Busy little lady!

 It's not exactly balmy out, but it's not raining and we can't complain about that! Yesterday Abi and I started cleaning out the front flower bed and make more progress today. While Steven washed the car this afternoon, Abi drew. Once we came in and warmed up, I captured Abi's latest animals sounds...Caroline, you are going to love her slow drawl of a chicken!! Anytime we tell Abi we're having chicken for a meal, this is what we hear.

Chilly ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo

On the last day of the ZooLights display (Jan. 2nd), the Sakaguchi Family bundled up and headed to the Oregon Zoo.  It was a balmy 36 degrees that night (which after Minnesota was warm) but was still really chilly! In addition to thousands and thousands of lights and lit displays, the elephants, penguins and monkeys exhibits were still open to visit as well. But of course, no zoo visit is complete without an yummy elephant ear!

Steve, Stephannie, Annie, Abi and Steven

A Very White Christmas

The current family agreement is that we swap the winter holidays between families every other year.  This year was a very white, Minnesota Christmas.  We spent 10 days living in a snow globe and man was it fun because the time was filled with family!  The three girls (Abi 15 mo, Danielle just over 2 yrs and Michaela just shy of 4 yrs) played so well together! Our days were filled with playing with the girls (Abi and Danielle particularly loved sliding in the snow), ice fishing, cross country skiing, building shelves (at least for Steven, Malcolm  and Dad) and playing cards.  It was a wonderful holiday filled with love and laughter!

Abi & Steven sliding.

Michaela, Danielle and Abigail on Christmas Eve

Singing Away in a Manger with Grandma and Danielle.

Grandpa reading a story.

Still 29!

The whole group in front of our ride!

Many of you know Steven turned 30 in Oct '09... And I'll be turning 30... next week! I'm not exactly a big  party person but I do love a reason to celebrate the wonderful people who fill our life as a family! So for my 30th birthday, we organized a small group of friends who embarked on a wine tour with us. Us and five other couples enjoyed an afternoon visiting Cristom Winery, Witness Tree Winery, S. Innocent Winery and Bethel Heights Vineyard.  Witness Tree seemed to be everybody's favorite and it wasn't just because they had 9 (yes 9!) wines on the tasting flight. I think it is safe to say everybody had an absolutely wonderful time!

Bring on the holiday!

The Saks spent a wonderful Thanksgiving in Eugene with Granny, Papa and Auntie Stephie. Abi was well entertained by the stairs up to the bedrooms and thankfully exhausted a ton of energy there! As the holiday season seems to be getting into full swing, we're reminded how blessed we are to have so many wonderful friends, family and a baby girl (seems unfair to call her that anymore!) who's growing and learning every day. Abi communicates quite well what she wants and understands so much more. It's not uncommon for her to help empty the dishwasher and put the silverware away or help set items on the table for dinner. Her favorite is the ketchup; anything with ketchup on it will be eaten! We headed to the zoo last weekend while Steve worked with our friends Rachel and her son Shaun. Abi LOVES the animals and has started signing monkey and frog and of course the sound affects for lions, bears, monkey, etc. are quite entertaining for us. She loves Christmas lights also so we're heading back to the zoo with friends again for ZooLights! Should be fun!

Toddler already?!

Abi seems to be on the verge of toddler-hood and I have to wonder, "Where's my baby?!" She communicates with well with several different signs we've learned, yes, no and points. She runs, jumps (although quite comically) and as of last week, does somersaults with the aid of Gramma. As fall's cold nights have settled in it seems our household has definitely settled into enjoying being "us" and all that our schedule holds for us. About 1 1/2 wks ago, Gramma flew in and Steven and I took off for Kona with our friends Don & Whitney Davis. It was a wonderful get away knowing Abi was being loved on and settled at home with Gramma and a visit from Grannie. Since returning, my work schedule of working only 4 days/week has gone into effect. Last night I told Steven, "I feel like it should be Sunday tomorrow" but I'm sure I'll adjust to 3 day weekends very well! :) It sounds as though Steven's schedule will change back to 24/48s come January which I think we'll be happy for. It seems that there's little point to trying to prep for changes since God is in control and His master plan is far more glorious than anything we cook up.

Happy (belated) Halloween!