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.

Christmas 2015

It was a lovely Christmas for the Rallos. We stayed home for Christmas Eve and it was just the four of us. Ty worked for bit in the morning so the boys and I played at home in our Christmas jammies, they napped and we went to church in the evening. After church we came home, made brats and German pancakes. Ty stayed up until two in the morning putting together Owen's kitchen and I whipped up homemade cinnamon rolls. We opened presents and had breakfast at home Christmas morning before heading to Steve and Paula's and staying for the weekend with the Leitz/Rallo clan. 

We made the decision last year that from now on we would spend Christmas morning at home and go to our church on Christmas Eve. All of the other details are negotiable. We want our boys to have memories of waking up in their beds and racing down the hall to see what Santa brought. And I want them to go to church and understand the true meaning of Christmas. It was different being by ourselves on Christmas Eve and I felt a lot of pressure to make it feel special and not like just another day at home. But then we went to church and I knew we were exactly where we needed to be. Church on Christmas is one my favorite things and Pastor Richard gave a beautiful sermon that spoke to my soul. Christmas morning at home was super fun and by late morning we were ready to get out of the house and be around family. It was the perfect balance of nuclear and extended family time. 

Christmas with little kids is the best. Onward to 2016!