Easter in Seattle

After returning from Austria I flew up to Seattle meet up with Natalie and spend Easter with Natalie's family. After breakfast at the Crumpet Shop, we met up with Nick and Steph at the Pike Place Market.
Natalie and Stephanie drove up from California a couple days earlier, stopping at Pat and Les' place in Oregon for a good night's rest on the way. Luke enjoyed riding the toy airplanes.He also enjoyed playing the piano at Pops' place.
Luke enjoyed searching for easter eggs in grandpa's backyard.
and he likes walking around with his friend Blake. This is my sister-in-law's sister-in-law and her daughter.
Luke and Grammy hanging out in the train at the Old Spaghetti Factory before Natalie and I started our long drive from Seattle to Sacramento.

Natalie's 10-Year High School Reunion

Natalie flew up to Seattle this weekend to see all her old high-school friends at their 10-year reunion.
Luke loved riding around on great-grandpa's tractor!

Afternoon at Lake Joy

Luke loves watermelon.
He's also starting to clap. He claps for everything.
After lunch we had a highly competitive family volleyball game.
Then we went to Mars Hill for church to hear from Mark Driscoll.

Nathan and Jen's Wedding

Luke was lookin' dapper in his tux...
The girls...Brother and cousins -in-law.
The bride and groom running to the limo...

Rehearsal Dinner, Jazz, and James Brown

Cool shirts for the groom and groomsmen.
After the rehearsal dinner, Sharon watched Luke so Natalie and I got to go on a date! We went to an awesome wine bar and jazz club in Bellevue where we danced to some good jazz and met many interesting people -- including James Brown's nephew (seriously) and 3 kids who just graduated from Santa Clara University. The band almost got Natalie to sing with them, but she opted to relax and enjoy the show from the audience.

Seattle Day 1: Mariner's Game

Luke got to go on another plane ride and continued his perfect record of being a good, quiet, passenger.
This was the first time he was really interested in looking out the window.
We went straight from the airport to Safeco park for the baseball game.
Luke with great-grandpa -- both sporting their Seattle Mariners gear.
16 family members all cheering for the Mariners... they lost, but we had a great time!
Luke's favorite new toy. I think it will give him ADD, but it kept him busy while we were eating at the Spaghetti Factory.

Steph's Graduation Weekend

Luke got to ride in a plane again up to Seattle. After 6 months of training, he's become quite a savy traveller...After meeting up with Stephen, Lori, and Nick, they drove down to Salem, Oregon for the graduation.
And Luke had another room to explore at Steph and Caleb's place.

Wii New Year's Party!

Wii played Wii until the Wii hours at the family New Year's Wii Party. I think the biggest hit was watching everyone make fools of themselves in the dancing game.

Video: Luke's First Christmas

Skiing at Crystal Mountain

Skiing the day after Christmas with Nick, Steph, Caleb, and Jordan was a blast. No lines, deep powder, and beautiful weather. Here's a pic with Mt. Rainier in the background:Nobody on the slopes except this hot snow bunny...
Luke enjoyed his stay at the lodge with Stephen and Lori while his mom and dad were out on the slopes.
We "accidentally" took Natalie up an experts only chairlift to the top peak. The only way down is double black diamonds. After Natalie got over her initial shock at the incline and the deep powder, she made it down without even falling! I'm a proud husband.

Merry Christmas!

Luke's First Airplane Ride

Luke did great! He was awake and playful the first half of the flight, then slept until we were picked up at SEA-TAC.
Natalie and I decided that taking a newborn on a plane for the first time wasn't difficult enough... so we brought along all our ski gear as well. That means two pairs of skiis, boots, and poles along with Luke and all his baby gear (4 checked bags and 8 carry-ons in total).
We arrived at San Jose airport 2 hours early so we wouldn't be rushed (thanks for the ride Grant!) and all went smoothly; we didn't even have to lift a bag. A bag-carrier-guy put all our bags on a cart and took us right up to the first class check-in desk. I guess you get some special treatment when you have a baby in a stroller with a Santa suit on. Then over to security where there was NO LINE! I've never experienced that before. So Natalie and I had a whole hour to relax and drink beer before pre-boarding.

Seattle Day 5: Baby Shower at Lake Joy

This is a beautiful place to have a baby shower.
Grandpa on the BBQ...
A creative present from Tessa and Sharon; it's a bunch of diapers wrapped up in blankets and toys and looks like a big cake. The best part is the soccer ball... This is the most disturbing bowl of punch I've seen yet. Look closely...