Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas

Saturday, December 22nd, 2007
For those of you who don't know, Michael celebrated his 36th birthday on Sunday. It is tough to be born the day before Christ's Birthday. Michael has memories of being stilted out of gifts and birthday cake as a youngin. I try to make him feel special even though at this time of the year that is hard.

We managed to get out for a date night on Saturday. We went to Piatti, which is where we celebrated our rehearsal dinner before our wedding. I have to admit that I wasn't expecting much but we had the best meal we have had in a very long time! It was a nice quiet evening full of pasta and wine.


Sunday, December 23rd, 2007
We woke up on Michael's special day with Madeleine at 4 am ready to start the day. Forty-five minutes later Max followed up with puking. He vomited everything he had and then some. Poor little guy, he actually looked green. He clearly needed to stay home and rest so Michael and Madeleine went out for a fun father/ daughter day. They went downtown to his work to pick some stuff up. And then went and had lunch. After that they went to the pet store and bought our first family pet: a male betta fish.

Upon their return Maxy was feeling much better and we went out for a quick bite to eat at the Santa Fe Cafe. The kids went to bed and Michael and I enjoyed the night before Christmas eve. The best little present I could have asked for was a full night's sleep. Yep, I actually got a full 8 hours of sleep that night! I'm writing this with apprehension because it seems that every time I write about sleep the opposite happens that night. Hold your breath and cross your fingers that this continues. Last night wasn't as good but it certainly was not bad.

Monday, December 24th, 2007
Thank you to my friend Megan for providing a lovely brunch full of good friends and good food. Max and Madeleine loved spending time with the big kids and Michael and I enjoyed catching up with our friends.

Home. Nap.

Later that afternoon we were on a ferry in beautiful Seattle Sun on our way to Whidbey Island to enjoy Christmas eve Bouillabaisse with the Klassen Family. Thank you Bruce, Caroline, Lisa and Brandon for your hospitality and great conversation. The food was tremendous, as always, and the desserts were everywhere, as usual.

After a very late night the kids went to bed and Micheal and I stayed up two more hours assembling toys and getting the living room ready for Christmas morning. We were so excited this would be the first Christmas that would be truly fun for the kids.

Tuesday, December 25th, 2007
to be continued....