More Ruby Bday celebrations

Ruby actually celebrated her birthday 3 times!  First was a little picnic in the back yard.  Second we celebrated on our camping trip with the Kruse and Leptich families.


Ruby getting ready for another cupcake!


Kidda smiling for the camera, but more annoyed by the strap from the hat under her chin


Look everyone - a cupcake!


Now that's good!

We also made the trip down to Menchies on Ruby's actual birthday to give Ruby her first frozen yogurt eating experience.


What is this stuff?  I gotta touch it...oh that's cold


Oliver giving Ruby a taste of his flavor


Someone sure liked the ice cream...must be in the right family!

Oliver's First Day of Preschool

Oliver had his first day of preschool this week!  He is getting so big and so smart.  Here are a couple shots as we left the house.

Camping weekend

Yes, we are a bit crazy.  4 days before we plan to leave for Italy for 10 days and leave the kids at home - we decide to go on a 2 night camping trip.  The original plan was to head to Vantage in Eastern Wa for some full on camping, but the forest fires in that area were creating too much smoke, so we made a last minute audible (really 30 min before leaving) and ended up going to a cabin in the Hood Canal area on a lake.  It was a great weekend - see below:


Oliver getting some time with the fishing poll.  Hayden, Gavin, and Avery are keeping a close eye on the bob to see if they got a bite.


Here is the starting line for the race...


And now the kids are all lined up throwing rocks into the lake


Oliver and Gavin getting a little dirty - boys being boys!


Although we were staying at a cabin, Oliver and daddy still spent one night in the Nemo tent.  Great spot looking over the lake.


Oliver all cuddled into the sleeping bag getting one last book read.

Random Sept photos

Below are some fun random photos from recent September fun in no particular order:


Ruby pushing her new Raggedy Ann around in her new play stroller.  Big girl is so close to walking!


Oliver loves to ride his bike and we go out almost everyday.  Here he is showing one of his new tricks - taking a hand off the handlebars.  He also likes to stand and peddle.


Ruby, Oliver, and Hayden playing at a random dinner gathering at Madison Park.  Love these random dinners!


We had some family pictures take by Cleary a few weeks ago and have a couple in hand.  We will post more once they get tweaked and in our possession.  So much fun, such a beautiful day, and great photos!




Oliver and Hayden at a local festival in Wallingford


Here they are dancing to the beat of the band...Taylor in blue is dancing up a storm too


Michael and Layla taking in the tunes


Oliver and Ruby are starting to wrestle a little bit now.  For the most part - Oliver is good, but you gotta keep an eye on these two.


Grandpa Bryan stayed with us for a few nights as Tami came down with a bug while they were on their way out of Seattle to go on a cruise.  Here is Grandpa reading a book to Oliver


What an amazing August and September - another dinner out on the deck


Ruby loves to feed herself these days.

Ruby's Birthday

Ruby turned one a couple of days ago and we had so much fun!  She is such a cutie and full of smiles.  She is standing and taking a step or two, but not walking yet.  Check out some of the photos from her birthday gathering below.


Our little princess in her adorable dress posing for a birthday photo!

Ruby and Grandma Joan all smiles in celebrating her big year.

Oliver and Kendall spending some quality big kid time on the swing set instead of kicking it with the little kiddos


Now the two big kids are showing off their sucker rings



Ruby, Gavin, Evan, and Zoey are hanging out on the riding toys


Another nice evening meant dinner on the patio.


Kelly, as always, went over the top and made an awesome kitty birthday cake.  Ruby took her monthly photos with the pink kitty on the left, thus the birthday cake to match.


Ruby isn't quite sure what to do with the candle...so Oliver and Kendall were there to help


Yummy - you call this stuff cake?  I like!


Mom and Oliver sneaking behind the cake monster


After cake - we opened a few fun gifts (thanks everyone).  Here is Ruby showing off her new tutu.


Ruby and the grandparents (above and below)






Ruby, Oliver, and Mommy - all snuggled up

Kendall's 4th Birthday Luau

Earlier this month was Kendall's Birthday and to celebrate 4 years - she had a luau!  The weather was perfect and the kids had a blast.


Kendall checking out her hula girl cake


Yup - that sure is yummy


Ruby getting in on some of the luau fun too.

Go Huskies!

Steve, Oliver, and I went to the first Husky game of the season at Century Link Field and had a ton of fun. Here are a few pictures taken from the big victory!

Pre game, pre tailgating, prefunk with Ruby and mommy

Oliver taking a quick break by Safeco Field on the way to the football game

While tailgating, Oliver took another break in a chair from the old Don James center

Oliver and Uncle Steve in heavy conversation

Flashing the W sign!

Dinnertime!

Late night under the lights - go Huskies!