Seattle Live Music Scene

Seattle has been known for a long time for its music scene. Nirvana and Pearl Jam are some of the biggest names, but remember that band Presidents of the United States?  When they broke up one of the members started doing "cool" kid's music, which he calls Caspar Babypants.  And to tell you the truth, it is much better than most of the stuff out there for kids.  I often find myself humming along to the music and not even getting annoyed when a song gets stuck in my head.  It was the first music that Leana really was drawn to, and has since started the whole ballerina/dancing phase she has entered.  In the last month we went to 2 Caspar concerts, which Leana just loves.  She insists on special dancing outfits and spends a lot of the time twirling around or doing her self-taught ballet moves.  It's really fun to watch.

 With dancing buddies Maddock and Nora

Potlatch!

Leana's preschool class has a special night each year called Potlatch where they learn about First Nations/Native American traditions.  They make button blankets and learn an Orca dance to preform at Potlatch.  I don't think Leana really understood what was in store as far as the loud drumming/chanting as well as the elaborate costumes.  At the end of the night she declared that it was too "noisily" for her.

Leana with her button blanket

  Singing songs with buddy Harrison.  In video below, if you wait for the end you will see a bit of the orca dance.

Julian - 15 Months Old!

Update: 

15 Month Stats - 

Weight: 19lbs 10oz (3%)

Height: 30.5 in (25-50%)

And, Juju has one more molar already (9 teeth now) and took his first three little steps not holding on to anything the other day!

Our sweet little Juju is 15 months old now.  I'll update his stats next week when we go to the doctor.  My guess: still low in the percentiles for weight!  

Julian now has 8 teeth, including 2 molars.  He is still not walking but likes to stand up from a squat position, or walk around holding our hands.  He's a fast crawler who loves to be chased by his big sister, crawl through tunnels, or play "hide and seek" behing mommy, under tables, or around corners.  He also loves his new tool bench, and anything with wheels.  His other favorite things are cats and books, or preferably books with cats in them.  He spends a lot of time just pointing to pictures in books, demanding to know what each one is called and will continue making a loud noise until you tell him what it is.  His next big life event will likely be a haircut, as we are often asked if he is a boy or girl, or just referrs ied to as a girl, even when fully dressed in boy clothes (no hand me downs from Leana, I swear!).  I'm blaming it on his long lashes and long hair, so I think a real haircut is in order! (so far he's only had bang trims by my unprofessional self)

 Juju's workbench and car

Christmas in Maui

Our third annual Collins family Christmas in Maui....

 Excited for the trip

 Beach runs start early in our family

Christmas Eve in Maui.  All ready for Santa, who was able to make it in through the balcony.  After flying to Maui, but not on our plane because there was no space on our plane, according to Leana.

 Leana and with Nana on her Christmas birthday

 Ulua Beach

 Juju's first time in the ocean

 Snack time at Big Beach

 Juju and Daddy at Ulua Beach

 The pool at the condos

 Ma'alea Bay