Happy Halloween

Mia had a great time on her first trick-or-treat adventure. She said Junior Mints were her favorite candy (just like daddy)! Meow!

Big Girl Bed

Of the landmarks Mia has had at this age, the most exciting by far has been her big girl bed. Right after we got back from New York, we went to IKEA and picked it out. It converts into a bunk bed if you flip it upside down! Those clever Swedes :-)

We Left Our Hearts in NY

Over Labor Day week, we went to New York to visit Great Grandma Joan and Great Grandpop Bill. We stayed at their charming home in Long Island and had a wonderful time. It was sunny and hot (just as we hoped!). We got to visit with Great Gramps, Grampy Jack, and Uncle David and Aunt Laura. We got tours of the gorgeous surrounding estates, went to the beach and to the Big Apple, which was very exciting! (We even taught Mia how to talk with a New York accent :-)

See the full slideshow here.

Que Los Cumplas Feliz

Dearest Mia,
This week you turned three! We can hardly believe it. The past few months have been all about becoming a "big girl." You are so independent now! Here are a some fun facts about Mia at three years old:

1. Earlier this spring, you taught yourself to whistle and snap your fingers.
2. You are not afraid of the garbage truck anymore (well, most days).
   
3. Canela the Bear is still your #1 stuffed friend and has developed her own personality. Sometimes Canela gets too mischievous and has to be given a time-out. (Canela is also potty trained now!)
4. You are constantly making us laugh with your voices and impersonations, especially your impression of Mona.
   
5. Lately, you've been into lullabies. Your favorites are "Duermete mi nina" and "Hush Little Baby." Sometimes you ask mommy and daddy to sing a duet.
6. You are learning to write the letters of your name.
7. You love to dance and sing. Sometimes you do these funny little dance moves that remind us of Elaine from Seinfeld.
8. Your favorite books right now are "El Cuento de Ferdinando," "The Diggingest Dog," and the book of fairy tales from G.G. Joan.
   
9. If you are given the option to run or walk, you will choose "run" every time.
10. You still get the hiccups sometimes if you laugh too hard.

For your birthday you asked for Hello Kitty-themed birthday party, and you had a blast. We are looking forward to another year of rediscovering the world with you.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

(Click here to see a slideshow of Mia's birthday party photos.)

Attic Remodel

After a month of camping out in our living room, we can now call our home a 2-bedroom, 2-bath! Mia has really enjoyed showing off the new bathroom to our friends and family :-)

Click here for more photos.

For the grandmas / Para las abuelas

We went to our annual Shorinji Kempo barbeque last weekend, and guess what our friends had at their house? FROGS!

Bienvenue Lucien

Yesterday, July 13, our dear friends Denise and Thierry welcomed the newest member of their family, Lucien Henry Laborde. Five is a magic number!

Hugs and kisses from Portland,

Beba, Keenan and Mia

Trip to Seattle

Over the Memorial Day weekend we drove up to Seattle to visit the family. There were four generations of Allans/Cotes running around Aunt Carole's house. Mia had a great time playing with her cousins, and we all had a lovely time visiting. Everyone was on their best behavior (except around the card table! ;-). More photos here.

Starfish Class

A few weeks ago, Mia started her first swimming class, and she loves it! She's learning to float on her back, kick, blow bubbles and put her face under water. She's getting a little more confident every week. :-)

Here she is showing off her kicking skills!

Your Favorite Shirt

Dear Mia,

This is your favorite shirt in the whole wide world. You love it so much, you want to wear it even if it is 40F degrees outside or even if it has dried oatmeal on it. We have to wash it ALL THE TIME. When I take it out of the dryer and announce that is clean, you come running and yell "S.J. Mini is clean?! Thank you! Thank you!" The shirt was a gift from Yumiko in Osaka. We don't know what "S.J. Mini Kansas" stands for in Japan, but in Portland, Oregon, it means "joy."

Geaux Saints!

Christmas Photos

Click here to see the full slideshow. Best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Go Tell It on the Mountain (video)

This year Keenan was invited to play his ukelele in a Christmas band along with Christie on vocals and Sean on percussion (among other friends). It was fun for all of us because it meant we were constantly singing Christmas carols at home, and we really got into the holiday spirit. The name of the band is Pokey Twig and the Yuletide Kindling. (Pokey is the founder, and they've been doing this for eight years.) Below are some clips I put together of a few songs at one of their performances.

Disclaimer: Please pardon the poor quality of the video and audio. Sometimes I had to shoot holding the camera in one hand while balancing a 2-year-old on my lap. (Oh, and they are just acting drunk in the first song. Really! ;-)