The Great Outdoors

Our family loves to be outside; we're regulars at the park, marina, beach or just hanging out in the neighborhood. We're always looking for new places to explore, so we were excited to see what a new hiking trail we found had in store. It's a hit!

A Good Day For...

Relaxing in the grass,

digging holes with Jake,

making faces at Mom instead of smiling for the camera,

and practicing balancing. No excuses needed to get outside and play!

Too Fast!

At 9 months, Payton is getting big way too fast. We love this littlest member of our family infinitely and can't image what life was like before she came. One of the things I love the most about her are her eyes. They give her away every time. When she's unhappy, you can see it in her eyes. When she's tired, her eyes are the first to betray her efforts to fight sleep. But my very favorite thing about them is that when she's happy, her eyes sparkle and shine. I love looking into them and knowing that, for that moment at least, everything in her world is happy and content.

Bathtime

Payton loves her baths and gladly stays in them until every last finger and toe are prune-ish!

Reflections

Mirror images, of herself, yes. But also of her brother. Even complete strangers comment on how much Jake and Payton look alike.

Summertime

Jake has a very analytical mind. He notices the details in everything and has become quite an adept little debater, especially when reasoning exactly why he didn't eat his dinner 20 minutes ago but now really needs a snack, why we should stay outside just five minutes longer, why he can be healthy and strong without eating any vegetables, or why bedtime is way too early. He says some of the funniest things, and sometimes his insight surprises me. Yesterday morning when Jake woke up, he stretched and said "You know what's the best, Mom? When I wake up with the sunshine in my window and the birds chirping outside, that's what's the best."

Oldie But Goody

The big 3-0! Like a fine wine, he just gets better with age. Okay, cheesy, I know. But true. I've known Jason since we were 9, dated him since we were 17 and been married to him since we were 22. It's been fun growing and changing with him; we've been on this journey together, and I can't imagine anyone else in the world who I'd rather be on it with. He's a fabulous husband, fantastic dad, kind, compassionate, talented and fun. We love you, Jas!

It's Official

Jake's preschool days are officially behind him.

Are You Crabby, Too?

Crab hunting at the beach:

What's that?

Right there. A little closer........

Priceless!

Picture Pier-fect

A long walk off a short pier?! Maybe some days, but on this day we were just looking for starfish on the edge of the dock.