Going to the zoo zoo zoo

So last weekend we had a great family outing to the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. JJ and Mathilde had never been there before and it had been years since I was there so we were all very excited. Even in the middle of January, aka winter slumber months, the zoo was awesome!! Of course, I feel so mixed about caging animals in the middle of unnatural habitats, but for an animal lover they also hold such magic and sense of nature. The sounds were incredible from the hippos to the lions roaring. Mathilde especially loved the giraffes, hippos, elephants, lions and penguins. Such fun!! We will definitely go back soon.

Our little knee-walker now runs full-force everywhere. We are so proud (and of course relieved)!





YES, we were THIS close to the lion. It was absolutely amazing and we are very happy about thick panes of glass.

What's next????

Fun with Aunt Kerri

A little late, (of course!), but I just had to post this photo of Mathilde with her Aunt Kerri from New Year's Day. I wasn't kidding when I said Aunt Kerri is the only person Mathilde will let brush her hair. So yes, needless to say, it's been a few weeks since Mathilde's hair has been brushed. When are you coming back Aunt Kerri??
































And here's my super stylish little girl just being her adorable little self (in an outfit courtesy of Mormor!)

Happy Holidays 2009!

Happy New Year to all!! Our family has had a wonderfully full holiday season and today we're relaxing in our cozy home and contemplating what the year will bring, or what we will bring to the year. Mathilde is napping (awesome!), JJ is trying to get over the big football loss this morning, and I am happily wearing sweatpants and catching up on home stuff. Commence 2010.

I can't help but look back a little at the past few weeks though and post fun pictures of Mathilde. She had quite an end to the year:

2nd birthday



















Huge birthday party in Illinois - Thanks Grandma Guajardo!





































Christmas eve with ALL of her Guajardo family including 13 cousins (and Santa who she was not very fond of)


























Christmas day again with the cousins (and she finally starts to smile)













And a smile-filled, mellow new years eve in Seattle. Pheww, no wonder she's napping so well!


















Then this morning, our little sweetie wanted to take her own pictures, starting off the new year just like mama:


















Wishing everyone much love and lentils - which apparently bring good luck when eaten in honor of the new year - this first day of 2010!