6 Months

Our little boy will be six months old this weekend. I have decided, from a completely objective perspective, that he is growing smarter and more handsome with each passing day. We love our little man and all the joy he brings into our little family.






Everett is growing (must faster than mom likes) and changing everyday. His newest tricks include sitting up on his own, jumping on mommy's tummy and in his exersaucer, and each day he gets closer and closer to being a pro crawler. He loves to play with his grandparents and does not like to take naps when they are around - he is having way too much fun.

He currently chews on everything in sight and I have given up on sanitizing the toys before they go in the mouth. His favorite item to chew on is a large, cold carrot - I guess it beats hard plastic.

He loves playing peek-a-boo and is very ticklish. Right now he is going through a phase where he randomly squeals in a high pitched voice - we think it is adorable! All in all he is a lot of fun and we are having a blast being his parents.

We love you Everett!

Camping with Grandparents

Everett spent his first time in the woods visiting Grandma and Grandpa Butters on their Big Cottonwood camp out.

Fortunately for Grandpa this is the first time Everett has heard any of his jokes.

Cascade: A fitting farewell

We spent last week in the most splendid of environments: a gorgeous mountain lake with the dearest of friends. We thank Scott and Heather for inviting us to share their last few days in the States at their family's cabin at Cascade, ID. A bigger thanks goes to Tim Harper and Family for their incredible hospitality and generosity; thank you for sharing your family, home, and marvelous boat.


We had a grand time together! Taryn and I even learned a few more things behind the boat.

World class instruction from Scott and Tim

Big smiles in a warm wetsuit

...And she's up!

Up again!

The highlight of the trip, however, may have been a little affair we'll never forget:

Meet Ivy

Meet Everett

Meet the well-intentioned matchmakers

First date

Holding hands - Ivy initiated

First kiss - Everett initiated

Proud fathers sharing a root beer to celebrate their initial attempts to unite two "great" American families

Harpers: We'll miss you! Take Japan by storm. Our lives are richer because of you!

Long-lost Friends

Without a doubt what we miss most from Boston are the dear friends that truly became family. Luckily we've been able to spend time with some of them since leaving.

Rendezvous at Trolley Square: Harpers, Butters, Barnes

We miss you all; stay in touch! (To friends not pictured above, come visit!)

Hawaii

Breakfast at "The Gazebo"

Watching the sunset

Beautiful Grandmas at the Pool: Jackie & Norma

Everett couldn't be happier - nothing but splashes and giggles!


Lounging in bed

No Hawaiian vacation is complete without an incredible, tourist-centric luau.

Third of July

Taryn and I spent the "Third of July" with Taryn's family at the beautiful Tuhaye country club near Jordanelle, UT. It was a beautiful setting with an incredible view, great food, good company, and a surprisingly decent fireworks show.

We spent our first 4th of July together in NYC five years ago. They seem to keep getting better.

Jesse, Ashley, Hannah, Whitney

Everett LOVED the fireworks despite an overprotective father constantly covering his ears.

39 - Then and Now

Apt. 39: Four guys, three years, one apartment. I care for few people more than I do for these gentlemen, their sweet wives and their wonderful children. They represent one of the more cherished periods of my life and I am thrilled to know they're all doing well.

4 children posing for a photo = One smiling beautifully, two considering eating their toes, and one running for freedom

A Little Laughter

We cannot help but love our little man.