Baby Bennett Has Arrived!!!

It's been a long time since I've updated our blog but I'm going to try to add to it frequently - especially since we have a beautiful new addition to our family, Bennett Dean Chalmers!

Bennett was born on Friday, March 27 at 12:28pm. He was 7 lbs 9 oz and 18.5" long. We found out the day before that he was breech so we scheduled a c-section...which was an amazing experience. They gave me a spinal block so I couldn't feel anything, put up the sheet and before we knew it we heard his little cry. It was a beautiful moment that will never be forgotten.

Parenthood has been an interesting journey. We've learned to distinguish his hungry cry from his tired cry and the "I've pooped my diaper" cry. We've been trying to figure out how to get him to sleep in his crib....or, actually how to sleep anywhere but on mom's chest or in her arms. We've watched his cheeks plump up and the creases in his arms & legs appear. We've figured out that he loves his car seat, car rides and long walks in his stroller. He loves going out on the back deck to listen to the wind and watch the leaves flutter. We've discovered that he's growing out of his newborn clothes and that size 1 diapers are the new norm. Most of all, we have discovered what it means to love something so much that it's absolutely indescribable.

Welcome to this world baby boy!!

A night at Cannon Beach

Kale won the lucky raffle ticket at Alpine's Client Appreciation party for a one night stay at a co-worker's wonderful beach house. We invited John, Jenny, David & Ellie. We had an amazing time--the weather was perfect (60-70 degrees and a few clouds) and we watched Chloe run endlessly on the beach. We shopped around downtown, cooked dinner, watched the Duck game (they won of course!), sat around a bonfire, celebrated John & Jenny's engagement, ate breakfast at Pig & Pancake and relaxed. It was most definitely the perfect beach trip.

John Proposes!!

John proposed to his lovely girlfriend (ahem, fiancee) last week. We are all so excited for the two of them and welcome Jenny into the family with open arms. Congratulations to the two of you! Also...I'm happy that someone is carrying on the name Jenny Eliopulos :)

Chicago!

We had a fun-filled 5-day trip to Chicago towards the beginning of August. Kale qualified for the annual Ameriprise trip so we lived it up--we went to some of the most amazing dinners/parties that we've ever been to. We went on an architectural boat tour and learned all about Chicago history & buildings, visited the Sears Tower, strolled along Navy Pier and shopped around on the Magnificent Mile. Oh! And Magic Johnson was the keynote speaker on the last day of the conference!

Visiting Alysha in Seattle...

I took the train to Seattle to visit Alysha for the weekend. We had a fantastic time! We went kayaking on Lake Washington and Lake Union on Saturday---it was warm and absolutely beautiful. She took me to a restaurant called Tilth (an organic restaurant) that night for my birthday dinner and it was easily one of the best meals I've ever had. A great trip...too short of course.

San Diego

We travelled to San Diego for Uncle Ron & Robbie's birthday celebration (60th & 21st birthdays!). It was a big surprise to Uncle Ron--his reaction was priceless. He was grinning from ear to ear and was so amazed to see all of us in his backyard. We also met Jenny's parents and they were kind enough to invite the family over to their home on the 4th. We watched fireworks from their deck and had a wonderful time!

Father's Day weekend in Boise

Happy Father's Day to Gus (the new Dad!). We were able to meet little Miss Marquita while we were in Boise....she's absolutely adorable. It's kind of unbelievable to hold her--she's so tiny and beautiful and, well, perfect! She's really fun to stare at too! Check out the picture of her closet--lucky girl! It was so nice to see the family and enjoy the hot Boise weather.

Sun Valley!

We had an amazing weekend with Nicole, Evan, baby Ben, Tabitha and Kelly. We relaxed at Nicole's family cabin in Sun Valley for a few beautiful days in June--which we had planned in celebration of our 30th birthdays (believe it or not we're already planning for our 40th birthday celebration!). We saw some amazing scenery, ate delicious food and most importantly spent some quality time together.

New backyard landscaping!

Mom and Dad graciously helped us create a beautiful backyard landscape. Over the past 3 days we've learned a lot about Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Daylilies, Japanese Maples, Hostas, Ferns, White Lawn Heather, Bluebells, Ajuga and Creeping Jenny (yes, that's an actual groundcover), hauling rocks, replacing sprinkler heads and digging holes. Thanks to Mom, Dad and John for all of your hard work--we love our backyard!

Another 10K run...

Eileen and I ran the 10 Cane 10K run, a beautiful course through Tualatin & Tigard that started and finished at Bridgeport. We couldn't have asked for better weather....and the run was a fast one (thanks to Team Athena for helping us meet our goals)! Dave and Conal Devine, Dad, Mom, David, John and Kale were there to cheer us on.

Baby Marquita has arrived!

Welcome to this world! Baby Marquita Lyn Eliopulos was born on Monday, May 19 at 9am. She's 6lbs, 19" and absolutely adorable! Daddy and Mommy were able to take her home on Saturday, May 24 (she was slightly jaundiced and had an infection so they kept her in the hospital a few extra days). Congratulations to Gus and Terra, she is beautiful!!!

Las Vegas!

A Vegas Adventure for my 30th birthday! What a wonderful trip, starting out with dinner with at Olives on Thursday night at the Bellagio. We sat on the terrace and enjoyed an amazing meal as we watched the water fountain show every 30 minutes. Then we saw "O"...such a mesmerizing performance. Margie flew in Friday morning so we promptly changed into our suits and headed out to the pool (note: the tops of your feet can easily burn! Don't let this happen to you!). Dad and Kale joined us after their golfing adventure, dozing off since they had to get up at 5:15 that morning! John and Jen joined us that night for a drink at the Eiffel Tower bar and then it was off to dinner at Mesa Grill. (Highly recommended!) We spent some time in the lounge and then hit the Paris casino. By the time 6:30am rolled around I knew it was time to head to bed! (I sat in the same chair at the blackjack table for...um...about three hours. I'm still impressed with myself since I rarely stay up past 11pm). We took it easy on Saturday, starting out with brunch at Mon Ami Gabi and then to the Wynn to meander about. Margaritaville was calling our name that night and then it was back to the Bellagio for some exciting blackjack moments with our favorite dealer Barbara. (again, we were at the same table for about 3 hours!). Before we knew it Sunday was upon us and we had to head back to Portland, Boise, San Francisco and LA (boo hoo). Thanks to everyone for such a memorable trip!

Hagg Lake Run

I almost didn't make it to the race (got lost outside Hillsboro for a fun hour or so)....but we magically found our way and arrived 4 minutes before the start. Eileen and I had a great 10k run and notice that we are sporting our Team Athena shirts :)

Jenny's Baby Shower!

Yet another fun baby shower! I traveled to Boise for Jenny Miller's baby shower on April 19th. We had a fantastic time...and baby Max is all set with clothes, toys and books (and much, much more!) We anxiously await his arrival!

(Anna, Elizabeth, Lisa and I hosted the shower...unfortunately Elizabeth couldn't make it because she was busy helping out with her high school's prom in Montana.)

Terra's Baby Shower

Baby Marquita will soon be here!

I traveled to Boise for Terra's baby shower on April 12. It was a gorgeous day...warm, sunny and filled with joy! We had a great turnout (over 40 ladies!!) and baby Marquita is all set with any outfit she could possibly desire. We just can't wait to meet the little one!

Mr. and Mrs. David & Ellie Eliopulos!

Congratulations to the happy couple! Younger brother Dave his new wife Ellie were married on Saturday, March 1st. We all had a wonderful time...Thursday night at the Greek Cuisina (Opa!), the rehearsal dinner at the Chart House and all of the beautiful wedding day festivities. They were married at the Old Church (bringing back some memories of a very hot summer day in June 2006 that many of you remember....) and had their reception at the Tualatin country club. They took off to Italy for their honeymoon the following Monday....so cheers to the newlyweds!

Rehearsal dinner picture...

The boys pose for a picture at Dave & Ellie's rehearsal dinner.

The girls visit Portland...

Elizabeth & Jenny joined Anna and me in Portland for a lovely girls weekend in January. It was great to relax and catch up--and we are very excited to meet baby boy Miller this summer!

Welcome 2008

Alright...so my New Year's resolution is to keep up on this blog! Here is a rundown of the Chalmers' 2007:
1. We moved!: We officially traded in the east-side for the SW 'burbs! Luckily, we put in an offer when they just had the framing up so we were able to select most of the materials and really make it our own. Summary: we love it here!!!
2. Eliopulos baby!: We found out that Gus and Terra are expecting baby Marquita Lynn Eliopulos in May 2008. The excitement can barely be contained. We can't wait to meet her and she will be surrounded by so much love.
3. David and Ellie!: Brother Dave and Ellie were engaged in July 2007. Dave proposed to her at Timberline--the happy couple will be married at the Old Church on March 1!
4. First Anniversary: Kale and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary on June 24. Some say the first year of marriage is the hardest....but for us it was amazingly easy and fun--even with the stress of our work and the move!
5. We sold the condo!: We were happy to have sold the condo before all of the crazy changes started happening with the mortgage & housing market.
6. We found a church!: We became members of Rolling Hills Community Church!

We welcome 2008 and all of the change that it will bring!

What happened in 2006?

June 24, 2006 Refresher: We got married! It was a beautiful and hot Portland day. The ceremony was at the Old Church followed by an amazing reception at the Portland World Trade Center. We couldn't have asked for anything more...and thanks to all of our family and friends it was a perfect day.