As most of you know through phone calls or word of mouth, we are expecting a little baby Connaway!! I am just over 5 weeks pregnant or so, I will have a Dating Ultrasound this month to figure out my due date. We couldn’t be happier, Jacob will be a fantastic big brother and we look forward to meeting our new little bundle of joy in late July or early August. Thank you all for you continued support, we have the best family and friends!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Happy Halloween
We went to a few Halloween parties during the month of October for Jacob. One was at our friend Sarah’s house, she has a boy Jake’s age, Joey and a baby girl Stella. The kids had a great time running around in their costumes and doing some craft projects!
We had another party with the mom’s group I am a part of, it was a lot of fun for the kids. Lots of food, games and cool prizes. Jake was a lion for this party (but didn’t want to wear the hat of course).
Jake and Landon jumping around to the music
Jake holding Katherine’s hand, they just stood there like this for 15 min.
Giving Jake POP ROCKS (yes, remember those?)
One of the many faces he made from the POP ROCKS, but he actually asked for more after this!
We went to Albertson’s for some trick or treating. They had a great haunted house for the kids (which Dracula scared Jacob), we decorated a few cupcakes in the bakery and got candy from all the departments.
Getting ready to decorate his pumpkin
Jake’s finished pumpkin – “all pretty” as he would say
Nate’s finished pumpkin
Jake’s Halloween Basket from Grandma
Getting ready to go Trick or Treating!
Helping make cookies Jake’s new haircut
Working on daddy’s computer
Nate bought Jake this hat and mitten set for winter
Saturday, October 10, 2009
2 Year Pictures
Jacob got his pictures taken at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens on September 10th. He did a great job and the photographer was amazing with him. It’s a little difficult to get a 2 year old to pose, so she just followed him around the gardens and captured his personality pretty well. Here are some of our favorites:
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Fair and Pumpkin Patch
We took Jake to the Puyallup Fair during the last weekend, he had a good time on the rides and rode a pony for the first time.
I love this photo (we took a few) but we have Jake at this cut out pumpkin every year. I still remember taking him when he was 2 months old! This year was exciting because Jake is old enough to participate in the activities at the farm.
Riding the mini-tractor
Drove the tractor into the ground… oops!
CoreyAnn, Stefanie and Jess
Jake’s Cow (he says Moooo Cow) was named “Bossy” – perfect!
Jacob LOVING all the animals, he had fun petting them (and kissing).
Another pony ride!
Nate, Jake, Clint and Kai having fun on the bouncy!
Jacob throwing a 2 year old tantrum – yeah, that was fun!
Kai and Jake going down the tube slide, Jake caught some air.
Hay Ride
Jake smackin’ on Bronwyn!
Not the best picture of Jake this year (we were at the pumpkin patch for 3 hours and he was ready to go)! But here is a picture of him when he was just over a month old and at 2 years.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Happy 2nd Birthday Jacob
Our little boy turned 2 years old on September 15th – can you believe it? We can’t, it’s absolutely amazing how fast the time has gone and how incredible the last 2 years have been. Jake is such a joy to be around each and everyday, we love him more than words can say and we are so lucky to have him in our lives. Mommy and Daddy love you munchkin!
On Jake’s actual birthday, we took him to St. Clouds restaurant in Seattle. This is our second visit there, we took Jake last year on his birthday as well, and hopefully we will continue the tradition. Here are some pictures of the evening:
During the weekend, we had a party for Jacob and his friends at the Little Gym. Jake had such a great time, he was laughing and smiling the entire time. Thank you mom, Darel, Abby, Rod, Great-Great Aunt Dottie, Chris, Maggie, Whitney, Kennedy, Stefanie, Clint, Kai, CoreyAnn, Bronwyn, Camille, Sam, Thomas, Kelsey, Grant, Gavin, Jackson, Kendall, Jodi, Tabitha, Brian, Amy, Aidan, Melissa, Abby, Lucy, Grace, Gabby, Laney, Sarah, Joey, Stella and Kathy for making Jacob’s party so special. We love you all.
We bought this standup Tigger for Jake (it’s his favorite character) and he LOVED it. We are putting it up in his bedroom, he probably won’t sleep all night and will stay up talking to Tigger.
The kids playing with hoops. The Little Gym is full of different sport activities, the balance beam (a favorite of Jake’s) the rings, the bars and several jumping mats.
Kai on the rings and Aidan on the bars, what pros!
Whitney and Kennedy having fun!
The employees at The Little Gym were wonderful, they kept over a dozen 2 year olds entertained for 90 minutes… hard to do!
Jake getting his jump on. Aidan and Gabby chatting.
Jake learning how to do a summersault.
Joey, Whitney and Aidan
Abby and Jake gettin’ some sugar!
The bouncy was a huge hit among the kiddos… especially Jake.
Pooh and Tigger Cake from Celebrity Cakes
After the party, a few of us went over to grandma’s house to open some presents.
Our neighbors Ryan and Jen brought over a gift for Jacob, he loves it – thank you!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Puyallup Fair – Our First Time
We have lived up here for 3 years now and have never been to the month long Puyallup Fair (believe it or not)! For those of you that do not know about this fair, it is a huge event every September and ranks in the top 10 fairs in the world. The first year, it happened during our wedding month (crazy already), second year I was due with Jacob… I was SO SCARED that I would go into labor during fair hours, our hospital was in the same area and I just knew we would be stuck in traffic for HOURS. Luckily my water broke during early morning hours!! Last year, we didn’t feel like taking a one year old that had been walking for a month and refused to use the stroller. So, this year we had the pleasure of having Stefanie, Clint and Kai show us the ropes – they are fair veterans.
Jacob was able to go on a few rides (he is not tall enough for most of them)… But he absolutely loved the slide. You can kind of see his face in these pictures, he is smiling so big – I’m sure he could do this all day and be happy.
Jake was in love with this ride as well, every time the small rollercoaster would go by daddy, he would wave and smile. He also screamed when we had to get off….
Petting Zoo
When you would buy these slurpee drinks, you could refill them with various flavors for $2 … of course Jake and Kai went through a few (but it kept them busy and we lasted 4 hours at the fair with 2 two year olds)!
Some characters from a cartoon show were there, Jacob doesn’t watch it, but Kai loves it. Neither boys were too interested in meeting these characters in real life.
We played several games and Jacob won LOTS of stuffed animals (which are still in the trunk of my car). But he had lots of fun, so that is what matters… at least it wasn’t a real goldfish!
Taking a break in the heat for some ice cream.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Circus!
We bought Jake a Seahawks outfit again this year, he looks so cute!
We took Jake to his first Barnum & Bailey’s Circus last week, he did such a great job for 2 1/2 hours. He LOVED the elephants and zebras.
Before the circus started, we were able to meet the performers and see some acts.
Last week, we went to Jake’s friend Tabitha’s 2nd birthday party.
Jake got an early birthday gift from grandma, an AWESOME tool bench, with lots of tools to work with. He picks up a tool and says “daddy tools too”
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Astoria Trip
We went to Astoria a few weeks ago for Nathan’s 10 year High School Reunion, lots of reminiscing , fun football memories for Nate! It was also Regatta Weekend, so we were able to take Jacob to the downtown parade, it was so much fun! He loved the Coast Guard Helicopter that would fly down low during the day and he would wave and say “bye-bye” to each and every float/car. We got TONS of candy though (which made daddy happy)!
Playing cars at Grandpa Chris’ house, he is entertained by Matchbox cars for HOURS!
Getting ready for the reunion!
Nate, Jess, Sara and Joel Jenson
At one of the reunion functions, we couldn’t bring Jacob with us, so Laurel, James and Teagan watched him for the evening.
Maggie, Jerrod, Whitney and Kennedy moved out to the country house, so we went out for a visit. The girls are getting so big, they are actively walking now!
Jake showing off his new Handy Manny light up shoes. He HAD to wear them around the house one day when it was 90+ degrees out!
Nate took Jake to Lowe’s Children’s Workshop and they built this awesome school bus, Jake plays with it everyday.
Jake and Kai
We had a playdate at grandma’s house last week, here is Avery and Siena playing in the popular water fountain.
Siena, Bronwyn and Avery
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Condo for Sale – Seattle Area
2 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath
Gated Community, Lake Access, Low HOA Dues
$224,950
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Seafair and Birch Bay
Finally, some pictures of Jacob and Mommy!
Our family and the Kilborn Family went to the Torchlight Parade in Seattle a few weeks ago. This marks the start of Seafair, which is a month long festival. The parade was 2.5 miles long and was at night, so all the floats were lit up, which Jake loved! We got a great spot on the corner of Pike and 4th and the kids were great during the entire parade.
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Jacob’s first ride on the Light Rail up to Seafair, bad picture of me, but Jake really enjoyed the trip!
Jake waiting for the show to start! Wearing a free pair of sunglasses we got at the fair, he thought he was COOL!
Hydroplane Plane Races on Lake Washington, they reach speeds up to 200 mph on the water. It’s so fun to watch these guys.
This is the “Fat Albert” plane, it transports all the Blue Angels equipment (and the crew is Marines)!
The Blue Angels show – The F/18 can reach speeds just under Mach 2, about 1,400 mph! It was so much fun, we took Jake last year but he was still pretty young. This year, he loved the planes and the noise they made as they flew by.
Jake’s airplane we bought him at the fair, would have gotten him a Blue Angel plane, but it said Navy on it! :) Although, 2 Marines fly in the Blue Angels… maybe Nate missed his calling, instead of Motor Transport, he could be flying up there…
Last weekend, the Kilborn Family invited us up to Birch Bay for a 3 day weekend (yes, Nate actually took a day off work)! Clint’s parents, Laina and Mike live up there and welcomed us into their beautiful home. Kai and Jake had SO MUCH FUN together, it was a great family getaway!
The boys swimming in the toddler pool, Jake was loving jumping in from the edge (he didn’t even care if I was there to catch him). He did a great job going under water and blowing bubbles. In the picture above, he got so cold from being dunked and wanted some cuddle time to get warmed up! How can I refuse that face?!
View of Orcas Island
Stefanie showing the boys teeny-tiny crabs.
We got to ride Thomas the Train while we were there! It was a 15 minute ride into the woods where they had staged lots of interesting things to look at – the boys enjoyed it!
BOYS WILL BE BOYS!
Nice and Muddy!
Jake had a great time in the tide pools, since he is a daredevil and goes straight for the water every time – he was finally allowed just to run!
You’d think they hadn’t seen each other in weeks!
Realizing for just a second that he was all muddy and wet… he looked at me as if “is this okay mommy?”
Laina wrote the boys’ names in the sand as the tide was coming in.
Stef, Kai, Nate and Jake going clam digging with their little shovels and buckets. Too cute!
Jake trying to help out – Nate would find clams and put them in Jake’s way so he would find them and contribute to the pile.
The tide started to come in (we had to go rescue a few toys), but they continued to dig for clams.
Jake going through the loot (we left the clams on the beach).
Thinking he was being smart by crawling into our bed while we weren’t looking… sorry buddy, pack n’ play it is!
Snuggling with mommy after he fell off a chair, I love my cuddle bug!
Jacob skipped his nap (refused to go down) one day, and here is the result… asleep while eating dinner, hamburger still in hand and he would chew every once in awhile.
Jake, Nate, Clint and Kai had a boys morning out, they went to a Toddler Home Depot Workshop and made their mommy’s this cute little message board. Of course, Jake just wanted to have hammer sword fights with Kai, but he did hammer in a nail or two. My first homemade project!
Jacob wanted his stuffed animals swaddled like a little baby all day long, he would sit and read books to his “baby” and rock. Time for a baby sister or brother?!?
We went to order Jake’s 2nd birthday cake and we bought him a blue dinosaur cookie, he wasn’t sure what to do with it… he finally bit the head off and was dyed blue for awhile.
He built this tower using all his legos, I just held in upright (you can see there is not much of a base). When Jake insisted that I let go, it fell apart and he cried – poor guy!
Jake got his 4th haircut today, he even got gel put in just like daddy does. I got him a Happy Meal on the way home because he did such a great job during his cut.
What a big boy!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
4th of July and Playdates!
On the Fourth of July, we took Jake to a Kid’s Day Festival. He had a great time running around, going to the Petting Zoo and playing in the sun. That evening, we went to grandma’s house and set off lots of fireworks, Jake would say “boom, boom” and couldn’t get enough of the lights and noises.
Jake having fun in the pool at grandma’s house, he loves to get wet! I put my feet in the pool and started splashing him, he would just laugh. I love my little fish!
Jake had been really getting into matchbox cars, it’s the first toy he gets out everyday. “Vroooommm” is now is his vocabulary. He will line them up perfectly and of course wants praise for it. Nate is worried he is getting some OCD tendencies, but I think it’s just being a 2 year old…
Okay, so Jacob has an OBSESSION with the ‘vacuum (aka the “ba"). I can’t even explain to you the amount of time Jake asks for the ba – first thing when he wakes up and he tells everybody that comes over where it is (several times). I finally got it out of the closet one day because he was asking for it so many times. Jake will kiss it (with actual smack noises), hug it, put a phone up to it’s ear (picture #2), put stickers all over it, feed it banana under the closet door… that was fun to clean up! It’s like his imaginary friend, but an object. I hope he gets over his crush soon because I am afraid he will need therapy later on in life if this lasts too much longer.
We finally brought over his pretend “ba” from grandma’s house and sometimes it is able to let Jake relax from not having the real deal. In the picture on the right, (from my phone camera, not a great picture) he is introducing the two ba’s.
Playdate with his buddy Aidan who is 2 weeks older than Jake.
Our friends from Astoria came up for a visit, Laurel, James and baby Teagan. It was so good to see you guys!
Kai, Abby and her new baby sister Lucy came over one morning for a playdate. Jake did so well with the baby, he was very interested in giving her loves.
Jake’s 3 B’s… the ba, the balloon, and baseball.
Vacuuming while watching sports, I am raising a good man!
He is getting so old, he looks like a little man!
We went and met grandma for lunch one day, we went to a restaurant that is filled with fun stuff to look at. Jake LOVED the train that would go by, he would wave bye-bye to it as it passed. This was Jake’s first restaurant trip without using his high chair and he did great!
Lake days with Kai!!
One of Jake’s favorite things to do is go to the lake and hang out, especially with his friend Kai.
Mt. Rainer, view from the lake.
Jake’s first successful attempt at a BIG BOY CUP! Looking a bit confused at first, then takes a drink and he did it!
We had a big playdate at grandma’s house a few days ago, Jake had about 12 of his friends over to play in the backyard! Jackson and Thomas playing in the fountain (a favorite toy among all the kiddos); Stefanie holding Kendall, Kelsey’s beautiful little girl.
Chelsea driving; Bronwyn and Gage playing house. 
Zach looking like a stud! Handsome Jackson!
Kai and Jacob playing in the pool
We went to Vasa Park in Bellevue for Nate’s company picnic. It’s a great park which includes a playground, great swimming area for toddlers, a floating dock with a diving board and a few slides, basketball court and volleyball net. It was a lot of fun and was the first time daddy was able to go to the lake with us and watch Jake swim! As you can see Jake went underwater a few times and always comes up with a smile!
Jake picked up my camera the other day and said “cheese” to me, trying to get me to pose. Guess he is getting tired of being on the other side of the camera all the time!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Oregon Coast Trip
We decided to get a beach house on the Oregon Coast for a week this summer and invite friends and family to come and stay with us. We had so much fun with everyone, it will definitely be a repeated event. We will miss the sand under our toes, the beautiful sunsets, Jake’s happy face while running on the beach, but we will take a million memories away from that week and cherish them forever!
Thank you to my mom and Darel; Stefanie, Clint and Kai; Abby and Rod; Chris and Kim; Bill and Jane; Jessie, Will and Forest; David; Dad and Ilana; Marshall, Nan and JP; Kathy; Sara and Matt; Melissa; and most of all to my husband, thank you for taking an entire week off of work – it was absolutely wonderful spending time with you and Jacob.
We had a four car convoy coming from Seattle to Oregon… Our car, my mom’s car, Darel’s car, and the Kilborn Family’s car. Of course, Nate used to being in “military convoys” was in the lead (plus we have the radar detector). We stopped in Corvallis, Oregon to get the best pizza EVER (The Dream) and took Jake and Kai to a local park to run around and get some energy out. It was a great thing to do and was a beautiful day. Thanks Libby for coming over and meeting us, it was so good to see you!
Here is our wonderful beach house, it slept up to 14 people, had a great set up for a large party and a fabulous view of the ocean! It was a good house to us for 7 nights, we would recommend this house anyone.
Our first night there, we went out to the beach (which was a short walk) and watched an incredible sunset.
Clint and Kai Nathan and Jacob
Jacob’s favorite thing to do … RUN! And he had the room to do it there, except he constantly wanted to go in the water. The kid is fearless, he will run straight into the ocean, it didn’t matter that it was freezing – it was fun!
Daddy and Jake playing in the low tides.
Clint & Kai
Jacob helping grandma make a salad, well he is getting the first bite!
Grandma and Grandpa Darel taking Jacob to the beach.
Grandpa Chris getting some kisses from Jacob!
Chris playing catch with his grandson.
Making sandcastles
Jacob walking Lady
Three generations of Connaways… help us all!
Jacob upset at daddy because we wouldn’t let him run into the ocean. What a pout!
Beautiful photos of “our” beach next to our house.
We drove up to Cape Perpetua and of course, this was the day Jake wanted to be independent and walk all the stairs and trails by himself. Uh, I don’t think so!
The Kilborn Family, thanks for all the laughs and wonderful times. It was great to have our boys together for a few days, they are so cute!
Jake picking leaves and flowers from the State Park…
Shhh, don’t tell!
There is a beautiful stone house at the Cape, where the boys had some fun.
Again, getting in trouble
Grandpa Bill and Jacob
Great Grandparents Bill & Jane Nan and Jacob
Jacob rocking out to I-Tunes music!
We went out to dinner once while we were on vacation, Jacob almost ate an entire fruit plate there. In fact, he ate so much fruit during the week, I was worried he would turn into a watermelon! He would keep saying “more peeeeze!”
We usually give Jake showers at night, but we let him play around in the bathtub and he was having so much fun blowing bubbles in the water and playing with his toys.
On our way to the Sea Lion Caves, we stopped off at this lighthouse for some scenic photos.
At Sea Lion Caves, which Jake loves seeing all the animal, he would growl (thinking they were really lions).
Getting ready to go on Jake’s first dune buggy ride!
We had a great time! Jacob loved it and hated it when we tried to cover his face from the sand, he wanted to watch everything. The only time Jacob got a little cranky was when the driver slowed down once, he wanted to drive fast! We were lucky to sit in the second row, while mom and Darel were in the front row… the really windy and sandy seat!
Jacob loved that fact that the beach house had door handles he could open (he even figured out how to unlock the front door), stairs that were easy and especially a low dining room table that he could crawl up and sit at. He thought he was such a big boy!
Sara and Matt came to visit for a few days from Eugene, with their dog Billie. Jacob had a great time with them! Sara’s birthday was on Thursday while we were there, so we had a few decorations and some yummy cheesecake (and some drinks of course)!
Jacob loves playing with dogs, especially Billie and Lady (and no, we are not getting a dog). Poor Billie had to sit through 10 minutes of Jake throwing the frisbee for her.
So, we were dorks and did a few puzzles and played card games throughout our stay (Matt kicked my butt in Gin Rummy). Nate, Sara and I worked on this 1000 piece puzzle and it was a difficult one, lots of solid colors. We let Jake have fun destroying it.
Matt, Nate and Darel worked another 1000 piece puzzle, but I have to say it was much easier!
We went into a nearby town to go grocery shopping (our small grocery store wanted a fortune for anything). We found a nearby park, Jacob and JP were able to run around and play. This is Jacob for the first time on a big-boy swing. He did pretty good and held on tight!
Aunt Melissa brought Jacob an awesome truck to play with, he loved this thing and would pack it everywhere – especially on the beach. Thanks Aunt Mel!
Jake and Mel
Nate and Jake flying a kite on the beach, it was more Jake running after it…
On our last day, we went to the beach for a minute and as you can see, Jake was tired (fell immediately asleep after this photo). As most of you point out, I am hardly ever in pictures because I am always the one behind the camera lens… so, here is saying we tried, maybe next vacation!
Thank you family and friends for a memorable week!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Bathroom Remodel
Well, our last bathroom remodel is done! Nate has remodeled the 1/2 bath and the guest bathroom, but finally he completely gutted my bathroom (even took down some walls) and I am so happy... we should have done this 2 years ago! It's wonderful to have it finished, it's not my "dream bathroom" but we think it's neutral enough and will help sell our home in a few months. Thank you Nathan for working on this project for me, you would work long hours during the day and come home just to do even more work. I love you! Here are some before, during and after pictures.
BEFORE:
The "style" (if you call it that) reminded me of apartment living.
We did replace all the faucets when we moved in, so at least I had that!
DURING:
Hard at work! I forgot to get a picture of the bathroom completely gutted, but Nate even replaced the bathtub (which was fun to carry up 2 flights of stairs) and several walls were taken out.AFTER:
Nate trimmed down the mirrors we had and bought wood to match the vanity to frame them. I wasn't sure about how it would look, but as always, he did a great job!
I love having the curved shower curtain, it creates more room.
Nate trimmed down the mirrors we had and bought wood to match the vanity to frame them. I wasn't sure about how it would look, but as always, he did a great job!
I love having the curved shower curtain, it creates more room.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Happy Father's Day!
Jacob sportin' his new PJ's
Jacob's new favorite thing is playing catch.
Jacob right after he caught the ball, he gets so excited!
Jake's "I'm sorry mama" face...
We went to Meeker's Day this weekend, here is Jacob wanting to get OFF the train... he ended up loving it once we start moving.
Jacob having a small tantrum because he wanted to get back ON the train after our ride - make up your mind!
Getting his first balloon animal
Getting his first face painting, a football (didn't really look like one, but hey, it was 50 cents)!
Stuffing a scone in his mouth (the BEST part, we love fair scones... don't ask how many calories are in one)!
Wearing daddy's hat with his football cheek, maybe he will be Quarterback someday like his daddy.
Father's Day morning I walked downstairs and saw Jake and Nate cuddling on the chair, it was the cutest picture! Jake got daddy a Father's Day balloon (and one for himself of course).
We went over to our friend Stefanie and Clint's house for Father's Day dinner, it was good food and good company. Thanks guys! Here is Jake giving daddy his card.
Jake and Kai giving each other hugs
Kai and Bronwyn watching cartoons
I love these boys! Happy Father's Day Nate, we love you!Monday, June 15, 2009
Having Fun!
We took Jacob to a water fountain park in Auburn, he was so funny, he just liked to observe all the kids there running around in the hot weather. It was fun for him though, a huge park full of different sprinklers. They have a great toddler area as well as bigger kid water toys.
Figuring out the water would turn off and then "magically" come back on.
Trying to stomp on the water holes.
Everyone there had water bottles and squirt guns they were filling up, so I gave Jacob his snack cup and he couldn't get enough of it. What is it with kids filling up cups in the water ... it entertains them for hours! Here is a random boy helping Jacob put water into his cup. Too cute!
Bronwyn came over to play for the day last week.
Jake cuddling with Shadow, he will follow kitty-kitty around everywhere but he has to sit down next to him and pet him. It's very cute to watch, when Shadow moves, Jake will get up and then sit down next to him to give him a hug or kiss.
Lounging on the couch, he is getting so big!
We made daddy take a break from working on our bathroom remodel and we went to the park yesterday morning with grandma. Jake loves this park, it is so great for kids - lots of fields to run around in and a great toddler area for Jacob. Although he is starting to like the "big kid" area now.
Jake's best buddy Kai came to play, here they are right after seeing each other. Nate probably took 10 shots of this on the camera, they were adorable running toward each other.
Kai
Slide Contest - I think Kai won!
Chillin' with daddy, I think Jake thought it was pretty cool that daddy was with us since we usually go to the park during the weekdays when Nate is at work.
Jake has always loved getting thrown in the air, it makes grandma's heart skip a few beats every once in awhile... but Jake's laughter is too hard to resist.
Jake and Kai saying goodbye...Thursday, June 4, 2009
All About Water and The Zoo
This past week has been not only beautiful weather in Seattle, but it's been HOT! And living in a 3-story house has been pretty warm as well. So, Jacob and I have been doing as much as we can during the day to get out of the house to see friends and have some fun.
Getting excited about going to the lake with Stefanie and Kai.
Jacob was already soaked at this point, he really doesn't mind getting wet (as you will see in all these pictures). If he gets dunked underwater, he comes up with a smiling face as he did in swimming lessons. Here he is wanting so badly to just jump back in the water.
Stefanie has a raft for the boys and Jacob just loved relaxing in it for a bit to get all dried off from the water.
Kai and Jake playing with Starbucks cups the entire time in the water.
Kai giving Jake a hug!
Jacob is a daredevil out there, he just wanted to keep walking out into the lake (holding both squirt guns by the way). He went up to his nose and was smiling, guess I should sign him up for his second round of swimming lessons this summer.
Jake and Kai playing with the hose in the backyard, and again, Jacob LOVES getting soaked.
Jacob's turn to learn how to use the hose.
Say "cheese!"
Jacob's new pool at grandma's, pretty cool! Jake's new word for a lot of things "cooool"
Mom and I went to Target to buy some pool toys, and of course, Jake likes the big cups the best. I kept pouring water over his head and he would just laugh. Nothing better in the world than hearing his giggles!
On Sunday, we spend the afternoon at Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma. This is our first time there, and we still haven't been to the Seattle Zoo, but we need to devote an entire day there.
He thought the elephants were awesome! The trainer was there feeding them apples.
Daddy and Jacob checking out an exhibit
Looking at the big whale!
Awww... come back!
After a hot few hours walking around, they have a kid area and this great fountain. We decided to let Jake loose and get some energy out - he would walk around this pad and finally figured out that water randomly squirted up at you.
About 15 minutes later, Jacob was soaked but had a great time. Thank goodness we had a change of clothes. Afterward we went out to one of my favorite restaurants on the waterfront, The Lobster Shop!
Jake is getting to the point where he does not want anyone to feed him anymore and he wants a utensil with every meal. It's a MESS for mommy to clean up, but he is learning - slowly but surely.
DQ ice cream cone
Jake does a good job of wiping his own mouth off and keeping himself cleaned off, he doesn't mind being dirty but hates to be sticky.
Shadow has been really tolerant the last few months and Jake is becoming very gentle with him. He just likes to give him hugs and kisses and says "kitty kitty" all the time! Shadow will sit still for about 2 minutes, let Jake hug and pet and then Shadow is out of there.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Hawaii Trip Pics (Finally)!
I am finally getting around to posting some Hawaii pictures! Woo-hoo! I had a great opportunity to go on a girl's trip to Oahu, Hawaii back in March. It was absolutely wonderful and relaxing, I went with CoreyAnn, Stefanie, Erica and Jodi. We laid on the beach A LOT, got massages in a cabana on the beach, went on a Catamaran (laid out on the net and sun tanned) went snorkeling, went to the Polynesian Cultural Center and a Luau and just drove around to different beaches. It was a great week and a vacation I will never forget, thanks for the memories ladies! Here are some pictures of our trip, not great pictures of myself, most of the time I had little or no makeup on (5 women sharing one bathroom) and I was covered in sunscreen. But as most of you know this was my FIRST bathing suit since the 5th grade... yes, it's true! Took me 3 shopping trips, $150.00, and about 50 different suits to try on, but finally found one that semi-fit!
View from our hotel room
Spent many late nights going down to the pool and hot tubs. Met some very interesting people, remember "lunch boxes" Stef?
Our rental car (yes, it's a minivan) but ironically the license plate was PTA, CoreyAnn and Erica showing it off.
Pancake Hut where every plate is served with SPAM (no thanks).
Stefanie, Jess, Erica & CoreyAnn at Sandy Beach
Stef and I at Waikiki Beach
Erica & I at Waikiki Beach (and yes, I went ALL the way out past the rocks)!
Jodi and I out at the pool, this is a few hours after we landed in Hawaii. We were delayed in Seattle by 2 hours due to SNOW and de-icing the plane and then running out of de-icer. Then we were delayed coming home from Hawaii due to a fuel line being broken... yikes! What long flights, thank goodness for small DVD players!
Erica, Jess, Jodi and CoreyAnn
The Polynesian Cultural Center
Stefanie, Erica, Jess, Jodi & CoreyAnn
On a canoe ride
Hawaii guys are HOT!
At the Luau 
Realizing the drink has no alcohol... sad!
Stef, Jess, CoreyAnn
Erica... "This is yummy!"
Getting ready for the Catamaran
I could have stayed on this boat ALL DAY! It was so relaxing laying on the net out front, being served drinks and food by good looking Hawaiian boys and feeling the breeze... what a life!
Lots of dolphins were all around us.
The good looking Hawaiian boys I was talking about (and might I mention the one of the left asked me out to dinner that night... I said no of course - I'm a married woman)!
CoreyAnn treated us to Ruth Chris Steakhouse one night, it was so good and steak is my favorite food...
Dole Pineapple
CoreyAnn swam with the dolphins on our last day in Hawaii, she had so much fun!
We thought CoreyAnn was crazy when she wanted to stop at Leonard's which is located in the ghetto of Hawaii. But they had the most incredible Malasadas, which are a type of Portuguese donut. Sad to say, between 5 girls - we ate an entire box!
Beautiful sunsets from our hotel, we would go down and BBQ late at night on the beach.
Jacob Update
It's been awhile since I've posted an update, so here are lots of pictures for all you grandma and grandpa's out there!
Jacob giving grandma her Mother's Day card that he decorated inside with crayons. We have been working with crayons and markers (washable of course)!
Jacob giving mommy her presents, a much needed massage gift certificate!
We had a great Mother's Day weekend, we went out to dinner with grandma and Darel Saturday night on the waterfront. Here is Jake and daddy taking a walk afterward, with one of Jacob's prized possessions - a balloon (which is a favorite word of his). He is also saying "Hot" and "Cold" all the time and "Please."
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On Sunday, we went over to Stefanie and Clint's house for a fantastic dinner with some friends and their family.
Kai and Jake playing the drums and symbols very LOUDLY!
Jacob picked out this Handy Manny patio set for Kai's 2nd birthday last month. They are just chillin' in the living room.
Daddy and Jake cuddling with Kai's dog, Lady.
Every once in awhile, we will pick up Nate from work in Seattle and go out for dinner, we found a cute little pizza joint in the Wallingford neighborhood.
We went to Thomas' 2nd birthday party at Sunset Park a few weeks ago. Jake had an awesome time and it was beautiful weather!
Jacob is now saying "cheese" when I take pictures of him.
Jake & Kai having a good time at the park.
"I think I'm just going to take a rest, it's a lot of work running around!" They are so cute together!
The Seattle weather has been incredible the last few weekends, so we have been meeting lots of friends at the park and having lots of fun. Not to mention, it wears Jacob out and he takes 3-4 hour naps afterward...
Jacob and Bronwyn
Little B with her beautiful brown eyes
Bronwyn was loving this spinning toy, Jacob just wanted to climb in and out of it and try to push it around and around.
Jacob learning how to drive (help us all)!We had special visitors this past weekend, Nate's sister Maggie and Jerrod came down for the long weekend with the twin girls from Astoria. It was so good to see them! Jerrod was able to help Nate with remodeling our bathroom - thank you! I can't wait for it to be done!
Whitney Claire
Kennedy Paige
Kennedy is walking now! She takes about 4 or so steps, it's so cute to watch. I miss that stage! I went back in our blog a few days ago and watched the video I posted of Jake's first steps and it was amazing to see again. Now he runs everywhere!
Having a picnic, or the girls were - Jacob only sat still enough to eat a few chips and drink, then he was off and running.
Whit
Kenners
Jacob's new playhouse!We had a BBQ last night at my mom's house and invited some friends over to celebrate Memorial Day. Thanks CoreyAnn, Bronwyn, Stefanie, Clint, Kai, Mom, Darel, Nate, and Jake!
Jake and B
There is a working porch light on the playhouse, which entertains Jacob for quite awhile...
Kai says "hand" and they hold hands for a bit...
Jacob always plays in grandma's fountain, washing the rocks.
Jake and B
There is a working porch light on the playhouse, which entertains Jacob for quite awhile...
Kai says "hand" and they hold hands for a bit...
Jacob always plays in grandma's fountain, washing the rocks.Monday, May 4, 2009
Great-Grandma Abby's Visit
Great-Grandma Abby came up for a visit for a couple of days this past week, it was so good to see her! It's been several months since she has seen Jacob, so it was fun to hang out and Jake got to show her all his toys, books, and cool things he can do! We had a great time; thank you for making the trip up here on the train Abby! We love you oodles and gobs!
On Thursday, Jacob still wasn't feeling too well... here he is chillin' watching Pooh.
While my mom and I went to pick up Abby at the train station, Jacob actually fell asleep on Nate (which is a first for daddy)! Nate was pretty proud of this moment.
On Saturday, we went to the Seattle Aquarium with our friends CoreyAnn and Bronwyn (thanks again guys). I am not sure how much Jake really enjoyed it, he was okay at first, interested in the first few exhibits. Then we went and had lunch in the cafeteria and he had a good lunch! But going into the underground tunnels, he started to go into his first temper tantrum. We have not experienced this with Jacob (and he is 19 1/2 months old) so let me tell you, it was a very frustrating time. But we got through it and as soon as we left and set foot outdoors, HE WAS FINE! What in the world?!? Who knows what was wrong, claustrophobic, too stuffy, hates fish? Can we ever watch Finding Nemo again? Needless to say, he was fine the rest of the day. Hopefully the Seattle Aquarium will let us back in eventually...
Jacob having fun at the wave pool.
Touching different sea animals (or just playing in the water).
Jacob and Bronwyn playing with the felt wall, they were so cute sharing!
Practicing on stairs.
Jacob's first DQ ice cream cone (all by himself).
We let him hold it the whole time and kept putting more vanilla ice cream on top of the cone when it would run low.
Towards the end of the cone's life, he would stick his fingers through the paper and thought it was hilarious that the ice cream would ooze out of the bottom.
I love this picture!
On Sunday, we took a trip out to Watson's Nursery to buy grandma some more flowers for her backyard. Those of you that know my mom, know she is addicted to her flowers and she has to be cut off at a certain point (my wedding BBQ for instance)! Here is Jacob hanging out on a chair at Watson's chewing on a dirty instruction thing you get from a flower pot... what a boy!
Helping grandma plant some flowers - or just making a mess!
Here is actually what keeps Jacob busy - taking all the rocks from the fountain and transferring them to the watering can. Then saying "uh-oh" all the time.
Giving Maddy kisses! Jacob has been cuddling with the dog and with our cat lately (our poor kitty). But our cat has actually allowed him to do this, for a few minutes at a time. Jacob will wrap his arms around him and lay his head on the cat's head for a minute or two. It's pretty adorable.
Jacob's new word - "PLEASE" It's so cute. It comes out more like "Peaz" But everytime he wants something... "Can I peaz have some of your ice cream Abby?"
"Yummy!"
What a cutie!!!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Grandma's New Backyard
Jacob loves his table and chairs, his pooh chair and his red couch (don't ask me how we fit all this furniture into our condo)! We have been working on coloring with washable crayons and markers (yes, Stefanie and Nathan ... CRAYONS). Nate and I found a big Super Sleuth Pooh and Tigger coloring book that Jacob is having fun with.
Getting in trouble for eating the crayons!
Between getting 4 teeth (including both eye teeth), a growing spurt (sleeping 12-14 hours a night and taking 3-4 hour naps) and now a chest cold - Jacob has not been feeling too well. He has been a super cuddle bug! Here is a picture of him (yes, I cropped myself out) cuddling up with me on the couch the other night for 2 HOURS. He didn't even fall asleep, he just laid there playing with my finger nails and *sighing* Of course I want my baby boy to feel better but I have to say I enjoyed my cuddle time. I took him to the doctor yesterday morning to get him on some medication for his congestion and he is doing much better, but still sleeping the day away!GRANDMA'S BACKYARD
Here is a picture of my mom's backyard when she moved in a few years ago. Nathan and Joel fixed up the drainage issue and put in a small retaining wall. Darel didn't want any grass in the backyard (at the time, there was no Jacob) so there was just a cement patio and a garden.
I didn't have a before picture, but this area where the blue flower pots are was raised up about half way up the retaining wall for a flower bed. My mom decided that Jake needed a place to run around (and have a play house) so we took the weekend to put in some grass!
The boys hard at work! Nate wasn't able to help on Saturday much, he spent the day at Habitat for Humanity in Seattle. But he did help mom with wiring electrical for her lights and on Sunday. Thanks honey! And Jacob helped out too, he wants to grow up so quickly and be like the big boys. He had a hard time just staying back and watching.
Helping grandma plant some flowers.
Kai came over on Sunday, it's amazing how entertaining transferring rocks from bucket to bucket can be for boys.
Shaking the tree - it's snowing in April !
And we have grass !!They still have the large cement patio and will be great for summer BBQ's! Looking forward to it and many get togethers.
Thank you to Ron, John, Jordan, Marshall, Darel and Nate for making it safe for Jacob to play outside! He will enjoy every minute of it ... and you made my mom happy!
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