Just a Boy and his (barbie) Dog

Finn took such a liking to the dog from Addie's barbie vet kit, that she gave him the dog (pink collar and all). When you squeeze his paw he barks and makes other doggie noises...and this is now what we hear over the monitor when Finn is waking. So sweet! Everywhere Finn goes, his doggie goes too!

Papa's 60th Birthday Dinner.

A fun dinner with Papa's extended family friends. Happy Six-tee!

Baby Ella came too.

Back to the Scottish roots for Papa's celebration.

Addie was impressed.

Finn enjoyed dipping his broccoli in ice cream.

Hanging around in CA

Though the kids went two days ahead of us, it was a quick in and out visit for us. It was nice to be part of the 60th birthday weekend though and we did some fun things.

Finn loved this car

He was able to drive it all by himself...he figured out how to use the gas pedal (or the"go") but wasn't too great with the steering!

He also liked pushing it around (such a guy).

After 18 holes of golf for the guys, and a morning of shopping for the ladies (and Finn), we were ready for the dinner celebration.

Sunday we got to hang around at the Great Grandparent's home and check out the gardens and animals.

Looking very Californian.

Ready to get back on the plane!

Alainna's Wedding

After our return from the coast, we had one day at home to recover and shop for wedding clothes for the kiddos...however, Mr Finn ended up sick and he and I (and Daddy some too) missed nearly a full night of sleep (103 temp, vomiting). We also had a bit of a plumbing disaster that will now have us replacing part of our ceiling...We quickly recovered and were ready on Saturday morning for the 5 hour drive to Spokane, and since Blake and I couldn't stand the thought of being out of town overnight again we ditched the hotel and drove another 5 hours back that very night (ahh, still nice to be in your own bed even if it isn't until 3 am).

Blake and I can't believe what little car troopers our kids are. In both of our drives Spokane round trip and Oregon, we had almost no fussing at all. We had no movie player, just a couple books and a couple of cool kids! Couldn't be more thankful, they really could have made this busy season less than pleasant!

We took a little breather/leg stretch in Ellensberg

I actually got to be in most of the photos rather than take them (at the wedding too!)

Farmer Finn

Yes, I'll take pics of anything...

Addie loved sitting at the big table with all of my college buddies. (addie and Kim Carlson)

Finn and Kim Cramer

There were matches on all the tables, and John thought he'd teach Finn about fire...he was fascinated!

Addie was so excited to see Alainna walk down the isle, she thought she was a princess and called her the "white princess" all night!

Finn kept saying "one more" all night and would go tell John this, and he was glad to oblige with one more match (or sometimes even three at a time!).

Dancing the night away

With Andrea and Katie

Sheila's Wedding and Rehearsal

Last weekend before our Oregon Coast trip, we had Sheila's wedding and Rehearsal in Portland and Vancouver. We had planned for me to head over a couple days before the wedding with our friend Andrea Assouad, and then Blake and her husband Phil would head over on the day of the rehearsal and I had switched from our economical room share plan with the Assouad's to a having a large room for just Blake and I as this will be our only getaway as a couple this year...best laid plans. Work crunch happened, I didn't get to drive over until Friday of the rehearsal with Phil (the worst traffic ever made Phil and my drive to Vancouver a 5 hour endeavor!) ...and Blake couldn't come at all.

Despite it all, it was a wonderful weekend, a great wedding and wonderful celebration of Sheila and Eric (and it got better as my good friend Alainna and her then fiance Keith delivered Blake to me at the wedding!!).

The happy couple: Sheila and Eric

Andrea and I while Sheila and Eric were having couples photos.

Jenny, myself and Dawn

Alainna and I

My college buddies!

Oregon Coast

We had a fun little break on the Oregon Coast with my parents and Jay and Luka (and Thor too). My parents rented a nice house and we were able to relax a bit (though poor Daddy had to work remotely the first day). Just a little bit of traffic at both ends of the trip and my very first flat tire on the volvo (actually ever).

A random assortment of photos from our few days on the Oregon Coast.

Making sandcastles with Luka

Thor anxiously watching for Jay to come back from surfing

Blake, Jay and Luka surfing

Watching Daddy check out the waves.

Addie loved getting dirty!

Feeding time!

Tillamook Air Museum:

Our little pilot was fascinated with the planes and helicopters.

Watching planes take off

Love for her special Daddy!