Last month, Liam took at climbing class at the YMCA. He had a great time. The first day, he got about 1 foot off the ground (and was thrilled). By the last class, he made it to the top. What a personal accomplishment. It was very fun to watch him try and figure it out.
Trying to figure out the next hold.
Good old Converse shoes.
A congratulation gift from Daddy.
We took our friends up on their offer for a winter weekend at Mount Baker. We stayed the night at their cabin in Glacier and headed to the slopes the next day. It could not have been a more beautiful early spring ski day. We all had a blast and played for about 4 hours, riding the rope tow up and skiing down. Liam loved it and did great. Man....am I sore today! Here, Liam and Gabe ride the rope tow up Heather Meadows.
Waiting in line.
Getting a lift!
Liam and Daddy before hitting the slopes.
My little skiier. Liam's favorite part- the helmet! He thinks it is a motorcycle helmet and he wants his own. I guess we might be able to accommodate......
Here are a couple of pictures from January. We took a trip out to Cypress for a winter weekend and enjoyed a quiet, empty beach. 
In January, we also built a retaining wall in our backyard. Liam was in heaven! He got to wear his new tool belt and be Daddy's little helper. 
Here is Liam, hammering in some big nails.
Our helper....
Here are a few pictures from the new year. Auntie Lu, Mommy, Liam and Perrin.
My sisters.
Glen, Liam and Auntie Lu.
Here are a few more pictures from our days in Winthrop. We had a great fondue dinner....
Liam and cousin Finn played on the frozen ice pond for hours.
Liam and Ashton.
Fondue and Family.
After Christmas, we headed East of the mountains to Winthrop, WA. with Gabe's family. Gabe's brother Chris and family met us from Montana and we had a wonderful five days together. Liam did a great job on his cross-country skis.
Daddy fixed Liam's zipper.
Getting ready to start.
Cousin Ashton, Poppi, Finn and Liam walk in Winthrop.
The cousins eating breakfast.
The day after Christmas, Liam and I came down to Mount Vernon to spend some time with Auntie Lu before she had to head back to California. We went for a walk on the dike and enjoyed the sunshine.
Liam and Auntie Lu.
Perrin, Lu, Liam and me
Liam and Lu.
Noni, Grandpa, Liam, Lu and Perrin
After opening presents at our house, we headed to Mount Vernon to see our families. First we stopped at the Schutz' to open our family presents and have brunch. Above, Liam gets an easel (the same easel we had growing up.....very sturdy!).
That "Scurvy Reuben" tries on the new pirate hat.
Pirate/knight.
Opening gifts.
Reuben and Uncle Reuben.
Christmas morning, was very sweet and quiet. Gabe and I woke and we all sat down (after a quick breakfast and coffee for the adults) to open presents.
Ski goggles!
A skill saw!
Armor!
Dazed and happy.
Our tree.
Gabe's sisters, Lenie and Anne.
Food and family. From left: Dad, Mom, Glen (Lusana's boyfriend) and Sangram (Anne's fiance).
Gabe, Liam and I hosted Christmas Eve this year at our new house. My family came up first and Gabe's joined later in the evening. Here are a few shots from the night. Above, Liam gets a good night story from his aunties and Noni.
Sisters.
Uncle Reuben reads to Liam.
The Schutz women.
Perrin and Reuben prepare "hot wings"...mmmmmmm......