Boys and Motorcycles

With Ryan being forced to commute daily to Bellevue while recovering from surgery on his hand, we decided to get a motorcycle. Besides the fact that gas was costing us his other hand and a leg, the ferry costs alone were $100 per week. Instead of $20 Round trip for the car, it is now $8 for the motorcycle. Amazing! Besides, there is nothing better for a 3 year old than his dad having a motorcycle. Although the day we picked it up and followed him home, Zach sobbed most of the way because he thought the motorcycle was scary and didn't want Dad to drive it. He has come around and even puts on "his" motorcycle helmet (Uncle Scott's 25 year old one) and drives his motorcycle (his wheelbarrow) around the yard. The motorcycle helmet does double duty because he learned he can use his whiteboard markers on it.

Natalie's 1st Birthday

Natalie had her 1st birthday party with family and a few friends. Hard to believe she is almost 1. Her new tricks: speed crawling, pulling up to her knees and very soon to be her feet, signing "more" "water" "sleep." Her words include "da-da" "ma-ma" "dog" "Zah" "Uh-oh." She LOVES her dogs, her brother and anything within reach. She loves to dance to her musical toys. She has 8 teeth, is wearing 18-24 month clothes (we have big babies). She remains a flexible, happy girl. We are very lucky to be her parents.

Cousin week

Zach went for a sleepover at Aunt Dru's on Wednesday - played with waterguns, went to the beach, had a fabulous time. The next morning, we were off to Lynnwood to puck up our first overnight visitors since Natalie was born. Cousins Mia (4) and Bella (6) came to visit. Zach was enthralled to have them visit, but was a bit annoyed to learn he couldn't stay up as late as they could to watch movies. We had so much fun they wound up staying 2 nights. The kids had a blast playing in the pool, painting, having cake, watching movies, visiting Grandma Cynthia & Grandpa David's house (and Uncle Travis).
But yeah, I was tired after all was said and done. Glad I only have 2 kids :) - although if I were to have 4, i would definitely want 3 girls and 1 boy - that boy energy is sure different than girls. I think Bella especially was a little surprised by Zach. At one point she asked me, "Does he ever have to stand in the corner?" Which of course he does, but it's a little hard when we are in the car, 30 min from home and i want to get home as quickly as possible!

Meet Mitch

Maggie (9) with her new brother.

Meet Mitchell "Mitch" Brown Schramling. Mitchell's mom Carmel was turned in to a shelter in Port Ludlow very pregnant. Several days later she delivered puppies. We found out about her from a dear friend who thought we were CRAZY to be looking at a puppy. Her exact words in the email were "I really should not forward this to you, but here you go. See below and attached." It included pictures of the puppies and a link to the Evergreen Golden Retriever Rescue. Can I just say that there is no possible way to view the pictures of them and read their story and NOT apply to get one! The lady who had them also tried to talk me out of a puppy saying that I already had one baby, I didn't need another. But we were smitten. You can read more about their story or in their newsletter. Maggie is a happier dog after a little settling in. It's going well, but a little crazy, but what isn't crazy about 2 young kids? And potty training a puppy in July is way better than November or April (which were our last 2 pups).

First Go at a Blog

So i must admit, i am copying friends. I religiously read 2 friends' blogs - one who has been blogging for 3 years and one who just started. As a mom of young kiddos, there isn't much time to keep up on all these technological gizmos, but i thought I'd give it a whirl. What i have learned is that I call the one friend less frequently because I already know what is going on in her life. We are beginning to enjoy our summer. Natalie's first time in a pool and her too small bikini was just too good to pass up. Both kids loved being in the pool.