Keeping Up With The Johnsons

Life happens SO fast these days...here's where we've been!

2011-12-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you enough how fast time goes these days. I do know one thing, that I have never been happier in my life than I am now as a wife and a mother to two wonderful little girls. We are busy, and that's the way we like it. I keep telling myself that it's going to slow down. In actuality, it will never slow down and we've now decided to embrace the craziness.

As I lay my tired self down to sleep...I am lucky and my heart is full of love, eager to spend another day with my family.

So here's what we've been up to the past month......

My amazing grandfather drove 7 hours to meet his new GREAT granddaughter. Priceless.

Taylor and I attended my Mom's club getaway weekend in Rockaway Beach

We did a lot of this....

and Taylor really enjoyed all the snuggles from everyone

Sister photos

One of my best friends Jamie came all the way from Wenatchee to visit:)

Miss you friend....

Parker getting ready with the Murphy boys for the Nordstrom kids fashion show

Only shot..of kids on the runway...however there IS a great video! Thanks Jamie!

Parker, Eamon and Kellan Murphy

Just a normal night at our house..what...you don't have two handbags and leopard print pajamas? Parker in a nutshell.

My sweet little angel babe Taylor who sleeps through the night

A night of New Orleans with....

good friends Sean and Lauren:)

Thanksgiving was spent with Kevs Aunt Betty and Uncle Thos

Putting necklaces on Poppa

Great Aunt Betty cooking away

Aunt Betty and Uncle Thos

Grammie K

The AMAZING feast!

Me and P..who avoids ALL contact with cameras at times

The amazing big sis

An attempt at a family photo on Thanksgiving

Our big helper

Our Christmas tree

Oh sweet Baby Taylor Rose is two months. I can't stop kissing this little babe!

My heart and soul

This little girl has always LOVED the books. Classic shot...we check on her every night and this is what we find. I love that she loves to read.

"Light the Night" in our sweet little town

Taylor all bundled and ready for the lights

Best daddy

Spontaneous family trip to Mt. Hood

Parker LOVED it

So did daddy

and this girl, like always was the best little traveler.

Love watching Parker see things for the first time.

Two peas in a pod.

Literally our view from lunch at Timberline

Snow bear

LOVE.

Bath time x 2

2011-11-23T13:05:00.001-08:00

Bath time is so much more fun these days:)

"Soul Boy" reading...

2011-11-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

These days Parker is pretty much reading books front to back... in her her "soul boy" language. What, you may ask is "soul boy" reading? Well, when you don't know some of the words, you simply insert "soul boy" to fill in the story and BAM, you have "soul boy" reading.

tutorial below:)

Little late...but happy 1 month Taylor!

2011-11-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm a little late with this post, but I'm a little late to everything these days with two kiddos. Updates: Over 10lbs now and 22 inches long. She is finally on a sleep pattern at night. Only up twice with ab out 4-5 hour stretches. She is an amazing little nugget. Snuggles and smiles, thats what her day consists of...well and lots of pooping. Man I'v never seen a little one poop so much. TMI..anyways. Happy Fall to you all!!

xxoo The Johnsons

Love the falling over photos:)

Spooky Sprinkle and my favorite...HALLOWEEN

2011-11-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, some of my closest girlfriends gathered to throw Taylor and I a "Spooktacular Sprinkle!" It couldn't have been more spooky, er...I mean special. Thank you to Rothie, Wexler and Lisa for all the time and effort put into all the little details! I loved it!!

Pic courtesy of Courtney. The wonderful hosts and I:)

Cute mamma Court, a strawberry and some mustard:)

Adorable decor...

Michelle and Jamie

Most of the Spooktacular posse:) Thanks again friends! I think we should get together every year at Halloween and dress up:) yes??

Me and my lil pumpkin Taylor

A night of Pumpkin carving and watching The Nightmare before Christmas...one of my faves.

She was SO into lighting the pumpkins

My Girls

On Halloween we ventured downtown with The Murphy boys and our friend Addy to Trick or Treat. So fun:)

Little pit stop for a little pumpkin spice latte

My little Jessie

It's the end of the night and all the trick or treaters are gone, my girls and I are in our Halloween pajamas....counting down the 364 days until this wonderful day returns.

MAN I love this time of year:)

My girls at 1 month...WOW

2011-11-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Sweet Taylor Rose 1 month

Flashback: Sweet Parker Lilly at 1 month 2 years ago

Wow....

They DO!!!

2011-10-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

Sunday we took a spontaneous trip to our favorite spot on the coast...Pacific City:) I took these 2 pics of my girls while they peacefully slept in their carseats. And by golly....these 2 DO look so much alike:)

P. Lilly

T. Rose

Pacific City was perfect. Exactly what we needed:)

Life is good.

WHOA BABY!!! We are a family of 4!!

2011-10-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

So needless to say I thought I was busy with a 2 year old....man oh man....busy just took on a WHOLE new meaning for me. Hence the late post announcing the arrival of our new little pumpkin to the Johnson patch...Taylor Rose. I am IN LOVE. I can't tell you enough how having a little baby can never get old. Just knowing you grew this little person and then holding her for the first time and feeling that INSTANT unconditional POWERFUL LOVE...will never get old. The c-sections and pain can though. Which is why most of us stop. (C-section numero 2....awful)

I have tons to get too...but I had to get this post up real quick so I can share the love with you all. You never know too, how your first is going to react when you bring the baby home. Well children can surprise you. Parker has been so sweet and helpful and she seems like such a big girl now. I feel so lucky and I can't really explain it, but my heart feels complete. Like we've been waiting all along for Taylor to get here...sounds weird I know...but our little family just feels so right and whole. Thank you to all our families and friends for their help, flowers/gifts and kind words. We feel so fortunate to have all of you in our lives.

love,

Kevin, DeLane, Parker Lilly & Taylor Rose

The day before my water broke we were busy. Off to a tea party!

Got the cookie cutters out....

and helped mom make cookies.

Then BAM!

In the middle of the night..my water broke!

And off to the hospital we went:)

15 hours later after trying for a vbac...I had another c-section. RIGHT after surgery...I was pretty dazed and emotional in this photo.

Our first family photo:)

Three days later we came home to our house decked out by our good friends the Murphy's!

SO cute:)

They came in the middle of the night with their two little boys and did all this.

Love you Murphys.

Daddy and his girls:)

mommy and her girls:)

LOVE this photo of Parker and Taylor.

Parker pointing out ALL Taylor's features....

...and look at those cute feet. Taylor is so long compared to Parker...well and of course weighed WAY more too! Who knew I could grow that big of a baby! WHOA!

I could stare at her face ALL day:)

Future Photographer....maybe?! She was way into all the photos being taken!

Little sis time:)

Taylor Rose Johnson

September 27th

5:15 pm

9lbs 5 oz

20 5/8 inches long

sisterly love:)

2011-09-13T08:08:00.001-07:00

About 3 weeks ago my sister and her boyfriend came to visit for 5 days!! It was so fun having them here. This age is so fun too. As you can see from the pictures, my sister loves to run and be active with Parker and Parker was LOVING it. Just warms my heart to see these two play. Like usual, the trip went way to fast leaving us wishing we lived closer.

Love you sis. Give Casey a hug for us and hopefully we'll see you soon.

My sis and Parker Lilly:)

Love this shot. Their faces and Mt. Hood in the background...just perfect.

SO sweet. Movie time with Casey.

cutie pies

Roche Harbor Staycation!

2011-09-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I've done it again. I've gotten waaaay behind on my posting. It's been another busy summer and we have really taken advantage of the time off to get away or have visitors!

1 month ago we went to the San Juan Islands specifically Roche Harbor to celebrate our good friend Kris Lande's (now Kirn :) ) nuptials to her main squeeze. It was probably one of the most beautiful and heartfelt ceremonies I've seen. So special and it was so nice to be there with all our friends too!

After the wedding weekend, we reserved a week with our good friends the Eastman's and Rigelmans from Wenatchee at a beautiful home just literally down the street from Roche Harbor.

It was an AMAZING 10 days away. We feel so lucky that we got to see SO many friends from different parts of our life in 1 vacation. I do have to admit, there is something about the San Juans that leaves me daydreaming of living the island life. After you see the photos, you'll know why!

IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL!

The "Krevins" Kris looked AMAZING:)

The bridal party. I loved their yellow dresses.

The Girls!

Spry, Parker and I obviously got the memo to wear stripes!

A nice little breakfast in the marina:)

The house view from the water where we stayed for a week with.....

these wonderful friends!!! We sure do miss our Wenatchee friends.

Our beautiful view from the house.

Where we spent many evenings around the campfire,

eating crab cocktails, playing games and telling ghost stories! My favorite!

And of course we had some reading time with Kevin, Parker and Ellie!

A little clam digging!

And these two kept us busy. SO cute. only 1 day and 1 year apart!

Yup....didn't plan this. Matching pjs AND in the toy bin together:) We had to take a pic!

Adorable Ellie and her adorable mamma Kristin.

We did lots of fishing and crabbing. Nothing like what Michaela caught...an Ivory King Salmon!! The RAREST salmon you can catch!

Here the guys are with the Ivory King. I'm bummed I didn't get a pic of her holding it!

Look at all that CRAB!

Have I mentioned I LOVE to crab. My belly is proof here:)

Parker's favorite thing. Crabbing and driving the boat with daddy!

I'm a little excited to crabbing again...hee:)

loved our lazy afternoons with this amazing view

and ALL the fun games we played. Man I miss these girls!

Parker loved the hammock!

Girl pic before our last supper in Roche.

The Johnsons

The Eastmans minus Ellie, she was in her stroller:)

The Rigelmans

Until next year friends....xxoo

Last night...full moon

last sunrise. Pretty much paradise in my eyes.

My girl....

2011-08-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

My sweet little girl is 2 today. We are busy trying to get her party ready....family is arriving any minute for the weekend...and all I want to do is take a minute and have a little cry and hold her like I used to....

She has changed our lives forever, for the better and I cannot imagine a moment without her in it. Her smile literally makes my heart melt and I've learned that saying "no" is one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do as a parent. However, I can't have miss P.Lilly running the house, as she already runs her daddy:)

(deep breath) So much change is ahead of us in the next month, and little Taylor Rose will be here before we know it. I am going to enjoy every last minute I can with my girl as our days as "us" is numbered.

Oh, Parker, I love you more than words and life itself. Thank you for completing our hearts and showing me a side a love I did not know was possible......

The face of summer

2011-08-04T08:34:00.001-07:00

Play dates at the park and ice cream smeared faces. This is what summer is all about. We are off for ten days to the San Juans for this sweet friends nuptials and then a week with these friends! Weddings, friends, crabbing and sun...HERE WE COME!

news.....

2011-07-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

So I believe I can finally divulge everything that has been going on the past 5 months in our lives. It has been a little nutso to say the least. Hmmmm, where to begin??

Ok, so 5 months ago we embarked upon the home buying process via the short sale route (btw there is NOTHING "short" about a short sale). It is a buyers market and there are many, many deals to take advantage of if you are in need of a home. We had successfully nailed down renters for our home in Wenatchee, for the time being, and felt we had really found the perfect neighborhood and home for our growing family in Canby.

Then this all happened....

* For 5 months we were dragged through the short sale process only to have the home foreclose on us because the owner is, well....let's say, difficult is an understatement. Devastating.

* Renters in Wenatchee tell us they are moving out

* The current house we are renting goes into short sale/foreclosure mode

*Kevin's dental practice is super busy with aesthetic improvements to the building...lots of time and work...and lots of NEW pateints!

*Early contractions, and doctor visits due to stress:(

*Find new home in same great neighborhood and close within 4 weeks (july 29)

*Kevin gone in Wentachee to meet new renters this weekend (thank god for them!)

*Home we are currently renting and living in sells

*Crunch time to get everything packed and moved at almost 7 months preggo.

In the meantime...I have a wonderful little toddler approaching her terrible 2's. Well, I really think she's been flirting with the terrible 2's idea since she was 1 1/2. She is so smart and stubborn. I know everyone thinks their own child is smart, but she really has been an observer since she was born and now that she can talk and communicate, it is AMAZING what she is putting together at her age.

So we've also been busy with her at parks, zoos, playdates, trips, and just plain old fun around the house:)

So here's our new home. Not the best pic. When I get more I will post:)

I can't wait to MOVE IN!!!

Sweet Parker at the park

Kevin calls this "dress up time with Diane Keaton" lol

Walking in daddy's shoes already

One of Parker's best friends, Wrigley. This happens daily. Poor, sweet Wrigs just sits there:)

Just catching up on some TPS reports:)

Trips to the zoo with her bestie boy friend Eamon. Yes, they choose to walk like this.

A little lunch break at the zoo. Melts my heart.

My next post, will hopefully be from our new home...all unpacked and settled with a little less stress. Well at least until Taylor arrives:)

From sea to shining sea

2011-07-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Another great thing about moving back to Portland has been the ability to be so close to the coast again. We have made many trips already, and like usual I am way behind on my blogging. SO here are some pics from our trips during Memorial Day and the 4th. Parker really does call the "o-shun" home. However scared I am of tsunamis and sharks...I cannot deny the beauty and peace I feel at the beach. We look forward to many more trips back....inlcuding to our new favorite find...a sleepy and sweet beach town called Neskowin. Hands down my favorite beach town on the coast now! It is south of Tillamook and north of Lincoln City. The hills remind me of the California coast and the cute little town is right on the water. Old beautiful beach homes, with a cute little golf course, great restaurant and town store! Best of all, they had the most adorable 4th of July parade. We will be back for sure with our girls in the near future!

Oh...and the band The xx I cannot get enough of this summer, hope you like:)

Neskowin:)

Neskowin's adorable 4th parade!

Parker loves Dandelions:)

and flying kites

with daddy.

She LOVES the sand

Blondie

Fishing with Boppa!

I can do it myself...lots of this happening at our house right now!

Hugs with Grammie K.

And watching the waves with her favorite hat on..er Mom's hat.

Our view

The Neskowin house:)

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Memorial Day in Rockaway

Daddy and Parker got caught in a little sneaker wave:)

Fun times with Auntie Jibb!

Grammie K and Boppa

Hanging with daddy

Walks with my sister Jibb

Family sand time

oooh how I love to kiss these little toes!

Evening walks....

and evenings of liars dice!

Jibb and Kathy

Right before Boppa fell in the water!!

Miss ya jibb:)

My days are numbered....

2011-06-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

My days are numbered with this being my only little girl. And we have been living it up.

LOVE YOU Parker Lilly, and see you soon Taylor Rose:)

Sisters...

2011-05-09T13:43:00.001-07:00

The news is in... and what a wonderful Mother's Day Surprise/Gift it was. We will be adding another sweet girl to the Johnson clan! However shocked I was, I couldn't help but smile and say to myself...sisters. There is a very strong bond between two sisters, I know this bond as I too have one.

Oh what joy to have another little girl! My heart is so happy. I'll leave you with the lovely lyrics to this song, as I haven't stopped humming it since Friday:)

Sisters Sisters

There were never such devoted sisters

 Never had to have a chaperone "No, sir" I'm there to keep my eye on her

  Caring Sharing Every little thing that we are wearing  When a certain gentleman arrived from Rome

 She wore the dress and I stayed home

 All kinds of weather We stick together The same in the rain or sun Two diff'rent faces But in tight places

We think and we act as one  Those who've  Seen us Know that not a thing could come between us

 Many men have tried to split us up but no one can Lord help the mister

Who comes between me and my sister

And Lord help the sister Who comes between me and my man

San Diego, Wenatchee, Easter and a Toddler OH MY

2011-05-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

WARNING: LOTS OF PHOTOS!

...but we've been busy

We went to lovely San Diego about a month ago for our dear friend Erik Fairleigh and Keldas wedding. This is where we stayed, which was right next door to the wedding site. Loved the colors!

We had a chance before wedding rehearsals and such to walk around Ocean Beaches.

Loved the old surfer town feel of this area.

At the beach:)

More of our hotel:)

Us at the wedding!

The Fairleighs

The cute groomsman

It was a fun night and a walk down memory lane with all these SAE boys!

Then we were off to visit the Huber family in Wenatchee to celebrate one of my closest friends Jamie at a baby shower that I and her mother threw for her. Parker LOVED playing with Ben and being outside!! Finally SUN!

Love you Jamie! two preggos

Everyone getting serious with the shower game!

Got this great idea from Tara and a shower she threw recently. I just had to make them too. Mine were little monkeys hanging.

Can't wait to meet baby Nate!

Parker, if she was allowed, would have spent ALL night outside!

The adorable Ben

Everyone playing in the sun

Parker in her Easter best

She looked so cute

Easter brunch with Kevins mom and brother, sister in law, and nephew Owen. Meeting the Easter BUNNY

Parker Loved the Easter Bunny

That daddy is too funny

Dying some eggs!

Rice time with Mom

Our little cowgirl. She loves hats.

Movie time

And the best game of all...drawer hopping.

Phew....sorry for the million pics...but from being pregnant, to traveling all the time, holidays, and then having a toddler, I do not know where our time goes anymore! Hope you are all well and I hope it won't be another month before I post again;)

Parker's growing up

2011-04-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

My poor little blog. I want to apologize, but when you find out what we've been up to, you might just agree that there's no need for apologies. For now, until I can share more:), here are some priceless pics of my sweet little Parker and all her silly little faces!

Welcome to the toddler stage!

There's a GOOD reason I've been absent......

2011-03-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

Yup...that's right...we are expecting!

Took two tests...

And tried to get the big sis to pose was almost impossible,

Until Daddy held her.

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Can I just tell you how excited I am to be able to do this again?

Below is our first glimpse of our lil' Pumpkin....I am ELATED to be having an October baby. It is my favorite month in case none of you knew this:)

ps: I have also been lying low because of how AWFUL I have felt. Never have I felt so nauseous and exhausted in my entire life. It is ten times harder feeling like this AND having a toddler. I am 11 weeks this week so here's hoping this is almost over. Thank goodness for my anti-nausea pills from the doc last week.

Minus the sickness, we are walking on sunshine friends:)

Beautiful "Momries"

2011-02-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

Caddyshacked in Wentachee

2011-02-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

The past three years while we lived in Wenatchee, our good friends Kristin and Matt Eastman would host a murder mystery party during the holidays. We have enjoyed the roaring twenties, the wild west, and this years theme...Caddyshack! So even though we live 5 hours away now, we headed back to one of our favorite places to be....Wenatchee.

Downtown Wenatchee:)

Caddyshack! We watched the movie to get into our characters and find fabulous 80's ideas for outfits and hair!

Here we are, the ladies in all our 80's Caddyshack glory

The guys!

One half of our hosts, Kristin Eastman and I:)

The other half of the Eastman clan, Matt.

Two peas in a pod these two.

The Eastman's throw a darn good party!!!!

Many yummy drinks lead to....

THIS! Late night dancing. SO FUN.

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The rest of our time was spent cuddling with their adorable daughter Ellie. Oh how I love this little girl:)

Playtime with Ellie!

And a wonderful bbq dinner get together that our good friends Mike and Jamie Huber had for us. I cannot tell you how much I miss all these amazing friends. Wenatchee will always hold a special place in our heart and we were so lucky to have lived there when we did and meet these friends for life. We love you all and again thank you to the Hubers for a really nice bbq and for watching Parker during the party and to the Eastman for being amazing and generous hosts. We love you guys!

East Coast XMAS and New Years...little behind:)

2011-01-31T10:28:00.000-08:00

I know this is waaay overdue:) What can I say....life has been very busy. You all know how it goes:) So onto the million photos below. This Christmas and New Years we spent on the East Coast with my family in Maryland. Parker and I stayed for almost 3 weeks while Kevin had to head back after a 5 day vacation. Our trip was packed full of adventures.

My mom does a wonderful job decorating the house!

Xmas Morning...I think she knew something fun was about to happen!

Xmas dress:)

Beautiful winter sunny days called for many walks and playtime in the yard with Auntie Jibb:)

On one of our many walks. She LOVES being outside and "exploring."

Our favorite place to eat out and visit, Annapolis. It was a winter wonderland!

Parker's first trip to the National Aquarium

This pic says it all, so fun....but tired out our little pumpkin.

She LOVED the Dolphins. I'm not kidding, she was screaming at them:)

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One of the most exciting parts of our trip was our surprise Xmas present from my sister. She scalped tickets to the biggest hockey game in the country while we were there. The Capitols against the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was one if the most exciting sporting events I have ever been to. Who knew NHL hockey could be so much fun!? The game went into overtime...then a shootout, where they both went 8 players deep until the Penguins scored. BOO! People around us had season tickets and said it was the best hockey game they'd ever been too. My sis did good:)

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Can I just tell you how much I am in love with our Capitol?? Washington DC is amazing. I love everything about it. The history, the buildings, restaurants, parks, and patriotism. GO USA

Evening walks with Kevin and my sis

The evening hustle and bustle of DC's Chinatown

And of course....Barack's house:)

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Lastly, my Xmas present to my sis was a girls night out in DC on New Years. So we rented a room at the W (a block from Barack's) and got tickets to their rooftop New Year's Party. The night was CRAZY FUN. There were 4 different party rooms. The main room overlooked the Washington Monument and the whole Capitol. We danced the night away, met some hilarious people and witnessed some even more unforgettable performances. 80's rap artist Doug E. Fresh headlined the evening and we ran into his "entourage" in the elevator. That's just how our night went. Ridiculous.

The W in Washington DC

Our view for New Year's from the party

Sisters getting ready to go out

1 of 4 dj rooms

After a couple libations:)

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Overall...It was a very fun trip. Thank you to my parents for everything, my sister and my Grandpa who also came out. Flying home by myself was a little challenging, as she is a party girl and never likes to sleep. I was EXHAUSTED when we got home. We were so excited to see Kevin. Parker loved seeing her bedroom and playroom with all her toys. It was so cute, she was dancing.

Hope you all had a wonderful and safe holiday.

xxoo

It's a Family Affair...

2010-12-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

About a month ago now we had some family photos taken by Robin Damore. She did a wonderful job:) I would have loved my good friend Coffey to have taken them, but she is a little booked these days and busy growing a "coffee bean" of her own:)

Merry Christmas to all! We are heading to the East Coast to visit my parents and looking forward to a White Christmas.

xxoo

The Johnsons

Santa and Parker..not really friends yet....

2010-12-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

Good times with Grandpa this weekend....

Played with my purse and put on more jewelry and asked mommy to put this ribbon in my hair

Made some friends, including some local fireman...

And HATED the man in the beard.

Oh well....I told her she wouldn't have to see him for one WHOLE year:)

Baking, Football and Fun OH MY

2010-12-10T16:16:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was busy busy busy! First crafting and baking at Teresa's with the girls and all our kiddos, and then we ended the weekend with our first NFL game. One word to sum up everything....FUN!

Stadium lights on our way to catch the Amtrak home. Beautiful!

One of my besties:) Thanks again Lisa for awesome seats!

Loving this...

In heaven. Boys are so cute at sporting events.

GO! SEAHAWKS!

GO COUGS! Parker with Rothie's twin girls, and future besties Emma and Avery!

Another bestie...Addy! What a helper!

Cabe's son and future boy FRIEND Easton! She won't be dating anytime soon:)

Another future boy FRIEND Griffin:)

Martha Stewart's Glitter Ball cookies Jamie and I made!

The crafting room with Jamie, Diggy and Ruthie. Some beautiful cards were made here!

Jamie sipping some vino by the tree. Classy. We did alot of this!

The first night! Diggy, Jamie, Spry (came up from So Cal for this!) holding baby Emma, Teresa (the amazing host aka Super Mom), Rothie (another Super Mom who travelled down with her twin girls!) and her other little daughter Avery in the bassinet. Due to arrive later, Ruthie, Cabe and her son Easton. It was a full house:)

SUCH a wonderful weekend with the girls, 6 kids, and a date day with my hubbs. Thank you to Teresa for hosting and for watching Parker and to Lisa for the tickets! It was such a fun weekend and I know we will all look forward to this every year!

The history of "ow" according to Parker...and 15 month stats

2010-12-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving morning "cheese" face. I.Love.Her.So.Much.

Well we had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my mother-in-law in town. Ate way too much and did lots of Christmas decorating at our house and the practice.

Big news though is that Parker had her 15 month check-up this past week. Before I get to her stats, I have to tell you a quick story...

So Parker, knock on wood, has never really been hurt. She has the occasional trips and tumbles like any other kid. However two weeks ago, turns out fear mixed with pain can leave a lasting impression on a child. So we went to see a photographer to get family photos and afterwards we went back to her amazing studio to preview the photos. Her studio, I would imagine is any photographers dream. 40 foot ceilings with paintings, photos and props everywhere.

It happened fast. Parker tripped, fell into an easel holding a 6 x 6 foot painting with a HUGE elaborate frame. I was at a desk too far away, and Kev was close enough to get to her right after the frame hit her in the head. I WAS HORRIFIED. She held her breath till her lips turned blue and than let out a scream like I'd NEVER heard. I immediately checked her head and was consoling her when all of a sudden she just stopped crying and kept patting her head and going "ow." We were shocked she recovered so fast, it was literally a minute. My photographer said she thinks the painting floated on it's way down and more scared her than hurt her. She said if it had hit her right on, she would have been seriously injured.

So anyways, anytime she falls now or something hurts, she pats her head and says "ow" as she associates pain with that moment. Crazy, huh? This includes getting her shots. Right after her shots I picked her up, she cried for maybe 30 seconds than patted her head and said "ow."

Children are amazing. Just had to share this little story:)

Sooooo, onto her stats. Drum roll please!!

Parker has consistently been in the 5-10 percentile across the board since she was born.

But this visit, she has jumped to 50 % in height and 20% in weight!

Hey, every little bit counts right?? Wahoo!

Off to pack for a fun crafting weekend in Longview at Teresa's with the girls and then Sunday, we will be attending my FIRST Seahawks game! Well really, my first ever NFL game. Thanks to Lisa:)

Have a great weekend everyone.

my little "grown-up" girl

2010-11-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

our typical mornings....

Life.

One year ago, my days were spent holding this precious little pumpkin.

Afternoon snoozing and midnight feedings. All of it, (even the pumping for 6 months), I

have cherished. It has been the most amazing thing I have ever done. Harder than my "corporate" days and more rewarding than anything I have ever known, this is who I am now...Parker's Mom.

My days now are spent chasing a little opinionated girl, whose personality brings me to tears

on a weekly basis. In a good way of course. I cannot believe the things she does and says.

The child's mind is fascinating and I enjoy nothing more than watching her observe the world

and connect the dots of life.

I LOVE being a MOM...I love being Parker's Mom.

____________________________________________________________

PS: This was really hard to do. After MANY hours of sorting through a years worth of Parker's clothes (and one tissue box), I consigned all of these clothes. What doesn't sell goes to Haiti. This was an incredibly emotional project. SO many memories of my once upon a time, baby girl. We still have many clothes left over and I know these clothes will go to someone who needs them more than we do.

Fast Forward please....

2010-11-08T20:08:00.000-08:00

Days spent playing on her new furniture....

Concerts with good friends....

Adventure's out with the visiting Dempsey's...

Playing the drums with Sarah Dempsey:)

Getting into mom's jewelry and headbands...

Official Portland Rose Festival artists paints mural on the front of our practice... We made the front page of the newspaper! "Wall of Wonder"

Visit to Spokane to see my Grandpa and Aunt Leslie...

My parents visit from the East Coast, Parker loved her walks with Grandpa:)

Typical evening with these 3....

Visit to Seattle to see besties and babies...

and to help with these adorable, perfect twinsie girls Emma and Avery....

Trip to AZ to visit my sis...climbed Camelback Mountain. SO HARD.

Me and my sis

going out!

Halloween, Kardashian style in AZ...you should have seen all the people come up to us!

Finally home...Halloween, Canby style with our little Pumpkin

Our Pumpkin girl.xxoo.

Parker LOVES her kitty.

into mom's jewelry again...

and lastly...playing kissy face at the Park.

I am WAY behind on blogging. We have been GONE, had company and have been CRAZY busy trying to build a business. So rather than bore you with a month's worth of updates, I'll let the pics tell the story:)

Hope you are all enjoying your Fall. We are, and it is flying by with Parker keeping us running. I LOVE this age:) She is talking and boy oh boy does she have a fiery little personality! xxoo and I promise to keep up with my blogging, hopefully;)

::Pumpkins...Parker...and HOME oh my::

2010-10-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

Please listen to this wonderful song while scrolling down.... sooo good:)

The theme song of our family these days:)

Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Rides out to the pumpkin patch

In the corn maze!

Flower Farmer Pumpkin Patch down the street from our house

train rides

Hay pyramid!

I couldn't go through it...it was waaaay too dark with spiders!

View from inside

Pumpkins!!

Teething girl:( She was staring at the pyramid...loved the hay

My Pumpkin Girl

Filling the Johnson family Halloween calendar

mmmmm, candy

If I could have ANY season be year round...it would be this one. And the last day of every month would be Halloween. Yup, pretty much, that would be a perfect world to me. In the meantime, I will have to make due with October happening once a year:) We have already been to three pumpkin patches and corn mazes and I just can't get enough!!! Here are some recent pics....

Happy FALL, HALLOWEEN, FOOTBALL and BOOT season. Isn't it great to break out all the sweaters, boots and scarves again?? Love it, doesn't get any better than this in my world:)

This is the face....

2010-10-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

of a teething child.

It has been a roller coaster 5 days of fevers, restless nights and refusal to eat.

Hang in there baby girl....

100 YEARS of Cowboy FUN

2010-10-03T23:53:00.000-07:00

There are MANY photos...sorry it's too hard to pick when I took 600 photos..

On our way to Parker's first parade to kick off Round-Up with Grandpa and Grammie K

Waiting ....

AND...she wanted out to walk around before the parade began

Queen and her court

Loving every minute.

Awesome antique cars

Pendleton

Happy Canyon crew

Dancing floats

BEST slogan for a local business EVER

AN awesome John Deere showing

Local ag showing

And..it was a successful parade!!

Boots and dogs!

One of the best places to eat and play in town

Handsome hubbs

Us:)

New gated entrance and newly painted stadium

Indian Village outside the arena

Cowboys getting ready to ride! btw..I caught they guy on the left in a below picture during his awesome RIDE!

Grandma Debbie, Kevin and Parker before the Wednesday rodeo

Cowboys!

Pendleton Round Up Queen!

More cowboys...getting ready in the chutes

Loving it!

cutie

I want to eat this face!

AWESOME! Guy we took an earlier pic with!!!

Outside the arena

Inside the arena

The Mohrland girls and Johnson girls:)

She was obsessed with the horses...we need more animals!

Last feeding before Parker went to spend the rest of the weekend with Grandpa and Grammie K

The crew this year: The Hubers and Riggelmans! SO FUN!

Before the Friday rodeo began...

New stands and bridge

Big crew!!!

Hamley's!

Mike and Jamie Huber..xxoo

Michaela and Pete Riggelman...xxoo

Pete, me, and Kevin at Hamley's

Cowboys getting ready before their ride

Traditional Indian dance on Saturday before the last day of the rodeo

Last day! WHAT.A.BLAST.

The third week in September in Pendleton Oregon is not any 'ol ordinary week. It is a week of no school for local kids, cowboys, and good 'ol rodeo fun! Kevin has been bringing me to this wonderful town and its traditional rodeo since I was a sophomore in college, and this year was pretty special. You see, this year was the 100 year celebration of one of the oldest rodeos left in the country....and the town and festivities did NOT disappoint.

You see, when I was back in college and I told my girlfriends that I was heading to Pendleton for the rodeo, there was not a laugh unheard in the room. But, I have to admit, not ever living in a small town for a long period of time, there has always been something about this place that is never changing and true testament to the tried and true American way. From the hard working farmers and local businesses, to the broncing bulls and Let er' Buck attitude.....that makes this town a flashback in time.

Over the years we have brought many friends from all aspects of life to experience this place...and there is NOTHING like the Pendleton Round-Up. The town really outdid itself for this years celebration. New grandstands, seating, newly paved streets and grand gated entrances...the whole place was oooozing a patriotic trance that we all fell captive to.

This is a tradition that will live on in our family. Who knows...hopefully our kids and grandkids will be there for the 200 year...I sure hope so......

Seriously...if there's one thing to put on your bucket list people...this event is one of them....

The Lund's visit: CATCH UP POST 3

2010-09-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

Bath time with Auntie Jibb and her Great Aunt Sister Leslie

Quality time with Auntie Jibb:)

Dinner at Deschutes Brewery. Yummy food and beer!

Kev, Dad, Grandpa and my Aunt Leslie at Deschutes Brewery

Parker taking a stroll with her Great Grandpa!

LOVES walking

Parker with her Grandpa on one of their many walks

Celebrating Jibb's Birthday at Pix Patisserie in Portland. To die for desserts!

Dinner at the Montage in Portland.

Jibb and Dad. Yup, that's as wide as his eyes open.

At Departure in downtown Portland for cocktails.

The view!

These two are going to be really close:)

With Grammie and Grandpa with all the jewelry Grammie gave her. SHE LOVES jewelry.

Fun times with the grandparents!!

Labor day weekend, my parents, sister, Grandpa and Aunt Leslie came to visit. It was a FULL house but fun to have everyone together. We spent lots of time walking around with Parker, eating out, and catching up. Good 'ol fashioned family time. It was a LONG trip for everyone we know, but so worth it to have all of us together. Here are some pics of 4 generations of Lund's!

Lastly...here is an awesome video of my sister playing with Parker....this is what it's like when she's around Parker. Love ya sis...you are a wonderful Auntie.

walking:)

2010-09-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

Anyone know how to flip these "flip" videos? I was a little disappointed in the quality of this supposed HD Flip we have. Oh well, I think you all get the point. She is walking everywhere. This is SUCH a fun stage:) Have a fun Saturday, we are off to the pumpkin patch!! As you all know...October is only 5 days away!!! My favorite month and holiday that I wait all year for:)

Parker's BIRTHDAY PARTY: Catch-up post 2

2010-09-22T08:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Pumpkin!

The tables

Grandma Debbie and Guncle Hoai

Great Aunt Bettie and Uncle Thos, and Poppa and Gammie Kathy with the birthday girl

Who's house...Parker's house!

LOVE personalized stuff;)

Brady, Ashley, Terry, Addy, Kristi, Wexler and baby Easton

Good friends Kristi and her son Easton, and Terry with her daughter Addy and baby boy Griffin on his way!

Cute Addy;)

Champagne and fruit=relief for mamma on party day!

One of her besties Stella (1 day apart) and her great Aunt Bettie

Guncle Hoai and Grandma Debbie!

my little girl

Banner I made for her

party time

Beautiful cupcakes done by Miss Kimberly Wexler and personal cake by JOAT

Verrry tired party girl

Can't believe she's one....

More interested in what Addy's doing

Kristi and Easton

Party time some more:)

oh wait...there IS cake in front of me. YES!

I had some helpers for present time. Addy and Isaac, thank you:)

This pic says it all. My little party girl had an awesome day!

Those of you that know me, know that I LOVE throwing parties. I giggle like a little girl just thinking of party themes and decoration ideas. So Parker's first birthday has been in the plan book for "awhile." I just love to see everyone enjoying themselves and as she gets older, I hope she enjoys them as much as I love throwing them.

Though Kevin was a little worried that this might be a problem in the future, as we were EXTREMELY exhausted after it was over. Him saying, "Are we really going to do this every year?" Me, "Well, yes of course!"

Thank you to Wexler and my in-laws for all their help and for everyone who made the trip to visit! We had a blast.

Here's to another wonderful year pumpkin. Love you SO much Parker.

Catch up post 1...Wenatchee

2010-09-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Applewood for drinks on Kevs Birthday!

Jamie and I:)

Me, Kristin and Baby Ellie who was born 6 days later!

The old work crew

friends xxoo

Parker on her new ride from Ben and the Hubers

The had so much fun together!

Morning ride on the Columbia - Kev-o

I LOVE water skiing

Mike Huber, obviously WAY better than us:)

So we have now figured that for a straight two 1/2 months we have either been gone or had company. BUT, we wouldn't have it any other way:) However, my body is paying for it. Since I am home sick with strep (which is what I always got at WSU if I had too many nights of fun), I thought I should catch up on my poorly neglected blog.

First Catchup....Wenatchee. We went to visit for Kev's birthday weekend to celebrate his day, our good friends the Eastman's possible birth of their daughter (she was due that weekend), and to see all our friends! Here are some pics of our home away from home:)

Love and miss you guys and hope to see you soon, and meet Baby Ellie!! Congrats to the Eastman's and their beautiful daughter who was born the day before Parker and Kristin's (mamma) birthday!

"Like A Prayer" flashback....

2010-09-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

A first...A nun in the cirlce...

Me....I couldn't believe this was happening...

"Like a Prayer"

"Oh Pat"

August 27th, 2005....what a night:)

In honor of our five years of marriage, and Lisa reminding me of this one-of-a-kind moment, I dug through my wedding photos and found these gems.

For those of you who don't know. "Like a Prayer," by Madonna is a special song for my girlfriends. It is not just any ordinary song where we know all the words, it's like we are from another PLANET when this song comes on. Through the years we have developed moves and sounds that only we can understand. It is quite the spectacle when it comes on and we are together. All I can say is...you have to see it to believe it.

One of those special crazy moments with song was taken to another level when my wonderful Aunt Leslie...or as the religious Catholic world knows her as...Sister Leslie, yup she a nun...Jumped in the middle of our circle and started dancing with me with OUR song on. It was a moment I will never forget.

To this day she talks about it and how wonderfully lucky I am to have such a strong bond with my friends...

I agree, and Aunt Leslie, this was a moment we will never forget either....

Belated sweetie post....5 years going strong

2010-09-01T10:28:00.001-07:00

With Parker's Birthday the day before our Anniversary now, I feel like our day was a little over-shadowed by the birthday girl this year (and probably will be from now on).

So sweetie.....here's to 5 years. I have never been happier in my life. Thank you for being my best friend and best father to our daughter. I fall in love with you all over again when I see you and Parker together. Thank you Kevin, for everything.

I cannot wait for what else life has in store for our family:)

xxoo

ONE of a kind Birthday cake

2010-08-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

Yup.. no joke..that's the "beauty" I made

Even Parker's like what the heck is this. And NO I have not let her dig into it yet.....

mmmmmm.but it's good mommy

sugar high

family photo and Parker wiped my face with frosting right as Kev took the pic

I could look at this face ALL day long

I.like.paper.

what's in here?

oooh!

Parker's first rose from her Dad:)

My family.

Ha...had you going....no no no, it is not our dear friend JOAT's cake, but my own "fancy" cake that I made for Parker tonight. Man oh man, did I learn I am a cook...not a baker. Oh well, so the cake looked like Parker had already destroyed it before she touched it, no big deal?

What a great family day together. Parker woke up at 5:30am (an hour and half early), Kev swore it's because she knew it was her birthday. We then played, went for a walk, met Kev for lunch, shopped, napped and then Kev came home. He came home with presents, flowers for our anniversary tomorrow AND...

a ROSE for Parker. He said he wanted to be the first to give her a rose. Wow.

I am a lucky wife and mother.

NOW, back to planning/decorating/cooking, (don't worry, no more baking for me) for Parker's birthday party on Sat.

Do I have to say 1yr old now, or can I stick with 12 months?

2010-08-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

Parker's First Year At A Glance.....

1 month before...

First day as a family

1 week (maternity & newborn photos by good friend coffey)

1 week

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

11 months.....

& 12 month photos to come:)

Well it's officially true what everyone tells you, "they grow up fast...time flies." I am stuck in a mixed state of emotion today. So happy it's my sweet little girls birthday, but sad it's happening so fast, and worried if I am teaching her enough as everything seems to be flying by. Day by day, her and I have settled into our sweet little routine of giggles and smiles in the morning, followed by naps, playdates and runs with the doggies. Our summer has been filled with trips to see friends, celebrating babies, births and birthdays. She is such an adaptable, easy going, and fun little child to take anywhere.

Kevin and I sat last night and looked at pictures of her throughout the year, especially the one's from the time she was born. Both of us, were silent with wide smiles and warm hearts. I cannot express enough, how complete we feel, it's like she has always been a part of us...

Life is so much better with you my dear little pumpkin girl. We are so proud to call you our daughter...

AH, I cannot stop crying! Happy Birthday sweetie. Oh how I LOVE YOU.

BEAT the HEAT...we've been busy:)

2010-08-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

loving the swing

Being with my daddy

Beautiful Eastern Oregon sunsets....

eating yummy food

Loving on my granparents and doggie

Story time with Grandpa

Firsts with Grandma, climbing stairs...looking at flowers and playing in the sprinklers!

Two weeks ago Kevin and I decided to head to Pendleton to beat the heat of Portland. Well, two weeks later Parker and I are now home. Long story short we decided to stay in Pendleton while Kev went back to work. At the end of the week he then came back and picked me up from Pendleton and then off to Wenatchee we went. I really don't think we have spent more than a couple of weekends at home this entire summer. But, that is the way we kind of like it:) Thank you to Kevin's family for all the fun adventure's:) Here's a little of what we did...... Wenatchee post to come soon:) PS....not sure why my layout is sooo messed up, sorry!

Showering Rothie

2010-08-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

The beautiful mamma to be! Doesn't she look awesome?

The party committee and Rothie!

Rothie in her wheelchair and all her gifts.

To think there are 3 babies in this pic!

Setting up..

I love me some party favors!

JOAT's yummy key lime pie cupcakes...delicious.

Food!!

Cute friend pic:)

The girls! Btw...so funny how Michelle looks like an amazon woman on the end with all of us shorties!

This past Sunday my friend Courtney and I had the honor and pleasure of showering our dear, dear friend, Kim, or affectionately known by her friends as...Rothie.

This was no ordinary shower, in fact it was an EXTRAordinary shower held at Swedish Hospital in Seattle! You see our little friend was placed on bedrest and admitted to the hospital with her twinsie girls 2 weeks ago. While we were sad for a second about moving the shower, we knew we would make the most of it for her. I think we pulled it off:)

Rest assured Rothie, even though you are in the hospital, you have the greatest gift of all (two in fact!) that are all well....worth...the...wait. We all love you so much and cannot wait to kiss Emma and Avery's cheeks.

Off to pack, for ANOTHER weekend away. Hello Pendleton and SUN and most of all air conditioning. Leaving town as our 2 year old home in Canby has no air and it is supposed to be a roaster of a weekend here in Portland. Have a good weekend everyone!

A new addition to the Johnson Family!!!

2010-08-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

Ha!!! Had you going didn't I??? No no, not Kevin and I, but Kevin's brother Brian and his wife Bobbi Jo welcomed their baby boy Owen Taft Johnson Friday July 30th.

He is as precious as he looks! Congrats you guys and I am so excited to be the best Auntie D he will ever have;)

Wenatchee...home away from home

2010-08-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

My favorite pic of Kristin, the beautiful Mamma to be

Yummy food:)

The look of a very tired girl with NO nap. She was a dream during the shower.

She was gifted with so many beautiful girl clothes!

My sweet friend Cathy holding my little observer

Future boyfriend, she LOVES boys. My dear friends son Mason. He is the perfect son!

This is my "dear" friend Rita (Mason's mamma). Parker loves her animals!

At one of my home away from home's, bestie Jamie's house. Her son, another future boyfriend and "Wenatchee grandma," Jamie's Mom.

Part of the crew, Michaela, Kristin and I:)

Me and my pumpkin at the end of the shower. What a FUN weekend!

Yes, I am finally getting around to posting about our wonderful trip back to Wenatchee. Gosh do I miss this town. It really is a special place to us where me met amazing friends for life. We arrived safe and sound after a 6 hour drive with our little pumpkin and her new carseat. We only stopped once! She slept on and off the ENTIRE time. She LOVES her new carseat and thank goodness we installed it the night before. She is so easy and so fun to take everywhere. This has solidified many more long trips for us in the near future.

The weekend was filled with showering my very good friend Kristin Eastman and her daughter to be Ellison aka Ellie (love the name!) bbq's, and seeing missed friends. Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE throwing parties/baby showers/anything having to do with entertaining?? I had so much fun planning her shower with her family.

I love all our Wenatchee peeps so much, and some way, somehow, someday...I have a feeling the chapter is not closed on this town for us. Happy Baby Kristin, and I look forward to all the adventures we have planned ahead for our daughters! Spain...2013, girls trip right?

See you all in two weeks when we return!!!

xxoo

Can it be......

2010-08-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Can it be that your beautiful sweet face can already tell us so much?

And that you already have a favorite blankie?

Can it be you are SO curious about life.....

and always the observer?

Can it be that you may already show signs of being a supreme athlete (your Auntie Jibb will be so proud)

And lastly, can it be, that you are almost a year old????

Baby, this pic says it all...you are just the coolest little girl in the whole wide world Parker Lilly. We love you soooooooo much.

If all children are like this, more are in the future for us;)

Tea time with.....

2010-07-28T16:19:00.001-07:00

Picture courtesy of my wonderful friend Courtney:) Love this pic, thank you!

And NOW to what my post is about.....

Whatchya got there Dad?

You are the coolest Dad ever!

Cheers to that!

Bottoms up (Coug in training)

I cannot tell you ENOUGH how much this melted my heart when I caught these two having a tea party the other night......IN her tent.

Life.Is.Good.

more to come with pics form our trip to Wenatchee this past weekend for one of my closest friends Kristin and her baby shower I helped host:)

AND...WE'RE "OFF" :)

2010-07-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

"Off" to Olympia to see new baby Charlotte, baby Easton and Terry and her daughter Addy

Parker and 6 week old Charlotte

Hanging out at Lakefair

Can you pretty please get this food "Off" my face?

No really....can you?

I mean it, "OFF!"

"OFF" in my new tent:)

(PS my voice sounds SO annoying on this...warning, keep the volume low;)

Lastly..."OFF" and walking!!!!

love.you.Parker. We cried tears of joy today with this milestone. You continue to amaze us with your smile and melt our hearts with your laugh. We have SO much to look forward to with you!!!

xxoo

m&d

AUNTIE LISA visits

2010-07-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

SO one of my bestest of friends came to visit this past weekend. Our friendship has now been going strong for 12 years now. We met our freshman year of college at WSU and both were Kappas. I knew we'd be good friends after we talked for hours about our high school sweetheart boyfriends at the time on Kappas smoking porch. (disclaimer...we were not smoking:). HA! Do you remember that Lisa?

Anyways, we had a great girls weekend. You know you're good friends when you find your friend putting styrofoam letters on your daughters head in the bathtub, when you have secretly done it too!!!

xxoo Lisa, we miss ya already.

USA'S BIRTHDAY

2010-07-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

For our beloved USA's birthday this year, we headed over to good old Eastern Oregon to visit my in-laws. The weather was perfect and it had been way too long since we had been back. Lots of good times with everyone. Can't wait to go back for Pendleton Round Up's 100 year Anniversary this year in September!!

I look at these photos and I can't believe Parker is almost 11 months old. She is such a happy and sweet little girl, and feel very, very lucky. She is standing and "furniture walking" everywhere and most recently has learned to nod her head "no." Not sure if this is a good thing or bad thing yet;)

Her smile makes my heart melt and I would do anything.... just about anything for my cute little pumpkin;)

Hope you all had a great 4th!

Discovering favorites.....

2010-06-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

Crawling.....

Standing.....

to see my doggies outside.....

did I mention I love my animals?

hanging with my dad...

and helping him bbq:)

And lastly, I love doing this with my mamma....

Seattle!

2010-06-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Katie and Taylor's wedding

At Matt's Restaurant in the heart of Pike Place

The view from Matt's

Kev and Rothie (Kim) They look like an adorable couple here!

Parker's first eating experience at Pike Place.

Another sunny day in the NW

The most adorable mamma ever! Preggo with twinsies, doesn't she look great?!

Hanging out at Rothies with Wexler and Jamie:)

Happy Father's Day sweetie...Now I know where Parker get's that face from!

OK, so Parker was caught in the act of finding her "puff's," opening them, and eating them. For those of you that don't know what "puff's" are, in the parent world it's aka as Kiddie crack! Too funny how smart they are even at this age.

This past weekend was wonderful. But it didn't start out that way. Will someone tell me when traffic got so bad driving from Portland to Seattle? We left around noon and thought that would be PLENTY of time to make it to my girlfriend Katie's 6pm wedding. We thought WRONG . We rolled into Seattle at 5, and had to throw on our clothes for the wedding and leave a very unhappy baby with Rothie . Parker was fine until we hit the 4 1/2 hour mark. The whole way there was traffic. I was so stressed, and yes had a little bit of road rage as well. It was seriously ridiculous though.

We got to the wedding at 6:20 (after heading BACK into the city and hitting Mariner game traffic!), we were just in time to see their vows. Phew. Then proceeded to eat, drink and dance the night away. Well, until 11, as we were exhausted from our frustrating day of travel. Katie looked amazing and it was a beautiful wedding.

Saturday Rothie, Kev, Parker and I then headed down to Pike Place market and had a YUMMY lunch at Matt's In The Market overlooking the plaza. The restaurant is in such a wonderful location and I can't believe I have never been there before.

That evening Wexler and Jamie came over for some Parker time. It really is so neat to see your good friends interact with your daughter. I really can't explain it. It's just special. After some yummy Indian food and a showing of "It's Complicated," which was awesome, it was time for bed.

Thankfully on our way home it wasn't as bad. However it did rain cats and dogs the whole way home. Needless to say, we had a wonderful weekend celebrating Katie and Taylor's wedding and hanging out with wonderful friends.

I think next time though, we might take the train.....

Hope you all had a great weekend!

too much fun in the sun...

2010-06-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

Fun in the sun= falling asleep eating....

We are off to Seattle for the weekend for a wedding and to see friends. Everyone have a wonderful weekend and Father's Day!!

Visitors and milestones

2010-06-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

Kristin Eastman and us down at the Rose Festival waterfront park

Reading Parker's favorite book, the Dog book!

She is super excited here:)

Katie, Taylor and a very content Parker

couldn't resist posting this cheek picture, I cannot stop kissing those cheeks

Geeking out that she stood all by herself!

hangin' with my pups, this is a daily occurence

my heart melted when I took this picture yesterday

What a great past week we have had. My very very good friend Kristin Eastman flew down from Wenatchee. She is 7 months preggers with a baby girl and is just ADORABLE. We had a wonderful time showing her Portland. I swear her and Parker had a secret little language going, maybe it's because they share the same birthday. And get this, their daughter is due on Kev's birthday (aug 20th). Crazy I know! Kristin's theory is that she thinks Parker is going to be a marine biologist as she loves sea creatures (really all animals, screams at them) and loves to make really weird gurggling sounds. She also said Parker sounds like a sea otter. So there you have it:) I have been trying really hard to get the sound on video to share with you all....soon.

Sunday we went to a friends house for a farewell bbq. Sadly we move back and friends of ours are now moving to Vegas. Wish we could have spent more time with them before they left. At the bbq, Parker had a great time playing with all the kids:)

Then on Monday our good friend Katie and her fiance Taylor spent the night on their way up to Seattle from LA. They are getting married next weekend in Seattle and we are super excited to go and celebrate with them. She is a very good friend and it is always like no time has passed when we see each other.

On to Parker Milestones. Crawling, standing, furniture climbing, and a tooth!!! All within the past two weeks. Well she has been scooting for awhile, but now is really getting her butt up and crawling. She also has surprised us when we go to get her in the morning or after a nap and she is STANDING. There is such a look of satisfaction on her face! So we lowered the crib again, last night.

I cannot tell you enough how much I am enjoying everyday with her. She's developing such an adorable little personality and it is so fun how she interacts. I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful baby. Sorry about the sappiness, but it is true, and I feel blessed.

For now, those of you reading this in the NW, I think we are supposed to finally have a sunny weekend! Man oh man are we do. Hope you all have a good one, wherever you are.

xxoo