Ballard Famiglia

2 years later...

2010-09-25T22:37:00.000-07:00

...and life keeps rolling along. Our two year old is now four, and he is a loving, funny, feisty blessing.

Changing Seasons...

2008-09-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

With the rain showing up last weekend, I guess it is time to (sigh) close out summer and think about autumn. There was a small part of me that enjoyed the coziness last Saturday of the rain pattering on the skylights, and actually wanting to put socks on so my feet didn't get cold on the wood floors. I'm sure that part of me that was excited about winter coming will be long gone by mid-December, though. Summer ended in a frenzy of wedding fun, visits from friends and relatives, and starting the new school year on an 80 degree day (whew!).

A fun time in Puerto Vallarta -sans Giacomo- with newlyweds Nicole and Jeff. We had great time enjoying the beach and pool, and I was thrilled to get BBC so we could watch snippets of the DNC in our hotel room.

Giacomo didn't show an ounce of fear - he absolutely loved his first pony ride. It didn't hurt that the pony's name was "Harley".

Giacomo in his bell-ringer "pirate suit". For more on that story, see http://matthagen.com/blog/?p=121

Taking advantage of the last couple of sunny weekends on Whidbey

We hung out at home a lot more this summer - it was nice having more room!

G is a big help in the kitchen. We hope soon he'll be making pumpkin pie for us.

Putting away groceries

2008-07-22T11:32:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Giacomo was "helping" me put away groceries. I asked him to hand me the cans from the box so I could put them in the mini-fridge, but he had other ideas...

Summer fun!

2008-07-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Sunshine is such an upper! We've been having fun enjoying the toasty days!We started summer off with a trip to Chelan with the Turners. Brandon, Ryan, Colin and Giacomo are the ultimate wakeboard spotters!

Giacomo discovered ice cream, and loves it of course. It's such a bummer when we have to finish his cone for him...
Had some Fourth of July fun with Adam and my parents on Whidbey. Bill and Sue Goodman (neighbors from the Auburn days) and their adorable grandkids Ella and Severin joined us for a fantastic day. Giacomo loved the parade and carnival, and HATED the fireworks. Maybe next year he'll see them for the cool things they are. I mean, what's not to like about gunpowder?!

With summer in full force, we are especially enjoying being so close to the beach. We've been enjoying picnics at Golden Gardens, and there's always a drum circle or two to amuse G.

Moved in!

2008-06-04T11:57:00.001-07:00

Seven months and one week (but who's counting?)after demo started on our house, we got to move back in. We're still living out of boxes and hunting for things, but it's great to be home. Stop by if you're in the 'hood (and don't mind a mess!)...

Neve!

2008-04-19T23:11:00.001-07:00

Giacomo celebrated his 23 month birthday with a snowball fight. Yikes!

Windows, floors & a bathroom

2008-04-05T00:04:00.001-07:00

I guess we can move in! Okay, not quite yet. We still need some paint, countertops, and fixtures, but things are moving right along. We have been really impressed and happy with Axiom, our design/build firm.

Giacomo likes running around the Tigerwood floors.

Bathroom is getting the finishing touches.
Soon we'll be back in the 'hood!

Wrapping Up Winter

2008-03-04T20:12:00.000-08:00

Giacomo is getting so big, and starting to act like a sassy 2 year old. He starting walking on his own pretty well while we were at Mt. Bachelor over mid-winter break, which was a joy to see! It's amazing what having 3 other boys to chase after will do for his motivation to move!
We enjoyed great weather in Oregon - here we are on a walk along the Deschutes River (yes, like the brewery - yum!).

Colin, Ryan, Brandon & Giacomo - the Mt. Bachelor ski bunnies!

We had a fun visit with the Tuttles and Pauletta, and Giacomo had a great time playing with Shaye and Ryder. I think the cherry on top was when Giacomo got to borrow some Dora pajamas to wear home. When I took the PJ's out of the dryer to fold them last week, G grabbed them and promptly gave Dora a big smooch. She's definitely right up there with curious George on the favorites list!
Bring on the sunshine!

Three Virtuosos (almost)

2008-02-12T21:58:00.000-08:00

We had an impromptu brunch after the Love 'em or leave 'em Dash at Green Lake, and Ryan, Giacomo and Colin provided some lovely after-brunchin' music. I especially love Giacomo's headbanging...

"There's No Crying In Baseball!"

2008-01-27T20:59:00.001-08:00

Giacomo had a great time "running" (sort of) the bases at Safeco Field during Mariner's Fanfest today, until I plunked him down on second base for a picture. His near-tears boo-boo face caught the camera person's attention, and he put Giacomo live on the Jumbotron TV! Luckily he held it together until I picked him up. Go Mariners!

First Haircut in a Taxi

2008-01-10T12:02:00.001-08:00

I couldn't bear to see the curls go, so Miss Rachel didn't take too much off. Giacomo didn't like the cape, but once he was distracted by the toys, animals on the wall, and tattoos, he did okay.

Buon Natale 2007

2007-12-28T22:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas fun started with some Festivus bowling up in Oak Harbor. The boys really dressed up (Jeff politely declined the fashion contest).

Christmas Eve we headed to church for the kids' service, where Giacomo was enthralled with the bells, singing, and candles. It was fun to see so many friends and some of the kids (now adults) who used to be in the children's choir at church, who are now in college, or even having kids of their own! After church we headed to my cousin's house, where Giacomo got to play with his cousins Evan, Cadence, Aubrie and Rogan. It was cute having all the little blondies jumping around the house!Christmas morning Matt and Betsy and Aunt Kelly came over. Betsy cooked a yummy breakfast for us, Giacomo opened presents, and we watched A Christmas Story. My dad had NEVER seen it before!

Giacomo sure loved the kid-sized train some of my students made for him!

Merry Christmas!

Whistler Thanksgiving

2007-11-30T14:46:00.001-08:00

We had 4 days of sunshine this year up at Whistler! Thanksgiving dinner was fabulous, and the 20 or so friends and family that came up were a blast to hang out with. Just before Thanksgiving dinner, someone yelled "Bear!" and sure enough, there was a black bear ambling up the drive outside our townhouse. Luckily the living area and balcony was one level up, so we could safely crowd the balcony and scare the bear away. On Saturday before we left, we saw a mama bear and her cub walking through parking area.
It was so relaxing and uplifting to get to spend an extended amount of time with people that we just don't get to see enough of.

A yummy feast!

Beautiful day at the summit - and the skiing was great!

Ryan, Colin and Giacomo kept us on our toes!

Roof, windows and siding

2007-11-29T21:34:00.000-08:00

Spawn of Beth's

2007-11-18T21:09:00.000-08:00

Giacomo had his first trip to Beth's Cafe on Thursday. HE doesn't know that he is in the spot where his parents (and uncle) worked many, many graveyard shifts together, played lots of pinball, and fell in like (okay, or maybe love). But it was fun taking him to the place where it all started! Lots of great memories...but I sure don't miss working graveyard and waiting on drunk frat boys...

Giacomo & Fiona

2007-11-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

We had dinner with the Conners last night. Jeff and I enjoyed catching up with Dave and Chaos, and Giacomo had a great time playing with Fiona! They both looked so cute together with their little blond curls and impish faces. Fun!

Fungroover, BC

2007-11-08T22:18:00.001-08:00

Matt, Giacomo and I had a fun, sunny weekend in Vancouver while Jeff was in India. Coll and Simon were fabulous hosts, as always!Soakin' in the sun!

Yes, I made Matt shoot a posed photo...probably won't get another one until Jack graduates...

Checking out the fountain at Queen Elizabeth Park

Construction

2007-11-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

The second level is really taking shape! The nice weather lately has been a help in getting things done - hopefully we'll get everything dried in before our next big rain. Did I say "we"? Right, what I meant was, thank goodness for framers and roofers and hopefully THEY will get it dried in soon - the royal "we" is way too busy (and tired) for this kind of project!
Below is the computer-designed "finished" house , although we won't be going with the mint green paint.

More!

2007-11-05T13:25:00.001-08:00

Here's a sleepy picture of our little signer (no I don't mean singer, although he loves to do that too!). In the last month or so, Giacomo has really taken off with sign language. His first sign was "more" (which he's doing in the photo above), and "motorcycle" was a close second. Now without reminders he uses more, motorcycle, eat, kitty, dog, diaper, gentle, sleep, cookie, play, milk, airplane, book, hat, please and I'm sure a couple more I'm forgetting. It's so great being able to communicate, although we haven't figured out how to sign "Please go get mommy a glass of wine." That's probably a good thing.

Ready for GQ

2007-10-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

More Chicago pics

2007-10-09T23:39:00.001-07:00

Giacomo and the girls getting groovy at Wes's place

Outside the jellybean

and inside looking up (that's us!)...

Crown Fountain at night

Rockstar sighting

New toys...

2007-10-07T19:37:00.001-07:00

for little boys...

and big boys...

Go T-Birds!

2007-10-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hockey season is here again! The Seattle Thunderbirds won their home opener last weekend - let's hope for a winning season!

Fun in Chicago

2007-09-25T22:12:00.001-07:00

We got to take a quick trip this weekend to Chicago for godson Ezra's baptism. It was wonderful to hang out with the Vinson clan and Wes Pope, and see the sights. The weather was fantastic, the kids had a blast playing, and we had fun catching up with dear friends.

Ezra Brian Vinson, child of God!

A hot day at Wrigley Field, and the Cubbies won!

Giacomo on top of the world (or at least the Hancock Tower)

Ezra, Sadie-Kate, Giacomo and Ruby - great pals!

I love Italians...

2007-09-14T09:06:00.001-07:00

and so does my husband. Here's the Italian he's been dreaming about lately...

Island time

2007-09-14T08:45:00.001-07:00

You can't go wrong with island time!

On our way to South Finger Island and arriving below...

Walking up the (steep) bluff was a little difficult holding Giacomo, especially for a klutz like me!

Giacomo and Sierra had a grand time

Playing on the beach on Whidbey Island

This is our "Pacific Northwest beach with a toddler" Corona commercial

Hangin' in his crib...

2007-08-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

Just a clip of Giacomo (and his mum) being silly...

Adam the Poleclimber

2007-08-24T16:58:00.001-07:00

My brother Adam works for Seattle City light as a linesman apprentice. He recently passed "Climbing School" (hooray!), and here he is showing his chops, doing what is called a turnout.
What you CAN see is that he's staying on the pole merely by his belt and the gaffes on his feet. What you can't see is that he's 30 feet up in the air.
Go Adam!

August!

2007-08-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

Giacomo had fun growling at pirates (and Aunt Nicki) at the Seafair Parade...

...and watching the Blue Angels with Grandpa Vito (who also wore his ear protection so Giacomo wouldn't feel "stupid")...

...and we had a wonderful time marooning ourselves for a long weekend on South Finger Island in the San Juan Islands with Coll and Simon.

Summer so far...

2007-07-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

We had Giacomo's birthday party a month late, and he was NOT impressed with the cake! Or it could have been the 50 people in the yard watching him. Except for this moment, Jack had a GREAT time playing with all the kids, and we were happy it didn't rain!He was in a good mood later, though, and hammed it up pretty well for his Fruncle Matt.

At the end of June we went camping in Chelan with the Turners and the Moores. The weather was perfect, the wakeboarding and surfing was fun (but cold!), and except for the 5am wake-up each day from our rooster-esque son, it was a fun time!

After camping was a quick solo trip to Chicago for a math training. Luckily I got to fit in a Cubbies game (Wrigley Field is so...quaint), and more importantly, visits with the Vinsons and Wes.

After returning from Chicago, we started packing our house, and we just moved into my parents vacant condo so we can start construction on a second story.
Giacomo is wondering when we are going to start relaxing this summer...hmm?

Uncle Roy & Aunt Eileen

2007-06-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

My great uncle Roy was what you might call a "character". Actually, he reminded me very much of my grandpa, who was his younger brother. Adam and I grew up hearing stories of Roy and his victorious battle in the U.S. Supreme Court. We also got to visit with Uncle Roy and Aunt Eileen several times growing up, and see the kindness and quirkiness in person. Aunt Eileen and I connected through music, as she was a pianist and organist. When she could no longer play, her many music books joined my collection, and I think of her each time I open one of her books and play a song.
I was fortunate enough to have a last visit with Uncle Roy and Aunt Eileen in August of 2005. Aunt Eileen died in February of 2006, and Uncle Roy died on June 9, 2007.
The Washington Post ran an obituary last week that was a good snapshot of Uncle Roy's life. However, it failed to mention how Roy would take 15 minutes to take a single family picture at every reunion we had ("Just a minute now...move to the left...almost got it...). The obit also left out details of when he and my grandpa would take the family car on the gravel road over Snoqualmie Pass to Wenatchee in the 1940s. The car had a leaky radiator, so one of them would ride on the front bumper with a tin cup to scoop water out of the puddles and fill the radiator while the other one drove.

Uncle Roy and his daughter Linda, then and last year.

Although I was raised Lutheran and continue to be a member of the church, the principles of the U.S. Constitution that Roy fought for have always been admired by me, and I think most of my family. The government can't tell you how to worship or who to worship, and your religious beliefs have nothing to do with your ability to be an honest citizen. I hope we see more "Uncle Roys" in the future.
When my dad was visiting him a couple of years ago, Roy, at age 94, needed some help across the parking lot. He thanked my dad for the assistance, saying, "I don't get around as quickly as when I was just 90". He was an energetic spirit and I'll miss him.

Class of 2007!

2007-06-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of sitting with the Auburn High School Class of 2007 at their graduation. What a trip! It was strange being back in "The Pit" (all you AHS grads know what I'm talking about!), and fun to see many of my former 5th grade students in their caps & gowns.

How did these cute little 5th graders get so big?Ah, youth!

*Congrats!*

Since 1977...

2007-06-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

...Kevin Swan and I have been friends. That would mean we met in 1st grade, for those who don't want to do the math. Giacomo and I got to hang out with Kev and meet his adorable and incredibly sweet family. We're so glad they made some time for us on their trip out from Indiana!

Fun with the Drekes

2007-06-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

We had a great dinner with fellow former HM neighbor Katie Dreke (nee Goodman), her hubby Damon, and adorable babes Severin and Ella. Giacomo enjoyed having someone his own size to chat with!

The Ducks take the Cup!

2007-06-09T17:22:00.001-07:00

Giacomo and his Uncle Adam love to watch hockey together. For the second year in a row, they have watched the winning game in the Stanley Cup series together, so I guess it's a tradition now!

Giacomo can't yell "GOAL" yet, but he did play his kazoo to celebrate his team scoring.

Four months and counting until hockey season starts...

Viva Las Vegas!

2007-06-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to squeeze a girl's trip in last weekend. Unfortunately, my luck did not carry to the blackjack table (grrr). It was relaxing, fun, a little rowdy, and great to get a blast of sun.

While I was out of town, the boys went for motorcycle rides...

...partied at the park...
...and ran around naked!
I missed my little guy, but it was refreshing to get away and remember life before the bambino.

Thank God for girlfriends!

Spoonman

2007-05-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

Giacomo learns to use a spoon - sort of.

One year old

2007-05-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

Giacomo enjoyed starting the day opening cards and presents, and finishing the day when Uncle Adam came over for a visit and mom got home from her track meet! He'll get to make his big cake mess at his party next month!

Could this be a book?

What a card from Nonna and Grandpa - but I can't read French!

I love trucks!

Hey, do I get a birthday beer too?

So happy to be one!

Last day of being zero...

2007-05-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

Giacomo was pretty excited to "read aloud" and play his kazoo on the day before his birthday!

Sweetness

2007-04-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

Our little Wolfgang

2007-04-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

Giacomo loves making "music"!
(Sorry these are sideways - apparently I need some lessons on filming!)

Eleven months old

2007-04-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

St. Paddy's Dash 2007

2007-03-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

We ran another fun St. Paddy's Day Dash this year. It started raining just as we hit the viaduct, and apparently this is the first time in the race's 23 year history that it has rained during the run. Luckily we had a raincover on the stroller, and the prospect of beer at the end of the race kept us going...

Rehydrating after the race

We had a fun time afterwards at the Turners, where we got to celebrate Steve's 36th birthday! Kelly made some yummy bangers & mash, and Betsy's corned beef was mmm mmm good.

Ryan, Jack and Colin, our little leprechauns!

Happy guy...

2007-03-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

I'm just *lovin* this new truck puzzle so much I had to flash my pearly whites!

Cheerio!

2007-03-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

We had a fun trip across the pond to visit Nonna & Grandpa Torcaso last month. Uncle Adam and Aunt Kelly joined us, and the 7 of us shared a flat in the Pimlico neighborhood just southwest of Westminister. We actually had mostly dry weather and even a little sunshine!
Jeff and I have always enjoyed London, but boy is it different with a baby! The hardest thing was probably how smoky many of the pubs and restaurants were (no surprise there!). London is going completely smoke-free in June (by public vote, no less). Compared to when we were there 6 years ago, it seemed like there were a lot more pubs with smoke-free dining, which was a lifesaver.
Giacomo was a peach on the plane over - apart from a little whining when he couldn't fall asleep he didn't cry at all. THAT was a relief since he was recovering from an ear infection. The British Airways crew was so helpful and nice, it made the trip a lot easier.

We hauled Giacomo around the city in his Ergo carrier, which was comfortable for us and Giacomo. He would just nap in it on the go, or even while we were sitting and eating. He stayed kind of right in between London time and Seattle time, which helped with getting back on a schedule when we returned.

The Underground made it so easy to get around!

It was fun for Jack to see his grandparents!

Hanging with Mom on Fleet Street

Travelling with a bambino... it's work but it's worth it!

Giggle Monster

2007-02-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

More laughs from Giacomo:

Teeth!

2007-02-03T22:25:00.000-08:00

You can barely see it, but we finally captured Jack's top tooth in a picture. He looks hilarious when he smiles with his one big horse tooth! He has his 2 middle bottom teeth too, so needless to say we are done sticking our fingers in his mouth.

Okay, just a couple more of our smiley guy...

Carley and Dustin's wedding!

2007-02-03T21:58:00.000-08:00

Okay, this wedding happened 4 months ago, but I love some of the pictures Matt (and Krista) took and wanted to get them up here. Dustin and Carley were married in a beautiful outdoor setting in Enumclaw. The sun was filtering through the trees, the brook was babbling, it was very Pacific Northwest, yet they brought some fun touches from Saudi Arabia (where they live).

Food break for the babes (and the babies)

Milton Pub Ladies Club reunion!

Giacomo is fond of Cubans!

Dancing with the handsome boys!

The true benefit of attachment parenting and using a sling

It was a great party and it was fun to see so many friends. It was especially nice to have a last hurrah with dear friends Krista and Bill (and Gracie!) before their move to Virginia. We wish Dustin and Carley a lifetime of happiness!

January 2007

2007-01-31T08:36:00.000-08:00

January has gone by so quickly! Giacomo got his 2 bottom teeth in the two weeks following Christmas, and his 2 top teeth are coming in right now. He looks really cute when he smiles, but darn if he's going to let us capture that top tooth in a photo!
Some highlights of the month include:

Checking out Comet McNaught from Sunset Park. It was about 20 degrees F outside, but the views of the comet and tail were spectacular...

...doing lots of sitting up (almost by himself)...

...Giacomo learned how to use a sippy cup...

...the snow was beautiful and Jack loved feeling the flakes land on his face...

...Jack can feed himself, too...

...our neighborhood busybody...

Here's a video of Jack being excited about eating. It really seems to be his favorite activity this month (wonder where he gets that from?)

We are amazed at how our kiddo is growing!

Christmas 2006

2007-01-12T21:53:00.000-08:00

We had a fun, lazy Christmas Day. Fruncle Matt and Frauntie Betsy brought homemade cinnamon rolls over, which we enjoyed while Giacomo opened his present from them - a bag of glass (SNL skit from the 70's).

Following tradition, Uncle Adam wore our Grandpa's Christmas pants. Hard to tell who is looking more fashionable in this picture...

You can't quite tell from this picture, but Giacomo liked playing with his cousins Rogan, Aubrie, Cadence and Evan on Christmas. He's the only non-blondie of the bunch!

For more Christmas pictures (seriously more), check out:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8EaOWbNu3bMMY

Happy 2007!

Thanksgiving 2006

2006-12-13T22:18:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic time up at Whistler for Thanksgiving! It didn't stop snowing nearly the entire time we were there! The weather made it feel very festive, and the skiing was incredible. Whistler is truly one of the friendliest places we've vacationed. It has turned into a fun tradition to head up to Canada for Thanksgiving - come join us next year! It was especially fun having Don and Laurie fly home from France, and Betsy and Jenn made great food!

We have so much to be thankful for...

Fun times with friends (and relatives)...

...Family (and the airplanes that bring them home)...

....Bonzai!!!...

...Grandma Betty, our wonderful daycare provider...

...Aunties...

...and Uncles...

...snow, skiing, and the health to enjoy it...

...and of course, our little peanut!

Hope your Thanksgiving was *funky fresh*!

Celebrate!

2006-11-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

Saturday the 18th was Giacomo's 6 month birthday! He was very excited to celebrate with a Husky Apple Cup Victory. "Go Dawgs!"

Talkomo Giacomo

2006-11-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

Our little guy likes to talk a lot so his Grandpa Vito nicknamed him "Talkomo". Here is a video of him talking with his stuffed cow in his mouth...

Food!

2006-11-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

Feed me, Seymour!

About a week ago, Giacomo started eating rice cereal. He was pretty apathetic about it, but yesterday we gave him banana and he was much more enthusiastic about that!

Halloween 2006

2006-10-31T21:33:00.000-08:00

Welcome to il blog della famiglia di Ballard. It feels a little silly to create something to post everyday occurrences and (God no!) more pictures, but time is passing so quickly I'm afraid of forgetting things, especially the sweet and endearing antics of our son! Call it a lazy woman's scrapbook, I guess.

We had beautiful weather over the weekend and got probably our last sunny family photo of the year at the Ballard Locks!

Giacomo spent Halloween "helping" us answer the door. We had lots of cute trick-or-treaters, and Jack sure loves seeing and hearing other kids. He wanted nothing to do with the adorable vampire outfit we got for him to wear (except for trying to chew on the bow tie), so he wore his black cat hat and was chillin' like a villain.