Daddy is on his way to Iraq. We said our goodbyes this morning. We weren't nearly as happy as it looks like in these pictures. They were taken between our tears. Please pray for Daddy's safe and speedy return.

Zoo Day!

We went to the zoo today! I got to feed the budgies. I was very careful when I held them, and I was very gentle when I petted them.

I always love getting up on this seal statue.

As always, the day ended with a ride on the carousel. We went around four times altogether. I would have gone more, but Mom and Dad were dizzy.

Last weekend with Dad

Since Dad will be seeing nothing but sand for a while, Mom and I took him to a nearby national park for his last weekend with us. We spent most of our day hiking. Look at how big this cedar tree is!

This one's for Grandma! :)

Taking a trail side break. I'm an expert rock thower. If you left me here long enough, I'd probably have all of these rocks in the river.

Chillin' at the lake after our hike. Daddy even found a place to do some cliff diving!

We sure will miss this guy!

Hiking Rainier

We took this hike almost two weeks ago, but Mom forgot to help me post the pictures.

I am a trailblazer.

It's cold up here... and I'm tired!

A little fog and a few raindrops weren't going to stop us from having a great time! The fog even lifted enough for us to see how tall Comet Falls really is. (Tall. Very tall.)

Weekend with the Fam

Elsa and I took a test run before Mom and Dad went kayaking.

Loving on Aunt Katy.

Uncle Joe took me kayaking! I loved it! We went so far that Mommy couldn't see us from the beach.

Aunt Katy and Elsa kayaked with us.

Can you beat this weather?! It was perfect for our outdoor weekend. Mom and Dad went crabbing with Grandpa; Dad did his usual swim from the bouy to the shore. Everyone got to go kayaking. And Elsa and helped Grandma and Grandpa pick all kinds of fresh vegetables from their hyper-garden. (We helped them eat a lot of vegies, too!)

Blackberries!

These were taken right after I went after my friend C.J. with hugs and kisses. She was a good sport. Or maybe that's because she's only 13 months old and hasn't learned how to get away yet. Double click on these pictures for the full effect. :) Yummy!

Cousin Love

Photos courtesy of Grandma.

Summer Time

Whistler Magic, Eh

We hopped off to Whistler for a week. Wished it were longer!

Grandma and Grandpa took Elsa and I to Alta Lake while our parents hiked to the Joffre lakes. (There are three of them.) This is the lower lake. They ate lunch at the upper lake under the glacier.

We celebrated Grandma's birthday! Actually, the whole week was a birthday celebration since Grandma had planned over a year in advance to spend her birthday in Whistler with her family. Thank you, Grandma! Aunt Katy made the best mud pie cake ever! I'm going to request it for my birthday.

Grandma got lots of help opening her presents and cards.

The weather was great. I didn't wear long pants once! We spent lots of time in the pool and lakes.

Check me out! I have the balance of a gymnast, or tightrope walker, or at least a child older than me. I can stand up on Daddy's hands for a long time! This trick impressed just about everyone at the hotel pool.

Mommy and Daddy snuck off for a mountain bike ride/hike. What a beautiful place! Mom is trying to convince Dad to move to Whistler. She's pretty sure that she could be very happy waitressing to support the summer hiking/biking/running/swimming and winter XC skiing/snowshoeing that they could do daily.

Taking a break on the trail. What a fabulous trip!

My new bed

I can climb out of my crib, even when it is facing backwards against the wall. So Dad put together my big boy bed. They're hoping for a smooth transition!