Reading

In the past 7 years we have had 3 pregnancies/months of sickness, 3 newborns, 2 moves, 3 homes in 3 states and 2 degrees/career changes. This picture embodies the kind of stability we are hoping for in the coming year. We want to get back to the basics of eating family dinners and reading books before bed....being more proactive, rather than reactive.

Carys in the swing

This video is especially for the grandparents, who love uneventful videos of their newborn grandchildren.

Green Lake in Seattle

Last weekend we took a trip to Green Lake in Seattle. The lake has a 2+ mile paved walking/riding path and a great playground. The girls rode their bikes while I pushed Carys and they had so much fun on the playground. The video will probably bring back a lot of childhood playground memories for many of you...it did for me. :-)

New Hampshire vacation

We recently took a 12 day vacation to New Hampshire. There, we stayed with Jeff's parents and spent time with the Montague family and my parents, both of whom visited us there. It was a wonderful trip for us. We truly appreciate family so much...especially since we're 3000 miles away.

The five cousins -- Wills, Colby, Avery, Cambria & Carys

Colby, Avery & Cambria

The older girls with Daddy.

Our three girls.

Avery learned to pedal this summer.

Avery & Cambria at Canobie Lake Park.

More Canobie Lake Amusement Park.

Grandma holding Carys.

Carys & Colby at Hampton Beach, NH.

Playing in the fun pool.

Playing on the driveway. The girls spent so much time playing outside. It was wonderful!

Carys smiling and cooing at Cambria

This one is for the grandparents and aunts/uncles faraway.

Two months old!!!

Carys Marie is 2 months old! I can't believe how quickly two months has gone. She is growing well and having more happy times than before. She is hit or miss with naps -- one day she'll nap for 3 hours, another day she won't nap more than 10 minutes. She is doing well at night, though. Carys will sleep anywhere from 6-8 hours at night. As you can, she is smiling a lot more.

Visit

Today we had a visit from our seminary friends Kevin & Alisa Lind. They also have girls -- Hannah and Abby -- and recently moved to Eastern Washington. It was nice to see some familiar faces, and hopefully, encourage each other as pastors and families.

Playing out back

We may have a small backyard but the girls have spent hours outside this past week. They have played in the kiddie pool, ridden bikes around the patio, and talked to our neighbor kids over the fence. I'll get some pool pics soon.

Cambria

Cambria & her friend Hadley washing off the patio.

Avery chilling in a chair.

See how Avery wrapped herself up in the towel.

Mariners Game

Jeff talked me into a Mariners game last Friday. That wouldn't be so bad, except that it involved bringing Carys. She wasn't terrible but she also didn't settle down and sleep through the game (like most 8 week olds would do). It probably wasn't the smartest decision I've ever made, but it sure was nice to get out of the house.

Carys at her first baseball game (poor Avery still hasn't been to one since we left her at home this time).

Carys and Mommy

Mommy and Cambria

Daddy trying to get Carys to sleep.

Cambria at Safeco Field.

Daddy/Daughter Camping Trip

Jeff and two other dads from church took their 5 year old daughters camping for the first time. They went to Cle Elum, WA (on the Eastern side of the Cascades) and had a great overnight trip.
They stopped off in Roslyn, WA (filming site for Northern Exposure)

Playground fun.

Cooling off.

Eating or playing with twizzlers.

I love this picture!

Roasting marshmallows

Eating smores (though Cambria didn't really like them...what is wrong with her???). I see me (Laurie) in Cambria's face. I don't usually see myself in her looks, just her personality. :-)

Jeff having a karate kid moment.

Ready to camp.

One more Carys video at 7 weeks

Carys' coos