Our Next Skyline

This week we found out that we'll be moving to Seattle in February for Brian's next two rotations with Bank of America (16 months). It was our first choice, so we're super excited and really relieved! After five years of gradually moving further east, we'll finally be within driving distance of all of the members of our immediate family (except K&N who will hopefully be moving back west as well...eventually).

Brian will be working right downtown, so the hunt is on for family-friendly housing that's affordable without a super long commute. Sounds easy, right? ;)


Anyone with friends/family or personal experience in the Seattle area are more than welcome to contribute advice about where we should live!

Polk Historic Site

On Saturday morning, Brian took the kids to the gym and my parents and I went to visit the President James K. Polk Historic Site. Then we all hung out at home until my parents had to go to the airport.

My mom and dad on the land owned by President Polk's parents. These are structures from the era, but not the actual ones lived in by Polk.

Grandpa Swensen is reading and drawing for Wes (on a magna-doodle) and Sydney is getting sympathy for a hurt finger from Grandma.

We love you Mom and Dad/Grandma and Grandpa! Thanks for coming to visit!

Christmas at Latta Plantation

On Friday after Thanksgiving we went to the Latta Plantation. In the afternoon, we went to see Tangled. After the movie, we went home and put up our (mini) Christmas tree.

Grandma Swensen, Wes, and Sydney in front of the Latta Plantation house.

Cutie Sydney!

Brian teaching the kids how to shoot guns. No worries, they weren't real.

Grandpa Swensen and Wes.

The kids found a broom and took turns sweeping the empty cabin.

Setting up our Christmas tree. Our big one is in storage in Utah, so this one will suit us while we're here in Charlotte.

Thanksgiving 2010

We had all of our traditional things for Thanksgiving so we had a lot of food for five adults and two kids. (Brian has been thoroughly enjoying the leftovers.) We all had assignments (our personal favorites), so it wasn't too overwhelming. After cleaning up though, I told my mom that Thanksgiving isn't quite the same when you don't get to just show up to an amazing meal and then go take a nap afterward like I did when I was a kid.

Mom prepping the turkey the night before. (She was also in charge of the homemade stuffing.) Sydney was trying really hard to smile.

I accidentally turned off the oven at some point (as far as I can recall, I think I meant to turn on the light). We only had to push back the meal by about 45 minutes, but since Brian was hungry, we all agreed that he could start a new Thanksgiving tradition: pie before dinner. (Brian was in charge of the deviled eggs and Jell-o.)

Mom and Dad finishing up the mashed potatoes and gravy (my Dad's assignment). Sydney and Wes were enjoying their little table.

Dishing up the food. Hay mucho! (I was in charge of the Rhodes rolls, homemade cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, pumpkin cheesecake, and the photography. Costco was in charge of the pumpkin and apple pies.)

The guys - and Sydney - took naps while Grandma and Wes rounded out the afternoon with some puzzle time.

Around Town

On Sunday, we relaxed and then went to church.

On Monday, Brian worked, my dad went to the NASCAR hall of fame, and my mom and I took the kids to Target. In the afternoon, we had our family pictures taken.

On Tuesday, Brian worked, Wes went to preschool, and the rest of us went to Costco to get pumpkin pie and to the grocery store. Then we took the kids to swimming lessons in the afternoon.

On Wednesday, Brian went to work and the rest of us went to Imaginon (the library) and then met Brian for an Uptown tour (what they call "downtown" here in Charlotte) and lunch. Brian's cousin, Eric, came down from Washington, D.C. that night so the guys went to a movie.

Grandpa Swensen introducing Wes to the iPad. Wes was a fan. :)

Sydney relaxing with Grandma Swensen.

Having a puzzle is a tradition during Thanksgiving. Wes wanted Grandma and Grandpa to get the puzzle finished as soon as possible!

Wes and Sydney outside Imaginon. When Sydney walked away, Wes yelled to her: "Sydney, come read me!"

Grandma, Grandpa, Brian and Sydney at the library.

The Biltmore

My parents flew in on the evening of Friday, November 19th to spend the week with us for Thanksgiving. On Saturday morning, we got up and drove 2+ hours west to Asheville to visit the Biltmore Estate. Built in 1895, it is the largest privately-owned residence in the United States.

It was an amazing day. We spent some time outside enjoying the 70-degree weather.

The kids "earned" these giant suckers for being good while we toured the house.

My mom and dad in front of the Biltmore home.

The Charlotte Hanks family.

The kids wanted to ride the dog.

Sydney loved the animals in the little farm. She was really into petting the sheep. Wes tried it once, I think. I figured that was okay because I didn't want to touch them either. :)

Wes riding the tractor with a cool straw hat.

Sydney's turn!

Wes playing catch with Dad. We had a really fun day at the Biltmore estate!