Is there anything better than the smell of sweet breast milk on your babes breath? It makes me want to melt.

This handsome guy turned five months on the 26th and is ready to crawl. When he isn't yelling at his toys and beating them on the ground (anger issues?) he scoots his way around his blanket pile on the floor desperately trying to get somewhere else…like the dining room. Now that's a new adventure.

Even though I have hugged my new Dyson vacuum a few times since Christmas, my baby boy is by far the greatest gift I've ever received. 

They're Moving!

It's moving weekend! My little Lucy moved most of her things out last night. Once she was gone, it felt empty and sad but also exciting and new.

I am going to miss my roommate. A lot.

I keep attempting to write the reasons why I will miss her and why she is awesome....turns out it's really sappy, so I will spare you; but I really am going to miss living with a wonderful girl that feeds me, lets me borrow her clothes, and has listened to me tirelessly talk about guys.

I am living with a man and a boy now. Weird.

Luckily, my guy is adorable, feeds me, and has cozy sweaters for me to wear.

Have you ever lived with a partner? What was it like when you first made the transition?

Nicknames

Last night the baby decided that he would start calling me "Melon" - in a French accent of course. He is in French immersion school, Isaac is studying French at school, and I am depending on the 3 years of French I took in high school, a millennia ago, to make it through all of the French films we have to watch. I say that as if I don't like it.

I do.

Back to nicknames. The little artist has decided to call me Melon because "it is such a sweet name." Do you have any nicknames? Do you like to nickname others?

Our Weekend

This weekend was peaceful and relaxing. A nice break after a not so peaceful last week. Me and the boys spent the weekend together, pumpkin patching, partying with friends and family, cooking, writing cards, eating too many donuts, and snuggling late into the afternoon on Sunday.

I love the cold setting in here in Portland. It's funny how much Portlanders missed the rain. We all seem to be relieved to have it back. In 4 months we will feel differently of course, but right now, it's wonderful. 

Happy Birthday Sister

My little sister turns 25 today. Happy Birthday Grace. Unfortunately, you aren't as cute as you once were - but you have grown into a beautiful and hilarious woman. Thanks for stupidly agreeing to my games for so many years. I am happy you are my sister.

This is obviously their first time...

My baby brother graduated high school last Friday! Congratulations on accomplishing that which is required of all US citizens. But really, he is an amazing young man that I admire and am very proud to call my brother.

 

 

 

second photo: Olivia Brink

Ian the Musician

 

My sisters boyfriend graduated music school last weekend and I thought I would share a few photos from his party with you. We even created the worlds longest hop scotch.

photos courtesy of the great brennan aitken-gantz

except the smooch, i caught that one ;)

A Proud Daughter

I would like to share my dad's awesome-ness with you:

Squaw Valley is proud to announce that the resort’s Head Men’s FIS Coach, Konrad Rickenbach, has been awarded Alpine Domestic Coach of the year by the United States Ski & Snowboard Association (USSA).

In their press release announcing the 2012 award winners, the USSA wrote “Rickenbach has consistently produced some of the most well rounded athletes in the West and has had many athletes nominated to the U.S. Ski Team. He uses his coaching to promote positive attributes in all aspects of young racers lives. A former U.S. Ski Team coach now working with the Squaw Valley club program, he is an example of what a good coach is - a mentor, a teacher and a friend.”

Rickenbach has a long and impressive track record of training highly successful ski racers from coaching the U.S. Ski Team to coaching Olympians Phil and Steve Mahre to their respective Gold and Silver medals in the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. Having lived in Squaw Valley on and off since the 1980s, Rickenbach started working with the Squaw Valley Ski Team in 2000 with the 12 and under athletes and became the Team’s Heads Men’s FIS Coach for the 2010 – 2011 season.

“Konrad’s deep appreciation and understanding of the mental aspects of ski racing is a huge part of the reason that so many of our athletes qualified for top level competitions this winter,” said Todd Kelly, Squaw Valley Ski Team's program director. “Rickenbach is undeniably dedicated to the kids that he coaches, and we are truly fortunately to have him as part of our team.”

My dad rocks. Congrats my father and friend. 

little brother

My baby brother is a senior! He has grown into such a handsome young man and I am so proud of him. He let me take his senior portraits, and his handsome little face made it so easy and fun.