San Francisco

Scottie got to present some of his research at a conference in San Francisco, so we made a little vacation out of it, and I tagged along too. We had a blast exploring a city we have never been in before and enjoyed a little vacation without Maddie Sue (it had been nearly two years since we have left her overnight), we did miss her though and face timed everyday! We loved all the history in San Fran (yes the history teacher in me was going crazy) and we enjoyed our Big Bus tour of the city, visiting the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Here are some pics to document our fun!

 My cute doctor hubby by his research poster

Our hotel view of San Francisco 

 Ready for our Big Bus tour

 In front of the painted ladies (these are the houses shown in the beginning of Full House)

 Getting ready to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge!

 We grabbed a really yummy sourdough waffle with strawberries, nutella, and whipped cream from the Boudin Restaurant, it has been open for over 100 years. 

 Silly us at a wax museum

 China Town 

We had lunch at Sam Wo thanks to our friend's suggestion. It also has been open for over 100 years and the food was super yummy!

 Biggest wall of magnets we have ever seen!

 Ready to explore Alcatraz 

 Once again the history teacher inside of me was going crazy! I loved seeing the famous prison I had taught my students about. Al Capone was even in prison there.... so COOL! We were super happy we were able to get tickets to go inside.   

The city's view from the island

 Grandma Tracy sent us this picture of Madison while we were touring Alcatraz. Maddie was very sad we were in jail, and Grandma had to explain we were just visiting! LOL 

And just like that our trip was over! Here is Scottie already missing the view:)

Washington Fun

A few days after Christmas we hopped on a plane to spend a week with my family in Washington. Madison was super excited to ride on a plane again and we were all excited to spend some time with my awesome family in my beloved Chehalis.  Some highlights included; going to Pike's Place Market, taking a harbor cruise, riding my parents' new horses, celebrating New Years, and eating out almost everyday! 

Pikes Place Market

Madison wasn't sure of the live lobsters 

 The famous gum wall 

Harbor Cruise 

 Seeing the Seattle skyline from the harbor was breathtaking, and something I had never done before! 

Literally my favorite part was that my almost 4 year old took a nap on my lap and slept the entire boat ride! It's been YEARS since she has slept on me, and I was in heaven and didn't want to move an inch.

I can't even begin to explain how happy riding horses makes me! It's been so long and it was fun to share something I love so much with my family. Madison would bust up laughing every time I let Star gallop. 

Ps. look closely at Scottie's awesome handle bars!!!

Glad Grandma and Grandpa have horses again:)

Get this, SNOW! After having picture perfect weather all week, we got snow our last day in town. Made the trip that much more fun:) and here is Madison showing off Marshmallow and Elsa's little snowman from Frozen Fever (both Daddy's creations). 

Christmas

This past Christmas was the most magical with Maddie yet! She was so excited for EVERYTHING, which made Scottie and I excited for everything;) It was a perfect day and we loved watching her reaction to each gift. 

Our annual family picture on the stairs, Christmas morning. 

 Madison with her loot from Santa

 She was happy Santa remembered she asked for her Princess Sophia doll house friends

 We took our time opening presents and let Maddie play with each gift before opening another. 

 Breakfast smiles:)

 With Daddy

 This trampoline was by far Madison's favorite present, so we saved it for last!  

 She's jumped and jumped and jumped right into the New Year! More posts coming soon. Happy Holidays everyone and so HAPPY we have this little one to share them all with!

Visiting Santa Claus

Madison was beyond excited to visit Santa this year and ran right into the room when it was our turn and gave Santa the BIGGEST hug. It was super cute, well to be honest their whole interaction was pretty picture perfect:) and both sets of Grandparents were there to witness the cuteness!

The BIG hug

Madison saying hi to Santa and telling him she is 3 years old.

Maddie loved Mrs. Claus and asked her to come over and say hi too:)

Best Santa and Mrs. Claus ever!

Madison enjoyed her time with Santa and reminded him that he brought her Princess Sophia's doll house last year and would like the doll house friends this year. It was too cute!

The whole group, Grandpa and Grandma Hansen and Grandpa and Grandma Parker. We had a blast ice skating, meeting Santa, and going out to dinner.