Finally some sun!

We had a chance to go away for a few days- well actually a week to CA. Dad did some work up north while we stayed with the Jepsons for a few days, visited Anna and her new baby Oliver (future posts), and had lunch with Grandpa Fred (earlier post).

She loved swimming with her "cheese" and sometimes the water wings. She has gained so much confidence from her swim lessons at the YMCA- she was jumping and swimming by herself (and the floaties).

Shaun, Megan and Liam Bell joined us for a few days- what a treat to travel with some good friends. Had a very relaxing trip- eating good food, playing cards and swimming! Liam was such fish.

The two handsome O'Claire boys. . .

Frozen bananas- a treat on Baboa Island.

Baboa Island- the rich and famous - just like us.

Good buddies. .. Liam and Lilly. They did such a great job playing together tons of bath time, snuggles, and playing games.

By the way Megan is 8 months pregnant- so she technically has 4 kids on her lap!

We love the snuggles - after bath.

NewPort beach wave jumping. Lilly wanted to stay out jumping the waves until the stopped. How hard it is to explain that they never will stop.

And Henry. .. he tried to eat the sand. Luckily, Megan brought this tent for him to hangout in. And this way he was also protected from the sun.

Henry was such an easy going guy- he quite often had his first (and sometimes) second nap on the go. But he just went along for the ride. He soaked up everything - and not too much sun. He also loved swimming- tons of splashing!

We had such a great trip! The kids traveled very well and it was wonderful to see so many friends and to soak up the sun- I even soaked up too much with a terrible sun burn. I was too busy adding sunscreen to the kids. We are definitely going away to the sun every spring.

When we returned Lilly said "California is like summer and Seattle is cold and cloudy like winter". How can my 3 year old always point out the obvious. I loved it.

Visiting Grandpa Fred

We had a chance to head down to San Clemente to visit GREAT Grandpa Fred and Aunt Barbara! They are both doing great- Grandpa at 95 years old is quite impressive. He still tries to take walks everyday- even though he has fallen quite a few times. And he knows what each of his 11 grandchildren and 10 plus great grandchildren are up to. I only hope to be as happy as he is at 95.

Aunt Barbara did such a great job entertaining all of us. Cousin Reese was there to visit (her mom is on bed rest- with twins). Reese and Lilly are 2 months apart- and always enjoy spending time together.

Family photo shoot

Since we never get pictures of the 4 of us - I thought I would post a few from my dear from Dev! She does such a great job of capturing life with her camera.

Caleb!

We were so lucky to have a mini- Colby reunion with the Federman/Thouins and the Scales/Litles! It was 10 people sleeping at our house - with 4 of them under the age of 4!! The kids were great!! Lilly loved being the big girl and she especially loved sleeping on Henry's floor. I think the best part was finding them playing together- Henry laughs the hardest for his sister!

I got a tooth!

Yes Henry broke his first tooth - I found out after he threw up on me twice. It was one of those impressive mom mornings. I was out of the house with two kids and looking professional at 7:30 after showering twice, bathing Henry twice, and going through a few outfits. Thank goodness Lilly was in good humor and Henry was sick but all smiles!

Who is the jockey?

This year the entire family went down to the Derby party! We all decided to dress up- The cutest part was Henry and Dad! Henry got more comments on his outfit that his sister. You can't see but his pants are "sear suckers".

Dan's Grandma sends these cut outs. We decided that we had to make good use of them. Look who the jockey is now!

Henry 9 months

Friday the 13th just like the day Henry was born. We consider it lucky!

How our little guys is changing. I feel that he is just opening up every day. .. we get to know a bit more about his personality. He is the happiest, most easy going guy. How can you not love this stage. He does not move - trying to cherish every moment of that. He smiles at anything. And now can say mama and dada. He is trying out new sounds all of the time!

Dr. Kumaska kept on saying "what a beautiful guy!" He was all smiles for his 9 month appointment, and while he does not crawl - he does have many tricks and is quite a sturdy guy. He watches us (especially his sister) and is starting to mimic us.

Stats!! For the first time I don't have a child in the ninetieth percentile. And he is longer than he is heavy (if that makes sense!).

23 lbs 11 oz (89%) and 31 inches (94%)

This may be one of my favorite stages of life. .. and how we are realizing it goes so quickly!