Hiking at Riverside Park

Shad and I have had a great Memorial Day weekend. It has been so great having Shad home more, now that school is out for the summer. Weekends feel more like weekends, and when he comes home from work in the evenings/afternoons he doesn't have homework! It seems like it will be a good summer. Owen and I are enjoying his company while it lasts.

Since Owen is SOOO cute, and has totally captured the hearts of his grandparents... my parents couldn't help themselves, but to come over and visit him (and us!) this weekend. They just left this morning, but not after spending quality time with all of us. They arrived Saturday afternoon and we went out to lunch in Coeur d'Alene at Texas Roadhouse, it was delicious! Mmmm. Then my parents offered to babysit and give Shad and I a chance to get out of the house together. So we went and saw 'Prince of Persia.' I must admit I was a little skeptical, but it was actually very, very good. I'm surprised at how much I liked it. And it was nice to have an evening just the two of us, since that doesn't happen too often these days.

Then Sunday after church we packed up a delicious picnic, and headed over to Riverside Park, which is a favorite of ours. I can't believe it took us this long to bring my parents to Riverside Park, because I LOVE it. And no surprise, so did they! It was pretty good weather, really the only nice day this whole weekend, because it has been so rainy here. We were able to eat a great picnic lunch together, take TONS of pictures, and video, and bring Owen along for his first official hike!!! It was so much fun. My dad really enjoyed the scenery, and has declared it one of his favorite state parks ever! After the park, we headed over to downtown and took a quick peek at the Spokane Falls, they are always so big and raging this time of year.

It was sad to see them go this morning, but I'm pretty sure that we'll see them again soon. They cannot get enough of their perfect grandson!

Like I said... TONS of pictures:

Love this pictures! "Mom...it's a little windy!!"

Family Photo Op:

My cute Boys:

Everyone took a turn carrying Owen around, he loved it:

Everything was so green and pretty:

They love him:

Owen enjoyed just hanging out, enjoying the scenery:

All of us from Riverside Park! (Owen slept briefly)

Cute grandparents:

Owen's First Hike!!

Owen LOVES his grandparents!!

Silly statue picture (a little family tradition):

LOVE...

...My new hair cut!!

Yes I finally did it, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I thought that I would be a little sad to see all 6-8 inches of my hair go, because I haven't had it that long since my high school days. But no... I wasn't even a little bit upset. I'm free!

LOVE... that Shad is done with school for the summer!!!

Whoo hoo! Shad has finished his second year of law school!! Only ONE more left! He is totally wiped from finals, as you can see. I cannot believe how fast this time has gone. I am so excited for this time next year when we will be figuring out our next step in life, and be finally done with school! I am so proud of Shad, he is such a smarty pants. He has made editorial board on law review, which has earned him an additional scholarship, which will pay for over HALF of next year! And Shad has managed to keep his grades stellar, last year his finished in the top 10%... I expect he will probably do the same this year. He works so hard, he deserves it. This summer he will be working hard at a full time, paid internship. Awesome!

LOVE... this spring we've been having!

This weather, and this spring has been wonderful! I love all the green and colors that we have around. I'm looking forward to summer time, with lots of fun activities with my boys! It will be so nice to have Shad around this summer, with no homework or late night study sessions.

LOVE... Seattle!

While Shad was working hard at finals all week, I figured since he wasn't around anyways. I would venture over to Auburn and hang out with my parents. They LOVED having their cute grandson around, and it was wonderful to have the company. They spoil us, and we love it! Shad joined us on Friday and we spent a blissful weekend in Seattle. Walking downtown with some friends, taking the ferry, and enjoying the BEAUTIFUL weather and scenery.

LOVE... this little guy!

How can you not?!?! He brings so much joy and love into my life every single day! I love being his mother and playing with him everyday. We are so lucky to have such a happy, healthy little boy. He is so wonderful.

Owen LOVES... this little guy!

Owen LOVES this little lamb. Its actually quite hilarious. Its his first favorite toy. Oh man, he can laugh and play with this guy for hours. Never have I heard him laugh so much than with this little rattle. It came off a used bouncer that my mother bought for him to keep at her house. Needless to say, we took little lamb-y home with us. :)

So many things to be grateful for! :)

3 Months Old!

My Dear Sweet Baby Boy:

You are three months old today! This seems like such a big milestone, as though you have surpassed the "newborn" stage and are now a real baby! Each new milestone and new development is so exciting and welcomed. Although it is sad to see you grow so fast right before my eyes. What a special little boy you are. You have so many people that love you so much. You are constantly spoiled rotten by your grandparents, who were awaiting your arrival just as anxiously as your mom and dad! We are always getting numerous compliments on how you are the most handsome/cutest/prettiest baby boy around. (And I have to agree, you are dang CUTE!) So I am surely convinced that it is not just my biased opinion, you are definitely the most handsome baby!

Your dad loves you so much. You two are at the beginning of what will become a very special father/son relationship. Every night he takes time out of his crazy schedule to spend some time with you, and every night he volunteers to feed you and put you to bed. (While mom catches some extra Z's!) He adores you, and loves to play and laugh with you.

Here are some things you like:

- Nap time with mom

- Your Bouncer Chair

- To laugh and smile at people (Such a little charmer/flirt!)

- Sleeping in the bed with mom and dad

- Eating

- Books

- Snuggling

- Being held on your tummy (like superman!)

- Car rides

- Singing Songs

- Talking

- Lots of attention!

- Sleeping on your side

Some things you dislike:

- Your swing (unless you are VERY sleepy or asleep)

- Not a big fan of bath time

- Sleeping on your own, in your OWN bed (even for naps!)

- Being swaddled

- Getting dressed

- Tummy Time

You are learning so fast! You recently learned how to grab at toys, cloths, hair, etc. The other day you grabbed onto a toy and brought it your mouth, we were so proud! You are learning to sleep on your own, even if you don't like it. Occasionally you will put yourself to sleep without being held or rocked. Bedtime and bedtime routines are still new and being established, but we're getting there. And you are learning to go at night without eating, some nights you will have a good 8 hour stretch of sleep! (Whoo hoo!)

What a supreme joy you are in our lives, and each day I am more and more grateful to my Father in Heaven for allowing me to be your mother. We are proud parents, and love you so much. We are anxious and excited to see what the future holds for us...

Love,

Mom