with some love from your aunt?
Grandmas sure have a way with babies!
New Year's Day was particularly eventful this year because we celebrated Luke's second birthday. It was a tad early since "mommy" will be cooped up in a hospital bed and tending to a newborn baby on the real date (Jan. 10). Bethany, as usual, threw a unique and entertaining bash for the train-loving boy.
The festivities began with a game co-authored by the proud parents. In one we had to match pictures to ages, and in the other we estimated mileage from Davis to Winnepeg, Pullman (WA), and New York. Guess who won? ME. Only 92 miles off the total.
Sarah always appreciates a good party because it means an occasion to drink Diet Coke (or Coke Zero).
The next event was a car racing(dropping down a slide) tournament where everyone picked a car and worked their way through the single elimination bracket. Here, Grandpa Tony and Gracie face off with Luke as a neutral judge.
The Birthday Boy vs. Grammy!
Sarah got a head start since Richie was multi-tasking, but we know it's not how you start that counts... and I think he edged her out in the end.
Here's Shiloh trying to pull some shenanigans on Kristen.
But you might wonder who won the whole thing? It was yours truly, despite Shiloh's attempts to run me off the ramp. No picture, though, because I was too busy winning. Luckily Shi caught it on video. :)
No party is complete without a party hat. And sticking with the theme, Poppy and Luke sport Cars (the movie) hats with Mater on them. (Like TO-mater.)
And of course, parties also require cakes. Little guys like Luke also require assistance in blowing out their candles.
Alexander snagged the frosting covered trains and offered to help clean them off. With his tongue.
The blondies, sticking together.
Alas, it was a day when Siena didn't get to steal Luke's thunder, but she made her rounds anyhow...
With Mommy...
Daddy... (Siena looks like she has a red mohawk!)
Cousin Dan...
And Aunt Robin!
Friday, Natalie and I met Lizzy Schuh at Starbucks. She had such a cool gift for Siena!
Cookie stamps! She made some ready-to-eat with her paw print stamp.
Caffeine affects Siena differently than most.
We went to the Smith house on Saturday night for some Wii action after an open gym for Shiloh's basketball team (which none of the players attended - just coaches). Justin got Guitar Hero - World Tour for Christmas, and the guys formed a band: "Burning Loins." Shiloh was on vocals, Justin dropped the bass track, Penna kept the beat on drums, and Chuck Modesty wailed on the electric guitar. Katelyn is one of the many groupies.
