Tori Feels the Beat in Music Class

Taking a music class with Tori this summer has been one of my most rewarding mom experiences. While in class, Tori bounces to the beat of "Peekaboo, I Love You", hums, "sings", laughs, and occasionally screams.

We usually walk to class (in the U. District) from our Maple Leaf home. I love the stroll and get a bit of a work-out walking to and from in addition to lifting Tori (who is nearly 26 pounds) during partner dancing.

NOTE: Steve attended class with us this week and do-see-do'd with Jasper and his mommy.

*If you're interested in taking a children's music class, definitely check out Rising Song School in Seattle.

Seattle Aquarium and Pier Lunch

What a day! Tori turned 15 months and after getting three shots at her "wellness" doctor's appointment, we went downtown. There, we battled the Seattle heat with a visit to Seattle's newly renovated Aquarium. Tori touched a sea cucumber and we all watched the aquarium diver feed voracious salmon! We were so grateful spending time with cousins, Hannah & Austin, along with awesome Uncle Mark.

Boating on Elliott Bay

Our good friends, Eric & Alyson Munday, showed us a terrific Seattle evening. We had perfect weather, enjoying idyllic views and a balmy breeze. Midway through our boat ride, we had dinner at a Bainbridge Island pub. After the ride, we happily returned home finding Tori sleeping. Grandma and Grandpa Muccilli took care of her so we could safely enjoy Elliott Bay.

Tori Shows a Silly Sideways Smile

Great Summer Days

Summer in Seattle

It's fun being tourists in our own city. Here are some photos from an overnight stay at the downtown Sheraton, including: a trip to The Paramount Theater, dinner at Tulio, and a Sunday morning visit to one of our favorite Seattle spots, Pike Place Market.

It's All In Her Head

Tori began her morning as a subject in the UW Brain Research facility. After that, she had her very first haircut! Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Marc are right; there's RED in Tori's hair. Even the hairstylist agrees. After Tori's tiny trim, we had lunch at U. Village and, after all this excitement, she napped for no less than three hours. Baby was tired. We love her new little bangs and sweet noggin'.

In other news around the universe, the Beijing Olympics began today. 8-8-08 - I won't ever forget this day. We enjoyed the freedom of a summer BBQ and we're headed to the couch for a little chill time and Olympic inspiration.

Tomorrow, Aunt Victoria and the family are watching Tori while we head to A Chorus Line and the Sheraton courtesy of the St. Catherine Auction. Life and all it's gifts seem especially and perhaps embarrassingly rich today.

Pomeroy Harvest

Nana & Papa took such good care of Tori and they did it during Harvest! Tori always ADORES eating Nana's homemade rolls and watching Papa do his chores.

Stu & Danica's La Quinta Wedding

Better Late Than Never

Tori is nearly 15 months and it's about time we start digitally archiving her life. I'm not sure what's taken us so long as I've had the entire summer off for the first time since childhood and it seems there should be plenty of leftover time for such important things.

Of course, we've been spending time with our most important thing and well...she'd rather talk, play, and go to the park than watch me blog. That, and frankly if I let her do her own thing she'll unravel a roll of toilet paper in under a minute.

Lately, she says "no" even when she means "yes." This means she's her mother's daughter as her father never says anything he doesn't mean.

Speaking of dad and his side of the family, we recently returned from a visit to Pomeroy. While there, Tori pointed at the dog, cat, and horse calling each of them dog or cat, depending upon her mood.

Today, we had a HUGE breakthrough at Greenlake wading pool. It was 90-degrees and I couldn't stand it in the house anymore so I was grateful for an invitation to the pool from our PEPS friends, Fred / Ardel / Rocco & baby. When we arrived, Tori was quite hesitant to jump in the pool. She's more of a "bring the pool to me" kind of girl and when we walked towards the water, she began to C-L-I-N-G like the beads of sweat on mama's b-r-o-w. Fortunately, we ran into Gabby, a three-year old girl from Tori's daycare. Gabby shared her plastic pails and made Tori feel comfortable. Before I could wipe the sweat from my br..., Tori was seated and splashing away. Whew. Sweet aqua! After tonight's bath, Tori fell peacefully asleep. I hope she's dreaming of more days at the pool.