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!