Discovering Anemones

The Seattle Aquarium is one of our favorite family outings. So, we bundled up and went downtown the day after Thanksgiving. It was the first time that we had been to the aquarium since Sam started walking. A whole new world has opened up and Samuel is ready to explore it. During his explorations, Sam discovered the tide pools. I was so proud of my budding naturalist. After splashing around for a bit and exploring the salty taste of the sea water, Sam met sea stars, crabs and a large purple anemone.

Captain Samuel

Samuel

By request I am blogging about 10 things that Samuel is up to.

1. One of my very favorite things about Sam is how cuddly and loving he is. When I hug him, he gently pats my back.
2. Today after swimming lessons, he fell asleep in his high chair while eating lunch.
3. Sam is obsessed with doors and doorknobs. Opening, closing, turning, and going outside (in no particular order).
4. Sam loves music. His current favorite is If You're Happy and You Know It. Sam can clap his hands, stomp his feet and shout "aah". Yes, he is happy and he knows it.
5. Sam is walking. It is now his primary mode of transportation, but he is still in that great wobbly toddly stage.
6. Sam loves dogs. Last time we went to Grandma's house, I got him out of the car and as soon as he saw where we were he said "Dog? Dog!"
7. If you ask Sam how big he is he will raise his hand high in the air. (He will then expect to be tickled)
8. Sam love stairs. Up and down and up and down we go.
9. Sam loves his Dad. He knows the sound of the door opening and goes charging whenever dad comes home. He also know the meaning "get Dad," and will tackle and tickle.
10. Sam loves the water. He wants to play in any fountain, every sink, and he loves the swimming pool, hot tub, and bathtime.

Trick or Treat!

Sam's first Trick-or-Treat. You can see his tight grip on his treat. Sam loved trick-or-treating. He loved carefully picking a piece of candy out of the bowl and then dropping it in his bag.


Stich and Princess Fiona (aka Eleanor) trick-or-treating together at U-Village.

Stitch's Great Escape

Sam is walking now! Here is Stitch's escape from Dad's med school Halloween party.

Halloween is almost here!

Sam sitting amongst the pumpkins.
We took advantage of a rare October sunny day this week to go pumpkin hunting. We found the cutest pumpkin patch in Maple Valley. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera. However, Keiko has a few cute ones though of Sam on a large tractor. Anyway, here is a picture of Sam sitting in a pile of pumpkins closer to home (outside the U Village QFC). As you can see, Sam is pretty excited about pumpkins and Halloween. You will have to stay tuned until next week to see him in his Halloween costume.

Spaghetti Sam

We gave Sam spaghetti for the first time. I think it is his new favorite food.

Happy 1st Birthday Sam!

Sam is now a one-year-old. How time flies. I have to admit that my first year of motherhood has been an amazing experience. This little guy has grown up so fast. His unconditional love is so buoying. It has also been fun to see my husband become a father. He is the best dad a little one could hope for. Seeing my parents become grandparents has also been a hoot.

Here are some picts of Sam's birthday shin-dig.


This is Sam's new smile just for the camera.

Let me take you on a sea cruise!

The final leg of our great summer adventure was a Disney cruise to the Bahamas. What can I say, it was a great vacation.

Sam, Justin and Goofy

At the Atlantis aquarium in Nassau

Yes, there is a manta ray in that tank.

Sam the king of Atlantis

Sam in the todder splash area

One night on the cruise there was a Pirates in the Carribean party with dancing pirates, Pirate Mickey entering on a zip cord and fireworks. Everyone dressed up in their pirate wear. Pirate head scarves were provided at dinner for those not already wearing pirate garb. Sam wore his as a pirate cape.

Sanibel Island

The next part of the the Milonas adventure was a trip to Sanibel Island on the gulf coast of Florida. It is famous for the the miles of seashells. Yes, we brought home plenty. We also went on a dolphin excursion boat trip. We saw several dophins that played in our wake.

Next we went on a airboat tour of the everglades and saw a few huge gators.

I'm going to Disneyworld!

Summer vacation with the Milonas clan!
Keenan's parents took us to DisneyWorld in August.
Sam's first ride at DisneyWorld was Its A Small World. He was astounded.

Sam and his mom watching the parade


Sam and his best good buddy Justin

Sam with Grandpa in Tomorrowland


Bug's new slogan

Animal Kingdom


The Animal Kingdom Parade

Jackson Hole and Yellowstone

While we were staying in Jackson Hole we went to Yellowstone.
Sam at Old Faithful in Yellowstone


Other Vacation picts:

Lindsey and Kara after the Jackson Hole Shootout

Sam loved his hotel bed