Our Savior was born...

And it seems I get to reap all the benefits; unconditional love, forgiveness, family time and presents, not a bad combination if you ask me. It has created a rather hectic three weeks though, to give you an idea how crazy busy and tired we’ve been, Dad and I forgot about two Husky games—not only did we forget to set the TIVO, we forgot to check the score the following day. I have been spending a lot of time with Dad lately. Mom has been putting extra hours at Starbucks because during Christmas Vacation Dad can’t substitute, and because Mom has what they call the love language of gift giving it is important to keep the income coming. We are so lucky that Mom is both a hard worker and a gift giver, wait until you see some of the presents I got for Christmas.
I could tell that something big was on the horizon because we redecorated the house (which made exploring the top of the coffee table an addiction of mine), Dad put colorful lights up on the outside of the house and we put a real tree inside the house—not sure how that fits the season but it makes it smell good and gives me something else to pull on, so I didn’t complain. Another reason I knew it was a special time of the year was because Dad got a haircut—that doesn’t happen every quarter. Actually I went with him and got my first little professional trim—I was a little nervous so Mom came too with Camden and Ashton for emotional support.
I knew that it was a busy stressful time of the year so I tried to be as helpful as possible. I am pretty much an extra when it comes to assisting with present wrapping. My job was to always inspect the paper, ribbons and bows for durability against slobber damage. I can tell you that Mom bought high quality goods, because as much as I searched I couldn’t find anything that failed my tests.
Our holiday season kicked off with a quick trip to Phoenix for dinner and a gift exchange at Mom’s cousin’s house. Never one to miss an opportunity to shop, Mom and I went up early with Nana, Bop, Mel and the cousins to get a little shopping in before the party. It paid off because when Camden, Ashton and I saw a toy kitchen/grill set, Bop was putty in our hands—it was loaded in the car moments later. After church on Christmas Eve we went over to Uncle Matt’s and Karey-Ann’s place. We had dinner and opened more presents. Then Christmas morning we got up and Nana, Bop and great-grandma Ruby came over and we opened more presents. Then after breakfast (and a long nap), we went over to Nana & Bop’s for dinner, games and to see what Santa left in our stockings. It was a whirl-wind three days.
It is tough for us to be away from half our family for the holidays, but we are trying to make the most of it. In the past couple of weeks we were able to make Sykpe video calls with Biza, the summer roommates, GP & Gigi, and even Cousin David in Slovenia. After only 8 months I not only have loved ones spread out across the country but across the world too—it is great that we can talk face-to-face over the internet. Look us up and give me a call, I’m creating new words daily.

Wrapping took a while, but imagine how long it would have taken if I wasn't around to help.

Everyday with my new mobility I find a new place to play.

One of my favorite new toys from Christmas.

"Yep, this one is for me."

Since I've learned to stand myself up I've stood up on; my diaper box, my crib, the coffee table, the armoir, the couch, Mom and Dad's legs, the dishwasher (open & closed), the sliding glass door, the curtains, the stereo speaker, my new Whinne the Pooh walking toy, and this chair.

Love to all,

Reese

A lot to be Thankful for

I have a lot to be happy about and thankful for.

I was all geared up for my first Thanksgiving; Cousin Camden had given me a quick overview of this holiday. He told me that it involved three of my favorite "f" words...food, family and football and was all because the Indians (now Native Americans) were nice to the pilgrims (who were the first to settle and steal the Ind...Native American's land). Next year if we spend Thanksgiving in Seattle, I'm going to Hannah's home because I'll bet some of those people were at the first Thanksgiving. Mom wanted to start the holiday off right so she went to work to give to other people (while collecting time and a half pay). When she got home we went over to Nana & Bop's house for the three F's. Football was a success because the Packers dominated the Lions like a dirty diaper dominates any room it is in. I got to see almost all my Tucson family, so that was near perfect (missed you Uncle Matt). I must admit though I felt a little deceived by the advertising of the Thanksgiving meal. I had heard it was a spectacle of Turkey, stuffing, yams, potatoes, gravy, and veggies-more than one plate could ever handle. Mom and Dad must have missed the memo because all my tray saw was Organic Green Puffs and the same old oatmeal cereal, washed down with some of Mom's finest. Next year I want the good stuff!

Dad was particularly busy with the camera this week, so I can only assume that means he thinks I've done something spectacular. Mom came home with a new box of diapers and I was trying to see if she had gotten the right kind. The information I needed was on the top of the box so I pulled myself up so I could see it. One thing led to another and now I'm pushing my favorite diaper box all over the living room, standing in my crib waiting for someone to get me, pulling myself up on anything I can reach and taking the customary falls that come with learning to stand and walk. Dad lowered the crib one level, but I can still reach the top and pull myself up. He doesn't want to lower it again because he won't be able to bend over and kiss me while I'm sleeping if he does. Sweet, but I think he is going to have detachment issues when I get older.

We've backed off our 1/2 marathon training for a variety of reasons. Let’s just say I was still going strong and hadn't complained once, which is more than I can say for mi padre. Dad was able to negotiate the running down to three 4-mile jogs a week, which is better than nothing I guess.

My thank you shout-outs:

Thank you Nana, Bop, Gigi and GP. My parents love me so much and I know it is because you love them so much.

Thank you Uncle Rhett for coming to see me last weekend, I hadn't really seen you since Uncle Roy & Aunt Erin's wedding and that was way too long ago.

Thank you Starbucks (& Mom for averaging over 20 hours a week). Our health benefits started December 1st. Thank you Jesus for keeping us safe and healthy while we were briefly without insurance.

Food can be messy, but it is always worth it.
Thanksgiving with Ashton and Camden.

My new favorite toy, my Pampers box.

After every nap I stand up and anxiously wait for Mom or Dad to come get me.

To stretch my legs sometimes I have to put on my track suit and take the walker outside.

Mom & Dad don't always bring me the right toy, so I've learned to take matters into my own hands.

One step at a time.

A couple important shout-outs!

Who's in there?

A couple weeks ago Mom, Dad and I went up to Phoenix to see Aunt Emma (Uncle Rhett was in Vegas working on his social network) and to watch Dad's old golf team defend their state title. It was a great trip and I loved watching the golfers as much as I love playing with my own golf clubs. Without Dad's coaching, the team could only manage a fifth place finish, which is pretty impressive considering how hard it is to hit a golf ball. I still can't get the ball air born.

We finally found a time where all three of us could make it to a doctor's appointment, so my 6-month doctor visit was squeezed in 1-day before I turned 7-months. I came in at 28 inches (90th percentile), 16 pounds 12 ounces (50th percentile) and left with 6 holes in my thighs. Mom and Dad promised the shots will make me healthier, so I did my best to shed as few tears as possible.

I spent the weekend a little under the weather, with a temperature that peaked around 102 so my agenda was pretty simple; sleep, eat and be held. It was my first real fever so I was a little worried to be by myself. Fortunately Mom & Dad are always around to offer hugs and kisses.

I owe a lot of people recognition for all they do for me, so below are a couple shout outs...just to get started.

Cousin Camden & Cousin Ashton. When we got back to Tucson I was extremely worried that I would miss my summer roommates too much to be able do anything, but my Tucson cousins are always around to make sure that life is always an adventure (and we typically leave evidence of that adventure where ever we go).

Aunt Mel. Can't say thank you enough for what you provide for me.

Mom. Moms are wonderful and mine is exceptional. I think a lot of people forget what it feels like to be held by your mom. To be in her arms, to lay your head on her shoulder as she sways back and forth whispering loves in your ears. As a baby who still gets to experience this pure joy of life let me remind you that it is second to nothing.

I love hats.

And my mom has a great eye for fashion.

Reason to smile again, college football season is coming to a close and basketball season has already started.

Rather than settling in to a normal routine after Disney World we decided to play host to some friends from California. Mom's last California roommate, Marsha, and her husband brought my new friend Noah to spend the night and hang out. It was the perfect visit. We went out to dinner (Noah and I have special diets and brought our food from home), went shopping and Dad and Dave went golfing. It seems everytime I turn around I'm meeting a new friend.
Later in the week we went over to Karey-Ann's place for a pumpkin carving party. The party has been going on for a couple years, but Mom and Dad needed me so they could finally get invited. We had a great time, everyone was there (except Uncle Adam who was on a ride-along with border patrol). One of the pumpkins was big enough for me to get in, but everytime I went for it someone stopped me. Mom had to work on Halloween, so Dad and I were in charge of handing out candy. It seemed Dad's strategy was to give out handfuls of candy to every kid so that he ran out and could stop answering the door (can't blame him, there were good college football games on).
The following week brought more out of state vistors. My friend Brayden came from San Francisco. We had stopped to see him on our drive back to Arizona in September and now he was in town with his family for a wedding. We got to hang out when his parents went to the wedding. I shared my new hobby with him, strollering. Mom & Dad push the stroller at a pretty good pace and I enjoy the view. We borrowed Camden & Ashton's duel stroller so we could ride next together. It was a great 4 miles, I barely broke a sweat.

Mom worked again Sunday morning, so Dad & I went to church together. We had a great time together. I am happy to report that I made it through the entire service in our seat; it helps showing up at the end of the worship (it isn't easy for Dad to get us both ready in time, especially when Mom doesn't lay out my outfit for the day).

We had a pumpkin carving party a couple days before Halloween. I helped with the pumpkin on the far left. It was harder than you think. The more mobile I get the more places I find to play. Dad-who sometimes I think has the camera glued to his arm-took this piture through the bottom of the coffee table. Mom and Dad keep magazines down there so it is usually the first place I go to look for something to play with (taste).

Sometimes Mom leaves me in the living room and goes to the kitchen, so if I want something I have to crawl over to her. Not even my sleep sack can slow me down now.

This is my friend Noah. He came to visit from Glendora, CA. We had a great time laughing and playing together. Our parents are already scheming about our future.

My friend Juliette lives in the same neighborhood and our families have dinner together almost every Monday. Our Moms have been friends for years and we are already planning for a long long friendship. We already share secrets about how to manipulate our parents.

Now that I'm more mobile, Dad is always looking for ways to keep me in one place. You'd be surprised how comfortable a laundry basket full of towels and sheets can be.

Hmmm...where to begin.

I heard somewhere that life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get....smart man. I woke up last Monday morning in my own crib (Mom & Dad have been sleeping me in my own room for a over a week now) and before the day was over I was laughing and playing with my six summer roommates at Walt Disney World! Not that it came that easy. After rushing up I-10 to Phoenix, picking up chauffer Uncle Rhett, moving through security as smoothly as bathtime with Dad (out of order, awkward, discombobulated, and slow) we finally made it to our crowded gate in time to board the plane semi-early. The next four hours were full of orange spit up, cries for freedom and space and a whole lot of laughter mixed with tears from Mom and Dad. I was rewarded for my good behavior later that night when I got to hang out with Lucy, Mia, Charlie and Sam just before bedtime.

After we finally surfaced Tuesday morning we went over to a place called the Magic Kingdom. Even though we didn't show up until afternoon, we still got to go on tons of rides. The park felt crowded right up until it was time to get in line, and then we pretty much walked on-except the Whinnie the Pooh ride (not surprisingly...he is everyone's friend). Exhausted from rolling around the Kingdom all day we went back to our hotel and laid low the rest of the night. I had a magical time the next three days hanging out with my cousins. We spent a lot of time at the pool and Downtown Disney. I saw a rainforest, meteor shower, dinosaurs, and Dad dancing-only one of them was scary. Our vacation was so crazy that almost all my naps were in my Bob stroller, but that is the sacrifice you make when you hang out with the big kids.

On top of the Disney vacation I have some other big news. I cut my first two teeth last week. Mom noticed and said she could feel it when she fed me...my rice cereal. Then on our last night with the summer roommates I was in a hurry for Dubs (my new stuffed Husky) because the cousins are always snagging up my toys. Apparently I made a transition from scooting to crawling. I was just trying to get my toy. Dad said Grandma Hannah will be happy because crawling is good for my coordination. It is still a work in progress but my progression towards full mobility has taken another big move.

We had a magical time with our summer roommates at Disney World.

Cousin Mia and I loved playing with the fountains at the pool.

After the flight to Orlando, I was exhausted and fell asleep before we were off the jetway.

This was Mom & Dad's answer to giving me more space on the plane. Check out the orange stuff on my onesie (this was my second of the flight).

Sammy needed a ride and I had some extra space in my stroller for him.

We didn't get a great family picture at Disney World. We kept waiting to see some Disney characters, but apparently they have Tuesdays off.

Isn't Summer over?

I've been told that summer is over but the weather here in Tucson makes it feel like it may be eternal. After three weeks of high 90's, I'm starting to think that I'll turn into an ice cube if Mom & Dad ever take me somewhere the temperature peaks at 65. But don't worry, we don't have any plans of seeing anything below 75 anytime soon.

Last Tuesday was my six month birthday. We haven't gone to see Dr. Brice yet because Dad was out of town and Mom doesn't think Dad should be able to keep dodging all the appointments when I get my shots. Mom told me she had my six month birdthday present planned before I was born so I'm super excited to get it. I have to wait until after my check up though.

I want to publically thank my four little roommates from this summer, especially Sammy. Cousin Camden and I hang out all the time and he likes to play rough; strong pats on the back, flying balls, dropped golf clubs (plastic not steel), not to mention the number of times he falls on me. Fortunately, Lucy, Mia, Charlie and Sam had prepared me for such physical play. I hope Ashton is ready for it in a couple months. Luckily, someone is always near by to protect me if Camden starts to get too rough.

Last week I was battling feelings of jealousy and a stuffy nose. Along with the rough play it seems Cousin Camden had passed on a little cold. It forced Dad to go out and buy what he has deemed his least favorite thing about parenting, a humidifier. And it introduced me to my least favorite thing about being an infant, the dreaded nose sucker. Mom or Dad will break this torture device out whenever they think I can't breathe well enough. I must say not once in the past week have I have been blue in the face, so in my opinion that thing is overkill. Nevertheless, they suck away through my cries for help, tears of pain and gasps of pleas to stop. It's been a week now and I'm trying my best to solve this problem, and I'm making a little progress-I only saw the narrow end of that blue weapon of mass destruction coming at me once today. My jealousy stemmed from Dad's trip to Washington to work three days with Cousin Burke. I knew he would get to see all my favorite Washingtonians and I miss them already. It won't solve the problem of everyone I miss in Washington, but tomorrow we are flying to Orlando and rumor has it all our roommates are going to be there.

Just another day with Camden and Ashton. Look out here comes trouble.

Cousin Ashton is nice enough to share his swing with me when I'm over at his house. I'm glad to do the same for him (mine is pink, I hope he doesn't mind).

Dad says my golf swing isn't bad, but needs some work. Who is he to talk?

Home Sweet Home

I'm waiting patiently because I know a road trip has to be just around the corner. After all, we've been in the same place for over a week now. I am starting to wonder though, because Mom and Dad no longer pull our clothes out of suitcases, when we go for rides in the car they are less than an hour long and there is nothing else in the car but us. I'm fine staying here for a while. Cousin Camden and Ashton are five houses down, Nana & Pop are around all the time too and it seems I finally have my own room. We spent this first week back in Tucson settling into our home. Our summer renter has turned into our off-season roommate, so there was a lot of adjustments that had to be made around the house. It took the full week to finally get things in order and feel settled in. Mom & Dad have gone back to work. Mom started at her new Starbucks the day after we home and Dad has been substituting at his old school. When both of them are gone I get to hang out with Aunt Mel, Cousin Camden & Ashton. So it is a win-win situation for me. I've been eating my rice cereal from my high chair, and breaking in some of my new toys and clothes from our friends the Rossi's. We may be staying put for a while, but I've got the feeling that doesn't mean life is going to slow down that much at all.

I'm loving my new high chair. It fits our family mantra of being mobile and easily adjustable.
My new bounce chair was a gift from the Rossi's. It is a great leg workout.

When Mom goes to work early, Dad likes to bring me to their bed to keep him company. It is nice to be able to spread out.

Dad and I were having a great laugh on Saturday while Mom was at Starbucks.

And I thought I knew chaos

I didn't think my parents could keep up the chaotic pace we had been keeping all of September, boy was I wrong. Instead of slowing down, they took the chaos to a new level. After a 16 hour road trip from GP & Gigi's house to San Francisco (through the middle of the night) we spent Monday visiting friends all over the bay area. We started with one of Noni's dearest friends, Kathy Turnbeaugh, who was watching her grandson Brayden (14 months). For lunch we met up with Brayden's parents Amber and Brenden (Amber and Mom have been friends since they were my age). We headed south after lunch and had cocktail hour with a college friend of Mom & Dad's. She had two little ones for me to play with so that was a great stop. Then we headed to Santa Cruz to visit one of Daddy's best friends from college. Joey and Heidi had a little boy for me to talk to who was younger than me, but not much smaller. He was adorable--the biggest cheeks I've ever seen. His picture below doesn't do them justice. We were working on almost 30 hours of living out of the car, so we had to say goodbye to the Allen's and make our last stop of the day. We ended up with one of mom's best friends from college for the night. That was Monday!! Fortunately for everyone's sake, Monday was the craziest day of the week. We ended up spending two nights with Mike, Autumn, Luke, Kendall, & Gianna in Salinas and then driving to Corbett, Laura & Hayley's in Camarillo on Wednesday. We got to spend two nights there which seems taylormade for us. Mom played Nertz with Mrs. Lara, Dad golfed with Mr. Corbett and Hayley and I were able to play with each other. Friday night we switched back to visiting some of Dad's friends from college. We stayed with Jon & Amoreena, and they hosted the Erickson's who brought their 5 day old son Daniel. He was too little for me to play with, but I did get to play with their daughter Bella. Saturday afternoon we drove further south to see more friends. We stayed the night with Steve, Sara, Nick, Jake & Sasha in San Juan. Starr & her boyfriend Brian visited too Saturday night. That stop was fun because it felt a lot like our summer rental. Sunday we got up and had breakfast and hit the road again. Since we had started within hours of the Canadian border the previous Sunday and were now within hours of the Mexician border, we figured we would turn left and head for home (besides, mom had to work at Starbucks at 4am Monday morning!). The scenery got a little boring and I was starting to get car seat sores, but I pulled it together because I knew at the end of the this leg of our trip was Cousin Camden and Cousin Ashton. We did finally make it home. I got more hugs and kisses than I remember from not only Cousin Camden but all my family. What a trip. Approxiametly 1800 miles & 171 hours from departure from GP & Gigi's to arrival at home. We spent the night in five differnt places (including the car). We saw 32 beloved friends, two who were younger than me! And it all ended with a wonderful welcome home from our Tucson family. 30 days of chaos; We visited friends or family in 10 different cities all over the West Coast, spent the night in 11 different places, traveled over 2000 miles and watched the Huskies win their first football game in 16 tries. It can't get any crazier than that can it?

Part of my long Monday was spent meeting Josiah Allen.

I ended the longest Monday of my life by meeting three new friends in Salinas, near Monterey, near 17-mile drive, near a couple special golf courses.

This is my friend Mr. Corbett. He is dressed up because my friend Hayley was teaching me how to dress up a dad with cute accessories.

Friday night I met Bella and Daniel. Daniel was five days old. He was tiny!

We had one final stop before home. Mom use to babysit these kids when they were my age. Practice makes perfect, and my mom is just that!

Perfect ending to a perfect summer!

Mom, Dad & I cheered the Huskies to one of the biggest upset wins in Husky history!

Our Washington summer ended on Sunday when we left GP and Gigi's house for our road trip back to Arizona. The week ended up being the perfect ending to our incredible summer. My mom and I spent three days in Ellensburg with Aunt Jennifer and my cousins. We knew it was our last days together of the summer, so we just played and played and played. I got to see where each of my cousins go to school and live when they are not in Chelan. Dad and Uncle Burke were in Chelan working and water skiing, so we had a lot of girl time (mani and pedi's all around!!) Wednesday night after Nertz we had to say our goodbyes. It was really hard to say goodbye even though we are going to see them in Orlando for the Waterpark Convention in October. I miss them already. Thursday night we went to visit Grandma Hannah at the Madison House. It was a little awkward because everyone was staring at me, but at the same time it was nice to be in a room where so many other people were also wearing diapers. I felt so honored by Grandma Hannah all night because of how proud she was of me and how much she wanted to show me off to her friends. With the big trip coming up, we spent Friday lounging around the house—plus we had a real big day planned for Saturday. On Saturday, Dad took mom and me to our first Husky football game! Before the game, we saw the crazy tailgaters in cars, campers, rv’s and boats. I’m not sure if you heard or not, but the Huskies, 1-15 in their previous 16 games, beat the number 3 ranked USC Trojans 16-13. The game was absolutely unbelievable. The stadium was loud and shook (it reminded me of Cousin Sammy running around upstairs at our summer rental). After the game fans poured onto the field, Mom said it reminded her of diaper blow out, it just kept growing and expanding and pretty soon the field (or my back) is entirely covered. We stayed in our seats and took massive amounts of pictures, Dad couldn’t stop smiling. After the game, we had dinner with Uncle Roy & Aunt Erin. We couldn’t have dreamed of a better last Saturday in Washington than a Husky victory over the Trojans! Sunday was church, packing and goodbyes. We hit the road late in the afternoon and drove through the night to San Francisco—it was a piece of cake, I could do that drive in my sleep. Oh wait I already did.

Dad was leaving for three days, so I felt it was important to spend some quality time with him. Of course my idea of quality time is napping.

We rolled four generations deep while I was at Madison House. I'm lucky because my Great Grandma Hannah is a very young 92.

I was exhausted after cheering the Huskies to victory over USC.

It was tough saying goodbye to Grandma Hannah. I had to say goodbye to Great Grandma Hannah, GP, Gigi, Uncle Roy, Aunt Erin, Uncle Burke & Aunt Jen, Lucy, Mia, Charlie and Sam in Washington. And will say a great big hello in Arizona to Great Grandma Ruby, Bop, Nana, Uncle Matt, Uncle Rhett, Aunt Emma, Uncle Adam, Aunt Mel, Ashton and of course Cousin Camden!

Wapato Family Time

The crowds thinned out at Wapato on Monday and the weather started to make a turn for the better. It was the last day of the season at Slidewaters and it was marred by some pretty bad afternoon weather. Of course 30 minutes before close the skies cleared and Chelan hasn't seen a rain cloud since. By the end of the week Chelan was supposed to be setting record highs for September! Once the park was closed, Dad was anxious to hang out with the family, so he decided another move would make that easier. So he uprooted us again, and we left the apartment for a condo at Wapato. It wasn't fun moving again, but it was nice to wake up lakeside with family on both sides. It was almost like Burke, Jen, Lucy, Mia, Charlie and Sam were still around. One of the reasons was I had three other cousins to play with; Owen, Siena and Hunter-plus GP, GM and Grandpa Roy. I'm used to being around a lot of family, but this was above and beyond-everywhere I looked I saw more family. As the week progressed everyone headed back to their jobs and the crowd slowly dwindled until it was only Cousin Matt & Summer with my second cousins, Owen and Siena. The glorious summer was back and after loading up the car for home, we pulled out our beach essentials and kept out feet in the sand until the sun was almost gone. It was the perfect ending to our Chelan summer (I even got one more boat ride and boat nap!) We were anxious to get home and get a good night's sleep because (as Dad had been telling me all week) I was going to my first Husky football game! After a late night snack and a smooth drive to Bellevue we were all in bed before midnight. By the time I got up in the morning my Husky trip had been cancelled. Our late night snack had fought back and Dad was having a Seinfeld Black & White cookie movement every hour (he was throwing up). We missed out on the Huskies first win in 16 tries, but we got some much needed R&R. It's tough being 5 months old and living in a vacation town! A little more rest Sunday morning and then we were on the road again. Dad dropped us off in Ellensburg for a three day visit with Jen and my cousins and he and Burke went to Chelan to jump start the off season projects. Of course before Dad and Burke hit the road, we slipped in a game of Nertz.

One last nap at the beach. It was so nice, and since we were basically the only ones in sight we didn't even need my peapod.

We were really glad that Cousin Matt & Cousin Siena (plus Summer & Owen) were able to stay until the end of Wapato week.

I really hope that next summer my lifejacket will be the perfect size.

Won't be doing this in Tucson. Of course, I can't get Cousin Camden kisses in Chelan.

Goodbye work, hello vacation...& rain!

After saying goodbye to our summer home and moving into the apartment at Slidewaters, it got cold. Burke and Daddy were constantly checking weather forecasts and praying for the sun to come back out for the last week of the season. But the glorious summer was over and we got clouds, 50’s & 60’s temperatures, rain and even thunderstorms. It was not pretty. It was a new feeling for me too because since I was born I’ve always been privileged to weather above 75 degrees. Sixty degrees reminds me of how cold my delivery room felt back in April—drastically different from what I was used to. The week ended on a high note because the Bordner family descended on Wapato. Friday night we had a family dinner with the newlyweds and Grandpa Roy. Uncle Roy & Aunt Erin had a terrific honeymoon in Fiji and then surprised us by changing their plans so they could come to Wapato and see me. Love them! Saturday night was my second cousins’ dinner of the summer, and it was great to get out and relax with family after one of the most stressful days of my life:
Mom called Dad from work Saturday morning saying that milk had gotten in her pump and it would need some TLC to make sure it didn’t get ruined. Of course Mom had the car and it was not quite walking weather outside. Fortunately, GP came to the rescue. We realized a vital piece had gone missing and the next 5 hours was a frantic search for parts to make sure we would be operational the next morning. Mom and I were on the verge of a 3 hour trip to Moses Lake when the missing piece was found. It was determined that Dad hadn’t searched the car well enough. We were all very happy to be heading to Cousins’ Dinner with Grandpa Roy. We had a great time sharing best moments of the year and wonderful memories of Grandma Mary. Then it was back to the apartment where we had a slumber party of 9 in the 600 square foot apartment. It was great to see everyone again. Dad was happy Sunday morning when I finally made it all the way through a service at church. It was another unique week in Chelan and now it is on to the final week of the summer here. It had been great, but I am getting anxious to get home. I’ll be home real soon Camden. Miss you!!

It was a great night in the apartment with all 9 of us back together. Sammy was especially happy to see me.
Cousins dinner with Grandpa Roy was alot bigger this time. I loved hearing about everyone's summer and favorite memory of Grandma Mary.

Happy Birthday Mom, Hello Moving Day

I am getting the feeling there is no such thing as normal or routine here in Chelan. The only thing normal about last week is the fact that it was completely different from anything we have done all summer long. Well we did celebrate Mom’s birthday. We seem to celebrate a birthday every week. Of the nine of us living in the house, six have birthdays during the Slidewaters season!! I insisted on a girl’s day out for Mom’s birthday, so Mom, Aunt Jen and I went to Wentachee for some shopping and girl talk. When we got home everyone went out to dinner. After dinner…Nertz. Dad felt a little left out of Mom’s birthday, so he took us out on the boat Thursday. He is going to need to toughen up because I foresee 1000’s of shopping trips in Mom’s and my future. This week alone I broke in a new pair of sandals, a new outfit, a pair of sunglasses and a headband. Don’t tell Dad but he is going to have his hands full now that he has two all-star shoppers. On Saturday we had a couple people over for dinner at the house, but they didn’t stay the night. I’m pretty sure that is the first time this summer we’ve had guests to the house that didn’t spend the night. It turns out they were a young couple that work for Daddy and Uncle Burke.
Sunday night Dad and Uncle Burke loaded up all our furniture and took it to storage for the winter. Then on Monday we did the same thing with the rest of the house. We went from an extremely full house of 9 to an empty rental in less than a day. It was a chaotic 24 hours. Every time I turned around someone was carrying something. After making sure my wardrobe was carefully loaded, I hung out with my cousins because I knew they were going back to Ellensburg for a couple days. Not seeing them is going to be tougher than falling asleep without a pacifier. They left yesterday and I miss them already.

It is very important to have the right accessories for every occasion.

Dad showed me where to keep my glasses when I'm not wearing them.

Look out world, I'm becoming mobile.

I never had to wait to long to eat this summer. I had seven different roommates that could help give me a bottle. Of course, Mom is still doing all the work.

Check out the footwear. Mom and I live by Cinderella's mantra; One pair of shoes can change your life.