movie recommendation

Elsa usually does not recommend movies but her dad thinks this is an important one. Whether you like Al Gore or not (the presenter), this is a valuable film in terms of changing human habits for the sake of future generations. Rent an inconvenient truth (or check it out from the library) today.

Boulevard Park...

Having fun with Elsa's orange 4X4. I think she was sleeping at the time.

Money Grubber

Note that Elsa's got her hand in the "piggy bank." She seems to be worried that she'll be discovered.

snow...

More than 8 1/2 inches have accumulated today thus far! Took the BOB all-terrain stroller to church this morning... didn't even have to chain up. ; )

Reading With Your 11 Month Old: a Step By Step Guide

Since these shots were taken, Elsa has been entertaining herself and us by pointing at the teddy bear on each page in one of her books. The first time she did this we thought surely she was advanced and headed for greatness. That was before we asked her to point to the little girl and she pointed at the teddy bear... and we asked her to point at Mama and she pointed at Dada. Ah, well, at least her great intelligence won't go to our heads.

question for anthropologists

Recently, a family member of our household located and photographed this strange circular phenomenon... it contains plastic and fuzzy objects. We are now attempting to discover what type of creature leaves a nearly perfect circular pattern like this one. Any ideas?

Friends...

Elsa visited with Abby last weekend... fun to actually play with someone her own age. Elsa really appreciated Abby's hospitality and willingness to share her very cool toys. She is already looking forward to the next visit!

first words confirmed!

well, elsa has said a lot of things that sound like words. now confirmed by at least three different sources: she can identify and say "duck" and "a duck". she says this about several different shapes and sizes of toy ducks... it is pretty cool. she also says something very close to "cat" when she visits with grandma's cats during the week. thought I would pass along the news. -daddy

Seattle Aquarium

Mommy and Daddy took me to see the marine animals and fish at the Seattle Aquarium on Saturday. I especially liked the sea otters, the "petting pools" (almost as fun as splashing at bathtime) and the pretty tropical fish. I can't wait to go to the zoo next!

You Know Your From Washington State When:

Dad used these in history class today and we thought you might get a kick out of some of them.

• You know the state flower (Mildew).
• You feel guilty when you don't recycle.
• You use the phrase "sun break" and know what it means.
• You know more than 10 ways to order coffee.
• You can wear casual clothes to a nice restaurant.
• You've stood on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" Signal.
• You understand that if it has no snow or has not erupted, it is not a mountain.
• You can taste the difference between Starbuck's, Seattle's Best, and Tully's.
• You know the difference between Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye (or at least know what they are).
• You consider swimming an indoor sport.
• You are well versed in the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food.
• In winter, you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark -- while only working eight-hour days.
• You never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho.
• You are not fazed by "Today's forecast: showers followed by rain," and "Tomorrow's forecast: rain followed by showers."
• You have no concept of humidity without precipitation.
• You can point to at least two volcanoes, even if you cannot see through the cloud cover.
• You notice "the mountain is out" when it is a pretty day and you can actually see it.
• You put on your shorts when the temperature gets above 50, but still wear your hiking boots and parka.
• You switch to your sandals when it gets about 60, but keep the socks on.
• You've actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.
• You think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists.
• You knew immediately that the view out of Frasier's window was fake.
• You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Washington.