Teagan Turns 3!!!

Teagan's third birthday was nothing short of fun-filled, just like our vivacious little girl.

She woke up on her birthday cuddling her new unicorn, Pinky, which her Aunt Jade had given to her the day before, as we began her festivities. Yes, we did stretch out her celebration over the whole weekend, but nothing too elaborate, setting a pace that she led...which means it was jam packed with more memories than I'll even have the time to share.

My sister, Jade and her family came to visit the day before, which was extra special because her step daughter, Kiana, and Teagan share the same birthday. :-) :-) Teagan was spoiled with lots of awesome presents from her Aunt Jade (who knows by now that we don't go overboard on toys, and is always very thoughtful and generous). Thank you Aunt Jade!

This is my favorite new pic that Jade took, which captures just how sweet Teagan is, especially with her beloved chickens. She's fearless with them, just like the meaning of her middle name, Brenna.

Kevin gets lots of Daddy cred for baking a frosting Teagan's birthday cake with her and her big sibs. It was exactly what she wanted, chocolate with purple frosting and sprinkles. Kevin chose to do it as a bunt cake, which made it look like a big Voodoo Donut. Needless to say, she loved it! 

After a waffle breakfast, we walked to Grace Episcopal, where Kieran was an acolyte and held Teagan as eagerly stood up in front of the whole church and put up her three proud fingers (as she has been show nearly every strangers for a few weeks). 

At coffee hour, Father Lance's daughter, Grace decided to give Teagan on of her old American Girl dolls that she doesn't play with any longer, as a generous eighth grader. We appropriately named the doll Grace. Thank you Grace!

Teagan thought of this photo opp at the Astoria Sunday Market.

Teagan opening Gram and Pop Pop's birthday card (Sorry we didn't manage to call, Teagan was resisting a nap during the window of time when we should have called...She was grateful for her card, and her checking account thanks you!

I bought myself a beautiful bouquet at the Astoria Sunday Market to celebrate three years as Teagan's Mommy.
Here's a lengthy reflection that I shared on my Darcy's Utopia blog entitled Life is Better with Teagan.

Thanks for sharing your life and birthday with us Teagan!

Love,
Mommy

PS For those of you, like me, who can't help but take a trip down memory lane, here's a link to the photo shoot that we did when Teagan was just a two months old. Plus, here are my top three favorite posts from her first three years: Kissin' Cousins, First Shamrock Stride, and Teagan, Three Months Already!!!

Kieran Turns Double Digits

It feels pretty incredible that I've been a Mama for ten years today.

At church today, Kieran was asked how he felt about turning 10. He said that he was excited about turning double digits, but he'd have a wait a while before he turns triple digits. Always the mathematician with a witty sense of humor.

Kieran has been a unique spirit since day one, even his birth was easy going and joyful. I feel like my job as his mother from here on out is to cherish his unique spirit and help give him the space to grow. When we moved to Astoria Kieran decided that it was time for him to start volunteering and he decided to help out at the library one afternoon a week after school. They admiringly teased us that he's like he's really closer to 19 at heart. I've always felt that he was an old soul, especially when he was a newborn. It's hard to believe that he's a tween already, and I'm preparing myself to help guide him through the next big chapter of growth and hope that the world embraces him as I do.

Merry Christmas from the Cronin's...and a Very Happy New Year!

A holiday photo greeting from a hike to Cathedral Tree on the day after Thanksgiving with Aunt Carol.

Dearest Family and Friends,

On behalf of the West Coast Cronin Clan, we wish you the warmest of virtual holiday greetings!

This has been a pretty monumental year for us, with our recent move to beautiful Astoria, Oregon. There's so much to share, and life has been happening faster than I can blog about it. I'll try my best to give a quick replay that will do it justice.

Kieran has matured tremendously with the move, and sometimes we forget that he's just about to turn 10 in January. He greeted the news of our move with extraordinary optimism, and was instantly excited about all the possibilities (it didn't hurt that he had been on a "Man Camp" to Fort Stevens with stops at Fort Clatsop and Fort George). Interestingly, it opened up a new entrepreneurial spirit, and we're curious to see what comes of that. Kieran decided that he wanted to volunteer at the library and has been consistently walking himself to the library every Tuesday to help on various project (the library ladies love him and he was honored to get a card and gift). Kieran has been quick to make friends with boys from school and playing on a new soccer team that had a great season. He was excited to get into an advanced math class, and loves learning online with Khan Academy in his spare/screen time. Kieran is very excited about his new school, Lewis and Clark and Mrs. Bergman; he became a mini-celebrity when we broke off a third of his front tooth just before winter break, slipping on the rainy blacktop while racing to line up after lunch recess.

Makenna has had quite the year of growth herself. She lost the last of her baby face as she grew out her bangs, and is as girly as ever. She bought herself a pair of thrift store patent leather heels with some of her first money, and never misses an opportunity to dress up. She took the move in stride, while pushing Darcy's buttons when she got bored and frustrated with the tedious unpacking process. Thankfully, she snapped right out of it once school started and she could get her energy out on the soccer field. Makenna beams excitement as she plays, clearly in her element...all except the wickedly wet games in October. Makenna is practicing reading aloud any chance we can get, and really loves her teacher, Mrs. Brewington. She's still very socially motivated and loves attention as much as the next almost seven year old.

Teagan is our littlest live wire and full of personality. She's got us wrapped around her little curls, and we all work to help her meet her temperamental toddler needs. Teagan still brings us endless joy and laughter. She definitely has a fun sense of humor, and is whip smart. She can be known to use her sweet looks to satisfy her sweet tooth, and I think we'll have to wean her in more ways than one come the New Year (yes, she's a nursing addict and can't seem to get enough either). Teagan surprises us with new words every day and I know it will be astonishing to see how much she'll grow in 2016. I don't know if we're ready to give up our baby, and she'll always keep the status to some extent (or try to work it as long as she can ;-). She's actually surprisingly independent for her age, wanting to dress herself and fully potty training not long after we moved. Teagan has been attending Peace Learning Center most weekdays, which we love because we can walk there and she loves to socialize with her preschool friends. Darcy and Teagan have special time on Wednesdays, and have been doing Kindermusick together. She also really loves pastry play dates at Blue Scorcher, library visits and being able to surprise Kevin by popping in his office.

Kevin surely does love his new work, for the City of Astoria. Accepting the position of Community Development Director has really been like a dream come true, and it has been wonderful to see him so exceptionally satisfied in his work. It worked out really well that Kevin moved out in July and month before us, and it gave him a chance to get his bearings without the chaos of family and boxes. Plus, he got to hike/bike/explore Astoria as a "bachelor." His new work has really exceeded his expectations and we can hardly wait to see how he and his team will shape Astoria over time. It's also helped that Kevin has found a new coaching niche, and even decided to help lead up the futsal league, which is a must with the rainy weather. Kevin has been dreaming Hawaii as we approach the darkest days, but soon enough it'll be camping/hiking season again.

As for me, this year really revolved around our epic move, which required a tremendous amount of work to sell, buy and settle in. I started out the year dreaming of a new home, feeling like we were on the verge of outgrowing our home, only to realize that we were ready to create a whole new life. Once I really thought through the possibilities for our family, I was instantly elated at the prospect of moving to Astoria. We found an amazing historic Arts & Crafts home built in 1915 just blocks from downtown. Although it has its share of old house issues, it has felt like home since we first walked in the door. The town and people have really exceeded my highest hopes, and I truly appreciate the warm welcome that we received. I felt overcome with joy at our house warming party, and deeply appreciate all our new friends and neighbors. It's exciting to start creating our new community, and I'll be serving on the board of Friends of McClure Park, which is our lovely neighborhood park that we love to watch from our kitchen window. I ended up putting my life coaching on the back burner and beach cabins on simmer while in the midst of our enormous move, and I'm looking forward to putting more energy into blogging and other community projects. In many ways, it feels like we are really beginning new chapters in 2016.

As far as travels, it was a light year given our migration to the Mighty Columbia. However, we did managed two couple's trips to Seattle and Bend for long weekends where Kevin attended conferences, I got to do yoga and play, and the kids got extra time with Grandma and Aunt Miel. Our biggest trip was to visit Kevin's family back in Pennsylvania to celebrate his Dad, Neil's 80th birthday. It was a marvelous fall weekend of festivities and family. So wonderful to be able to share more than a virtual update. ;-)

We would love to host as many family and friends as we can manage in 2016, and Astoria truly a fabulous town to explore...and drink with four breweries and a distillery. Please let us know if you're planning a trip this way...

Wishing you and yours a Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!

Love from Astoria, Oregon!!

Darcy, Kevin, Kieran, Makenna & Teagan

Happy New Year!!

Moving West to Astoria

Astoria's Sunday Market...so nice that we can walk there...been enjoying the fresh veggies and arts vendors!

After a month in our new home and town of Astoria, I'm feeling the desire to reflect, share and reconnect with friends and family from afar. When I logged in, I could hardly believe that I hadn't posted since last December. (I shared the news about the move on my Sustainable Family Finances blog back in June). Yes, I could just post sporadically or incessantly post adorable kid photos on Facebook, but it feels too curated to share my life via captions. They don't actually share the depth and context of our life. Our lives are continually changing as the kids grow, with new learning curves to grow through.


This move has been a big one for our family. Fifteen years into our relationship Kevin and I are finally feeling "all grown up," but we've also been working through our interpersonal ruts. It can be all to easy to predict each other's behaviors, push buttons and take each other for granted. This move has forced us to refocus on what we really want for ourselves and our family. We're still settling into our new life here, but I'm really glad that we've been open about our needs to grow in our relationship. So, the move for us feels like more than just a physical one...it's really about taking our life together to a whole new level.

Our move has definitely been the right move for Kevin's career. Even with all the public night meetings, I can tell that he truly loves his work again. Despite his best effort, he had gone way too long without feeling respected in his career. It's wonderful to see his light shining again and to feel the warm welcome of a community that truly appreciates his leadership and dedication to the greater good.

With a napping toddler, and leaving our beloved nanny back in Portland, I've simple been busy getting our household unpacked over the past month. I haven't had the capacity to coach at all, although with the big kids back in school, I'm itching to refocus on my career. I've just barely had enough time to manage the beach cabin rentals, but after a few months of summer/moving, I'm anxious to reengage with my business goals. I am indeed more thankful than ever that I've been able to create flexible businesses, and that I can do them from virtually anywhere. Definitely a blessing.

The kiddos are acclimating well (even though Kieran insisted on leaving without a jacket, and I'm curious if he's been caught in a downpour...more natural consequences). 

Kieran likes his new school, even if he thinks it's too easy (the same thing would have happened at Irvington...he's a kid who needs to be challenged...kind of like his parents). He's playing soccer, and it's obvious that we wants to coach when he grows up...either that or be a sports commentator. 

Makenna is a social butterfly and a speed demon on the soccer field. It feels and looks like she's matured a few years over the summer...not all for the best. She has been challenging me constantly since the move. She needs a ton of attention and isn't nice when she doesn't get it (or ODs on screen time), plus she thrives on routine, so moving wasn't easy for her. I'm hopeful that settling into our new school routines will even out her premature hormones, and once I'm not so busy with unpacking we'll be able to have more fun together again.

Teagan has been taking a blissful nap (while the roofers put on a new roof). She is both precious and precocious. She's signing constantly and obviously listens to every word and body language. She's still nursing (much to Kevin's chagrin) and has regressed with potty training. At the moment I'm trying to decide what to do with her for childcare, and have two options I'm considering. She is such a sponge that I want to make sure I choose the right fit for her to help her continue to excel and delight in life.

Lastly, our new home feels like a fairy tale. Settling in has certainly been a big task, but it's starting to feel like home. We bought most of the furnishings from the previous owner, which has helped a ton for making it feel homey, but it still feels new to us. Plus, we're getting a new roof and new appliances this week. (I need to do a whole post with just photos!!)

Need to write a whole post on Astoria next...loving this town!

Kids on Day 1. Hard to believe, but it feels like they've already grown since this pic!

Kissin' Cousins

Teagan and Clark are the cutest kissing cousins ever. 

At ten months older, Teagan is like a big sis/mama to Clark. She loves hugging and kissing on him. She tries to put his pacifier in his mouth and shares toys. At just six months he's started to lean in toward her, and clearly knows that he has an admirer. They are pretty darn adorable together, and I'm so happy that they spend so much time together.

These pics were taken by our shared nanny, Kensey. She is amazing and the kids are so lucky have her expert care and fun loving nature. Thanks Kensey!

Annual Holiday Newsletter 2014

West Coast Cronin Clan – Annual Holiday Newsletter 2014

Welcome to another rendition of our annual newsletter. We’ve finally surrendered to the digital revolution and are posting this to our family blog (which has now been running intermittently for six years!). It pains us to do it, but it is SO much easier to post photos and save on paper. Plus, now family and friends beyond our core snail mail list will be able to read this greeting! 

In many ways 2014 has been about building a firmer family foundation while trying to find the right balance managing the hectic schedules of three kids, working parents, and community commitments. Looking back, it’s also been another life-packed year of new experiences and learning for each of us.

Teagan is enjoying her youngest sibling status raking in the adoration and attention. Her amazing smile and array of facial expressions has all of us enamored with her personality. Although not sleeping through the night on a regular basis, she surprised us by starting to use the potty a few times a day before she turned a year. As with her brother and sister, Teagan is learning sign language and loves communicating with us (check out her adorable video!). It’s a lot of fun teaching her and she gets so much back in return. Teagan has a voracious appetite for books so each time you think you’re sitting down to relax to read the paper she scoots in next to you with her latest collection from the library, gives an eager wistful smile, and expects you to read all afternoon. The highlight of our Memorial Day weekend was celebrating Teagan’s baptism at Grace Memorial, where she was a pure angel. 

   

Makenna leading the Grace Art Camp song :-)

Makenna is thriving in her Kindergarten class at Irvington School with Ms. Robyn - the same teacher Kieran had – in her last year of teaching. She adjusted (almost!) seamlessly from a social standpoint making new friends, getting lots of sleep, and loving homework. Her daily reports at the dinner table are filled with accounts of classroom projects, field trips, exploits on the playground, and after school yoga and belly dancing classes. Makenna also completed her first year of soccer playing for our local club. Unfortunately, Saturday games overlapped with Kieran’s creating a split household, but thankfully Darcy’s loves biking with girls in tow.     

Kieran at the beach in November.

Kieran is a 3^rd grader in Ms. Cheri and Ms. Jennifer’s class. Over the summer, Kieran was a very reluctant reader, but when Darcy started reading Harry Potter to him, he suddenly got excited about reading (They’re currently devouring the fourth years’ adventure in the Goblet of Fire...snuggie time is now "Potter Time"). Now he’s competing with friends to read the whole “Magic Tree House” series, plus several other graphic novel series. Kieran continues to excel in math, but is really excited about a new program “Learning in Depth” that empowers him to research and explore a randomly selected subject: writing systems. Kieran finished another fun filled season of baseball and soccer. Kieran played catcher, first time goalie and is blossoming into an on field leader. Kieran is in his second year of the Chess/Go Club, helping his school take 1^st place in both at a recent tournament.  

Teagan and Darcy at Edgefield concert

Darcy has been one busy mama, essentially creating several part time gigs for herself. She went through Mama Bliss Coaching School last spring, and has loved honing her new craft and serving bliss-seeking mamas (Watch out 2015!). After barely two years in business with the family beach cabins, she and Miel have taken over the management together. She’s almost reached her fifth year of blogging for Sustainable Family Finances, and added on a new gig as a monthly columnist for Metro Parent. Darcy and Miel’s connection is legendary, so when Miel's family decided to relocate to Portland in September Darcy was beyond thrilled to have her soul sister a 15 minute walk away. They are sharing a nanny (Kensey who is like a welcomed new family member) and supporting each other every step of the way. It’s apparent that juggling the needs of start-up ventures and keeping our ankle biters at bay requires infinite energy and ambition. Throw in volunteering to organize a second annual street painting, hosting a Olivia Beach HOA picnic, celebrating sculpture installations at Pittman Addition, and serving through Rotary...the days go by way too fast.

Kevin with colleagues working in Lents.

Kevin is still working at PDC helping to revitalize local neighborhood business districts. One highlight was opening a new, all weather youth soccer field in North Portland through a partnership with the Timbers Army. His coaching habit has been hard to kick, managing a 14 player U9 team, but it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable. However, any high from youth coaching has been counteracted by this old house projects: a new roof, basement waterproofing for a man cave, two industrious and madly in love squirrels in the crawlspace doing the tango every night, yard & garden fever, and various other inexhaustible honey do list items. Needless to say, another hobby is desperately in order.     

Our family travels started at spring break this year, with an epic east coast adventure for our nephew's bar mitzvah and Miel's baby shower. The top highlight of our summer camping season was spending two weeks in British Columbia in August with the Higgs Family and friends. We experienced incredible weather, Canadian hospitality, explored Tolfino on the West Coast and Pacific Rim National Park, and stayed a few nights in Vancouver visiting Granville Market, Stanley Park, multiple breweries, and the coolest city in Cascadia. Kieran and Kevin were stationed at Fort Stevens State Park for Man Camp 2014: camping, biking, kayaking, swimming, hiking, beach combing, exploring WWII batteries, concrete bunkers, and Fort Clatsop, all topped off with World Cup soccer in Astoria at Fort George Brewery with a platoon of Sweeney boys visiting for the day. Meanwhile Darcy took the girls to an amazing Michael Franti/Brett Dennen concert with yoga at Edgefield and camping at Dodge Park.

Family road trips included a gorgeous 4^th of July weekend at Olivia Beach to “check on the cabins,” a reunion of former AmeriCorps members outside Eugene, our favorite camp spot on the Central Oregon coast at Tillicum Beach for Labor Day weekend, and an overnight stay at Mazama Lodge on Mount Hood. Finally, Kevin was able to fly solo in October to visit the East Coast Clan for Pop Pop’s 79^th surprise birthday bash. The clan was all present and accounted for with bells on and bottles in hand.

For the most part, our summer was spent in Portland attending street festivals, riding our bikes at Sunday Parkways, and enjoying outdoor cinema under the stars at our local city park. In the fall we made hiking our priority, and went on a long family hike every weekend. Yet, spending this holiday season hunkered down at home is always an end of the year tradition we look forward to and reminds us of just how blessed we are with our family, friends and community. Thank you for being in our lives.

We hope you enjoyed our 2014 rewind and that you get a chance to see our clan in 2015. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Keep in touch with us, ideally over dinner, drinks, or a weekend at Olivia Beach, but you can intermittently keep tabs via our family blog. Despite its recent hiatus, it’s still the best way to find the latest photos and family stories throughout the year. Here’s to planning for a fantastic 2015!

The “West Coast” Cronin Clan:

Kevin, Darcy, Kieran, Makenna & Teagan

Cronin Halloween Fun

We all had a blast for Halloween this year. The kids had the day off from school and Kevin's workplace had a family friendly pizza lunch. Kieran dressed up as the intrepid Harry Potter, Makenna was naturally Elsa and Teagan was a perfect almost toddling on her own blossom fairy. Makenna belted out "Let it go...." in front of Kevin's whole office, and was a bold performer!

Since I had spent the last two Halloween's laid up on the couch, I was ready to have some fun. Makenna had a play date with close friends and we dressed together and had pizza before trick or treating and hitting a few haunted houses. Makenna was pretty brave and Teagan had a blast. Kevin took Kieran and his buddy trick or treating and they had their own fun...