The Good News and Then the Bad News

The good news? Another fabulous weekend! Saturday Sean and I had a date, a date like he opened my door for me kinda date. We had a drink before dinner at a bar, went to our favorite but so not kid friendly Indian restaurant, and then over to the NW area of town and walked around. He held my hand, like a real date!!!

Sunday we headed to Philomath, OR. Why? Because Spindrift Cellars has a winery there and when your friend is invested in and works at a winery you go see him. Norm has been a good friend to Sean and I so we packed up Liam and made the journey. Liam slept for 30 minutes, not enough. We managed to get a tour of the winery, taste some excellent wines and brought some back for the Holidays.

The bad news? Emmett had to go to the vet today, he has been acting lethargic and walking weird and now we know why. Emmett ruptured a disc in his neck, they think. He has to have very limited activity including no stairs. Have you ever met Emmett, or seen our house? We cleaned up the garage, which thankfully was not that dirty and got him all set up out there. I feel horrible about this but know it is for the best. MY POOR BOY!!! If he is not feeling better in 1 week he has to go back to the vet and they will want to do an MRI on him. My poor dog has not had an easy life and it doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon. Think good thoughts for Emmett!!!

Weekend Review

We had yet another fabulous weekend, thank you very much for asking. Saturday we had our friends Audrey, Tim, and their cutest, 10 month old, little girl Ava over for dinner. All those of you with children can appreciate this...We had dinner at 4:30! Sean made Indian food, Ava sat and played, Liam ran around poking people and whining. Oh, and he was fascinated with pulling out Ava's binky. Sometimes he got it back in, sometimes not and she would let us know when he missed. I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT TO BRING THE CAMERA OUT!

Sunday was a 'book club' with the girls, some great snacks and even better girl talk. After church the babysitter came over and Sean and I went out to Sushi! I dare anyone to find the last time Sean and I went to Sushi together sans Master Liam. Since it was a Sunday there was no wait (bonus), and sushi was so yummy (excellent). It only took an hour so the options were go home or find somewhere for a drink since we had the sitter for 2 hours. Going home was not going to be the option we choose. The first place was closed but we had a glass of wine at our second chance.

Some video Sean shot while I was at book club. Liam took a liking to the broom and instead of giving him ours and risk him knocking pictures off the wall we got one his size. Liam got a kick out of using the broom to make Sean dance.

My name is KIDDDDDD!

Busy busy busy last weekend, as least for Annie!

Friday was KUFO's Rockfest with bands like Five Fingers of Death and Rehab. Forget about them, I wanted to see the headliner Kid Rock. I know what you are going to say, "but Annie, you and Sean have already seen Kid Rock" but I couldn't help myself. Andrea, a friend from work also born in MI, is a big fan too, it was an outdoor venue, and there was stress to be released....and that we did. It was so fun. We skipped all the other 'bands', got there at 8:00, spent an hour in the beer tent and then Kid Rock came on at 9:00.

You see that white speck in front of the bright, white light? That's Kid Rock.

Saturday was the MICHIGAN vs ND football. No commenting necessary.
Saturday was our neighborhood block party! About 80% of the block participates so it is lots of fun and food. We left at about 6:45 because it was beddy-bye time for Liam. After getting him settled in the for the night I was off to the 5th Annual Maier Wine Tasting Party! So much fun. 12 bottles of wine, all from Washington, all tasty.

Sunday was a much welcomed day of rest. Or as much rest as you can get with an ever moving, curious one year old in the house.

Introducing Lily Grace Santos-Merritt

She was born on August 30, 2008 at 7:05 pm

Weighed in at 6 lbs 11 ounces

Length of 19 ¾ inches

She joins her big brother Ian as Chicago's newest Bears fan!!’

We love and miss you Steve, Clarita, Ian and Lily

Sunny Day

Another picture perfect day at the Oregon Coast.

Michigan 16 -- Miami OH 6

Liam was SO happy when Michigan scored their first touchdown!!!

A Long Labor Day Weekend

Patti was closed on Friday so Sean and I both took the day off, hoping to capitalize on the long weekend and spend time with the boy, and that we did!

Friday. Liam awoke with a cold, oh yeah!! The snotty nose and the whining were both abundant. After his 1 hour nap Sean and I discussed and Liam was in much better spirits so we thought, why not? So we packed up the wagon and headed to Salem, Oregon...the capitol of our great state...for the

Liam was AMAZING!! No whining, ran around the grounds, watched us eat bad things for our bodies, saw humongous bunnies, chickens, goats, cows and horses too. No pictures only because, what are you really going to take a picture of? We figure in 2 more years Liam will be big enough to ride the kiddie rides so we will be heading back and probably make this a yearly thing as a family.

Saturday. Michigan Football, we have been waiting all year for this!!! The plan was to watch the game with the other Portland alums at the Thirsty Lion but Liam was napping so we stuck around home and watched. (good thing we did stay home...let's just say "it's a rebuilding year")

Sunday. The boy was not feeling well so we stuck around the house. Later in the day we got cabin fever and headed to the outlet mall. We got Liam new jammies from BabyGap and funny, once we wanted to start looking for ourselves Liam started whining and we decided to go home...hhhmmmmm

Monday. No more house, we are going out!! We packed up the wagon and headed to the Oregon Coast. Liam was still sleeping when we hit Cannon Beach so Sean did a drive by in Seaside, Liam was still sleeping so we did a drive by of Manzanita Beach too. Finally the boy is awake and off to Cannon Beach. Had some lunch (Liam ate Halibut for the first time!) and we hit the beach. The weather was PERFECT!! Not too many people, sunny but not hot, water was not too cold, definitely swimmable, and everyone was happy :)

Liam imitating his daddy, or is Sean imitating Liam? You decide:

And other fun shots: