Chasing goats

Thank you grandma and grandpa for getting this little guy a membership to the zoo. Goats beware!

Fire Trucks and Dads

A few weeks ago the Fire Department came and read books to the kids during story time at the library. Everett loved the big truck!

Everett is not a snuggly kid, but apparently when it's Sunday Football time he can't get enough of his dad!

Summer Fun

Saturday was play day. We went to a fun carnival, played at our favorite indoor playground, enjoyed naps, and had a babysitter for date night. Ahhh, Saturdays!

This is Everett's camera smile - love it!

We took Everett to a local church to play in their indoor playground, but Everett just wanted to run around and be pushed on this chair.

Everett's first carousel ride. I'm pretty sure that this carousel made Everett's day!

Goodbye Binky

It's official, Everett no longer takes his Binky. Last night Ryan and I decided to try to put Everett to bed without his Binky. We put him in his crib and he immediately started looking for his Binky and saying "uh oh, uh oh." However, he only cried for about 5 minutes and then he went right to sleep. This morning the first thing he did was ask me for it, but then he was fine. This afternoon he cried again for about 5 minutes while going down for a nap, but then tonight he didn't even cry at all. So, for better or worse, I'll never see this cute boy with a Binky again!

18 Months

I can't believe that Everett is 18 months. Time sure goes fast these days. Everett had his 18-month well check-up today and here are the stats:

Height 34.5 inches - 96%
Weight 29 lbs 13 oz - 91%
Head 49.5cm - 91%

I haven't written an Everett update in a long time so here's the long list of random things that I want to remember.

-Everett loves to be chased. He'll start running, turn to make sure you are chasing him, squeal in ecstatic happiness, and then run as fast as he can away from you. It's a fun game, but often he decides to take off into not so safe places, and he's fast! Seriously, it's hard for me to catch him!
-Everett loves when his dad comes home. He runs to the door and hangs on his leg until Ryan picks him up and throws him in the air or some other form of rough housing. Then Everett signs "more" until Ryan does it again.
- Everett is a great sleeper. Our nighttime routine is to brush teeth, drink our milk, sing songs, say prayers and go to bed. When we say prayers, he sits still on our laps (a rarity), and when the prayer is over he says ama (amen). Sometimes he'll try to close my mouth with his hand and start say ama, ama in the middle of the prayer. I guess that means he's done :).
- Everett loves to watch Elmo and Baby Einstein.
- Everett loves to play with his friends and is getting better at sharing.
- Everett blows the best kisses ever.
- Sometimes when I'm sitting on the floor, Everett will randomly run over to me, jump on my back, and start laughing.
- Everett consistently says uh oh, mom, dad, thank you, amen, Jesus, ball, and all done
- Everett has said the following words at least once: tic tac, mall, moon, moo, cow, blocks, and car
- Everett can sign more, milk, drink, all done, and Binky
- Everett brighten every day with his smile and energy. I am so grateful I can be his mom and I hope I can always be patient, loving, and understanding.

Playmate

Everett and Eli are the best playmates. They are the same age and Eli lives in our same apartment complex. We get together a lot! Here they are spinning on our office chair. What cute kids!

Sprinklers

On Sunday, Ryan and I decided to brave the 101 degree heat and take Everett to the park. Everett loved playing and running around the park, but then I spotted this sprinkler and as you can see this is when the real fun began!




I absolutely love this boy. He is full of energy and lots of fun!

Family reunion 2010

I really should let Ryan write this post, but I'm afraid my dear husband has very little time these days, so I'll attempt it.

Over the 4th of July weekend we trekked out to Utah and drove to Zions National Park to meet up with Ryan's best buds from high school.

Here is the clan pre-marriage and kids


Here's the clan now!

The mini clan minus a few

We stayed at a fantastic home and Everett had a blast splashing in the hot tub and playing with his buddy Carter!

Here we are "hiking" the river walk in Zions Canyon. Hiking sure takes on a new meaning with kids. However, I think it's more fun!

Aww, my little boy is the best!

Splashing in the narrows!

Each year we have reunion there is typically some sort of swim. The first year it was in a freezing cold lake - literally freezing. The next year there was a bare-all swim; and this year they discovered the most awesome water hole along the river walk.

This is as far as I made it this time. Although I would like it noted that I was the only female to participate in the freezing cold lake swim.

Bubble, bubbles, everywhere

Game Night!

The newly engaged couple - Congrats again Rob and Katie!

On the way home from Zion's Ryan and I made a quick detour to Bryce - this place in incredible! I'm so glad we stopped.

Hilton Head, SC

At the end of June we headed to Hilton Head, SC for some fun in the sun with my family. We had a fantastic time exploring the town, playing at the beach, and soaking up rays. Thank you to my awesome parents for such a wonderful vacation.

Ryan had to work most of the week, but we were so happy he could join us for the weekend.

I LOVE this picture. Everett had so much fun playing in the water. The waves were very calm and he loved splashing and running through the water.

For those who know me well, you know that I HATE sand. So why am I sitting in it you ask? That would be because my dear husband wrestled me to the ground and covered me with it. In his defense, I really need to get over my sand phobia.

Staying hydrated on the beach.

Three of my sisters. Aren't they the cutest?

My grandparents. I was able to share a condo with my grandparents on this trip and it was so fun to enjoy spending a lot of quality time together. I love you guys!

My parents. Thanks for such a great trip. We enjoyed every moment.

Did someone say BBQ?

Looks like someone else has an eye for BBQ as well.

Awesome Friends in Colorado Springs

This post is long overdue, but I'm committed to catching up on blogging. At the beginning of June I flew to Colorado Springs to visit my friend Heather. Heather lives in Tokyo, but was visiting family in Colorado and I just had to take advantage of the fact that she was only a 1 hour flight away. It was so fun to see her and her cute, cute kids. We had the best time chatting, eating, chasing our kids, and did I say chatting. One of the things I love best about Heather is the conversations we have. She's hilarious and always has at least one funny story to tell. Thank you so much to the Howe family for hosting Everett and me. We miss you Heather!

Our cute, cute kids playing at the park

Everett needed a break

Ivy and Everett

No girls week is complete without a pedicure

Pool pecking order

We met an interesting friend at our apartment's pool today...



Everett and I enjoyed playing with our friend....



It turns out ducks can smell fear....



Taryn, I officially apologize to you and the rest of the world for not quickly running to your immediate aid and fending off that evil, deadly threat.

Everett on the phone