Christmas Update

Seeing as how we sent out our blog to everyone our Christmas card list, I should probably be better about updating! You wouldn't know it, but we've been busy preparing for the holidays! This being my favorite time of year, I wish it could just come to a halt so we could enjoy the season. Of course that can't happen, so instead we have to steal moments of every-day-life to make it feel special. So of course that means the blog and other incidentals fall by the wayside.

To update you all though, here's what we've been up to -

We went as a family to get a Christmas tree with our friends the Jorgenson's in the hills of Snohomish. A family tradition now for 3-4 years running. Hasn't failed to have at least some snow on the ground every year either! We've gone to Sunnyside to celebrate Christmas with Kristofer's grandparents and family. We've began the labor of love that is baking all of the Christmas goodies (more to come this weekend with my Mom and my brother's girlfriend, Megan). Our respective work Christmas parties are coming up. All this mixed in with our normal, busy, life as usual work/family life. I'm proud to say too that our Christmas shopping is complete and wrapped AND within the budget!

So...I'm ready for the season. Ready for the peace, quiet and time with family. Thankful for another year, reminding us of the birth of Christ.

Even Aaden helped put up the airplane, sheep and wagon.

Enjoying the tree

Snuggling with Mama!

The bowl boys!

Bragging Rights

I know most of you were aware of the long hours Kristofer has been working the last two months. Thankfully that time has come and gone. That being said, his company met all of their deadlines and are now shipping their newest product line: SkyView!

While I don’t fully understand all that he does, there is tangible evidence of his work on their website. I wanted to take a moment and brag about him. J

The components on the left are from top down: GPS receiver, lithium ion backup battery, inertial measurement module, and engine monitoring module that he designed, built, tested and helped manufacture. A few years ago we had to drive around with the GPS receiver on the top of our car. It now is a workable product.

His brainchild has been the two manuals (user & installation guide ) totaling in 165 page, now posted on their website. http://dynonavionics.com/docs/support_documentation.html.

Thanks for humoring me, just a proud wife!

The Proposal!

Yesterday we had the pleasure of being a part of Lacey, Kristofer's little sister's engagement to Tim Mensonides. While it was difficult to keep the "big" secret this week, we were so thrilled to be a part of their special day! And even more thrilled to be welcoming another brother into the family!!

Tim surprised Lacey at the Zumba class she teaches at (with roses, family/friends and a ring)! Here are some fun pictures of the evening.

Congratulations and blessings to you both, Tim & Lacey!! We love you!!

Getting pumped up!

She said "yes"!!

The whole gang, Dobelstein/Mensonides family & friends

Mobile Uploads

A few pictures from my phone, we were all there!

Maui 2009 - Update

We were so blessed to be able to go to Maui for fives days with my family for Thanksgiving. We've never done anything like this before (deviating from holiday tradition for sure)! We stayed in a condo in Kihei, it was perfect right on the water and had a great view.


Thanksgiving was extremely windy, but sunny all day. There were wind gusts up to 35 mph and 40 mph in the evening. Regardless we trekked to the beach in Kihei and played in the water for most of the day. Unfortunately it made snorkeling nearly impossible but body surfing great! Aaden was content to play in the sand and hang out in his beach cabana. That evening the condo managers put on a huge Thanksgiving feast. We brought a salad and were wined and dined with all sorts of yummy food (turkey, ham, yams, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, pies...and the works)! It was so nice to have the meal prepared for us and be able to enjoy the beautiful ambiance. Much to be thankful for!


The rest of the week we spent snorkeling, splashing in the surf, sight seeing and relaxing. Unfortunately mid-way through the week our camera got wet and sandy and died. That being said we didn't get a lot of great shots, so am waiting for the pictures on Nana and Papa's camera.


Aaden did surprisingly well on the 6 1/2 hour flight over, took two naps and was relatively happy. Our short 4 hour 55 minute flight home was a little harder though, the last two hours were pretty rough as it got close to bed time. Thankfully most passengers around us were fairly understanding and I spent a good share of the time in the back with the flight attendants.


We're sad to be home, but thankful for such a great time with family. Looking forward to the next trip to Hawaii, whenever that may come!


Happy Thanksgiving!

Maui 2009 - Pictures

1 year - Check Up

Aaden had his one year check up on Thursday. The Dr. was so pleased by his growth and health. He leafed through Aaden's chart and noted that he had only ever come in for his well child visits. He said we must all be doing something right! :-)

He got his booster shots, took it like a champ and iron tested - no problems there.

He is 31" (90%), 26lbs 2.7oz (90%), still a big boy but his height has really made him seem leaner.

As always we are thankful for Aaden and his health. What a blessing!

Rainy day fun

While I was getting things done around the house, Aaden decided to be helpful.

A few more pictures of the birthday

Just pulled these off the camera and had to share!

Cool car Mom and Dad!!

I love this one - Grandpa, this is GREAT!!

Thanks for my matching shoes Unkie!! I look just like you now!

The little walker

While at my parent's house Aaden discovered that he likes walking behind Nana's shopping cart. My good friend Denee' had come over for dinner and we were chatting, we look over and see Aaden taking off across the room. I quickly grabbed the camera and got a video. So exciting!

Last Weekend...

Last weekend Aaden and I were in Portland for my cousin Matt's wedding. It was great to see all of the extended family and catch up with everyone. We even survived the weather as the wedding was outside and it poured. Here are a few pictures of the day:

Cousins at play, they were pretty cute together and kept each other entertained

Having fun with Unkie and Megan. They were great company at the wedding!

Pretty good looking!?

After a long day I need a good suck on my thumb!

My date to the wedding, handsome young man I'd say!?

All gussied up!

All Quiet...

It is going to be a quiet few days for The Dobelstein Daily. This weekend Aaden and I went to Portland for my cousin's wedding. We got to see lots of family and enjoy the company of my immediate family. Unfortunately, while we were away Kristofer had to keep working and in the meantime got really sick. He's now quarantined at home until Friday. Rather than risk exposure to his illness Aaden and I have decided to stay in Portland for the week. Thankfully there is a holiday on Wednesday, so I won't miss too much work.

God's blessing in disguise - I get to be with Aaden for a week unexpectedly. An answer to prayer from the post below.

We will miss seeing Kristofer and look forward to him getting better ASAP. I am wishing I could be there to support and care for him - thank goodness for Skype video and Safeway online's at home delivery as I can still grocery shop for him!

8th tooth and...

Well I got home today after a long day at work and find that my boy has cut another tooth. I should be used to this by now, seeing as how it is his 8th! I just continue to be amazed by how I miss so much of him growing and developing, being gone all day. Then I realize that my dear husband is missing so much more. Once again he is at work LATE, the last one there 6 nights a week.

We are thankful for the amazing care givers that love and watch our son. Having my brother and mother-in-law at home with Aaden is such a comfort and relief. But...wouldn't it be nice to be together as a family for more than a few hours on Sunday!? Wishful thinking.

....thankful for our jobs.

I'll get to posting more pictures of Aaden's birthday and his latest adventures with new & fun toys soon.

Cake

A silly video of Aaden trying a cupcake for his birthday, it is kind of long...but fun!

(My parents are on Skype video singing along)

ONE - Birthday

Today was filled with lots of fun activities for Aaden's first birthday. Daddy and I woke him up (he slept in until 8:30am) by singing 'Happy Birthday' to him. Unkie then came to manny while Mama worked. They finger painted and colored with crayons. We then went to dinner with Daddy at Applebee's, came home, had cupcakes (while Nana and Papa watched on Skype) and opened presents. Aaden had a great day and was tuckered out when we let him finally go to bed at 8:30pm!

Here are a few snapshots of the day:

Coloring with Unkie

Dinner with the family

Look at my party!

He got some fun "Chucks" and a 2nd blankey!

Ooh and some fun dishes, a puzzle and some new bath toys.

He was so sweet, looked at every gift and tried everything out. Cake pictures are on the other camera and will come later.

Happy 1st Birthday, Aaden Kristofer!

A year has past since our wonderful son Aaden was born. We can hardly believe it, we've been so blessed to have him in our lives. We are looking forward to celebrating just our family today and with extended family & a few friends on Saturday.

Here's to you boy!

Pumpkin Patch '09

We made our annual trek to The Farm on Ebey Island outside of Snohomish today. We have gone the last five years with our friends the Jorgensons. We enjoy picking out pumpkins, seeing the animals at the petting zoo, eating lunch and getting treats from the bakery there. This year was no exception. It was on the cold side and started to rain, but we were able to get some good pumpkins picked out and snap a few photos.

An Evening Out...

I had fun going out with some of my girlfriends from college, hadn't seen most of them in over a year. Hadn't gone out in a couple of years...glad that Kristofer was able to take care of Aaden and work from home last night.

A picture from our fun evening...

A rainy day

Aaden and I were able to have some quality time today as Daddy had to work at Dynon and deliver cakes all day. I snapped a few photos of my cute boy hanging out in his pumpkin hat. Can't get enough of him!

Family Photos

A few weeks back we had some family pictures taken at our favorite location, Volunteer Park. We just got the photos today and are super happy with them. Thanks to Heather Mann Photography! :-)

Here is a sampling...