Family Fun

I'm a little behind, but here is a bit of what we enjoyed last weekend. . . Ryan and I fell in love over bagels and coffee during our 24 hour weekend-breaks from working at Pine Cove camp in Texas. We have sweet memories from that summer. Ryan thoughtfully took me out for bagels and coffee on Saturday morning to kick off our summer.

Then we headed home, packed up the kids, and went to West Seattle to enjoy the low-tide park with the Heavilands.

There were lots of slimy, squirmy creatures to look at! Ryan was pointing out a shrimp . . .

I don't have the words to describe how much I love this picture! Thank you, Aunt Kaydonna!

The boys entertained themselves while we waited for our burgers at Zippy's. James speaks Rooke's language.

And then, the unthinkable happened . . . a very long fire truck pulled into the station across the street. I know. Jaw-dropping, right? All chewing ceased.

Our families (sorry I'm blocking you, Saisha)

Growing Up - Gretchen's Got Skills

At 5 1/2 months, the littlest member of our bunch of Paynes has done quite a bit of growing up in the past week. For starters, she is getting her first teeth! Her two bottom teeth have almost completely poked through! Also . . .

She's mastered the art of sitting on her own!

Shhhh . . . don't tell Rooke I let her play with his cars and trucks!

She tested out a sippy cup for the first time . . . and LOVED it! Loved gnawing on it, that is.

The picture above reminded me of this one taken when we gave Rooke a sippy cup for the first time at the same age.

As if that wasn't enough, she got her first taste of infant cereal!

She did pretty good with the spoon . . .

and wanted more . . .

and more . . .

"Don't even think about taking this away from me, Woman."

All that growing up wore her out and she took one of the best naps of her life (literally!) while a babysitter was here for Ryan and I to enjoy a breakfast date. I love our little Gretchen.

Girls

I was fortunate to spend time with these woman over the past year at MOPS. What a great source of encouragement our Tuesday mornings together were for me!

We enjoyed one of the few beautiful days we've had thus far this month outside at a MOPS play date. Gretchen got to spend some time with her girlfriend, Saisha.

"Oh, Girl, don't tell me you're using that kind of hand sanitizer?"

"Saisha, seriously, that stuff will dry out your skin"

"Oh, Gretchen . . . it's not for my skin - it's for my mouth. Grab the closest thing you see and shove it in - it's fun!!"

Such fun friends!

And Saisha's mom happens to be one of my fun friends! As a "done with law school/"single momness" gift, Jessie surprised me by reserving a piano practice room for an hour since she knows I love to play but don't own a piano right now. So thoughtful! We may have busted out some harmonies on a few songs!

I don't want to forget . . .

how much he loves to "help" me in the kitchen . . .

how chubby she looks in the Bumbo . . .

the expression on her face before she rolls over . . .

the way he loves Puppy Dog and carries him around for a while after waking up. . .

how quickly our living room gets trashed on rainy days at home . . .

her huge, open-mouthed smiles . . .

the way he crawled into my lap, snuggled, and immediately went to sleep when he wasn't feeling well . . .

our surprise face . . .

A Special Visit

Ryan and I have known our dear friends, Chris & Ashley, since college. We were blessed by a visit from the girls in the family this past weekend. Ashley and their youngest (of four!) came up and we had a great time walking around the city (in the rain and sun), eating lots of good food, and just hanging out.

Their daughter was so easy-going, but a little bored at our house since she's used to three older brothers to play with.

After putting the kids to bed, Ashley and I went out for Chinese dumplings in this little dive. The lady behind Ashley was making them on the spot. Delicious!

She was happy to be riding the light rail with Daddy

Thank you so much for coming, Ashley. I know it was a big sacrifice for you to leave those boys at home and spend the weekend with us! (go to her blog to see better pictures of our time together)

Smiles

Our family is all smiles when KayeK is in town!

It's hard not to smile when my niece is around. Look at that cuteness!

She gnawed and gnawed until KayeK's finger was sore!

Come back and see us soon! (and bring Big Daddy with you)