A Day in the Life

Usually I just pull the camera out when something incredibly monumental or funny happens. But these pictures were taken on a more normal, casual day when Khloe and I were just doing what we do, playin around in the front yard picking dandelions and such. Also during this day she saw her first real-life spider. I know most women are freaked out about spiders but I'm totally not. I guess I impressed that upon her because she promptly tried to pick it up and check it out. Yikes! I might not be afraid but that doesn't mean my kiddo should go picking them up willy-nilly. Guess we'll have to teach "looking but no touching." Ha.

Barn Babies

So there's this Massachusetts company called Barn Babies that is basically a travel-to-you petting zoo of baby animals. Brilliant! The city of Quincy arranged a free playgroup activity with Barn Babies for the little kids of Quincy. We went and Khloe had a blast! There were kittens, puppies, a baby pig, a lamb, baby bunnies and a chicken.

Easter and a Visit

For her birthday my mom was gifted a trip out to visit us. It was SO fun! We hardly slept because how could we let a minute go by without being together?

Her visit happened to fall on Easter weekend so we had lots of fun doing Easter-y things. Like egg-hunts galore, digging through Easter baskets, and taking Easter pics after Church.

Loved every minute!

Happy Birthday Wes!

Okay, I admit I took quite the hiatus. But here I am, back again. Hopefully that's a good thing? ;) More than a few things have happened since my last post, ahem, 4 months ago. One of the more important ones was Wes' birthday. He's a grand 28-years-old now!

Snow, Snow and More Snow

For those of you who haven't happened by the weather channel this winter season, we in Boston are getting hammered with snow. I believe the current total inches we've received so far this winter is 60. SIXTY INCHES!! Can you even believe it?! You know those 'snow mountains' in the corner of grocery store parking lots that, as a kid, you always pleaded with your parents to let you climb? Here in Boston everyone has their very own snow mountain right in their front yard.
At least somebody likes the snow!

Santa's Surprise

Hmmm... days into February and I'm still posting about Christmas? Lame. So sorry. Last one, I promise.

This is what "Santa" sewed up for Khloe this year using this tutorial. On second thought, maybe you shouldn't look at it. Mine seems a lot more impressive without having seen hers. :)

Our Christmas by Highlights

I believe in a less-is-more approach to blogs. But, that being said, I'm horrible at it!! I really tried to whittle our long 18 day Christmas break. And here you go. :)

This girl loved "Tanta" but only from a distance.Hermiston city lights with uncle Ethan.In Seattle visiting Grandma Dorothy.Still in Seattle visiting grandma, at the Seattle Center.In Kennewick with all the Karlsons on Christmas Eve writing letters to Santa.The aftermath on Christmas morning.Our lovely family in the typical in-front-of-the-tree-in-your-church-clothes photo. All the Karlson cousins, left to right: Kadence, Hailey, Khloe, Preston, Tanner and Julia.Post-photo dance.
And post-church-clothes-and-photo loungin. (my favorite picture of all!)

Her Favorite Pastime

Pappy & Uncle Ethan

We do love it out here in New England but I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'm pretty much homesick and lonely for family all the time. So, of course, I was giddy with delight when my dad and little bro Ethan squeezed in a weekend visit while mom was at a seminar. It was SO fun. Right before they got here Khloe surprised us by adding to her vocabulary: "Pappy."

First on the itinerary? A fashion show, apparently.
Then a train ride a few stations before we were routed back to the car because of track maintenance (we ended up driving). Khloe just had to hold on to those hand straps.
She COULD NOT be separated from Pappy.
Up to the USS Constitution. The oldest commissioned war ship. The hull is still original! Nicknamed "Old Ironsides" after a battle where cannon balls actually bounced off because of it's white oak/live oak/white oak layers. At the time the live oak gave the us quite an advantage as live oak could only be found in the southern US. "Old Ironsides" never lost a battle.
Then to Bunker Hill. You can't imagine how ridiculous I looked trying to get the tip of the monument and everyone in the picture, sprawled on my back on the ground... Lol. Well, success!
On our last full day we went to Castle Island for a beautiful view as we ate our fried seafood (yum!), swinging, and some rock skipping.
So sweet yet so short. Ahhhh. Well at least we're heading home for Christmas in less than a month! Hopefully we'll get our family fix then. :)