Pool Piglet

Matt took this video of Lucy jumping into the pool at the O'Brien family reunion. She was absolutely fearless and spent about 3 hours a day in the pool. She did other tricks besides jumping; putting her face in the water, dipping her head back, and splashing. All these tricks plus her skin tone = new nickname: pool piglet. Gus also practiced his swim techniques and tested out the new bakugan goggles that Aunt Molly and Uncle Aaron gave him for his birthday.

4th of July in Walla Walla

We spent the 4th down in Walla Walla visiting Uncle Ben, Aunt Holli, cousin May, and baby to be. It was a great three day weekend. Grammy Kath and Grandpa Tim joined us. We went to a Sweets game, Pioneer Park, the market, out for a delicious lunch at Braisserie 4, drank Ben's homebrew, ate scrumptious barbequed meats, lit tons of fire works, and had a nice meal at Olive as well..... phew... Summer has officially started.

May-may all suited up and ready to go.

Lulu sporting her 'kini.

Ben and Holli

MMmm barbeque...

It didn't take Lucy long to figure out Uncle Ben's ribs.

Holli's delicious berry trifle.

Taking in a Sweets game. Love the Walla Walla Sweets!

Gus and one of his catches.

June Garden

Our chickens are growing as fast as the rest of the garden, looking forward to eggs in August.

My favorite 5 year old in front of my 5 year old rose

The kids enjoy the water activity table which provides hours of entertainment.

...more b-day photos

I am having technical difficulties with blogger so here are the photos I wanted to add to my last post:

Gus is 5!!!!

Its hard to believe that five years ago Gus was just the tiniest (9 lb kind of tiny) newborn. Exactly five years ago on this day we brought him home from the hospital. I can remember that day like it was just yesterday.

Its so sad how fast the years have flown by, yet I am so happy to see how far we've come and where we are going. Kindergarten, here we come!

I was out of town all week for work training, but was able to get back in time for Gus's birthday celebration. Here are some pics of the little family party we had. His big present was a new bike- pics of him riding that to come...

new clothes, the face says it all

Very fun new shower attachment for kids, a beautiful cross stitch from Grammy Kath

A bug condo contraption that is already a hit

Campin' Pics

So we have been busy busy busy around here lately.... between my new job, finishing the chicken coop, our crazy weekends-are-all-booked summer schedule, and the garden, I haven't found time to blog.

We spent last weekend up at Pearrygin lake with our great friends, the Sissons, and my family too. It was a great campout- lots of good food, drink, and company around the fire, as well as a visit to the Twisp farmer's market and shopping in Winthrop.

Here are some pics of the kids, taken by Grandma Connie with her fancy shmancy camera that takes the best photos:

Pearrygin Lake in the morning, a gorgeous spot that is not usually this green, but thanks to the rains it was quite beautiful.

Lucy driving her car around the loop.

And enjoying some "engagement" cake- congrats Laura and Mark!!

Lucy is Two!

Lulu's new ride.

Lulu on her new scooter, wearing her new swim goggles from cousin May.

Our litle Lulu is two years old and I am wondering where the time has gone. It is such a bittersweet feeling, knowing that there is no longer a baby in the house. Our big girl is so much fun these days. She loves dressing up in her tutu, following Gus around, looking for bugs, digging in the sandbox, playing with the "ducks" (the chickens) and singing songs.

We had a great little birthday celebration here this weekend. Grandma Connie, Grammy Kath, and Grandpa Tim made it for the weekend. Grandpa Dick was busy attending a WEA convention.

Not-so-Extreme Makeover: Backyard Edition

So after watching Food INC., and visiting our friends with chickens..... we jumped on the bandwagon and are Pollo Loco. Matt and Tim framed out a Chichen Paradise.. a nice coop for our 6 hens. We have 3 Golden Comets, 2 Barred Rocks, and 1 New Hampshire Red in the basement right now, under a warming lamp. They are tiny and cute and they poop everywhere. I will post more pics of the gals later. For now, enjoy the mini backyard makeover pics. We expanded the garden area to make a bigger veggie and flower garden.