Guess who?

There's no doubting Freddie and Elsie are siblings. I've always thought their red hair, round cheeks and big blue eyes are a pretty close match. However, it was only recently that I realized just how much these two look alike. All thanks to big blue snowsuit...

PS I redid my blog header. Elsie is official now!

Summer in Seattle, 2014

4 generations of Padden females.

We went off on our annual Seattle trip on August 19th. Margaret ("Bobo"), Freddie, Elsie and I flew over for three weeks of fun in the sun with William joining us for 10 days in the middle. We had a fabulous time at Clare and Jon's wedding, playing in the sand at Seaside and relaxing in beautiful K-town. Couldn't have asked for a better holiday, thanks in most part to the company.

The kids had a blast with their cousins and we came back with Elsie now rolling over and Freddie speaking in full sentences. "I don't like that, Mom" - pointing at his pancakes this morning (!!). One second later - "I like that, Mom" (pointing at his pancakes again). We are still getting over the jet lag, which has been horrid for everyone this time for some reason, but have lots of fun activities planned for this weekend to tire everyone out and resume a 7pm bedtime!

Els and Greta getting acquainted.

Keeley, Freddie, Ollie and Reenie Roo at the kids' table.

Freddie, Keeley & Reenie having a ball.

Els taking a load off on Grandpa.

Our trip to France!

We just got back from 10 days in beautiful France - a country I'd never been to (Paris-Charles de Gaulle doesn't count!). We spent the first three nights celebrating our friends Thomas and Izzy's marriage and the following week at a farmhouse with the entire Fitzpatrick clan - including the Kenmore Fitzs.

There were fields of grapes, sunflowers and various other crops (wheat?), giving us a gorgeous view anytime we drove anywhere. We went to a traditional French market, old chateau and cooled off in nearby rivers and lakes.

Freddie and Elsie had a great time with their cousins Keeley and Corina and new friends, Rory and Ava. It was a madhouse of children (six all under the age of three) and Irish but within the insanity (bedtime the first night included about 2 hours of EVERYONE screaming!) came so many laughs. Boardgames, red wine (I had to time it right to avoid Elsie's feedings!) and oh so much cheese.

We ate so many chocolate croissants - they were a staple at breakfast, snack and anytime we had a cup of coffee (which was quite frequent, to say the least!) - that Freddie is still asking for them.

Here are some pics from the wedding...

Finding shade under a tree

Francie entertaining children

It was HOT

Probably our first family photo!

The Fitzs

Where's the groom?

Reenie Roo enjoying her ice cream

Funny faces