I had a very special birthday this year. Twenty-six delightful hours after boarding a plane in drippy, pre-spring Seattle, I found myself in dusty, post-summer New Zealand.  Sister Julie and her wee ones, almost 3 year old Jack and 4 month old Charlie welcomed me and let me share in their days. Of course I wish we all lived closer, but when your time is limited, you make it count. The adventures that followed were documented (mostly) in the following photos, which I would like share with family and friends. I guess it takes a two week hiatus from life as usual to inspire the blog back to life! 

xoxoxo

To view, link below:

https://picasaweb.google.com/110598685415999366422/NZ?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObwj7Gj1_OufQ&feat=directlink

Summer!

Is that who I think it is?
Look who we spotted at the sandwich shop.

End of Summer '08

Jaden contemplates Sillyville.

Miles speaks his mind.

I got a fortune cookie once that read, "to avoid disappointment, lower your expectations." It made me feel kind of sad at the time, but now I get it. If I want to post to the blog, it will have to be quick. Life with two kids is like living in a pinball machine (I, mother, being the ball). My days are busy, but little is done. I bob from one thing to the next, followed by moments of quiet, and calm, in which I panic: what should I do with this moment? There are a millions things on my "to do" list. This is a mental list, as there is not acutally time to write it down. We are happy, we are getting to know these two little boys in our life, and enjoying fall through the eyes of a two-year-old while trying to give the little guy what he needs too. Thanks for visiting Sojaland.

Post milk bliss.













Who do I look like?

Out 'n About

This was our first family outing with the new big rig stroller. We cruised down the street to the Seafood festival, ate some crab cakes, went in a bouncy house, and saw a puppet show of The Wizard of Oz (for about 5 minutes).
No longer the new kid on the block. Adeline is suddenly gigantic!

Introducing Miles

This is Miles. Miles likes to sleep, nurse, and go for rides in the car or stroller. We are happy that he is here, and having fun getting to know him.

Where does the time go?

We took a little road trip out to the coast last weekend.

Who's hiding in there?

At the lovely Cape Disappointment. The name was quite appropriate.

Jaden flew his first kite.

Sharing some water with baby brother.

Toddlerhood is messy business. One morning while I was showering, he sneaked off with this lipstick. I found him on the couch in ecstacy.

For some reason he always wants to put stickers on his face, and the faces of those around him.

Jaden and Jules, preschool friends.

Sharing a lollipop with Isabella.

How many babies do you see? There are three.

Every so often we have to remove a layer of CDs from this shelf.

Jaden loves Grandma and Grandpa.
Shima remembers when she was the center of attention... so sad.

Winter Update

Well, we are tired enough of the picture of Matt's car, no matter how awesome it is. Here is an update of what we've been up to this winter. Taking photos of Jaden is not as easy as it used to be. Once the camera is out he starts yelling "cheese" and trying to grab it. He likes to be in control. So I'm doing the best I can. We've also been preoccupied by the news of another Soja boy who's arrival is anticipated in July. This news has propelled Matt into the basement to finish up our "maste suite" as quickly as possible. Jaden thinks Matt lives down there. He knocks on the basement door and shouts "Matt! Matt!" We should have some nice photos of the progress soon.

mmm...Mexican food.

Riding in Daddy's jersey. Go Zoka!

Eary potty training. We have a ways to go...

Soja family Christmas 2007.

My friend Kelly says Jaden's legs are made out of springs. I'm sure he was just about to leap off into the water here.

I put this Ernie t-shirt on before preschool. The wrist bands were his own addition. He was quite proud.

The beloved "night night" makes everything better.





The Soja boys in the McDowell Mountains over Christmas vacation












Riding the dino with Uncle Glenn. Who's having more fun?













Maybe we're laughing at the same joke? Actually, he's about to dump that whole glass of water down my shirt. Jokes on Mama.