The weather is beginning to clear up in Seattle (finally), so we tried our second trip to the local zoo. Amber seems much more aware of the animals than she did the first time around, so we think she enjoyed herself a little more. We visited the bears and otters that she loved so much before, and she was brave enough to go see the lions and tigers, too.

There's a great exhibit where you can feed birds that are flying freely about an enclosure...Amber is still a little too young for that but gladly watched as Mommy and Daddy took turns trying to coax the birds down from their perches.

We managed to stay a few hours before it was nap time for everyone. Maybe next time we come we'll make it a half day!

Okay, we didn't really fly over to Germany with a 1-year old, but for those who don't know there is a small town in central Washington called Leavenworth that is very much like a Bavarian town you would find in the Alps. It's great being able to feel like you're traveling far away without spending hundred on a plane ticket! (We wouldn't be able to afford one anyway with all the money we spend on clothes for Amber - yikes!)

We'll be staying with Grandma Hannah and Grandpa Roy in their home just outside the main part of the town. There is a lot of snow on the ground, but at least the roads weren't treacherous. We bundled Amber up in all of the great gear that she got for Christmas and let her tread through the snow for a little bit...at least until she got too cold and wanted back in the house!

Happy Birthday to Amber! We can't believe it's already been a year since we first met our little one - and can't believe how much she's already grown! We celebrated with Aunt Frances, Uncle Tim, Grandpa William, Grandma Brenda, our neighbors Bonnie and John and their 2 year-old Brandon.

Amber scored some great gifts, including a new stuffed hippo and a lot of great colorful picture books. Mom made chocolate cupcakes for eveyone, though we think Amber got most of it on her cheeks and her bib than in her mouth.