Nature Walk

For years I've noticed an area just off 122nd and Sunnyside Rd. that has a bridge over a creek with a walking path just beyond. We've always told ourselves that we should stop and check it out, but never have until this summer.

One afternoon in June, we decided to head on down and explore. It was beautiful. The path followed along a beautiful, rushing creek. They loved it. Where we started, it was sort of in the middle of the path. The first time, we went right and followed it all the way to a cul-ti-sac at the end of a neighborhood.

The next time we stopped there, we decided to go left and see where it would take us. This time, Journey was a little nervous, sure that there were "bears in the trees". The path was a little grown in some of the way, but we pressed on enjoying the adventure of the unknown. This time, to the kids delight, it ended at a cute little neighborhood park. And best of all, Mark was in the area, and decided to meet up with us at the park.

All along the trail to the park, the creek was far below us in a ravine. Being the boys they are, Mark and Aspen decided to hike down and explore. Mark taught Aspen how to jump from rock to rock in the creek so that he didn't get all wet, and taught him how to search for crawdads. Pretty much, little boy heaven! :)

They couldn't wait to go back, armed with a bucket for crawdads and clothes to get wet in. About a week later, Mark, Brett and Aspen went again, caught a bunch of crawdads, and drove up on a dramatic accident/police chase. These are the kind of things memories are made of. :)

11 Months Old

Willow is 11 months old today. I love my baby girl more than words can express (even though she has been quite difficult lately). Today was a first on two fronts for her. First, she "crawled" for the first time today. It was just one hand and knee forward, but she did it! Second, she fought sleep tonight at bed time, and when I went in to check on her, she was sitting up at the far corner of the bed. Actually, both of these firsts were firsts for all three kids! Neither Aspen or Journey ever crawled, and didn't sit up in the bed until well after a year old.

Willow is in the middle of another teething bout right now, and it's been quite rough. Today after a couple hours of fussy clingyness, I put her down in her bed for a rest, and went and hid from the kids in Journey's room. Just keepin' it real. Wasn't the funnest day around here...

Exciting times around here.... :)

Yep, you guessed it. Aspen lost his 4th tooth while at Zoo Camp. He's not excited about it at all :)

FYI: In the first picture, he's holding up his tooth. We told him that the Tooth Fairy likes it when you wrap your tooth in tape so that it's easier for her to find it under your pillow, haha!

Oh, I'll admit that although I think the toothless smile is ADORABLE. I'm kinda sad to see the teeth go. My baby boy is growing up and the next stage is what I like to call the "awkward stage". Half adult / half baby teeth is not the cutest stage of life.

Zoo Camp

This week is Zoo Camp for Aspen. Unfortunately, I don't have any great pictures since I'm not able to volunteer, but he's having a great time. The days are long, 9 - 4pm, and it is a sacrifice to cart him back and forth, but I figured we could work it out for a week.

Aspen has always loved science and learning about bugs and animals. I knew this would be right up his alley, plus I've heard rave reviews of the programs. Mark has been helping me out with the pickup/drop off so that I don't have to do both, and it has worked out great! He is loving it. Actually, Mark is a little jealous of him. He wishes he could go too! Next year we may find him volunteering just to have the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the zoo too :)

Each day they have a theme, they tour an area of the zoo, do crafts and games, and have an animal that they get to pet, learn about, etc. Today (Wednesday), they got to ride the Zoo Train. Very exciting, and Aspen's first time!

Journey and Willow miss Aspen during the day and look forward to when he gets home. It's been a good preview for me for the upcoming school year since I am packing a lunch for him everyday. I'm quickly learning the types of foods I'll need to be stocking up on :)

Willow is so full of life. She has been super loud in the last week or two. Not sure if it's because she's teething again and that tends to ratchet up the volume, or that's just how she is.

And look at her pose....almost crawling! Well, not quite almost crawling, but this is closer than Aspen or Journey ever got to the idea! I have hope that she will crawl :)

Aspen and Journey love playing in the water. Journey especially loves playing in the waves, while Aspen is content in the creeks that run into the ocean.

We had one day of sun this trip and took advantage of it!

Aspen is motivated to practice riding his bike this year, and the beach is a perfect place for him to practice!

I just got a double stroller and am love, love, loving it! I was able to avoid one until now, but Willow's too big (and heavy) for the Bjorn and Journey is just too slow of a walker for us to go anywhere far.


We've spent a lot of time at the beach over the last two weekends. Mark's been fishing (salmon the first weekend, tuna the next), we had a wedding and baby shower, and have enjoyed getting away and checking on the house progress. Aspen got in some good practice on his bike until he had a crash and decided to take a break :) Willow did good the first weekend, but the second one she was pretty crabby. Teething again. Fun times.

I can hardly believe July is already here. This summer is going to fly by.

More Progress

6/5/10

6/5/10
In front of the house is a creek. It's mostly covered in overgrown trees and shrubs, but Aspen found a way down to look for crawdads.

7/1/10

Siding is done and house is ready to be painted.

7/1/10

7/1/10

Most of the drywall is finished (was done by the 3rd).

7/1/10

Brother & Sister

Willow LOVES Aspen. They are all personality, and these two are going to give me a run for my money! Aspen regularly pushes me to my limits. We'll see about Willow, but I do know that she will be loud. That girl can YELL :)