Silver Creek Falls

This year our annual camping trip with our fantastic friends, the Springer Family, was at Silver Creek Falls. Great accommodations, perfect weather, reminisced a bit (this was where Kelley & I went on our first date and where he proposed to me), and made some great new memories! We're very glad we went for 3 days, 2 nights this time so we had more time to enjoy being there rather than just loading and unloading. The food situation went smoother this year since we simplified the menu, and I even tried dutch oven peach cobbler.

Landin, Jr, and Brittany stretching their legs after we arrived.

Seoul & Kelley setting up the tent. She was a great little helper! It was an adventure since we borrowed a bigger tent from my brother. This time we had plenty of room with our air mattress and the pack-n-play. Seoul, Kelley, and I squished together on our full-size mattress. The first night I slept for a while on the ground because Kelley & Seoul looked so comfy and cozy together. It wasn't bad - I can sleep anywhere. Was the mattress better? Let's just say Seoul is a bed hog!

Family walk. Sydney was so chill this camping trip, it was fun! There was a covered bridge the kids loved. Unfortunately Seoul discovered she could look down and see the water through the cracks... then she didn't want to walk across by herself.

There was a fun tree that was hollow at the base. Seoul surprised me by wanting to hang out in it.

Saturday we went hiking around the falls. Interesting times with little ones but it was fun. We powered through. Brittany is a champ for pushing Landin in the umbrella stroller the entire time... and leading the pack! We had a picnic down by the falls. Seoul calls them "waterfells" (because she is learning the different tenses... she knows she fell once so that is her association).

Seoul was intent on going swimming so we went back to the day use area of South Falls and played in the water.

This is the spot Kelley proposed to me New Years Day 2005 [South Falls - directly behind the water fall]. I enjoyed thinking of all the wonderful things that we've done since that day as we were hiking around. (Yes, that is Sydney's head down - sleeping - on Kelley's back). Haha - aren't we a great looking family?!

I love spending time with good friends and family! Thanks Springer Fam!

Good ol' County Fair

We went to the Clackamas County Fair this year. With our play group we went on kiddie day and the girls were in the parade. Seoul chose her outfit - to be princess at the parade. She was SO excited it was adorable! Then when I told her she could throw candy, she was twice as excited! We looked at animals - the bunnies were her favorite because they weren't noisy. Goofball!

Apparently looking at those animals was exhausting!

Seoul loved it so much she insisted we go back that evening with Kelley so she could show him the animals! We looked at more animals but still, the bunnies were the favorite. It was a fun family evening... ending with Tillamook ice cream for a treat!

Happy 9-month birthday "Baby Girl"!

Today is Sydney is 9 months old and we've loved every minute of having her in our lives.. and look forward to many more!

This picture is silly - her eyes are closed (as with most pictures) but I love her toothy smile!

She had her well-baby appointment today and did great. She cried just a minute when she got her shots but then was happy. The doctor of course said she is healthy, however, he finds it odd she's only gained yet another 2 ounces since her 6-month appointment. (4 total ounces in 4 months). So he said to really push the table food and come back in a month so she can be weighed and measured again. Kelley & I aren't real concerned - she is healthy and growing.

Stats:

Length: 27-1/4 inches (50th percentile)

Weight: 15 lbs 13 oz (10th percentile)

Head: 17-1/4 inches (50th percentile)

First dinner tonight of all the same food we had. Loved it! Tried the spoon, discarded the spoon, fistfuls in the mouth - yum!

She is truly on the verge of crawling. She gets fully up on her hands and knees, and a couple times had brief forward motion. I also think she has gotten from her tummy into a sitting position a couple times as well. Plus she is learning to keep her balance and stand holding on to furniture. It is so fun to see her progress, although I think it will be a bit chaotic as I try and get used to new routines (she just sits and plays so nicely and I can wander the house doing various tasks). Exciting times, though! 

Tonight we celebrated by playing dress-up and dancing around the house. (Thanks Dubbee for the Belle dress-up dress!)

Still just two bottom teeth, although she chews awfully hard on everything so I think top teeth are coming soon. She claps her hands a lot. She can wave her arm and it sounds like she's saying "hi" which is cute! Her "mama" and "dada" are more frequent, along with lots of sounds and just general 'talking' to us.

This pictures is old but I have to include it... I was in denial that she outgrew the cradle until I saw her like this after a nap one day. Poor baby!

We love our precious little girl!

more water fun this summer!

Kelley got crafty for Seoul and made a kid wash. Seoul was hesitant to try it but then loved it! We had some fun times with friends and family cooling off. There weren't a ton of super hot days but I also busted out our little inflatable kiddie pool, which Seoul had fun in with her bath animals. Sydney was great to sit and splash as well!

Uncle Evan & Aunt Dana set up a pool every summer and this year we were able to take advantage of it. Seoul wore her life jacket (which she's not a fan of) and had fun bouncing around in the waves we created.

Wilsonville has a couple great water fountains to play in - Town Center Park and Murase Plaza. We made a few different trips over there this summer: with the cousins, on our own, and Kelley joined us after work one time. Once Seoul warmed up to water (and the kids who wanted to play with her) she had a ball and didn't want to leave. Sydney also loved the water, although I'm sure she didn't know what to think. She did love watching the kids, though. Both have parks and Seoul of course loved the swing & slide. It may have been a toss up whether she liked the water or the park more.

 

 

I'm pretty sure Sydney is a water baby but maybe Seoul will be one also... after a more cautious start.

GOOD TIMES!

Happy Birthday Kelley!!

Today is Kelley's birthday and I hope he felt how much we love him!

We were able to Skype with him this morning - Seoul asks to do it, which is cute. 

Then we took him a birthday balloon at work and treated him to lunch (Chipotle - always delish!).

He came home to Seoul & I wrapping his gifts. Seoul was so excited she ran out and told him what she got and then opened it for him. Goofy girl! The girls got him liquid pencils and a kid size soccer ball, football, and basketball with cones to make obstacle courses.

(Before his birthday Seoul would want something and say, "daddy wants it for his birthday." I think it started with Kelley suggesting something to her, but it was cute nonetheless.)

She's a natural - game face and all!

Kelley requested chicken fettucine alfredo for his birthday - pretty sure that's his favorite meal these days. He also requested a lemon meringue pie so I made him one.

Then tonight we had family over for cake & ice cream - we missed those who couldn't make it! I tried out this Snickerdoodle Cake and I thought it was quite delightful! [Thanks Kristy!]

HaPPy BIrThdaY KeLLeY!!

We love everything you do for us! 

We love that you're our best friend and you put us first. 

We love that you make us laugh and spend time with us.

We love that you read us books and tuck us in.

We love that you're patient, loving, and compassionate with everyone.

We love that you are the one that completes our family!

WE LOVE YOU!!

Kelley's movin' up!

Kelley has been with Legacy for 3 years now! He recently got promoted to Senior Desktop Engineer, which is fantastic! He is recognized as lead for the huge project, Randall Children's Hospital. 

He says everything he does is "for the kids!"



 He sent me this email last week: I LOVE MY JOB!!!  I am helping a lady skype with her husband who’s in Nepal.  Her baby is in the NICU.   Most likely it will be Thursday or Friday but I love knowing that I am there to help and what not.  Just thought that I would share that random tidbit. 

We are so proud of him and we are so grateful that he supports our family. Especially since it allows me to stay at home with our beautiful girls. We are so blessed, and Kelley works super hard! It's a great relationship between him and his job. He puts in the hours but is definitely recognized for his hard work and professionalism.

Every once in a while we go visit Kelley at work to see his friends and take him out to lunch. It's fun and brightens our day!

(This picture is super old - from March - but I don't often take pictures while we're there.)

Great job Kelley - it's a well-deserved promotion! We're proud of you!!