Janet, Kendal and Running

I'm slowly but surely working my way through all of our summer activities.  Janet came to visit us at the end of July.  It was awesome to have her here and Adam loved every minute of it.  We went to a lot of the State Parks and other fun local things.  Lots of rock throwing goin' on with this boy's boy.

Adam has the cutest run in the world.  Sometimes, when he is really concentrating on running, he will stick out his tongue.  He really can 't be any cuter.

Visiting Daddy at work.

 

Collecting sand dollars.

David's brother, Kendal, flew in to run the Tacoma Narrows Half-Marathon with David.  They planned it last year and spent all that time training.  it was fun to have Kendal here and show him around our beautiful home here in Washington.  I just wish Kendra and the kids could have come, too.  That would have made it that much better...hint, hint, Kendra!

Here they are checking in.

The race ended in Tacoma, so on the drive over we saw the boys on the bridge and were lucky enough to catch a few pictures.

Here comes David!

Here comes Kendal!

After the race they were stretching and Adam was giving Kendal some "get-better" kisses.  It was adorable.

Good job, guys!

Adam loved having Kendal around.  We sure do miss our family...so you all should come visit soon.  Just a suggestion...

July.

That is correct.  It is October 1st today and you know what that means?  July blog posts should be completed.  Except for one part, which is a visit from Grandma Janet and Uncle Kendal, but that was the end of July and into the beginning of August, so it doesn't count.

And here we go.

We found out yet another reason to be cautious when you can't hear your toddler playing in the other room.

We went for a ride on a mini-train in which Adam was in heaven.

Rode down some slides with our buddies.

Swinging.

Played at the spinny park...even got on some big boy toys.

Adorable cuteness alert.

We went swimming with friends, but I ruined it with a migraine.

David and I finally entered the world of smart phones.  We got a free iPhone with our upgrade and I'll admit they are handy little things.  When the only camera you have is a large DSLR, you miss some silly moments that are a lot easier to capture when all you need to do is grab your phone.  We like.

Being cute and trying on mom's "cool pants". I appreciate the fact he didn't put both of his legs in just one of the pant legs to remind me how big my pants really are.

Cutting the zucchini with a spoon and I lost a fight with a toy car.

New scooter.  Dancing in time-out.

"Batman, have you seen Adam?"  Oh, there you are.

Our Bishop bought our scooter.  I think it was to soften me up because he asked me to be the Young Womens President earlier that day.  "Oh, by the way...."

Hunting for sand dollars.

A day in the life of Adam and Olli.

"Hey Olli, want to play cars?"

"No sad, Olli, no sad."  Buddy, sometimes you just can't win with girls.  This is a lesson that you would do well to remember.

Seriously, I know I look awful, but his face is the best thing I have ever seen.  I can't stop laughing.  Don't mind the bags under my eyes.

Nixon's Arrival

After a long wait, our new little friend, Nixon, decided to make his debut on July 8th.  Olli had no idea her whole world was about to be turned upside down.  I'm happy to report she is still a sweet girl and Nixon is still alive.  Who could ask for more, right?

Welcome, baby Nixon!  We love you already.

"Hey Karen, why are they putting this thing in my face?" 

"Okay, okay, I'll admit he is pretty cute.  We can keep him."

I'm pretty sure it isn't normal to look as good as Robin did hours after having a baby.  She's weird.

Today my heart is overflowing...

An idea brought to me yesterday resulted in making a little fund on a website called gofundme.com.  In a matter of hours, our friends and family and even strangers showed us incredible kindness.  I am at a loss for words and wish there were a way to convey our gratitude for all the support and sharing of our story.  Thank you.

If you would like to grab this widget to add to your own blog, here is the html.  Any support in getting this our into the digital world would be wonderful. Thank you!

HTML:

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Sol Duc Falls and Hurricane Ridge

The day after the 4th of July we decided to take a trip into the Olympic National Park to see the Sol Duc Falls and Hurricane Ridge.  I love road trips with my little family.  Adam is getting to the age where he just loves having a captive audience and just talks and talks and talks.  We left early in the morning to get to the falls in time to do the mile long hike and get back for lunch and let Adam nap in the car on the way to the next stop at Hurricane Ridge.  It worked like a charm!

You have to drive right along Lake Crescent to get to the falls.  I LOVE this drive.  It is especially amazing in the morning when the sun is coming up over the mountains.

He takes his airplane everywhere with him.

Adam kept some Goldfish in his pockets for the hike.  Smart kid.

Adam is constantly whipping David's head around to steer him when he is on his shoulders.  I love the look on his face.  Classic.

Adam has been picking flowers lately and bringing them to me.  "Mommy for you."  My heart melts.

Getting ready for nap.

I was so upset when I got home and saw all the spots on my pictures from Hurricane Ridge.  The sensor was pretty dirty...and I was so upset that we drove to Seattle the next day just to get it cleaned.  Ugh.

The Olympics.  Mount Olympus is the peak furtherst back and partly in the clouds.  You really feel like you are on top of the world at Hurricane Ridge.  It is incredibly beautiful.  I wish I could capture the beauty, but I can't...so come visit.  Simple solution, right?

Yes.  Snow.  There was snow on July 5th.  Adam loved it.