The Coast!

Our cousins included us in a cross-country adventure they're having. By the time we saw them, they'd driven more than 3500 miles. We only had to drive three hours to meet them at the Oregon Coast. I was glad about that!



We made our way down, stopping for snacks and playtime halfway. By the time got settled in, visited the town and ocean (twice), and met up with the rest of our family it had gotten pretty late...perfect time to practice my standing!



Good company and a beautiful beach spot made for relaxing days. We had no trouble occupying ourselves...

flying kites,



building sand castles (of course"),





doing baby things,



exploring tide pools,





being saved from waves,



running,



and generally scampering around.





When not at the beach we were hiking to 500 year old Spruce trees,





taking in "Monster Waves" at high tide on Cape Perpetua,



playing indoor games involving throwing soft baby toys around the house,



eating,



or sleeping.



It was hard to say goodbye (especially when we realized 100+ temperatures awaited us at home!). Thanks for visiting - maybe next time we'll drive to you?!

NW Neighbors

Two weekends ago, we traveled north to the Emerald City. Yea though the Tacoma Dome tried to attract us and all other traffic within a 30-mile radius, we made it all the way to Seattle. Our hosts for the weekend were Cousins J & M, who have already told their side of this story. They were excellent hosts and cooks. And their new dog Lulu was the perfect playmate.






Here's Wuggie chatting up Lulu, me showing the proper way to belly rub the puppy, and Lulu showing her appreciation:



We ventured out for the last two sets of the No Depression Festival on Saturday. No, Wugs, Iron & Wine is the little red dot in the other direction.




The highlight for M & D was, of course, Gillian Welch. M & Wuggie even waded into the stage crowd for the first few songs. I liked their new song Sweet Tooth, because I thought it was about little bears and honey bees; D seemed to like the parts about novocaine and St. Peter letting people into Candyland.



You may remember the last time we went to see a show of hers. (There seems to be a theme developing in my life of my parents mooching off their relatives for room & board to see a Gillian Welch show.)

We also got to hang out with Marty and his folks, and get some sprinkly doughnuts. Marty taught me how to play cards, and I love petting his cats.



And I finally got to show M & Wuggie the Space Needle!





Thanks to everyone to making our trip so much fun! And if Ms. Welch ever comes towards our hometown, you are welcome to crash with us.

Happiest People Ever

Hi Everyone!



Long time, no blog. So, let's cut to the chase!

Little Sister is growing up (hitting all her 100th percentile marks at her six-month appointment), loves sitting around and playing with toys.




We spent the past two weekends hanging out with some old friends while they were in town. Jade & I, post-sprinkler:



Marty & I, turning Marty's D into a flower garden.



Marty was here over July 4, so we had some sparkler fun and yummy foods at the new picnic table.




More generally, though, we have been trying to keep cool in the summer heat. The sprinkler, fountains, and stream-walking are all very effective.







Of course, the best way to keep cool is to be cool. Take it from me.



And, M & D have had their fun, too: D got some crafty ties on Father's Day, M enjoying Chipotle on her birthday.




What have you all been up to?