Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Daddy's Day!

Before becoming a father, Dakota had never spent a lot of time with kids, so I didn't really know what he would be like as a Dad. I knew he was a great guy, a wonderful husband, and I assumed he'd be a good Dad, but I had no idea he'd turn out to be the amazing Dad he is. I didn't know how much his daughter would love him, how his son's eyes would light up when he walks in the room, or how much my heart would swell when I watch him with the kids, tickling them, singing them songs, putting bandaids on booboos and kisses on bonked heads.

We love you, honey. Thank you for all that you do and all that you are.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Batter Up!

I got this cool Big Boom Bat and Tee set for Maddie and she couldn't wait to get to the park and play with it.
DSC_0188

The whole thing is over-sized and inflatable, so there's less chance of getting hurt and more chance of hitting the ball. Or something like that.
DSC_0162


She did a great job getting it set up.
DSC_0148


And with Daddy's help, she was lined up for a homerun.
DSC_0136

(See the white blur to the far right? That's the ball going fast!
DSC_0133

But what Maddie really wanted to do was hit the ball with the part of the bat you're supposed to grip.
DSC_0163


And shout, "I did it!"
yay!


I just love that funny girl.
DSC_0134

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Chalk-a-lot Kisses

DSC_0073
Gavin is apparently appalled at Maddie's tagging.

DSC_0071
All is forgiven with a kiss, though.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

A Berry Fun Time

This morning we woke up early and headed off to Larriland to pick sweet cherries and strawberries. I think everyone had a ton of fun (and later there may be some yummy cherry pie, too!).
DSC_0124

DSC_0125

DSC_0128

DSC_0129


DSC_0131


DSC_0140


DSC_0143


DSC_0146


DSC_0149


DSC_0170


DSC_0180


strawberry picking

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Fwiends

Maddie loves her friends. When we ask her about them, she lists their names, smiling with each one. "Foma. Richie. Shiri. Bennett. Judia. Nate. Cat Tien. Luu Dee. Ethan. Wobert. Ci Ci." And my absolute favorite, "Gagin."
DSC_0289


I know they won't always like each other, I know they might not always act like friends, but it makes my heart smile that they have each other, for now and for always. "Fwiends," in Maddie-speak.
laundry basket fun


There will always be someone to look up to...
DSC_0075


Someone to play with...
DSC_0045

Someone to love...
DSC_0313

Friday, June 3, 2011

Closer to One

DSC_0230
Yesterday was Gavin's six month birthday, which means that today, my baby is closer to one than to the day he was born. More evidence that the days are long and the years are short - where did the last six months go?
DSC_0015

Though he was never exactly tiny, now he's big, strong, sits up easily, and is trying hard to crawl. He can scoot around the house with remarkable ease and has learned that he can stand while holding onto the sofa. That immediately prompted him to let go to see if he could stand alone. Again, he is only six months old!
DSC_0044

He loves his sister, has an infectious and easy laugh, and he wants nothing more than to do everything that the big kids can do - and he'd like to do it TODAY. He is beautiful and amazing and growing up so quickly.