Another weekend and another birthday party (how did we get so many friends with children?). This time it was Garrett’s first birthday which meant a lot of kids squeezed into a small playing area = chaos.

Of course there were presents – LOTS of presents. I didn’t have the heart to tell Brenda (Garrett’s Mother) that he probably won’t play with half of them. There’s such a thing as too many toys. Over stimulation. We gave Garrett a book – it’s become my thing. People expect a book from the Ishidas now.

Our friends Corey and Jen were there – the same people from Thanksgiving a couple of days before. It was the perfect opportunity to retrieve all the items we had left at their house when we were there for dinner. Forgetting things has also become my thing.

It was difficult to truly capture the chaos of many toddlers and babies on a small rectangle of carpet with my 50mm lens – but I tried. You’ll have to take my word for it.

I don’t know… do you think he’s teething? Nothing poking through yet but he’s definitely on the verge. He’s also been sick and constipated which all adds up to very little sleep in the Ishida house – at least for me and Samuel.

Yes – I’m talking about you kiddo.

In hindsight, it was probably a little crazy, but Kei and I decided to take the boys to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in downtown Portland. We should have expected it to be crowded. It was mild and dry evening in Portland which is a rare event in November so it seemed most of the city was out to see them flick the switch on a 50 foot Douglas Fir. It was a nice family event though and something fun to help get us in the spirit.

Warning – low light means blurry photos but I think it contributes to the atmosphere.

We took the Max (light rail) to avoid having to find (and pay for) parking.

Did you know that it’s perfectly acceptable to park your stroller in the handicapped space? It’s true! Ok, maybe not, but the train was practically empty. Really.

Thomas had to ride on Kei’s shoulders to see Santa and I held Samuel as long as I could before I handed him off for Kei to carry him in the Bjorn. That kid is heavy! The result was a daddy who was definitely carrying his share of the load. 

I should mention that the tree was lit just after 6pm so we were there from about 5:30. It’s very dark at 5:30. In fact it’s now dark at 4:00. Sad, but true.

Downtown Portland is so pretty at night, especially at this time of the year. I have to make a point of going back sometime soon to take more photos.

This is what we were waiting for – the top quarter of it anyway. Thomas was most excited about the star on top of the tree “It’s yellow mummy! I like yellow”.

This year we were invited to spend Thanksgiving with our friends Jen and Corey. I like to call it an orphan Thanksgiving where the Ishidas were adopted for a day. Jen’s parents were also there along with Jen and Corey’s two boys – three year old Riley and three month old Colin.

Jen cooked the turkey perfectly and Corey made the sides. I was asked to bring a green salad and I made sure it was a GREAT salad. We also had some cranberries from our organics delivery so I made fresh cranberry sauce for the very first time. My contribution was small but memorable.

It was wonderfully relaxing and a great opportunity to catch up with some friends that we usually see only in large groups amongst the noise and chaos of about 10 kids. It was also very dark which is why I was only able to get one or two photos – including this rather sweet one of Jen’s mother with her newest grandchild.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving was such a beautiful day. Kei and I took the kids for a walk to a local coffee shop to…welll…grab coffee. Oh, and a muffin. That was how we managed to get Thomas out of the house – the promise of a muffin. The best thing about this particular coffee shop though is that they have little itty bitty mini muffins. Perfect when you promise the muffin but don’t want to deliver on the sugar.

Of course Samuel was there too, in his bear hat that threatens to suffocate him when it turns to the side. Seriously – look at those big fluffy ear flaps. This hat is worn under supervision only.

And this is Fred. Our local coffee shop has it’s own local dog. I love our neighbourhood.

I am so glad to have our playroom back now that we are all sleeping upstairs (the playroom closet is another matter). The only problem now? Navigating the chaos. We have to do some serious organizing in this room – especially now that Samuel looks as though he could become mobile any minute. Who would have thought three year olds could have so many tiny little toys that babies would just LOVE to suck on?

My first piece of Christmas decorating. I bought my Eucalyptus wreath again this year. My little piece of Australian Christmas in Portland. The irony is that I probably couldn’t buy a Eucalyptus wreath in Australia if I wanted to. We plan to buy the Christmas tree this weekend and I already have an eager volunteer waiting to help me hang the ornaments.

I just love this photo and almost don’t even care that Samuel is out of focus. Sometimes the best photos happen while you’re waiting for everyone to say “cheese”. (I am also aware that Thomas is making a funny face but I think he’s cute. And that’s a face he makes on a regular basis).

I am proud to say that Thomas has embraced his Aussie roots and LOVES vegemite. Not only that, but he asked for some cheese the other day to add to his vegemite sandwich. Now that really IS an Aussie thing to do. (for those who don’t know, they add vegemite to Kraft singles in Aus. It’s a delicacy…sort of). Sad to say, he learned all of this from his very American father – not from me.

This right here is called bribery. Wiggles figurines in return for potty training. The only problem? We’ve run out of rewards. He has all four Wiggles, a Wiggles fork and spoon and even the Big Red Car. I knew this day would come, I had just hoped it would come after Thomas was fully potty trained. I have nothing left. And with Xmas just around the corner, rewards are just not cutting it. Now it’s up to him. I am handing the power over to a three year old.