Bucket Truck

As you probably know, the Bean adores all kinds of trucks. He also loves shopping for toys at the Goodwill. We had a banner day when we trekked to the big downtown Goodwill (with 3 toy aisles!!). We spent a long time there and came out to discover a lift in the parking lot where a worker was fixing a light. He got to watch the bucket come down, talk to the worker, and then see it go up again. What a fun outing!!

A bike! A bike! A bike!

The Bean got an awesome balance bike from Jeff's family for Christmas. He's pretty excited. Mommy and Daddy got new iPhones. Why does this matter you ask? The montage you are about to watch is courtesy of said iPhone. :)

Doing something with the video this time. Its uploaded to YouTube. It should play better on your phones and tablets I think.

Lights. And a Ham

The Bean has been loving Christmas lights this year. We often take random roads on our way home after dark to see lights. I read that Ivars decorates a park in Renton, so we went to check it out last night. It was not raining, but cold!! The Bean isn't much for hats, so I hadn't got him a new one this year, but I was pleased to see I could still wedge his doggy hat onto his head. And for some brief moments he kept it on. He also decided to ham it up for some pictures. 

Santa 2014

So last year Santa was not a hit. The Bean didn't want to look at him or touch him. We only got pictures with Santa hiding and then sneaking in behind us. Jeff was not allowed to move from his spot in front of us to join in any photos. This year was a little better. The Bean was still afraid, but did manage to interact a little from the safety of my lap. I took a huge risk and we even got a quick picture of just the two of them. It basically brought the photo shoot to an end though. He did manage to tell Santa he wanted cars for Christmas so that's something. Actually he signed car, maybe he meant we needed to be back in the car :)

Hoping next year is when the magic starts! The photo studio says 3 is the age where is gets fun.

First Christmas-Throw Back Thursday

Visiting Santa on the Bean's first Christmas was delightful. He thought the Jolly Old guy was neat and we got amazing photos. It was pre-blog, so here some of them are for your viewing pleasure.

10 Years Ago

Today is our anniversary. I can't believe its been 10 years since we got married!! To keep it authentic, the forecast in Seattle for today is rain.


This is one of our most memorable wedding photos. Standing on one foot (clad in a cute, but not very practical heeled sandal) and leaning back while wearing many pounds of dress was hard enough. Jeff had the harder job as he had to not drop me. We survived and got a cute picture.

This spot in the conservatory has become out spot. We kiss here (usually with both of us on two feet) every time we visit now.

Last year we were there on our anniversary. 9 years makes for a very different photo!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday my dear son. I can't believe it's been two years since you were born. It's gone so fast! You've had quite a year. You amaze me with your ability to just roll with whatever mom and dad do. You travel and go new places so well. 

You've recently discovered trucks and love them all. Right now firetrucks and garbage trucks are your favorite. But you'll happily play with anything with wheels. You like to learn new things and to help mom and dad with whatever they are doing. 

You are very caring and empathic. You are very concerned about your friends new siblings. You always say hi to them and check on them while we play. If they cry, you are very concerned and make sure that the adults hear them. You like to feed your animals and you so a great job of sharing your blanket and binky with them and helping them go night night. 

I love watching you play when you are doing things that require small movements and concentration. You have gotten good at puzzles and always want to know how things work. My little engineer. 

You love to be active too. You are getting so good at gymnastics class. You jump so high! You've conquered your fear of the ring over the foam pit and swing on it now. You can almost do a foreward roll on the wedge by yourself. You still aren't a huge fan of the balance beam, but that's ok. 

You still like to sign, but you love to talk too. You work hard to learn how to saw things you are interested in. You know some complex words! You can generally put two words together and sometimes three. 

I know you have no clue yet about what a birthday is, but daddy and mommy will make sure you have an amazing day today. We love you so much sweet boy!!!

July 4th!

Happy Independence Day! Hopefully everyone had fun and safe celebrations. We are dressed quite patriotic here today. Hoping to go see the fireworks tonight but in true Seattle fashion we've gone from record breaking high temps to cold and rainy. We might have to settle for the televised version

Remlinger Video

Feeding the goats at Remlinger.

As usual, the video may or may not play on your iPad, iPhone, tablet, and so forth. If it doesn't work, try a computer. If it still doesn't work, let me know!

Remlinger Farms

There is a neat farm in Carnation called Remlinger Farms. They have u pick fruits, a huge fall harvest event, and really good produce and awesome handmade pies. I discovered that they also have a little theme park. Saturday seemed like the perfect day to check it out, as there was a slight threat of rain and no sun. We had gone the previous day to meet my friend's horse, so we really thought he'd enjoy the horse ride.

It rained a bit during our drive, but stopped once we got there. Our thought of going due to the weather was a great one! There was hardly anyone there for a weekend. Our first stop was horseback riding. I wasn't sure if he'd actually do it or if he'd be scared. He got right on, held on and loved his ride! I only had to correct his balance a few times as we went around corners. They have a neat little path through hedge fences that the kids get led instead of just in a circle. Of course one of us went with him!

Next we walked around and then found some antique cars to drive (really you just ride them on a track, but there was a steering wheel, so he thought he was driving). The cars are replica Model Ts that were actually built for the World's Fair in Seattle back in the 60s.

We rode on a cool steam railway. The engine is halfsize, but is a working steam engine. Lots of smoke and puffing, and an awesome whistle! There were goats and sheep to feed, other rides to go on, and an old school bus and firetruck to climb on. He really wanted to ride the rollerscoaster, but he was to short. There was also a hay maze and a bounce house, but we didn't make it there.

We checked out the shop before we left and got a yummy frozen pie to cook at home. It was fantastic!

The lack of crowds let us do all his favorite things a few times. He was so tired when we left he passed out in the car instantly. They are open all summer and I'm pretty sure we will head back again!

He looks very serious in most of the pictures, but I assure you, he is having a great time. When he is watching things or trying to figure out how it all works, he is very serious. Trains and cars are important serious business!

So happy

Looking for the train after hearing the whistle

Driving the car

Watching the roller coaster while waiting for the ride to start

No fear

Tractor!

On the school bus

Waiting for the train to move

Watching intently

Checking out the steam

Driving the firetruck. You can just see his head

Big steering wheel

Another horse ride

Here I go!

Coming back

I don't want to get off

Another train ride, front and center so we can watch how it all works

Saying choo choo

Hungry Sheep!