Missi and I traveled to Seattle to visit the firm I have an offer from and to look around at various neighborhoods. We had lunch with a few associates from the firm who have families, and they gave us a good idea of what the work/life balance is like. We also spent quite a bit of time driving around the Seattle metro area looking at various neighborhoods. That part of our trip was more discouraging, mainly because the housing market in Seattle has avoided the nationwide housing slump and home prices are still really high. If we were to move to Seattle, the goal would be to go up there to live frugally and pay down some of my student loans, but it will be difficult to do that if we have to buy a house for $400K. We stayed in Kirkland with one of my classmates, Monica, and her mom, and they were very gracious hostesses. Here are a few pictures of Missi and I with Monica’s bird Kiwi (this was significant because Kiwi doesn’t seem to like Missi very much).
We drove back down to Portland Thursday night and returned to stay with Missi’s mom.
Friday, 12/21
We were reunited with our kids, who had stayed in Eugene so Drew could finish up his school week. My dad had traveled to Eugene to stay with them for a few days, and the kids (not to mention Zeke!) had a great time with their grandpa. On Friday night we had another Christmas sweater party with a bunch of friends from MSCC. The party was held at our friends the Foglios house and we had a lot of fun belting out karaoke and playing foosball.
Nicole is serenading Jesse.
The ladies are belting out a power ballad.
Jesse and I are staying classy.
I'm sorta surprised no one suffered permanent ear damage from this song by Jesse and me.
Saturday, 12/22
Saturday night we had another Christmas party to attend, this one hosted by our friends Dave and Caleen. It was a much smaller, more intimate setting, and it was really good to catch up with them.
Sunday, 12/23
On Sunday morning we went to church and then drove to Salem to visit Luke, Missi’s brother, at his current residence. Because of the holidays, there were tons of people who were visiting their relatives, and we had to wait around for 90 minutes until we were able to see him. We only had about 30 minutes to visit, but it was good to see Luke, especially since it was the first time I had been able to see him since he has been incarcerated. Unfortunately they don’t allow cameras inside, so I don’t have any pics of the visit. On Sunday night all of us spent the night with my parents in Tigard, and we had a really relaxing evening together.
Monday, 12/24
On Christmas Eve morning, my parents cooked one of my favorite breakfasts – huevos rancheros – and we opened parents with my parents and my sister and her husband. In the afternoon we returned to Missi’s moms for more present wrapping and a quick nap. We attended part of a Christmas Eve service at MSCC, then went to Missi’s grandfather’s house for the traditional Hillier celebration, where the kid’s have a “talent show” and Grandpa reads the Christmas story from the family Bible. After that we went over to a family friend’s house where “Santa” visited to deliver some gifts for the kids. After that it was home to write a letter to Santa and then off to bed.
Grandpa reads the Christmas story.
Sam was getting pretty tired by this point.
Drew sings his song in the talent show.
Check out those expressions of wonder on Ella and Drew's face when they see Santa walk in the front door.
Drew gets his present from Santa.
Here is Sam's picture of Santa. Note the hat and beard.
Drew's note to Santa (asking for a laptop).
The kid's left Santa a Christmas donut, some apples for his reindeer, and a glass of soy milk. Mmmmmm!
Tuesday, 12/25 – Christmas Day!
It’s difficult to put into words all of the joy and wonder of spending Christmas morning with two young kids. Needless to say, it was a really great time. What made this year even more special was the snowfall that gave us a white Christmas! According to The Oregonian, this was the first measurable snowfall in Portland on Christmas since 1937! We received a bunch of great gifts, but I'd have to say that the highlights (at least for Missi and I) were the Nintendo Wii that she got for me and the Dyson vaccuum cleaner that I got for her (I know, I know...who get's their wife a vaccuum cleaner for Christmas!? Doesn't that send the wrong message? Not when it was something she really, really wanted and when I got a great price on the top-of-the-line model!) After opening stockings and presents, we visited for awhile with Missi’s step-sister and step-Grandparents, and then began the monumental task of trying to pack all of our stuff into the 4Runner. It was only possible because we were able to borrow a luggage bag and pack all of our suitcases on the roof rack.
Drew is excited about his new Lego set.
Sam is checking out her stocking.
The obligatory "photo in front of the Christmas tree"
Drew gets another Lego set. Are you seeing a pattern here?
When it started snowing in earnest, Drew went outside with his stuffed animal (Zeke) and just started running around because he was so excited. It was pretty precious.
Drew and I outside having a snowball fight
Zeke gives me a kiss on the drive back home.
Now we are back in Eugene and trying to settle back in. I am working a bit, and the kids are busy testing out all of their new toys. The Christmas tree has come down, and the lights will probably come off the house this Saturday. It was a really enjoyable time to see friends and family, but we’re glad to be back home!
Drew and I are breaking in the Wii
Sam likes her new bedding
