Sleeping

Do you take pictures of your kids sleeping? You should. My mother-in-law encouraged me to take pictures of Rooke sleeping when he was a baby and I'm so glad I did. Not only is sleeping a significant part of a child's life in the early years (at least that's the hope!), I think it's a rare beauty to see a child at such peace.

I Need a Vacation

My graduation present (yes, I got a present, too!) was a family trip away to the coast. I was determined to get the four of us out of Seattle for at least four days to relish in the joy that is law school graduation. We had a fantastic time. I read once that when you have small children, instead of trying to take a "real" vacation, just think about doing life somewhere else. That's exactly what we did and loved it. We took naps, cooked together, worked a puzzle, watched movies, threw rocks in the water, went for walks in the sun, watched the rain pour down on the water, played the piano, read, and overall enjoyed being together as a family.

The kids slept on the way there:

Rooke got right to work with his wheels on the back deck

Kicking back, watching a movie

Our morning rock hunt

One of my favorite parts of our get-away was getting to play the piano. Rooke and played and sang together a bit one morning, then I stepped away and Rooke practiced on his own:

Does the fun ever stop?!

The weekend-o-graduation festivities kept going at our graduation party! We decided that graduating from law school was a worthy reason to throw a party and our friends graciously hosted for us at their cute purple house! It was so fun to be with so many wonderful friends all at once! I did a little toast to Ryan: something along the lines of "He's Mr. Wonderful"! And he is.

Having Grammy Deb and G-Daddy in town made everything more exciting for the kids!

We love visiting Pike Place market with Kevin and Deborah when they come to town. Doughnuts, anyone?!

Commencement

The commencement ceremony was great - really! I think it helped that I had a cute distraction during the boring parts:

And Ryan's parents were there to help cheer him on! It was so special for them both to be here for the ceremony.

Ryan was on the aisle (and happens to be extremely good looking), so he made it on the big screen several times.

They took the time to "hood" all the graduates, which gave us a chance to cheer. You'd be surprised at how much noise three adults and a baby can make for one graduate! I was so overcome with excitement, I shouted, "That's my husband!!!!" The crowd laughed and I started crying with joy as my husband walked off the stage, a certified graduate.

Way to go, Ryan!

Let the Games Begin

He's finished! It's over! We're DONE!! Well, not really. He still has to study for and take the BAR exam, BUT . . . my husband is a law school graduate. You may now refer to him as Ryan Payne, Esquire. Which makes me Mrs. Payne, Esquire, right?! We've had a super busy couple of days with all the graduation festivities, so I'll share pictures as I have time to post. Here are a few from a reception we went to at the law school:

You know you're at a great reception when there are ice sculptures!

I'm so glad Ryan's parents are here this weekend to share in all the celebratory fun! Can you tell who else is really excited to have them around? Look at that face!

"I want that one, Daddy. And that one. And that one."
Rooke has recently discovered that he really likes parties. To my 2-year-old son, party=good food and lots of it.

She and I have stuck close together. She's been a trouper with a couple days of random naps and lots of new people/places.

The Countdown Continues

Four days to go . . . four days and my husband will be a law school GRADUATE! And tomorrow evening is almost as exciting because he takes his last final. The last one. Are you getting this, folks?!

And since I think blog posts are way more fun with pictures, here is my super cute and active, I'd-rather-try-and-sit-up-than-recline-and-relax-daughter.

"I can get it. I know I can!"

"Thanks, Mom. I much prefer standing anyway."

Happy Mother's Day!

I had a wonderful day yesterday - thank you, sweet Husband, for working hard to make me feel special in the middle of your finals! Ryan whisked Rooke away as soon as they were both awake and returned with a delicious breakfast and beautiful flowers.

At church, we dedicated both Rooke and Gretchen. We had a dedication time for Rooke with our community group a while ago, but decided to include him as we stood before the church on Sunday. We read Philippians 4:12-13 for Rooke and Hebrews 11:6 for Gretchen. It was a special time for our family and a good reminder that our children are a gift (even on days, like today, when I get pooped AND peed on!).

I love being Rooke and Gretchen's mommy.

Earlier in the weekend, a few of my friends from MOPS came over for a "Little Dresses" party. Jessie is showing off her handiwork from the night. We made dresses out of pillow cases for orphan girls in Africa. Click here to find more information on the organization and then throw a Little Dresses party for your friends!

And finally, I just need to let you all in on the most exciting thing happening for our family this week . . . Ryan (AKA the man of my dreams) graduates from law school on Saturday.

Let me say that again.

RYAN GRADUATES FROM LAW SCHOOL ON SATURDAY.

Let it sink in.

Three years.

This Saturday.

Done.

DONE!

Well, kinda. He still has to study for and take the BAR exam. But he will be finished with classes. Let the countdown begin . . . five days to go (and only two days until his last final).

The Hike

We joined our neighbors and partners in crime for a beautiful hike (walk, really) on a nearby mountain (hill, really). There are seven kids between the three of us and Rooke is the youngest of the bunch (besides the babies). He did really well keeping up with the big kids. I think it helped that our snack break was almost as long as the hike itself! Gretchen loved being close to Mom all morning.

Getting ready to head out. How cool is my son (don't look at his white socks)?!

"Um, guys . . . shouldn't we be going that way?"

We pulled up the rear

Doing a little rock dancing

Even a Child

If you are at all interested in helping your kids memorize verses from the Bible, you should get this CD (especially if they are toddlers). I came across it at our library and, at the time, had no idea how beneficial it would be in our home. Rooke loves listening to the songs (almost as much as he likes listening to his Uncle Scott's music!) and by playing it on a regular basis throughout our home, he and I both are learning verses. If the video doesn't convince you, listen to this sermon. (And here is another great resource for Bible verses put to song)

Rookeisms

"Here's your ipot, Daddy!"

"Hey, can you move those walls? I want my motorcycle to go outside."

Commenting on two women talking loudly with each other:
Rooke: "That mommy is yelling at the other mommy."
Me: "What other mommy?"
Rooke: "No, not the edamame . . . the other mommy!"