A day in the life

Today I kept my camera with me and tried to snap photos of the boys amidst a typical day. Since we are going to be moving out of this house and our daily routine will likely change in the coming weeks, I decided to photo document the details of a day in the Seattle life of the Rallo boys. I got the idea from a photography group I'm a part of and it was really helpful in getting more comfortable with my camera settings and finding ways to properly expose photos in a variety of situations. I had a great time doing it and love the shots I got.

April 15th 2016 

Owen was out of bed before I could get a picture of him waking up, but here he is at 7:30 watching TV and having his morning snack. 

8:00 am. After sleeping in much later than usual, Weston is up. He loves his blankie so much! 

Playing in the blinds, one of his favorite pass times. 

A little milk. He's not invested in giving up breastfeeding at all. I kind of am, so we're working that out. 

Drinking my morning tea out of my favorite mug. My aunt Diane sent it to me for my birthday a few years back. 

Waving bye to daddy. 

In the car and ready for our morning adventure. 

I always think they look extra cute in their car seats. 

Greenlake. We've spent a lot of time here in the last three years. 

In the double BOB for a walk around the lake. 

Playground fun post walk. 

This picture is blurry but it is SO Owen I had to include it. 

Lunch. Don't be fooled, he didn't actually eat anything. 

Owen helping make himself some mac and cheese. 

Always so industrious. 

Quite time in the basement while Wessy naps. 

 

I would much prefer that he still napped. 

Post nap. He shares my lack of enthusiasm when it comes to waking up.  

Love!

Trying out the lighting in my bedroom. 

Reminds me of America's next top model. 

An attempt at a photo together, pretty typical results. 

Playing the backyard. Wes is a little unsteady walking on the rocks so Owen was helping him. It was pretty sweet, especially considering that they fight over this stroller constantly. 

Snapped these photos with my phone. 

The sweetest. 

He makes this face a lot. 

And he's ready for bed. 

Enough photos already, mom.

Jammies and books, in bed at 6:30pm.

Bedtime books. Asleep at 7:45pm, which makes the lack of nap worth it. 

Whistler 2016

Ty's cousin, Andy, invited the four of us to his wedding in Whistler, BC. It was the perfect excuse for the winter family vacation Ty has been dreaming of. He loves the snow and could hardly wait to get Owen up on a pair of skis. It certainly wasn't the most relaxing trip but we had a wonderful time and left with fond memories. Wes took his first steps and we got to spend some quality time with Lily, the newest member of the Leitz/Rallo clan.

Owen skiing was a highlight, although sadly, there isn't much photo documentation of the occasion. The wedding was beautiful and the boys enjoyed the horse drawn sleigh ride, balloon man and other lovingly planned treats just for them. Ty and I enjoyed the cocktails and decided this will be the last wedding they attend for at least the next five years. (It's a good thing most of our friends are already married). Whistler is a beautiful place and after going once and working out the kinks I think it would be even more fun to go back. Hopefully we'll be able to make a bi yearly tradition of it.

Seattle City Living

We've officially sold our little Ballard house. I'm feeling a variety of emotions as I think about leaving the house that Ty and bought as newlyweds and will be leaving as a family of four, well five if you include Jake. Within these walls we raised a puppy and two infants. We've created an amazing community and regularly run into friends at Target, Costco and the local parks. I've connected with so many amazing people (mostly moms) in the past few years that it's hard to imagine being without them. From Ty's brothers and my fabulous sister in laws to my work crew to my PEPS friends to the girls from church, our village is vast.

There are so many things I love about this house. The kitchen cabinets that gradually close, the open layout that makes 900 square feet livable, the porch, the craftsmanship and the charm. The amazing neighborhood and friends we've met via proximity. The location and ability to walk and get doughnuts from Larson's, coffee, fresh fish or beer from the mini mart. I love walking Owen to preschool and that there are four great parks within two miles. I love meeting friends at greenlake, the easy access to the zoo, aquarium and science center. I love it that there are vast options when it comes to great places to eat and drink. I love being close to work and the progressive influence the city has had on me.

As much as I love living in the city it has become clear over the past few months that now is the time for a move. The way Seattle real estate has exploded made this house an incredible investment and with the proceeds we will be able to find an amazing home in Gig Harbor. As I mourn the loss of this house and the lifestyle that surrounds it, more than anything I feel grateful. Grateful that my happiness is not determined by geography. Grateful that my family is what makes a home. Grateful for the assurance that I will be happy regardless of where we live. I know that after we get settled in our new Gig Harbor community we'll find just as many things to love about it. There is already a long list of things I'm looking forward to. Being close to Rach, Grammy and Grandpapa, not having to pay to park when I take the kids to the doctor, a larger living space with a big yard and outdoor furniture, not having to critically think in order to figure out where everyone is going to sleep. I'm looking forward to working out at the YMCA, affordable daycare, good schools and learning how to feels to be a family in a small town.

Change is never easy and this is a huge shift for our family but I am confident it's exactly where we need to be and what we want to do. Our little Ballard craftsman will forever hold a special place in my heart and our family history.