No, you're funny

Jones Christmas

2012-01-26T14:19:00.000-08:00

We hosted Colby's Mom's side of the family Christmas get together on New Year's Eve. We started off the day with PRESENTS!!

Then we sat down to a lovely ham dinner. The kids even sat at their own table.

Elle kept the conversation lively with Noah and Gavin.

We did not take any pictures of the adults have dinner but we all had a wonderful time catching up before everyone needed to get on the road

Night on the Needle

2012-01-22T11:13:00.000-08:00

On New Year Eve eve. Yes, you read that right :) Colby and I headed into Seattle for a lovely dinner at the Space Needle. We still had a gift certificate from Christmas last year to use. I really wanted us to use it during Christmas time so Colby could see all of the wonderful lights around Seattle. Colby remembered me saying this and went ahead and make reservations as a surprise.

The lights on the Seahawk Stadium were red and green. It was so much fun to watch the ferries come and go as we dined.

We enjoyed grown-up conversation, drinks, and appetites!

Looking down on The Pacific Science Center.

Colby looked very handsome all dressed up!

Cute little note that passed us or did we pass it? Not quite sure how who revolves.

Dinner was excellent!

Looking up at Queen Anne.

We took a walk around the upper level to walk off dinner and practice our photography skills with the new camera.

This light tree was out front of the Space Needle.

Then we headed to the Center of the Universe (AKA Ballard) to see if our favorite bakery was open and it was!! YEAH for Simply Desserts in Ballard! We were able to get a slice of the white chocolate strawberry cake to go.

Next time I want to stop at this bar just for it's name "9 million in unmarked bills"

Bed Time in a big girl bed!

2012-01-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

Elle is such a big girl these day! In fact she moved into a big girl bed!

First we have to brush our teeth!

Next move all of our worldly possessions on to our bed...

Momma has to move some off to counterbalance

and we are officially ready to go to sleep!

Sunrise in Ellensburg

2012-01-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

Waking up early does have some perks!

Beautiful sunrises! Darn cold but well worth it!

Christmas Day in Ellensburg

2012-01-14T22:40:00.000-08:00

Auntie Tracie helped the kids craft before they headed outside for playtime.

Exploring the creek!

Looking for ice!

I cold

That can only mean one thing!! Time to warm up in the hot tub!!

Olivia and Elle

2012-01-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas afternoon we headed for Ellensburg! Olivia pulled Elle all over the yard on the sled.

Breaktime!

Even the cows stopped to watch!

Back to work.

Olivia is pretty darn strong!!

Faster, faster

Elle was ready to give Olivia a turn

Don't you want a ride too??

27 Dresses

2012-01-13T06:25:00.000-08:00

Santa brought Elle a dress up box...

Lovely lady dress with tutu, heels, tiara, and boa...

The shoes up close..

added on wings and shell purse

Yip, that is leather chaps, vest, bandanna, and gloves

Flapper dress, pearls, headband, mic, and pink heels

Sailor

Sailor girl kissing brother

Come on Robin to the bat cave, there is no time to lose! Holy Christmas, Batman!

Race car driver!

Elvira!

Pretty princess

Bumble bee

Bee singing with Baylor

Singing songs to the crowd

working on her duet!

So many outfits, so little time!

The milk and cookies are gone...

2012-01-12T05:19:00.000-08:00

That can only mean one thing! Santa came to our house!! YEAH!!!

Elle inspected the milk and cookies first then dove into her stocking.

Elle was very excited and let everyone know with her shouts of joy!

Grandma and Grandpa arrived in time for coming down the stairs and Santa even left them stocking at our house! Seriously, what a great guy!

Once Elle was done helping Grandpa, she moved over to help Grandma open her stocking!

I am pretty sure Elle was trying to barter with Grandma for some of her candy.

We took a break for breakfast then broke into the gifts!

Quickly play time began with all the new toys!! Merry Christmas to all!!

Wake up!!

2012-01-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

Wake up!! I think Santa might have come!!

Well, maybe we can rest a little longer!

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

2012-01-11T06:11:00.000-08:00

When we arrived home from Grandma and Grandpa's Elle and Baylor wanted to hang out by the tree one more time before bed.

Elle was a good big sister and explained to Baylor what Christmas was all about.

Relaxing looking at the tree!

Elle put out cookies and milk for Santa and some snap peas for the reindeer!

Can't wait to see what Santa brings!!

Christmas Eve with the S Family

2012-01-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

After the picture we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa S's house for the celebration. Baylor enjoyed some cuddle time with Great Auntie Wendy. Plus Wendy and Donny gave Baylor a cougar which made him very happy!

Elle liked to help everyone open their presents. Here she is giving Grandpa some assistance.

Baylor enjoyed checking everything out!

Elle opened up Baylor's present which is was a sweet Lightening McQueen car. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!

Elle had to try on her new skirt ASAP!

She looked like a can can dancer!!

Comparing rings with Auntie Wendy! Apparently Baylor wanted a ring too...

Oh, Sparkly!!

Ondia was getting ready to set up the game Angry Birds.

Now it is off to bed so Santa can come!!

Merry Christmas

2012-01-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve picture before heading over to Grandma and Grandpa S house.

Neighbor Gifts

2012-01-10T07:32:00.000-08:00

This year for our neighbor's Christmas gift we did a S'more kit! It had a set of chocolate bars, graham crackers, marshmallows, and a Sterno flame. On the outside was a set of roasting skewers.

I forgot to a take a picture of the inside but it was cute and as of today 1/10 none of our neighbors have burnt down their house. Colby was concerned about giving a flame and whether food is edible roasted over it. He was concerned enough to actually google it and it was safe! Told you so :)

Poinsettia

2012-01-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

Colby ran some errands and brought me home a beautiful poinsettia

Bounce, Bounce, Bounce

2012-01-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Baylor has been enjoying his bounce time at the farm :)

I think it is to do with that the fact his is safe and can keep an eye on his monkey sister!

Craft time

2012-01-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

Elle and Momma got their craft on one night before Christmas. Using mini canvas's Elle and Baylor made thumbprint snowmen ornaments.

Then a free style canvas!

In coming chicken

2012-01-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

Okay I found this super old post in our drafts and had to post! Hee hee! Colby won this chicken which had a giftcard in it at the Wing Dome in Seattle. We randomly stopped there for dinner after a day at the zoo and it was sports trivia night.

Colby rocked it chicken style!

Grown-ups night out!

2012-01-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

We had a grown-ups night out before Christmas with our good friends Holly and Brian! We decided to make the most of it and headed into Seattle to watch the new Sherlock Holmes at the Big Picture. This theater is the best as you can have grown up drinks before, during, and after the movie!!

Then we headed down Pike street to check out the lights on the market and have dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.

It was Santa's night out too as we must have seen at least 50 people dressed up.

Christmas ride the duck even passed by.

Loved seeing the horse drawn carriage pass by the market.

The pigs were a glow up top!

Peak a boo view of the Space Needle all dressed up for Christmas!

We parked in the lot next to E.E. Robbins and I loved their sign!

The vacancy would blink on and off. So darn funny!!

Hey There Big Guy

2011-12-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

We were casually strolling through Ikea when what to our wandering eye would appear? Santa in the children's department. I guess the elves had too many orders this year so Santa was picking up a few items!

Elle wasn't so sure at first.

Chatting about Christmas eve.

Posing for a picture as Elle won't get out of her stroll.

Santa even checked in with Baylor.

What a beautiful Santa! Guess he shops at Ikea every Christmas, next year we will be dressed up in case we run into the big guy again!!

Breakfast Cupcakes

2011-12-23T11:56:00.000-08:00

Best quick breakfast ever!!

Super easy recipe:

Breakfast cupcakes

Butter
6 Bread or English Muffins
6 slices bacon
6 large eggs
1 cup cheese
salt and pepper

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly butter 6 standard muffin cups.

Cut round circles using cup or biscuit cutter out of break or English muffin (I used English muffin). Lightly butter. Sprinkle cheese on.

2.In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium, until almost crisp, 4 minutes, flipping once. (It will continue to cook in the oven.) Lay 1 bacon slice in each bread cup and crack an egg over each. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until egg whites are just set, 10-15 minutes. Run a small knife around cups to loosen toasts. Serve immediately

Ornament With Grandma S

2011-12-23T04:54:00.000-08:00

Baylor is quite excited about his first Christmas!

Grandma S came over and gave Baylor a bell ornament for the tree.

They had to find the perfect spot on the tree first.

Perfection!

Go For A Ride

2011-12-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

After seeing Santa. Elle and Daddy rode on the carousel!

Elle even gave the lady her token.

It took a little while to find the perfect horse!

Such a big girl!

Waving to Baylor and Momma!

This is the picture we used for our Christmas card :)

Cool Bag

2011-12-21T18:46:00.000-08:00

Elle has been rocking her new purse all week which she got from my co-worker Kim! It is such a cute purse, Elle wanted her picture taken with it!! Thank you Kim for thinking of Elle!! Kim also made Baylor two more pictures for his room which I plan to post soon as they are amazing!!

Kim also put mermaid stickers in the purse for Elle which she had to wear around of course!

Baylor's personality has really come out lately!

Surprise!!

Hilarious! Colby, Elle, and I are having so much fun getting reactions out of Baylor!

The Tree

2011-12-21T17:44:00.000-08:00

This year Elle even helped decorate the tree!

She even put the star on the top!

Perfect!

Cheese, Colby was starting to get tired at this point.

Checking out all of the ornaments!

Baylor and Elle played in the garland.

Playing house under the tree

Seriously, can't wait for Christmas!! Only a few more days!

Aren't I Dapper?

2011-12-21T16:51:00.000-08:00

I do adore sweat vest on babies!!

I think Baylor even enjoyed being dressed up!

All ready to see Santa!

Here Kitty Kitty

2011-12-21T06:42:00.000-08:00

Elle dressed up as a little kitty on Saturday and won't take it off so off to Home depot Colby and his kitty went :)

Decorating the neighborhood

2011-12-20T20:40:00.000-08:00

Our neighbors put up a snowman this year! Elle is in love and has to inspect it every evening.

Elle got into the action setting up her navity scene in her toy corner of the living room.

Colby did a great job this year with lights this year with snowflakes, lights, small optical trees, and the bushs.

I forgot to light up the tree for the picture...

BREAKING NEWS!!

2011-12-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

This just in.....

Yes, you read that correctly! Colby completed the 365 miles in 365 days challenge this morning at

9:30 am!!

Hop To It

2011-12-20T06:32:00.000-08:00

Elle hosted her own bubble wrap hop contest...

And we have a winner folks!

Christmas Shopping

2011-12-19T19:55:00.000-08:00

Kimmie has been busy...

Anyone hiring part-time help and/or looking for job? Need cash to pay help to wrap ;)

A Little Early for Easter

2011-12-19T16:53:00.000-08:00

Elle just couldn't resist dressing up brother!

Checking Out The "New" Toys

2011-12-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

Elle pointed out all the key features of the bumbo to Baylor.

Then she brought him over a selection of toys to play with.

Baylor loved it and sat for quite a while!

Okay moving on we have the jumpy thingy! This was Elle's personal favorite and we believe the reason why she still jumps a lot!

Elle was such a great helper getting Baylor started.

Lighting up the town

2011-12-19T11:12:00.000-08:00

While in Ellensburg we attended the lighting of main street.

It was a bit chilly!

The local ballet performed in the windows.

Sophie and Ceci checked out the Ellensburg Bull.

And then we did!

Walking around,checking everything out from Momma's shoulders.

The Children's museum was open and had treats for the children.

Elle was in love with the horse.

And did not want to move! Notice the little boy in the backgrounds outfit! too cute!

Elle in the back of the Sheriffs car... Hope this isn't foreshadowing!

Caution! Cousin's at play!

The street all a glow!

We all hustled home for some huckleberry pie with ice cream!

Joined at the hip...

2011-12-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

and so cute about it!!

They even took turns at how sat in front!

Sophie and Baylor enjoyed alittle snuggle time!

A light spritzer after all the hardwork

2011-12-17T06:16:00.000-08:00

Grami fixed the girls a light spritzer of Lime juice, water, and sugar.

It was super yummy...

Doesn't this picture remind you of Lady and the tramp?

Making Pie With Grami

2011-12-16T21:03:00.000-08:00

Elle and Gia helped Grami make a huckleberry pie during Thanksgiving. The huckleberries were courtesy of Wes, Poppi, Sophie, and Ceci from over the summer. Gia and Elle jumped right in helping.

Stirring while Grami grates limes.

Elle and Gia were excellent tasters as well!

Repeatedly...

Sophie and Ceci even joined in on the action.

They each took turns spreading butter on top.

Okay now Elle's turn

The a bit of cinnamon and sugar

Lime juice was made with the remnants of the lime. The next series of pictures note Elle's facial expressions.

The pie rocked! We all plan to help pick huckleberries next year and we want more pie!!

Playing With Ice

2011-12-13T04:44:00.000-08:00

The girls spent the afternoon exploring.

And found ice in the creek!

Sophie showing off this awesome piece she found!

Elle was checking out a boat that was under the dock.

"See Sophie, I found it"

Ceci's super awesome piece of ice!

"It was that big Uncle Colby"

No exploring is complete without jumping time!

"I did it"

Picking On Soph

2011-12-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

We can't forget Sophie!!

Elle picked on Sophie quite a bit and I think both girls loved it!

Baylor was a bit shocked by this behavior!

The cousins are here!!

2011-12-12T07:08:00.000-08:00

Finally the cousin's are here for Thanksgiving!!

Baylor enjoyed his Auntie Tracy time!

Elle couldn't get enough of Ceci!

Gia and Elle counted rocks

Ceci helped them out once they counted to 10.

Poppi snuggling with Gia.

Rug

2011-12-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

Snug as a bug in an Elk rug!

Momma adores the new camera and the amazing shots she can now capture!

The Christmas Elf came to relax with Baylor for a while.

Elle joined in too!

Checking out Grami and Poppi's house

Flirting with Momma

Bed Head

2011-12-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

Serious bedhead these days!! I think Elle would have been a kick butt 80s rocker in a different life!!

This is her own doing... We use detangler like no other...

Mmmm Milkshakes!

2011-12-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

We headed over to Thanksgiving on Wednesday. After hot tub time, Elle and Poppi made milkshakes for us all!

Elle was licking her lips the whole time!

Enjoying our shakes!

Cheers!

Bath Time

2011-12-11T08:57:00.000-08:00

Can't just show you the bathroom without some bathtime action shots!

Just Beachy

2011-12-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

Finally decorated the kids bathroom

So much splashing happens in this room it just had to be a beach theme!

Aren't They Cute!

2011-12-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

More camera practice!

The wrestle mania 2011 began!

Elle had better be ready as Baylor is learning quickly!

Time out was called for a break.

Then game back on!

Momma was the ref and Elle kissed the victor!

Yay! A New Camera!

2011-12-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

We finally broke down and bought a DLSR camera! It is awesome and making us update our blog so it is a win win situation for all!

Elle jumping and roaring at the same time! Not blurry!!

Grandpa and Grandma S were over the first time we got to try it out so they were our models!

Notice the settle focus on Elle but birds in the background. Is that not great??

Vest buddies :)

Dancing with her Kimmie doll.
This actually was Momma's doll and Grami pulled it out on our last visit in Ellensburg and Elle took an instant attachment to her.

Can you find my belly button?

Baylor was shaking his head at sister's silliness!

Colby's trip to Augusta

2011-12-09T21:05:00.000-08:00

I had a work trip to Augusta, GA for a new opening in November. There is surprisingly little to do in Augusta so this is the brief drive I took around the city...

The Sibley Mill was the major manufacturer of gunpowder for the Confederates during the Civil War. This tower is the only thing still standing from the original 26 buildings.

Some of the other buildings were re-built years later using original rubble.

We really tried to figure out how to get onto the Augusta National Golf Course grounds but unless you are a Fortune 50 CEO or PGA member, it aint gonna happen. We even called and they said there are no officially licensed places for souveniers in Augusta. This is one of the many gates into the club.

I believe this is the main entrance. And yes, this picture was taken while driving by. There isn't even any places to park. I believe they run shuttles for spectators during the Masters.

Kick it at the house

2011-12-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

We are trying really hard to get caught up before the New Year :) Here is a what we have been up to!

Lots of kisses!

Loads of laughs!

Smiles that melt your heart!

Knock knock jokes galore!

Nack times for all!

Pictures to remember this time with!

Snuggling often!

and lot of visitors to Elle's house

Halloween

2011-12-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

Monkey Elle picked up her little Banana for some Halloween fun!

Elle's first house of the year was Grandma and Grandpa S where she got lots of goodies and juice!

The neighbor Randy for some sweet treats!

Back at the house we took a break to check out our pumpkins and how they looked.

Can we get going already, Daddy??

Happy Halloween!!!

The pumpkins turned out great!

How's This Toy?

2011-12-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

Elle was working extra hard trying to make Baylor happy during tummy time.

Carving time

2011-12-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

Elle was in charge of cleaning out the pumpkins.

She took this job very serious and didn't like Momma interrupting her.

Colby was in charge of carving all of them but Mommas.

Momma was in charge of entertainment and refreshments! Plus the awesomely cute Cinderella pumpkin and Oreo brownies!

Thomaason Family Farm's pumpkin patch

2011-12-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

We invited some friends over to join us at the pumpkin patch. It was so much fun to play with all the kids and pick out our pumpkins! Tanner was showing us all how the water pumps worked!

Myron the bubble boy hard at work.

Austin, Tanner, Jayden, and Elle checking out the water pumps.

Elle playing at the bubble table with Ryan. Ryan's Momma is in the background (taking a picture) was super pregnant but a trooper at the farm! Katie actually gave birth to a very beautiful baby girl the very next morning!

The bubble table was very popular with our group even though it was freezing out!

City slicker Daddy was showing Elle how to rope. Again notice the fake animal...

Well, look at that Elle caught herself a cow!!

Very proud!!

Family shot with the horsey!

Elle and the kids ventured into the hay and grain bins for some slide action!

Smile!

Elle told Tanner she had been on Poppi's tractor and to just trust her as she knows what she is doing.

Almost to the 3 foot mark!!

Picking out the perfect pumpkin!

Elle really wanted to show off her muscles!

Just hanging out

2011-12-08T07:05:00.000-08:00

Million dollar smile!

Cuddling with fuzzy lovie. Baylor loves this postion. Feet up on Momma and stomach being rubbed. Grammi figured this out. Who would have thought!

Chef Elle

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Elle was hard at work on some peanut butter cup brownies!

It was so tempting but Elle was able to resist the temptation to eat any of the peanut butter cups as she unwrapped them. Luckily, Momma's coug math left a few unwrapped ones that just had to be eaten!

"Bug-Eyed"

2011-12-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

What are you looking at?

The sticker fairy left a bug on Baylor while he was swinging...

2-Month Checkup

2011-12-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

Baylor had his 2 month checkup and big sister Elle gave him lots of advice.

"It will be otay brother"

Baylor's 2 month stats:

Fighting weight: 12 lbs 1 ozs 50%
Reach for the stars: 23 1/2 inches 75%
Noggin: 15 1.4 inches 25%

Visiting Jeff

2011-12-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

Megan, Jason, and Jeffery had us down for dinner. It was a great dinner and visit!

Elle and Jeff had a ball playing together!

A Little Laundry

2011-12-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

Just a little laundry

Auntie Lana

2011-12-05T06:51:00.000-08:00

Elle telling Baylor that Auntie Lana is coming for a visit!

Lana made Elle and Baylor the most beautiful quilts!!

They are truly amazing! Elle's has a birdie on it and Baylor's a Robot!

Thank you Auntie!!

A Little Construction

2011-12-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

Colby built a desktop for our guest rooms bed. Yes, I did say desktop for a bed. It will allow us to have a very large workspace when no one is visiting and we will drop it behind the bed when someone is here. Pictures of the finished project will come later, please don't hold your breath though :)

Off to the left side, Colby router in a straight line so I can cut fabric just like they do at Jo Ann's!! Seriously, I can't cut straight if my life depends on it so this will help me tremendously!!

The completed line. I just need to paint in it so fabric won't catch. We also bought the edging to go around it.

Do The Puyallup

2011-12-04T06:44:00.000-08:00

Since we were able to visit the fair on a weekday and early, Elle was able to play on all the spring form trampoline! If we win the lotto, we will have one of these bad boys in each of our villa's yards!

Next up the horse barn as we had to enter the fair through the green (aka 4-H) gate. The Clydesdale's were amazing and Elle kept trying to neigh at them! So super cute!!

Then we took a little break and watched the 4-Hers have some fun and compete in pairs for the fastest time.

Next up, Momma's personal favorite; The Cow barn! It was open class week so no 4-H or FFA but beautiful pure breeds. I believe this is a Scottish highlander getting her hair did!

The bull was scratching his back and was named Colby. I just realized Daddy cut that out of this picture... hmmm

Ah, city kids will fall for anything. "Honey that there cow isn't real"

We stopped and listened to a stomp troupe who sang classic songs, Elle danced along!

After this look we realized it was time to find a quiet place to sit down and eat lunch!

In case you were wondering, yes Baylor did come with us. He slept through the whole thing.. next year though he will be running after Elle checking everything out!

Kitchen Helper

2011-12-03T19:51:00.000-08:00

And this is how Elle likes to help Momma in the kitchen! Yes indeed she is down to her skivvies! Luckily we were not frying anything!

She really didn't want me to take a picture of her backside. Excuse the dishes in the sink, I cook like I am on a cooking show :)

Watching Daddy Work

2011-12-03T15:15:00.000-08:00

Elle even brought in a chair from outside just to watch Colby cook dinner.

Yes it was that great of a dinner!

Mud Mountain on a Cold Day

2011-12-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

Elle (and Mommy) wanted to show off the Mud Mountain dam park to the rest of the kids at daycare

Brrrrr!

This is Jayden running laps around the waterfall

The rest of the crew trying to keep up

All dressed again and checking out the empty reservoir

Almost posed for a picture

Checking out the dam

Sophie's Birthday

2011-12-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

Grammi and Poppi stopped by with Gia before we headed up to Sophie's surprise birthday party

After playing hard in the water, a little snuggle time with Poppi

A little bubble time

Follow the leader with the birthday girl

All food is better on a picnic blanket. Here is Elle stealing some of Ceci's food.

Go Eags!

2011-11-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

The other reason Nick and Deidra came over was for Nick and I to go to the Eastern/UW football game to start the season

The UW marching band honoring Eastern before the game

We got the seats from Kim's boss Tim. The weather was perfect, sunny and 80 degrees. This is the view out over lake Washington from our seats.

At halftime, we decided it was too warm in the sun and we needed to go sit with "our people" in the visitor's section. So many other people had the same idea, it became a sea of red in our corner.

The view back to our "hot" seats

These are the numbers that I prefer to remember from the game and not the final score. It was a great game but our guys came up just a bit short with an interception in the end zone on the final play that would have won it. Thank you Kim for my birthday present of the tickets!

Labor Day Fun

2011-11-27T18:11:00.000-08:00

Nick, Deidra, Marcus, and Dylan came to visit over the Labor Day weekend. On Saturday, we went to the Maple Valley farmer's market.

Elle got a cool bunny painted on her cheek

Marcus was next up with an owl

It was a very warm morning so we all cooled off with some smoothies

Kim and Deidra found some lavender lemonade

Some very good scores from the market. Beautiful flowers and some delicious vegetables. They all fit perfect in the 7up crate Kim and I found at a garage sale the week before.

Time to catch up

2011-11-26T09:33:00.000-08:00

Way back when in September when Kim and I were still off, we took Baylor on his first trip to the zoo.

Not too enthused right off the bat

We went through the polar bear exhibit first...right in time for feeding and the presentation.

A VERY up close view of one of the polar bears

Oh no, th spider web has caught a baby and it looks like it has already been wrapped up!

And here comes the spider!

Next up..a little alligator wrestling

And then we had to test the slides

Yes, both of them.

Finally, it was off to the goats to let them eat out of our hands. Elle let daddy feed them this time. Maybe next time.

Bath Time, Bath Time!

2011-09-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Elle was excited to help give Baylor a bath. Here she is testing out the water temp.

Momma wanted to use baby soap, Elle was more inclined to go with the banana and orange scrub

Elle even provided Baylor with some bath toys. A rubber ducky and dinosaur

Enjoying a few minutes wrapped in his new bath towel...

Aahhh, fresh and clean

1 month!!

2011-09-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

Seriously, 1 month already!?!@#

Grami picked up some Baylor t-shirts for Baylor!

Baylor is growing like a weed and starting to become more aware of his surroundings.

He is awake a lot more and can go from zero to scream with no warning but is a very content baby most of the time. We are still working on getting day and night figured out. We think because he was born at midnight, he is half vampire. Luckily, no fangs.

Baylor showing off his reach. He is already able to reach both ends of his Moses basket.

Of course we can't forget his big sister. Elle is still very loving and full of kisses for her baby brother.

Helper continues inside the house...

2011-09-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

When I went to check on Baylor while we were cooking dinner and this is what I found.

Elle had launched two soothes into Baylor's bed as well as a tiny little pillow...

Baylor looks a bit scared but Elle was very confident she could hold him in her little chair.

Elle giving some kisses to Baylor.

Baylor tapped out at this point...

Me and my shadow

2011-09-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Elle has became Daddy's little helper and loves to work in the yard. Colby gave Elle the hose for watering the plants and grass. I think my Mother's intuition kicked in and I sensed this was going to end badly for one of them... Can you guess who? :)

Hi Momma, I water.

Figuring out the distance she can actually spray.

Oh, and I can make the water go up...

Here Daddy, Daddy, Daddy.

Battle of the hose 2011...

Did you guess correctly how this was going to end badly for? I was laughing hysterically as I was secretly praying Elle would figure out she could spray him.

Tisk otay I take him

2011-09-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

Whenever Baylor starts to cry Elle will come over to you and say "Tisk otay, I take him." She gets a very serious look on her face and puts out her hands. It really is a hoot!

Baylor and Momma getting some snuggle time in.

Now Otay, you can take him!

Elle enjoys cuddle time with Baylor a lot!

Here batter, batter!

2011-08-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

I took the kids. Okay, side note. It sounds crazy to me still to say kids, plural! Ha! Anyways, I took the kids (hee hee) to see Colby's softball game. He was the pitcher and did a great job! The lost the first game but won the second one!

Baylor enjoyed basking in the evening sun.

Check out Elle in the background running around like mad. She really enjoyed the open space in which she could run her imaginary horse!

Grandma and Grandpa S even stopped by to watch the game. Elle is showing Grandpa her new game on my iphone while Baylor told Grandma all his troubles.

Elle thought it was fun to sit in Baylor's carseat and rock with him.

Elle gave Daddy some love during the game.

After the game cheers!

Beavor Lake Family Reunion

2011-08-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

We headed out to Beaver Lake for Colby's Dad's side Family reunion.

Elle checked out the shuffle board this year...

...and showed she is already game for Boca Raton!

Elle challenged Grandma and Grandpa S to a game.

Colby with his cousin's Sarah, Erik, and Ondia.

Just like the picture we took back in 2009 after Elle was born.

Remlinger Farms

2011-08-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

After our sad attempt at Raspberry picking we headed over to Remlinger Farms for some good ol' fashion fun!

Elle tried out all the horses...

From the driver's seat...

...and from the passanger's seats!

I don't think you want to mess with this cowgirl, as she has quite the draw!

Enjoying the steam train ride

Baylor and I liked it as well!

Showing Elle the ropes of driving a tractor!

Elle loved the canoe ride and did awesome all by herself, what a big girl!

Nothing finishes off the day like lemonade and popcorn!

Rasberry's or bust

2011-08-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

We attempted to go Raspberry picking on the last open day for the season....

We found out quickly why it was the last day of picking.

This is the fruit of our labor after 30 minutes.

As you can see Elle quite enjoyed them!

Elle was a happy little clam with a full belly of raspberries but I felt defeated as we will not have any homemade jam this season. Ah well, heard berries were on sale at Costco!

Mudd Mountain Park

2011-08-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

We ventured out to the park when Baylor was one week old. It was a nice break from the norm and perfect evening for a picnic.

Colby took Elle to play in the water feature while I took pictures of Baylor.

Elle loved the water fall and splash pool! It was hard to get her out!

Pretty sure Elle was trying to lure Colby closer so she could splash him!

Once we were over the water it was on to the toys! This park is maintained by the Corps of Engineers and is super clean!

Trying out one of many slides around the park.

Walking the plank over to another slide.

Posed for the picture and then she was off!

Higher Daddy, higher!

Jumping on the swaying bridge!

Next time you come to visit we will take you too!!!

Swim lesson's 101

2011-08-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Elle is in her 2nd month of swim lessons. Last summer we took lessons but it was more water play. Colby has been taking her the last few weeks and Elle has made tons of progress. Baylor and I decided to tag along this week.

Finally realized I needed to take the flash off...

You put your left leg in, you put your left leg out...

Working on blowing bubbles in the water.

Baylor loved the humid environment and slept through the whole thing...

Prepared for the rainy season!

2011-08-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

I found this super cute raincoat and hat online and as soon as I opened the package Elle was all over it. She had to take it for a test run...

Through the sprinkler...

And Elle didn't get wet at all!

Sarah Jessica Parker!

2011-08-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Baylor had a doctor's appt today so we swung into Target afterwards and found some prizes for Elle who was holding down the fort at daycare. She was very excited by the new boots and tutu swimsuit. So much so she had to wear both immediately!

A little tanning

2011-08-12T15:26:00.002-07:00

Baylor's tan was a little too Jersey Shore and we were prescribed Home phototherapy or Bilibed. The nurse came to our home and set us up with the Bilibed which Baylor had to stay on 24hrs a day with little breaks for feeding and changing. His initial levels were 19.1 which is considered extremely high and we were told it could take 2 to 10 days for his levels to come down to a safe level. We were set up with daily nurse visits and given strict instructions as to how to help Baylor lower his Bili levels.

After 24hrs, Baylor's levels had dropped to 13.4 and he had gained 3ozs! They were quite impressed and took him off the Bilibed! The nurse was amazed and came back the next day to check his blood again to see if he rebound and he had come down even more to 12.1 which is considered in the normal range and he had put on another 1.5 ozs! Both Colby and myself were relieved at the quick progress Baylor made and so thankful for the wonderful traveling nurses!

New Digs

2011-08-12T15:26:00.001-07:00

Since we have been rearranging the house we decided it was time to rearrange Elle's room as well! We removed all changing table and rocking chair and replaced it with playhouse!

Elle has been playing nonstop in the house!

Ready for the day

2011-08-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

Elle is going to daycare from 8 to noon so she can get in her socializing while Colby, Baylor, and I rest. This was her first week using a backpack her Auntie Tracy gave her! She came in to show it to me before heading out.

Really could it get any cuter??

Elle picked out her jacket, can you tell? Her hair was combed out before she left too :)

Everyone home at last

2011-08-12T15:25:00.001-07:00

Elle stayed at Grandma and Grandpa S's on Saturday night and came home first thing Sunday with breakfast in tow. Elle was so cute with Baylor and kept asking to hold him, or "my baby, or I take him."

Checking out Baylor.

Pointing out his nose, eyes, ears, hair, and

Chin!!

Comparing feet size.

Family of Four at last!!!

Home With A Few Visitors

2011-08-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

We headed home from the hospital on Saturday. We settled in and then my brother Marc, SIL Tracie, Olivia, Emma, Marcus, Grami, and Poppi came for a short visit. They also brought lunch :)

Uncle Marc and Emma with Baylor. Uncle Marc and Baylor had matching tans!

Marcus even got in the action holding Baylor.

Olivia was so good with Baylor!

Auntie Tracie finally got a turn, I think she had to fight off the pack :)

Olivia got in some one on one time.

Baylor and Grami had a little talk before they headed back to the East side. Thanks for the visit and yummy lunch! We have been eating the leftovers all week!

Jeffrey's 1st Birthday

2011-08-12T15:24:00.003-07:00

Jeffrey's 1st birthday was a spectacular circus event! The cake was amazing!!

Jeffrey was so cute with his cupcake!

I got to hold little Emma and Elle was quite the little helper! I think she was preparing for being a big sister!

Sophie, Ceci, and Gia were there so they had a ton of fun playing together under the table of all places :)

Megan did a wonderful job with tons of circus games! Elle got into the action with the ducky pond!

Sporting her first tat!

Group shot of all the children that were at the party.

Birthday Trip To The Zoo

2011-08-12T15:24:00.002-07:00

Elle was given a Point Defiance Zoo pass for her birthday from Grandma and Grandpa S. We wasted no time activating it! Elle got in a cat nap or should I say a bubba nap on the way in.

Neither Colby or I have been to this zoo in years and let me tell you it is fabulous!! I forgot what an amazing view of the Sound from the entrance. Plus free parking! Really can you beat that??

As soon as we got in we were greeted by a Peacock!

Baby Leapords! I think they were 7 days old! So dang cute!!

Elle was calling to the Monkey...

The Monkey started making his way over.

I am not sure who was more amused! The Monkey or Elle!

After the Monkeys we headed over to see the Polar Bears! My personal favorite as they are so amazing to watch in the water and boy did they put on a show for us!

I wanted a Coca Cola so bad and I wasn't sure why?

Elle was memesrized by the Polar Bear!

Elle measuring up against the baby bear.

Elle had to ride the carousel for her Birthday! It went much better then last year!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa S for the wonderful birthday present! We plan to get a lot of use out of passes!!!

On the way home we stopped at Green Valley Meats for some World Famous Beef Jerky!! Turns out Elle LOVES beef jerky just as much as her Momma! The kind butcher gave Elle a huge piece to sample and she would not share even a small bite!

Elleanor's 2nd Birthday Party

2011-08-12T15:24:00.001-07:00

We decorated the house while Elle was a sleep. It was so much fun to see her reaction to all the balloons and decorations!

As you can see the balloons were a big hit!

The theme of the party was rainbows. We did a rainbow layer cake. Here is the beginnings of the cake making.

The finished dessert table. Ceci helped us set it up!

Tracy helped us hang streamers up all over the house!

Ring around the rosie...

We all fall down!!

The party turned out wonderful!!

Ceci Ballet and Birthday

2011-08-12T15:24:00.000-07:00

Figured now would be a good time to get our blog updated :) Back in June Elle and I attended Ceci's ballet and birthday party. Colby was in California working.

Ceci did an amazing job and looked so beautiful!

Sophie was very proud of her little sister!

Happy 6th birthday Cecilia!

The men enjoying the fire that Wes built. I think there was a lot a grunting that took place in the circle of trust!

We headed down to the beach in the morning for breakfast before we left.

"CHEESE"

Grami watching the girls look for shells and sea glass.

Taking a walk with Grami.

Sophie taught the girls how to skip rocks!

Baylor James

2011-08-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

Our family is proud to welcome it's newest member. Baylor James was born at 12:02 in the morning on August 4th. Kim's doctor called on the 3rd after she got some bloodwork back. The doctor was going to be out of town starting Friday for a week and she didn't thikn Kim would make it until she returned. We had to be at the hospital at 5:30 Wednesday night for a scheduled 7:30 C-section. Unfortunately, the doctor got delayed in a prior surgery and someone else got into the O.R. before us. An hour later, as we were starting to walk out of the room to the O.R. we were told that we had been bumped for a mother that needed an emergency C-section. Another hour later it happened again, bumped for a more urgent surgery. Finally, at 11:00 we headed in for surgery. As with Elle, the anesthesiologist had trouble getting Kim set up but at 11:30 they started the procedure. By 11:50, the doctors started telling me to get ready for pictures and there was still hope that he would be born before midnight but, after some maneuvering, out came "Bubba" at 12:02. Pretty appropriate that the second child in our family is listed as being born at 0002 on all our paperwork.

Our first family picture :O)

Grandma and Poppa hung around at the hospital while Grami and Poppi were at our house with Elle

Baylor getting his first shampoo

He loved it and his eyes were rolling back in his head

First bath

He spent the entire time hanging on to the side of the tub

Quite a bit of hair. After the bath, the nurse combed it into a nice faux-hawk

The next morning, Grami and Poppi came in to meet Baylor and bring Elle to meet her brother

Elle checking to make sure Mommy was feeling better

Grandma and Poppa came in again too

Later, Tracy and Ceci got here

Ceci showing off her skills learned from helping with Gia

Brian, Holly and Tanner hanging with Baylor. Unfortunately, we didn't get pictures with Lana, Liz, Myron, or Madelyn

Next up was Wendy and Donny with Great Grandma S. It was so great to see everyone and everyone here is doing great.

New York, New York

2011-07-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

I had a work project in New Jersey over the 4th of July holiday and my coworkers finally persuaded me to go into Manhatten for the first time.

This is just after coming out of the subway from Hoboken, NJ where we parked. We walked a few blocks to Central Park and as you can see the weather was perfect!

This is Belvedere Castle next to Turtle Pond

The aforementioned Turtle Pond

It was too late to head into the Museum of Natural History and it was under construction anyway.

We thought this was the building from Ghostbusters but it turns out we were a few blocks off. Still a cool looking building.

We headed back through the subway system to Hoboken and found our spot to watch the fireworks over the Hudson. Here's a great sunset picture and if you look close, you can see a blimp flying overhead. We actually saw another one the next day with a different sponsor.

During the show, my coworker Brian and his girlfriend who he had brought on the trip wandered a little ways away. When we met up with them after the show, she had a brand new engagement ring to show off. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Father's Day Mariner Game

2011-07-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

Since we attended a Ms game for Mother's day it only seemed appropriate to attend one for Father's day! Colby's Uncle Randy and Aunt Shelley gave us tickets to the Ms for Christmas. They also gave Ken and Sydnie the same thing so we could all go together.

As you can see the season seats are really close

Dustin Ackley was called up the night before so this was his first time at bat in the big show! It was awesome to see the fans go crazy and cheer for him! My pregnant hormones got the best of me and I teared up thinking of how proud his family must be!

Root sports reporter in our section! Chatting it up with fans.

The moose even stopped by for a visit!

Only group shot we got. I was trying to protect the chin from the double look since the camera was inches from my face :)

Showing the score after the 7th inning stretch!

It was a great night for M's fans!!

How does your garden grow?

2011-06-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Elle decided to help out in the garden and even dressed herself for the occasion.

Swinging is way more fun!

Note the new cement wall Colby made during his week off. It is AWESOME! Colby has started on the next row which will give me a big veggie garden in the front and back will be trees and foliage. If all goes as plan this will be done next month! YEAH!!

Mother's Day Baseball

2011-06-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

This year for Mother's day, Colby's Uncle Randy was able to get the family a suite at the Mariner's game. Colby's grandparents were original season ticket holders and Uncle Randy and his friends have continued renewing each season and as a result Randy was able to pick one game to use a suite for free! YEAH for us!!

This year meeting the Moose was way less painful for all parties! Elle didn't have the choke hold/death grip going!

Cheese!

Stare off!

Colby's Mom side of the family. Happy Mother's day!

Elle The Builder

2011-06-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

Elle was Daddy's helper for a weekend when we were building the new cabinets in the office.

Very serious about her job holding the nails and helping to tap, tap, tap them in!

See Momma, piece of cake!

Neighborhood Concert

2011-06-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

The night before we left for vacation (way back at the end of March) our dear neighbors hosted a concert at their house! Mindy Gledhill and Debra Fotheringham gave an awesome performance.

Finleigh's 1st Birthday

2011-04-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

The following day we headed north to Finleigh's first birthday party! It was a book theme and we were given a book plate to fill out and put into a book we loved for exchange. At the end of the party the books were handed out and each child got to open it along with a super duper cute book mark from Finleigh's Momma.

Elle bouncing around on a Rody.

Elle mingling with Colby's coworker Dan and his wife Jess.

Circling up for cake time!

Getting ready to sing.

Elle loved the cake and enjoyed playing with new friends. Finleigh had on a big sister shirt and we are very excited to meet the new little one in October. Which means our little one will have a playmate close in age!

Visitors

2011-04-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

We had visitors two weekends ago (see getting closer to caught up). Christy, Parker, and Delaney came up from Vancouver, Liz and Madelyn came from Seattle, Brooke came drown from Bothell, and Holly, Brian, and Tanner from Sammamish for a mini WSU reunion!

The kids had so much fun playing together!

Miss M is growing up so quickly so is a super quick crawler on the verge of walking!

Christy brought the girls matching yellow outfits! So stinking cute!

Delaney and Elle

Miss M "What"?

Playing around while Parker played music.

Sunday morning! Elle was sad to see her little buddy go!

Evolution of our cars

2011-04-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

We made some big changes to our car situation in the last few months. We decided to sell not one, but both of our cars!

I was a little sad to see Jeepy go as it was the first car I purchased completely on my own but it was like the time I sold my first steer at auction. Dad said something very wise to me "Kimmie you can keep the steer and continue feeding it forever or you can take the cash, your call" Jeepy would have sucked us dry just like the steer!

Neither of us even batted an eyelash at selling the Altima. We were rear ended three times in this car, for some reason people just didn't see us... Twice we were fully stopped at a light and they rolled into the car. Mind you this car didn't even get a nickname, sad...

Bring on the new!!

We adopted "The Little Mule" from my parents. I think Daddy-o had a hard time parting with the mule but the cash helped buy the new canopy for "Mister Clean" his new Tundra :) So it worked out for both of us plus we have brought the "the little mule" over the hill for visits.

Here is our newest pride and joy, "The deathstar"! Colby was so excited to take this picture while we were visiting Grand Coulee Dam notice the lacking of Elle or me in the pic? We were posing off to the left thinking Colby was taking a picture of us...