Yummy!

Ben, Isabella and I went to one of our favorite restaurants this weekend. It's called Sante and it is in Downtown Spokane. We couldn't resist taking some pictures of our food. Mouth watering hum?


Ben's appetizer:
duck confit on long pepper blinis with plum confiture and glaze.

My appetizer: butternut squash risotto with cripy panceta and parsnip chips.

Ben's entree:
Pork Loin in caul fat with Onion Brûlée, rissolé potatoes, red pepper confiture and pork jus.

My entree:
Pappardelle with lamb bolognese sauce with sage butter baguette.

My dessert:
chocolate mousse with chocolate ganache, white chocolate sauce and chocolate madeleine.

Ben's dessert:
Apple caramel creme brule.


And here is a lovely picture of Bella at the restaurant. I couldn't post something without a picture of her right?

I'm a big girl now!

Learning to sit by herself!
Cutie!!!

THANKSGIVING AND FIFTH MONTHIVERSARY!

Today was Thanksgiving and Bella's fifth monthiversary so I made a cake. It turned out pretty cute. We celebrated at Grandma and Grandpa Hopkins' house. It was fun and the food was delicious especially the turkey and Ben's homemade pumpkin pie ice cream with toasted coconut.
Isabella looked pretty cute with her first Thanksgiving bib and the turkey clippie I made for her.
2 weeks to go to Brazil! Yipeeeeeeeee!

FIRST SNOW!

Today was the first real snowfall of the winter. It was also Isabella's first snowfall.
She looked really cute all bundled up for church. I am glad we will get to experience both the freezing Spokane winter and the boiling Brazilian summer in just a couple of months.

HOW DOES HOLLYWOOD DO IT?

Ben and I watched the movie Julie and Julia today. Delightful. Really fun to watch. Makes you feel positive, optimistic, motivated. Like you can accomplish something someday.Perfect for a Saturday afternoon.
Then we went to Costco and it was almost impossible to resist the urge to buy Julia Child's book. I'm glad we did, though because I can't see myself cooking Lobster Thermidor any time soon although I would love to someday.
We are so impressionable! How does Hollywood do it?

How sweet it is to be loved by you!

I love you Bella!

MIND THE GAP!

Isabella goes crazy for the new Gap commercial!

Here is the video we made of her watching it:



Here is the commercial:




I can't deny I like the beat and the dance too! It's very catchy!

SANTA CLAUS HAS ALREADY COME TO TOWN II!

Bella got this really fun exersaucer from Grandpa and Grandma Hopkins! She loves it!
She is still a little too short to bounce but she likes the toys and gadgets. Christmas is fun!

SANTA CLAUS HAS ALREADY COME TO TOWN!

Because we are going to Brazil in December, Ben and I decided to get Christmas presents early this year. I got him the boots and the panini press (I'm not sure if that's the exact model of boots).
And this is what my wonderful husband got me!



I'm so grateful for a husband who supports my many(and weird) hobbies and who understands the phases I go through.I love you Ben!

CAUGHT ON TAPE!

Isabella copying her daddy!



Bella loves her music box and acts really disappointed when the music stops.

In my daughter's eyes

Heard this song for the first time today. Pretty much says it all.



In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the
world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy
she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes

In studio again!

I made this flower for Bella's hair yesterday. I think it looks adorable on her.







We just love taking Bella to the studio when she is in a really good mood.

FOFOLETE!

Fofoletes are these little dolls you see in the picture above. They came in matchbox type boxes and I used to have a bunch of them when I was a child. I loved them! My mom saw this photo of Isabella and said that she never imagined I would have my very own life size FOFOLETE! Cute! Well, Isabella is my little doll and I love her so much!

D.A.D. II

Bella loves playing and spending time with her daddy. By the look on his face you can tell he loves it too! Here is a video of Bella copying her dad. So cute! It's like she's sending him kisses!
I love my family! You both make me so happy!

D.A.D.

Ben came home one day with this outfit for Isabella. What a great dad he is! Isabella is a very lucky little girl!

"Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad."

FUN WITH FAMILY IN PORTLAND!

We spent Halloween weekend in Portland with Grandma and Grandpa Goaslind and the Christensens. Very fun!



With Aunt Sandy, Uncle Mark and cousins Kirsten and Birgitte. Thanks for everything!


Isabella and Uncle Mark are great friends!


Ready for Halloween with the bib grandma Robyn gave me and my black hair bow!


Ben and I at the street market! Great fun!