Monkey Business

This last Sunday a scout announced that his Eagle project would be to collect 100 sock monkeys to send to the Philippines for the poor children. I thought that idea was so cool, I wanted to help but I know my sewing skills leave some to be desired... Determined- I studied the instructions carefully and decided this was something my recycled yellow sewing machine and I could do. Gathering traditional colors and non-traditional striped socks at the Dollar Shoppe and cute buttons from Michael's I was more excited then before! The actual construction of the monkeys is getting easier but the first one was a little challenging. I hope the kids like them as much as I do!

Bring in the New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! Whats a better way to bring in the new year then by celebrating with "Winter Storm watch 08/09" and being stranded at your house every other weekend? Well, on the off weekends we were able to visit Skyler's family in Seaside! Seeing the chubby seals at the aquarium, watching three cute little girls get oogled by each passerby, and getting to hear all the new words Sky and Abe are learning. We also enjoyed a riveting game of Domino's, contrary to belief it did change on a dime and we learned a few new things about some family members... What a great first week of 09'. Thanks everyone!

White Christmas... What could be better?

We may have had to travel over the river and through the woods to get there but we braved the elements and made it to the Forbes' home in Covington, Washington to celebrate Christmas.

The weather has actually cleared up quite a bit but that didn't stop us from nearly getting stuck less than one mile from our final destination. Luckily it wasn't as bad as this...

Nevertheless, we made it and our first Christmas as a married couple with Chelsea's parents was fantastic. They treated us like royalty: we ate like champions, played in the snow and slept in every day.

Chelsea and I decided that we should take advantage of our sleeping opportunities now while we still can...Everyone keeps telling us that our sleeping habits could change soon for some odd
reason. (Don't mind the baby smith name on the shirt)

We made it back to Portland today and are excited for the New Year. We may head out to the coast to enjoy some time with the Archibald side of the family.

Anyhow we wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

It's a girl...!!!

Most of you likely know this by now, but we found out recently that our little bundle of joy that Chelsea has been carrying around is a girl.

We are still taking name suggestions so let us know!

Her due date is April 15, we are very excited. Love you all...

Snow at the beach!!!

It doesn't happen often but we had a unique experience on the North Oregon coast this weekend. With our cousin's visiting the Archibald's in Gearhart, we decided that we would head out to the beach as well.

Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate.

Sunday morning we woke up to frigid temperatures and flurries of snow. Braving the elements we headed to the coast. Everything worked out perfectly though, despite my trepidation. The snow flurries continued at the coast, an extreme rarity.

We made it back to Portland today- hopefully everyone else traveling did the same. It was a blast to see my cousin Chris, his wife Brittney and their two sons, Alec and Charlie. Good times but we miss the warm weather.