After a long walk in the sun, we cashed in on a certificate that I paid $1 for which bought us way more custard than we needed to eat!

Rooke set the table all by himself - I love his style!

Camping

We went camping this past weekend with the McTaggarts! The more time we get to spend with that family, the more we love spending time with them! We had a fantastic two days enjoying the outdoors, taking the kids on walks, throwing rocks in the water, playing in the water, eating, and talking around the fire. Ryan and I didn't sleep much, but that's to be expected when sharing a tent with a 2-year-old and 7-month-old. I'd do it again in a heartbeat and plan on doing it as much as possible every summer.

Dinner. Everything tastes better when cooked over a camp fire, right?!

Loved all the cousin time!

"Uh, could someone help me out here? They're getting a bit close . . ."

Rooke and Evelynn did a great job playing together. They bugged each other and laughed together. I loved watching their interactions!

His first toasted marshmallow. We'll do smores next year.

Early morning reading time with Auntie Auby

Summer Days

Glorious Seattle summer! We've having too much fun.

We ventured downtown with Jessie and her kids for a puppet show at the library. I can't say enough how much I love our public library system!

On Saturday, we ran a few errands and then checked out one of the farmer's markets we'd not been to. We then headed for a nearby park to picnic. Ryan and Rooke were having fun with our apricot purchase!

She's such a happy girl!

But don't let that innocent smile fool you. Click here to see her more aggressive side.

Sunday afternoon was spent with our good friends at their complex pool. Thanks for having us over Chris and Brooke!
Gretchen is definitely going to be our water baby.

Rooke had a great time too, thanks to our patient friend, Chris. He (Rooke, not Chris!) even put his head under water for the first time (there may have been an ice cream bribe involved).

Enjoying the City

It's so fun doing summer things with all four of us! Ryan keeps reminding me that we need some down time, too, but I just can't help myself - outings are just better with Daddy around!

We took Ryan to one of our favorite parks and ended up on a walk to the water where we fed the ducks the only thing we had . . . Cheerios. Next time we'll be more prepared!

I read on Thursday that entrance to the Space Needle was FREE for the first 10,000 people on Friday - yipeee! We got there right when it opened and waited just a few minutes before riding the elevator to the top. It was a warm, clear morning - perfect for enjoying the spectacular view of a city that we love - and even better because it was free!

Wrapping up our Trip

Gretchen loved getting to play with her daddy on our trip . . .

Did I mention it was SO HOT while we were in Oklahoma?! We thought 98 degree weather and 105% humidity was a good reason to introduce Rooke to snow cones!

Callie and I met up for coffee early one morning. We've been friends since the beginning of college. It was a great way to start my day!

I also got to have a girl's sleepover with Kenan and her daughter, Emsleigh! It truly was a slumber party in our friend, Dara's guest room. Gretchen slept in the closet, Emsleigh slept in the bathroom, and Kenan and I stayed up way too late talking until one of us (who will remain nameless) fell asleep mid-conversation!

We loved all the time we got to spend with Grammy and G-Daddy . . .

Deborah fixed a wonderful Sunday lunch and when Rooke saw her apron, he insisted that his napkin be turned into an apron for himself!

And now, after a nice break to visit family and friends, it's great to be back home. Ryan and I felt like expert travelers as we made a smooth trip from the airport back to our apartment using the Light Rail! I pushed Rooke in the stroller, carried Gretchen in the Ergo and pulled a small rolly bag while Ryan pulled two rolly bags with a car seat strapped on each one and carried his backpack. I wish someone had taken a picture of us as we emerged from the underground light rail tunnels and stepped onto the streets of downtown Seattle . . . just picture a modern day version of the Clampetts! We made it!

Oooooooooooooo - klahoma

Relaxing with my kids at the Payne's home (Gretchen was more comfortable than she looks!)

We loved spending time with our dear friends, the Campbells. Their boys gave Rooke a lesson or two on "how to be a boy". The trampoline was part of his initiation.

It was SO HOT while we were in Oklahoma. All the more reason to enjoy ice cream cones!

Staying with grandparents = free babysitting for a date night with this HOTTIE!

Gretchen has been BUSY perfecting her mobile skills. First it was just getting up on her knees: "Hi Daddy!"

"Are you ready, Mom?"

"I'm so proud of myself! But this is getting old. There must be something more I can do to freak my mom out . . ."

"I know. . . I'll work my way up these stairs to get Puppy Dog"

That's right, folks. Our daughter is climbing stairs at 7 1/2 months. I tested her with a toy today to see how high she would go. We got up seven steps and I had seen enough.

Visiting Family

Reunited as a family of four, we were excited to spend some time with Ryan's side of the family . . .

We hung out with cousin Blake who has been elevated to best friend status in Rooke's life after giving Rooke a few cars character toys from the Cars movie. Gretchen thought he was pretty cool, too!

Aunt Kaydonna getting some cuddles

We spent some time with G-Daddy in Stillwater and ate at the infamous Eskimo Joe's

I didn't do this, Dad. I promise.

How many men does it take to figure out how to set up a new train track?!

Rooke heard that Uncle Sean has a present for him. He was anxiously waiting and was speechless when he opened up a remote control car!

Aunt Jess is a professional reader. Seriously. Being a elementary school librarian means that she is an expert at reading books to little people! She has also never given Rooke a book he didn't love.