My Bliss

Ah, a break with a scone and coffee at Whole Foods

2010 was a year of many changes and much to be thankful for: Dom's new job and our five-year-wedding anniversary, our daughter born in March, our son celebrating his second year of life, nephew Dax arriving in May, my new freelance career, and our steadfast family and friends.

I am also thankful this year for little breaks with a scone and coffee, free yoga at lululemon, kind firefighters who encourage Rhys' imagination, wide open spaces of greenery in St Louis, free museums and libraries, preschool for two-year-olds, a Democrat in the White House, and the Internet (Thanks, Al Gore).

In outfit number 2

Firefighter Claudie

Thanksgiving 2010

Snow in Clayton on Thanksgiving Day as seen at the Sheraton

Thanksgiving was in Clayton, MO this year and we had a full house -- Christopher, Jeanine and Dax came in from Minneapolis, my Dad and Joan from LA and Dom's mom and brothers from St Louis.

We provided the ingredients and happily turned the kitchen over - in part - to C and J who whipped up homemade pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes in brown sugar, mashed potatoes, stuffing and turkey. (Dom would like to point out that we actually do a good version of a Thanksgiving meal but we were happy for the assistance.)

Chris and the cousins

More fun was had at the St Louis Science Center, Oak Knoll Artist Park, MotoEuropa and the AB Brewing Tour...(hopefully St Louis made a good enough impression despite the chilly temps and runny noses!).

Just another morning of firefighting

Fire, fire, FIRE.
Now Claudia is joining in on the action and so will Baby Cousin Dax in a few days, if he's lucky.

Claudia is 8...

...months old today. She is reaching up for her favorite people, laughing with Rhys, playing firetrucks and blocks, eating fruits and veggies, doing a little babbling, and trying to crawl. She was up on hands and knees today -- reminding us that the times, they are a changing.

Thanks Aunt Kate for the adorable dress. And, yes, it isn't that warm in St Louis -- Rhys has just decided to adopt a swimming look at all times inside - when not fighting fires, which requires an entirely different wardrobe.

In the genes

We may be in trouble as Rhys has motorcycle enthusiasts and professionals on both side of the family!
Here he is pictured at Moto Europa in St Louis where his Uncle Mark works as the sales manager. (Learn more about our recent visit with the Nolidans by reading Sheila's post).
Dom and I are looking forward to attending the opening party this Thursday evening -- and perhaps buying a few holiday presents. But not actually riding any vehicles.

Sweet Potato

Enjoying food

Two bottom teeth not shown...

Rhys' Halloween: Double Trouble

2009 Halloween in Chicago

Rhys first met his friend Charlie in Summer Camp. Charlie, a year older, was one of three Charlies in Rhys' camp but we referred to him as the Blonde Charlie. Rhys and Blonde Charlie shared the same shoe size and taste in shoes (leading to some confusion when it was time to go home). Rhys was reunited with Charlie at "open times" play at the local family center and has clamored for more Charlie time (Charlie, while happy to see Rhys, is nowhere near as enthused.) This Halloween we went to a neighborhood party nearby where several of Rhys' preschool friends live.There was a hayride, pizza and beverages for all ages, and trick-or-treating. The best part for Rhys - Charlie was dressed as a Fire Dog, too. I think they are destined to be friends. ( It gets odder -- a month ago Claudia and I went through a house for sale only to find it was Charlie's...) 

2010 Halloween in St Louis - Rhys on the right!

Claudia's Halloween: Sting like a bee

Our very cute bumble bee was without her head piece...the perils of buying gently used children's costumes.

Granny stopped by to see the children in costume.