Sneaks

Here is Lucy modeling her "new" shoes- hand me downs from Kaycee and Sage. She is really on the go these days, and has the sneakers to help her get there. (And she is teething again, hence the wet rag in her mouth).

15 month stats

Just a quick blog, Lucy had her 15 month well child check up today.

Here are her stats: Head circumference, 18.5 inches (80th percentile) . Weight: 21 pounds, 2 ounces (20th percentile). Height: 29 inches (17th percentile). She is my little pipsqueak.

What's new? She is cutting two new teeth, hitting all her milestones with walking, talking, pointing, exploring, playing. She has such an easy going personality, but will pitch a fit now and then when brother gets in her way. I continue to love this girl more and more each day.

Gus was a very good helper today at the doctor, he helped with the stethoscope and measurement taking, and informed the nurse that Lucy had the hiccups.

Now I need to put Lu-squeal to bed..... More posts to come.

She's walking... There is no turning back!

Monday Night

Enjoying the heat and the green grass before we hit the road to "The Coast". Its been about 99 here for a long time.. I can't remember when this heat wave started. By the looks of it, the coast isn't too much cooler but we hope to get a little break from the heat.

We are going camping for a nice long week at Fort Worden and Salt Creek- both on the Peninsula- with Tim and Kath and Ben, Holli and May. I've been busy making lists and getting things all set for the trip. Gus is so excited to explore the beaches and check out the tide pools. Lucy is walking more every day and will be right behind Gus and May. Matt is the one that really needs a vacation. He has worked 32 extra hours of overtime this past week fighting fires. The money is good but he is exhausted. Here's to a nice little break, now lets just hope I don't forget something crucial like Lucy's blanky, the camera, or the cribbage board.

Almost There (Baby Steps)

I took this video this morning after breakfast. Pardon the scrambled egg on her shirt. Lucy is trying hard to catch up to Gus and her cousin May. She's almost walking. Gus walked at 15.5 months old, and Lucy is now 14 months old.

Shirtless in the Backyard

While Matt and I were at Molly and Aaron's rehearsal dinner (a wonderful evening at Clink's) the kids had a ball at Grandpa Tim and Grammy Kath's house. As you can see, it was one of those hot nights where all there is to do is eat popsicles -Lucy's choice, and search for bugs - Gus's choice. Without clothing. Because its too hot and more fun this way.

The next morning, Tim asked me if Lucy had ever had a popsicle before, and I said no, she hadn't. Apparently she knew just what to do with it and enjoyed it immensely.

.... off to make some homeade ice pops....

Molly and Aaron's Wedding

Gus was the ring bearer, and he actually did it. I was so nervous about a mid-aisle meltdown or something.

The beautiful and happy couple

vows

Lucy dancing with Grandpa Dick

A perfect night, a perfect celebration!

Quiet Weekend at Home

Our sunflowers are blooming

Cherry Season- Gus loves the Lapins and Raniers

Fishing with Daddy at Sidley Lake- bald eagle sightings and a fish or two in the boat.

This past weekend we had a nice quiet weekend around the house. Matt and Gus went up to Sidley Lake on Sunday and caught a couple of fish. Lucy and I went on a nice long walk. She is cutting more molars and has been a bit grouchy lately.

Today we leave for Spokane, Molly and Aaron's wedding is finally here! We are so excited and are looking forward to celebrating with them. Gus is all ready to be the ring bearer and he has been asking every morning, "Today do I get to be the ring bearer?" Its pretty cute.

Giggles

Gus and Lucy just having a grand ol time with a bottle of baby shampoo. This is the sort of thing that Lucy is really into right now- playing "give and take".

Gus in Winnemucca Pet Heaven

While we were in Winnemucca, (that's a lot of W's!) Gus stayed with Grammy Kath out at Aunt Linda's house. Next door to Auntie Linda is Auntie Sandra's house. What does this mean to a 4 year old? One whole block of pet bliss. Between the cats, kittens and dogs running around, you have horses, goats, rabbits, chickens, and I am sure I am leaving something out. He had a blast feeding the animals and carting this kitten around. He called this kiten in particular "Purry". It was pretty cute.

So when we got home to Oroville, his promised 4th birthday gift was an aquarium with a few fish. I thought this would sort of be a let down, after all the furry, frisky, and hilarious pets (Ding Bat Chicken), but he is just as excited about his new fishies and is a good pet keeper.

Thanks Aunt Linda, Aunt Sandra, Rosie and Lilly too for letting Gus manhandle all the animals and entertaining him with all your treasures. He is still talking about the trip.

More Paradise

Great Granny Nette, Matt and Lucy. Happy 90th Birthday, Jeannette!

Gus found a beautiful Monarch butterfly

Cousin Rose and Lucy, admiring the roses in front of the house. Look at the gorgeous view- this is looking out to the right when you step out the front door.

Contents of the kitchen cupboards in Paradise - sort of an antique lover's paradise.

1741 miles later.......

What a wonderful road trip we had. From Oroville to Winnemucca and back. We made a big loop around 4 beautiful states. I have so many photos, I'll be blogging in installments for weeks, it seems.

Here is a view on the drive from Winnemucca out to Paradise Valley.

PV is where Matt's great grandparents homesteaded and the home is still in the family. We spent Father's day out there and had a great time. The best thing about PV is all the Basque people. You definitely feel at home with all the Gavikas, Echeverrias, Monteberris, Ochoas, and Eigeruns running around. Picons (the Basque cocktail that will knock you on your socks- ask Uncle Ben) are flowing at the Paradise Valley Salloon.

Matt hob nobbing with the Bascoes and Cousin Tim after his first Seven and Seven.
Below, Katy and Ben enjoying a Picon.

Babies are welcome in the Paradise Valley Salloon. It's a one of a kind place that has its own set of rules. Lucy took a nap under a large Elk head.

......more to come.

4 Years Old!

Happy Birthday to Gus! Here are some fun photos of him on past birthdays (or very close). I can't believe how much he has grown and changed in four short years. In some ways, it has been a whirlwind and gone quickly, in others, well we have done so much it has been a long journey. From trains and trucks to tractors and now: insects! We can't wait to see what adventure is around the next bend.

Gus at two weeks old, yes he was a darling (large) blond baby boy.

Here is Gus playing in the sprinkler the week of his 1st birthday. Not walking yet, but loves to crawl around and explore the backyard.

Gus at two (with a darling kitten). This was the day of or before his b-day. We celebrated in Winnemucca Nevada, and had a blast.

Gus at three. He had a very new baby sister and was adjusting well.

And our big kid 4 year old! (looking for bugs in this photo, as usual).