Josiah's Spring Photo Shoot - March 2011

For the sole purpose of not wanting to sound like a "stage mom", I don't often speak of Josiah's modeling either on Facebook or my Blog. The reason I even bring it up is because of these AMAZING photographs he recently had done by a wonderful family friend, Casey Hill. He is crazy talented when it comes to mixing photography and artistry!

And because I know there are those of you that are curious about the modeling thing...Josiah has been modeling since he was 9 months old and has had sporadic jobs here and there. The market for modeling where we live is pretty minimal, especially children, so it's just a fun thing we do and something that has provided a small savings for him. He recently did a photo shoot for a national children's clothing company, Hanna Andersson, and *should* be in their Winter 2011 Catalog. Be on the lookout this fall!!!

This picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Seal Rock, OR (January 2011)

Yes, I know....major catchup!

In January the 3 of us joined Grandpa & Nana as well as Great Grandpa & Great Grandma Gobet for a few days on the Oregon Coast.  It was as rainy as it could get and pretty cold so we spent most of our time indoors watching movies and playing games. We were able to catch a few breaks and took that opportunity to get down to the water.

 Great Grandma, Grandpa & Josiah watching Toy Story 3.

 Daddy & Josiah all bundled up watching the ocean from a distance.

Adventure down to the beach!

 We found a whole crab shell!

 It may have not been swimming weather BUT it was beautiful!!!

Dad thought it would be fun to take off shoes in the freezing cold!!

(Mom didn't fall for this!)

My favorite!

A self portrait with a large camera is much harder than you think!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!!

Yes, just another crazy busy Zimmer Christmas!  I am so grateful we have both sides of our families close, however it does make one busy Christmas!  Josiah has yet to experience Christmas morning in our own home because of the craziness Christmas Day brings us.  To get to all FOUR gatherings (and this is immediate family) on Christmas Day we have to get an early start.  Being 40 miles away from our first destination, which begins at 9:00am sharp, means we'd have to be getting up way before we usually do just to open gifts.  This past year and in year's passed we have spent the night at one of our relatives where Christmas morning is.  This is definitely nice in the morning, although we are still having to get up to an alarm so we make sure we have our own family time before everyone else arrives.  Come to think of it, I'm not even sure if we've ever had Christmas morning in our own home since we've been married.   I am really thinking we may need to re-examine this next year since Josiah will be old enough to really "get" the magic of Christmas morning. Even though the day was busy, we are very grateful to have family that we love and want to be with.

As far as annual holiday festivities?  We usually go and find a tree and cut it down, however this year Nate surprised Josiah & I by going and getting a tree while we were out one day.  He even had it up with the lights on when he got home!   I asked Nate if he took a few pictures of him picking it out (at the local pre-cut lot) and tying it to his sedan (since I had the Jeep) because I like to document everything.  Although he didn't take one (not that I expected him too) I think I can paint a mental one. Picture a 8 ft tree stuffed into the back of our Nissan Altima (sticking out the back of the trunk up to in between the front seats) and you'll get the picture.  Of course, insert a tall and handsome guy next to it.  Since I don't have any tree cutting pictures, I do have one our tree after it was decorated. 

I love having a large tree!!

Since our lil' guy is now three (I still can't believe it!) I thought we could actually do a gingerbread house as a fun project.  I found a gingerbread train which Josiah quickly chose over the traditional house.  It ended up being a daddy & son project, which is great!  I'm not sure who had more fun.

The boys hard at work.

 Josiah was very meticulous.  Wonder where he gets that?

 Amazing job!

Here are an assortment of pictures from Christmas Day...

 Toy Story 3!!

One of Josiah's biggest loves right now.

 Busy opening gifts...

 Every time we would visit Santa he would ask for a football helmet!

 All the cousins had the same PJ's thanks to Nana.

It's not so easy getting a group shot when they are all so close in age.

 One of my favorite shots of the day.

My nephew Emery looking at Baby Jesus.  So sweet.

 More presents!

We did have some family photo's taken for Christmas....you know how much the grandparent's LOVE photos!!  

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have a blessed 2011!

"I Believe!"

So, I am going to have to skip right over Thanksgiving because I have no pictures!!!  I know that seems impossible as I have my camera with me at almost all times (which I did that day too) but I just never took a shot.  The three of us spent the day with Nate's parents and his youngest sister, Emily, and her husband and daughter.  It was intimate and quiet (only because we are used to LARGE family gatherings) but for the first time in the history of having a family meal at Nate's parents...we all fit around one table! Also, this was the first time in the last few years we didn't do the Turkey Trot. I probably should reinstall that tradition, at least for myself, next year because I fell a lot better about indulging. 

The Saturday after Thanksgiving we joined my sister and her family,  a lot of her husband's family and some of our good friends on a train ride through Hood River replicating The Polar Express.  For those who are not familiar with The Polar Express, it is a Christmas movie that is basically about children coming to the crossroads of asking themselves if they believe in Santa.  (Of course we celebrate Jesus' Birthday first and foremost.  Josiah is well aware of the true meaning and at this point he thinks Santa helps Jesus make sure everyone gets gifts.  The wise men gave gifts to Jesus to show them his love and we give gifts to show our love.  Thought I'd interject this before I got raised eyebrows from some but that's a whole different Blog post.)  Anyways, the whole journey takes place on a train when the children are taken on a ride to the North Pole to have that question answered for them.  At the end of this movie Santa gives each child a bell to ring. If they hear it ring, they still believe.  Hence, "I believe"!  This train ride was 1 1/2 hours long and the story was read and hot chocolate was served.  There was even a visit from Santa on the train and handed out bells to all the children. 

We plan on making this a yearly tradition with the same group.  What a great way to transition from Thanksgiving into Christmas.

Funny Looking Creatures

One of Josiah's favorite shows is Yo Gabba Gabba.  For those of you that don't of "The Gabba's", I don't know if there is any way to describe them.  They are five "creatures" that live in Gabba Land.  The show is hosted by this black man with perfect skin and the most horrendous orange costume you've ever seen, however kids LOVE this show!  There are always well known celebrities on the show as well, like Jack Black.  There is always a great lesson to be learned and some great music as well.

Yo Gabba Gabba Live was in Portland this last November and we went with a couple of other friends and their Gabba obsessed preschool aged children.  Really, it was a fantastic show!

 Josiah waiting in line with his "Plex" & "Brobee".

 Josiah & his friend, Mia, watching intensely.

They had balloons fall from the ceiling during a song.

 Cutie!

Nate is rockin' the DJ Lance Rock glasses!

Go Beav's!

Once again I find myself going back in time. 

In all fairness to my friends and family who are "Beaver Believers", as promised, I am posting pics from our adventure to Reeser Stadium last November.  Since we are not alumni from either school, we thought it was only fair to attend a game to see the Beaver's do their thing.  Again, thanks to COUNTRY for providing us with the opportunity.  We were able to go see this game with some close friends who happen to be alumni.  What a great time!  It was frigid but it was well worth seeing the Beaver's kick some booty!

 Always more fun with a great friend!

 Sporting Beaver Gear!