CourterBlog

Our 'Twilight" vacation (not really)

We took the kids camping and to Seattle for a four-day vacation this past weekend. It was hurriedly planned but we feel we executed pretty well. A few anecdotes from the experience:

* We arrive in Sequim, Washington (pronounced "Squim", ha), only about 4 hours from home, and Aaron looks at me with terror in his eyes. "Did you get the camping stove?"
Well, we now have two camping stoves, thanks to Sequim's WalMart.

* After arriving at the campsite, on beautiful Lake Crescent, we get the tent set up, and the kids tumble down the hill to the Lake. (Not literally, people.) Holly has her shoes and socks off and is splashing in her jeans in 4 minutes flat, no lie. And it is about 50 degrees out. Pretty soon both kids are in the water, stripped down to their underwear, with fleece and hats up top, pretend-fishing with sticks. So cute.

* We drove the long road up to Hurricane Ridge, where three gifts awaited us: a striking clear blue sky and amazing view of the Olympic mountain range (usually this viewpoint is all clouded in), a big patch of snow in which to play and throw snowballs, and a mother deer who had just given birth to twin fawns in the scrub pines not 30 feet from the trail.

* I convinced Aaron to take the Kingston ferry back to Seattle, instead of driving ALL the way around the Peninsula again, and the novelty of it was kinda fun for me and the kids. (Aaron is a seasoned ferrier. Ferrier?) We were up on the very front deck as the ferry left the dock and blew its foghorn. Jonathan and I just about jumped out of our skin, startled and laughing. The old guy standing beside us said "Hmm, that was the best fart I've had in a long time."

* We had a great visit with Justin and Jaymie Courter, Aaron's cousin and his wife. (Ask them about "licking the plates" sometime.) Jaymie made us raspberry crepes, and Scandinavian breakfast with bacon, and they had peanut butter MnM's in the house. Oh, yum. And Justin played my kids to sleep with his fiddle.

* It sucks to park in Seattle, just wanted to say that. We finally made it to the Experiencing Music Project (which was really cool), and the Sci-Fi museum, which Jonathan drooled over. All those spaceships and space costumes! And there's Yoda! And then, who should pass Aaron in the doorway, but Nathan Fillion, aka Captain Hammer! Okay, he was also Captain Malcolm on Firefly and is now on that dumb show Castle. Anyways, we love him in Joss Whedon stuff, and I was a little star struck. "Go take his picture," I hissed at Aaron, who promptly shut me down, good thing.

* Holly had to go poo at least four times on the road, usually about 20 minutes after we pulled out of wherever we were.

* Special thanks to the portable DVD player, Aaron for driving the whole time, and God for amazing weather. We still don't think we've ever been to Seattle when it is raining. Word. (Check back in a day or so and maybe Aaron will add photos to this post!! Hint hint.)

Regarding Aaron

Daddy
Originally uploaded by Aaron Courter

A Bullet-point list for Father's Day 2009.

*He was an amazing birth coach through 24 hours of labor with our firstborn, Jonathan. He comforted, massaged, encouraged me, and then rejoiced as we welcomed him into the world. All this from a man who faints when he has to give blood.

*He wrote a song for me when Jonathan was about 6 months old. (We were going through a bit of a rough patch, adjusting to our new life as parents.) He hurriedly recorded it with voice and guitar one evening when I was out. In the song, there are instrumental breaks with Jonathan's baby gurglings in the background. Oh, the whole thing melts my heart at every listen.

*I was rather shocked and overwhelmed at the realization that we had Baby #2 on the way. Aaron, however, whooped with glee and barreled into me with a bear hug. He then got out the video camera and recorded us breaking the news to Jonathan (who was 14 months old, ha.)

*The first night we brought Holly home, she fussed through the night. Aaron bounced and walked that baby for 2 hour intervals so I could get a little sleep. I'll never forget that little kindness.

*Aaron happily plays dollhouse with Holly and fights intricate light saber duels with Jonathan. Every night, we take turns putting a kid to bed. He often creates SpaceBoy stories on the spot for J, and composed the sweetest lullaby for Holly that he sings at the door for her.

*When we collapse on the couch together after the kids have been tucked in, even if it has been a hard day, we often remark at what incredible children we have. At least half of their greatness can be attributed to what an incredible father they have.

I love you, Aaron. I love the Daddy you are. Thanks for being my partner in all this. --Kristen

Life with a Chatty Daughter, Part Deux

Tonight, we had a magical summer night. It was after dinner, last minute decision to drive downtown to Jamison Square, a plaza with this amazing kid-friendly fountain. The kids had a blast, splashing, throwing water around, squealing with delight. After drying off, we walked to the trolley stop for a little ride. There, also waiting, was a cute young couple on a date or something. Holly got there first, strolls right up to the girl and says,

"Hi, I like your pink bag. It matches my dress!"

The girl laughs, says thank you. Holly asks her her name, and she tells her it's Nicole. Holly then looks over at the guy sitting next to her.

"Hi, what's your name?" she asks. The guy answers "Justin," and Holly stares at him for a second. Then she reaches out and shakes his hand. Isn't that the funniest thing?? That girl surprises me every day.

Oh, and last of all, she tells him, "You have funny hair."

People in a Box

I find it fascinating that Netflix thinks, based on our previous viewing habits, that we are a couple who enjoys watching:

"Critically-acclaimed gritty dramas" and "cerebral movies based on real-life."

Possible Facebook Status Updates...or Random Stuff from Kristen

1. Aaron has an iTunes playlist called "Ethereal Rock." And I think that is funny and cool.

2. Yes, I was in show (actually jazz) choir in high school, but I still think the new show Glee on Fox is going to be fantastic.

3. Our new friend Ashley has an English bulldog and his name is Burrito. His face plus his name makes me giggle every time. (Pic by Ashley Forrette.)

4. Our friend JR sent Aaron some tunes from one his favorite new bands, Metric, and upon a cursory listen, it is one of my new faves, too! Very cool voice by the girl lead singer.

5. Aaron killed a mouse on our kitchen counter last night with a wooden spoon. You know, that effective instrument of death.

6. I came downstairs the other morning to the muffled sound of my kids hiding in Jonathan's closet. I opened the door and found Holly holding out of the bag of pepperoni. Everyone's favorite morning snack.

7. Lettuce from our front-yard garden tastes really good. So does Tillamook chocolate peanut butter ice cream.

Photog Aaron

Day 337 - Balsamroot Sunset
Originally uploaded by Aaron Courter

Update: Three weddings booked this summer, one maybe for fall; assisting a photographer friend on two others. Shot the Portland Iron Chef competition/fundraising event (for free, but great exposure and a tax write-off!). Taken family portraits for three of my friends, with at least three more families waiting to schedule. Set up an etsy online store to sell prints--find it here.

He's amazing!! He's really working a job and a half, plus being a wonderful husband and father and even washing the occasional dishes. I so admire his passion and work ethic, especially now that he has found something to push his creative energies.

Check out his brilliantly expanding portfolio here.

Bro and Sis

Another Dose of Cuteness
Originally uploaded by Aaron Courter

Oh, what joy to have children who enjoy each other.

For whatever reason (maybe the wonderful spring weather? maybe their specific ages?) Jonathan and Holly ADORE each other right now. They wake up in the morning before Aaron and I have come downstairs, pilfer apples from the fridge as a morning snack, and talk in bed or start playing. Holly will indulge her brother and be "Princess Leia" for a pretend game, and then he will do the same for her and play with the dollhouse. I can catch up on emails and even do some yoga in the living room while they happily make toy messes or jump off the couch together. They make up "poopy" songs (lovely, I know) and then dissolve into giggles. Holly was such a cheerleader for Jonathan while he was trying to bike ride, and he encouraged her through potty training ("Yay, Holly! I knew you could pee in the potty!" he'd say, clapping.) Often when we are out for a walk, Jonathan will run ahead and then hold his arms out for her to run to him in a bear hug. Holly doesn't know what to do with herself when her bro is at preschool. Yes, they argue and Holly often screams in frustration to him because...what is it with annoying brothers?? But the way they instantly forgive each other and let it go is such a lesson to me.

It might not always be like this, so I'm trying to treasure the moments.