On Saturday, Sean's little brother Jonathan got married. Sean was the Best Man, and I was the official wedding photographer. While we were both busy fulfilling our duties...our son turned into a complete party animal. He danced all night, in various costumes & get-ups (thanks to the photo booth props), and went home (after 11pm) a happy, smiling little dude.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Fourth of July on Nelson Way
Last October, when we first moved into our house on Nelson Way, our neighbors all had 3 things to say:
1. Welcome!
2. You're going to love Halloween here -- it's crazy busy, and so much fun!
3. You have to be here for Fourth of July -- there's a big parade with some floats, firetrucks, and lots of dogs/bikes/strollers, a block party, and a 5k!
So far, so good:
1. We have felt welcome from the first day we were here!
2. Halloween was great (remember our adorable little Ewok!?)
3. Fourth of July on Nelson Way did NOT disappoint (and I, of course, have the pictures to prove it)!
We were lucky enough to have Jess & Payton here visiting for the long weekend, too! How adorable are Landon & Payton in their matching, homemade, fourth of july shirts!?
1. Welcome!
2. You're going to love Halloween here -- it's crazy busy, and so much fun!
3. You have to be here for Fourth of July -- there's a big parade with some floats, firetrucks, and lots of dogs/bikes/strollers, a block party, and a 5k!
So far, so good:
1. We have felt welcome from the first day we were here!
2. Halloween was great (remember our adorable little Ewok!?)
3. Fourth of July on Nelson Way did NOT disappoint (and I, of course, have the pictures to prove it)!
We were lucky enough to have Jess & Payton here visiting for the long weekend, too! How adorable are Landon & Payton in their matching, homemade, fourth of july shirts!?
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Tour de Northwest: Seattle
The last leg of our "Tour de Northwest" brought us to Seattle, Washington to visit the Kehrlis: Lynsey, Bob, Addison, and Kenai! It was my first-ever trip to Seattle, so I was super excited to be a tourist, and get to see the sights, while visiting with baby Addison & "Kenai Dog Dog"! Keeping with our theme, here is the Top 10 list for our weekend in Seattle!
1. MEETING ADDISON (MY BIRTHDAY BUDDY)
Addison Grace Kehrli was born on September 26th, 2012 (like me & Johnny Appleseed)! What a fun, lovey, happy little girl she is! I loved seeing Bob & Lynz in their new roles as parents, and was so entertained by Addison & Kenai's shenanigans! It was obvious that they were fast friends! Little Addison starting crawling just a few days before our arrival -- she's on the move now!
2. FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER IN GREENWOOD
On Friday night, Bob & Lynz surprised us with dinner out in Greenwood, a neighborhood in Seattle close to their home. It was a cute area with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars. We had a yummy dinner, enjoyed cold beers, and (of course) snapped a family photo on "Greenwood Ave"!
3. SIGHT-SEEING IN SUNNY SEATTLE
Of the 3 locations cities we visited on our vacation, I was most excited to visit Seattle because it was my first time! Lynsey, Bob, and Addison were fantastic tour guides, taking us all over downtown, through the Public Market, past the first-ever Starbucks, through the flying fish, and on an awesome boat ride with some of the most beautiful views of a city skyline I've seen!
4. L&B B&B
Lynz & Bob were such wonderful hosts! If they ever decide to quit their day jobs, they definitely could run a successful Bed & Breakfast! Lynz has such great attention to detail, and sets the table even for the simplest meals! Next time I put butter on the table it will be in a cute dish (instead of the plastic tub), thanks to Lynz! On Saturday evening we continued to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL day & weather by BBQing in their backyard!
5. "KENAI DOG DOG"
Landon just loved "Kenai Dog Dog"! They had tons of fun wrestling around the house, and chasing each other up and down the stretch of grass along the side of the house! What a sweet, gentle, loving pup!
6. LANDON'S FIRST BOAT RIDE: THE SEATTLE WATER TAXI
What a treat! Our little man who LOVES anything that moves (cars, trucks, bikes, trains, boats, airplanes, and more) went nuts on his first-ever boat ride, the water taxi to & from West Seattle! It was a quick, easy, and smooth 10min ride there, where we got off, snapped a few photos, then headed back -- the perfect trip for a 21 month old!
7. STUMBLING ACROSS A PRO PHOTOGRAPHER ON A PIER
Our luck! While in West Seattle, we walked to the end of the pier to take a few family photos with that beautiful skyline as our backdrop! As I was preparing to set my very big, very expensive camera on a trash can and activate the self-timer, a nice fisherman offered to take a photo of all six of us! We, of course, said yes! Little did we know...this guy was a pro. He was bending down, changing angles, zooming in and out, and maximizing the gorgeous skyline behind us! What a treat -- and we were able to complete our trip by getting the third & final group photo...this time with Team Kehrli!
8. COMPARING "PARENTING NOTES"
It was so awesome to see Lynz & Bob as parents! I really enjoyed getting to spend time with them, exchanging baby stories, and offering (and receiving) parenting tips & tricks! We've always had plenty in common, but now that we are all parents -- there's never a dull moment, and rarely a quiet room!
9. WATCHING THE "YELLOW AIRPLANE BOATS"
One of my favorite memories from our Northwest vacation was watching Landon watch the "Yellow Airplane Boats" land on the water in Seattle! We got to see at least 5 or 6 biplanes take-off and land that morning. He was very impressed that 2 of his favorite modes of transportation were combined in one. His little mind was blown.
10. SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS WHO ARE REALLY MORE LIKE FAMILY!
Bob & Lynz: thank you so much for opening your home to us, feeding us, and showing us around your city! We are so very happy for you guys, you are awesome parents, and we can't wait to see you in September for Katie & Vince's wedding!
1. MEETING ADDISON (MY BIRTHDAY BUDDY)
Addison Grace Kehrli was born on September 26th, 2012 (like me & Johnny Appleseed)! What a fun, lovey, happy little girl she is! I loved seeing Bob & Lynz in their new roles as parents, and was so entertained by Addison & Kenai's shenanigans! It was obvious that they were fast friends! Little Addison starting crawling just a few days before our arrival -- she's on the move now!
2. FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER IN GREENWOOD
On Friday night, Bob & Lynz surprised us with dinner out in Greenwood, a neighborhood in Seattle close to their home. It was a cute area with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars. We had a yummy dinner, enjoyed cold beers, and (of course) snapped a family photo on "Greenwood Ave"!
3. SIGHT-SEEING IN SUNNY SEATTLE
Of the 3 locations cities we visited on our vacation, I was most excited to visit Seattle because it was my first time! Lynsey, Bob, and Addison were fantastic tour guides, taking us all over downtown, through the Public Market, past the first-ever Starbucks, through the flying fish, and on an awesome boat ride with some of the most beautiful views of a city skyline I've seen!
4. L&B B&B
Lynz & Bob were such wonderful hosts! If they ever decide to quit their day jobs, they definitely could run a successful Bed & Breakfast! Lynz has such great attention to detail, and sets the table even for the simplest meals! Next time I put butter on the table it will be in a cute dish (instead of the plastic tub), thanks to Lynz! On Saturday evening we continued to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL day & weather by BBQing in their backyard!
5. "KENAI DOG DOG"
Landon just loved "Kenai Dog Dog"! They had tons of fun wrestling around the house, and chasing each other up and down the stretch of grass along the side of the house! What a sweet, gentle, loving pup!
6. LANDON'S FIRST BOAT RIDE: THE SEATTLE WATER TAXI
What a treat! Our little man who LOVES anything that moves (cars, trucks, bikes, trains, boats, airplanes, and more) went nuts on his first-ever boat ride, the water taxi to & from West Seattle! It was a quick, easy, and smooth 10min ride there, where we got off, snapped a few photos, then headed back -- the perfect trip for a 21 month old!
7. STUMBLING ACROSS A PRO PHOTOGRAPHER ON A PIER
Our luck! While in West Seattle, we walked to the end of the pier to take a few family photos with that beautiful skyline as our backdrop! As I was preparing to set my very big, very expensive camera on a trash can and activate the self-timer, a nice fisherman offered to take a photo of all six of us! We, of course, said yes! Little did we know...this guy was a pro. He was bending down, changing angles, zooming in and out, and maximizing the gorgeous skyline behind us! What a treat -- and we were able to complete our trip by getting the third & final group photo...this time with Team Kehrli!
8. COMPARING "PARENTING NOTES"
It was so awesome to see Lynz & Bob as parents! I really enjoyed getting to spend time with them, exchanging baby stories, and offering (and receiving) parenting tips & tricks! We've always had plenty in common, but now that we are all parents -- there's never a dull moment, and rarely a quiet room!
9. WATCHING THE "YELLOW AIRPLANE BOATS"
One of my favorite memories from our Northwest vacation was watching Landon watch the "Yellow Airplane Boats" land on the water in Seattle! We got to see at least 5 or 6 biplanes take-off and land that morning. He was very impressed that 2 of his favorite modes of transportation were combined in one. His little mind was blown.
10. SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS WHO ARE REALLY MORE LIKE FAMILY!
Bob & Lynz: thank you so much for opening your home to us, feeding us, and showing us around your city! We are so very happy for you guys, you are awesome parents, and we can't wait to see you in September for Katie & Vince's wedding!
Monday, July 8, 2013
Tour de Northwest: Butte
Our Tour de Northwest continued on Monday June 17th with a long drive from Boise, Idaho to Butte, Montana to visit the Kachmarik Family! Sean and I have been to Butte once before seven years ago for Lish & Dan's wedding (the first of my college friends to get married). We were so happy to be back...this time to see Lish, Dan, Connor, Drew, and brand-new baby Kaitlyn! Here is the Butte, Montana top ten:
1. MEETING KAITLYN!
The youngest new baby on our Tour de Northwest, little Kaitlyn Alice was just about 8 weeks old when we visited! What a little love she is: smiling, cooing, and sleeping like a dream! It was so wonderful to see my best friend with her DAUGHTER...I can already see a special bond forming between them, the only 2 Kachmarik ladies under that roof! Stick together girls!
2. BACKYARD FUN
The Kachmariks have a great big backyard, with a brand-new play structure perfect for Landon. They spent a lot of quality time on the play structure, swinging, climbing, and sliding. Thanks for sharing, Connor & Drew! We also enjoyed many fun outdoor meals together as a family. Kudos to the Kach Boys for eating corn on the cob -- what great eaters!
3. S'MORES
One of the nights we were there, we roasted marshmallows & made s'mores! What a fun, outdoor, summer memory! I think Landon is too young to remember this trip someday, but I can't help but be excited about the memories we made, and will continue to make on trips like this in the future! Side note: Lish had the largest marshmallows I've ever seen -- guess everything is bigger in Montana!?
4. HIKING UP (AND THROUGH) A MOUNTAIN
On Tuesday we visited the Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. We embarked on a 2 mile, 2+ hour hike up a mountain, through the mountain (exploring very cool natural caverns & caves along the way), then back down a mountain where we had a delicious picnic lunch. We did this with 3 boys under 4, one newborn baby girl, and 4 adventurous & willing parents! It was an awesome experience. I'll never forget Landon saying "big rock" as he pointed to the mountain, and "big tunnel" as we walked through the caves. I'll also never forget sneaking him Teddy Grahams (like contraband) when the State Park Ranger wasn't looking to curb his hunger, and keep his melt-downs at bay! I'll never look at a Teddy Graham the same way again! The "Extreme Kachmariks" did not disappoint...and these "City Greenwoods" are tougher for it! We even talked about shipping Landon to Montana for one week every Summer when he's older...just to make sure he stays tough enough! :)
5. DINERS, DRIVE-INS, & DIVES: BUTTE EDITION
On Wednesday, we ate lunch at a Butte Landmark: Matt's Drive In. This charming, authentic diner had delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes, only accepted cash, and still served coke out of glass bottles. Landon enjoyed his first diner-experience by mowing down a grilled cheese sando, while belly-up to the bar!
6. DR. WHEELER'S ARTISAN PIZZERIA
One night, we were treated to homemade, fancy-schmancy pizzas by Dr. Brian Wheeler! I guess he and his doctor-friends get together & do this all the time, so he knew all sorts of great tips, and made some really delicious pizzas. What a treat! Sorry, no pics of this adventure...I was too preoccupied with trying a slice of every variety that came out of the oven!
7. THOMAS THE TRAIN HAS FRIENDS....AND THOSE FRIENDS ALL HAVE NAMES
Landon loves Thomas the Train. He talks about "choo choo trains" and says "Thomas, are you!?" as he looks for him during the TV show. Connor & Drew are also into Thomas, and helped Sean and I learn that not only does Thomas have a lot of friends...but all of those friends have names! Thanks for introducing us to James, Percy, Emily, Toby, Harold, and more!
8. BATH PARTIES
I just loved seeing these 3 little dudes having a blast in the tub together! Tons of bubbles, lots of laughs, a few headlocks, and an audience!
9. MAN-ON-MAN DEFENSE
It wasn't until our third day in Butte that I realized we were evenly matched: 4 adults & 4 kids. Talk about the need for man-on-man defense! Not to mention the realization that when Sean and I add to our family we'll be outnumbered next time we visit the Kachmariks -- woah!
10. SPENDING TIME WITH GREAT FRIENDS...WHO ARE REALLY MORE LIKE FAMILY.
Lish, Dan, Connor, Drew, and Kaitlyn - thank you for being such wonderful hosts, and showing us around Montana! You are the trailblazing family - first to get married, first to have a baby, one of the first to move away & buy a home. Thanks for continuing to make things look so easy...the rest of us will figure it out, eventually! We love you -- and can't wait to see you all in September!
1. MEETING KAITLYN!
The youngest new baby on our Tour de Northwest, little Kaitlyn Alice was just about 8 weeks old when we visited! What a little love she is: smiling, cooing, and sleeping like a dream! It was so wonderful to see my best friend with her DAUGHTER...I can already see a special bond forming between them, the only 2 Kachmarik ladies under that roof! Stick together girls!
2. BACKYARD FUN
The Kachmariks have a great big backyard, with a brand-new play structure perfect for Landon. They spent a lot of quality time on the play structure, swinging, climbing, and sliding. Thanks for sharing, Connor & Drew! We also enjoyed many fun outdoor meals together as a family. Kudos to the Kach Boys for eating corn on the cob -- what great eaters!
3. S'MORES
One of the nights we were there, we roasted marshmallows & made s'mores! What a fun, outdoor, summer memory! I think Landon is too young to remember this trip someday, but I can't help but be excited about the memories we made, and will continue to make on trips like this in the future! Side note: Lish had the largest marshmallows I've ever seen -- guess everything is bigger in Montana!?
4. HIKING UP (AND THROUGH) A MOUNTAIN
On Tuesday we visited the Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. We embarked on a 2 mile, 2+ hour hike up a mountain, through the mountain (exploring very cool natural caverns & caves along the way), then back down a mountain where we had a delicious picnic lunch. We did this with 3 boys under 4, one newborn baby girl, and 4 adventurous & willing parents! It was an awesome experience. I'll never forget Landon saying "big rock" as he pointed to the mountain, and "big tunnel" as we walked through the caves. I'll also never forget sneaking him Teddy Grahams (like contraband) when the State Park Ranger wasn't looking to curb his hunger, and keep his melt-downs at bay! I'll never look at a Teddy Graham the same way again! The "Extreme Kachmariks" did not disappoint...and these "City Greenwoods" are tougher for it! We even talked about shipping Landon to Montana for one week every Summer when he's older...just to make sure he stays tough enough! :)
 |
| After building their confidence on the hike, and filling their bellies at lunch...these two did some freestyle rock climbing of their own! |
On Wednesday, we ate lunch at a Butte Landmark: Matt's Drive In. This charming, authentic diner had delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes, only accepted cash, and still served coke out of glass bottles. Landon enjoyed his first diner-experience by mowing down a grilled cheese sando, while belly-up to the bar!
 |
| Lando's first milkshake |
6. DR. WHEELER'S ARTISAN PIZZERIA
One night, we were treated to homemade, fancy-schmancy pizzas by Dr. Brian Wheeler! I guess he and his doctor-friends get together & do this all the time, so he knew all sorts of great tips, and made some really delicious pizzas. What a treat! Sorry, no pics of this adventure...I was too preoccupied with trying a slice of every variety that came out of the oven!
7. THOMAS THE TRAIN HAS FRIENDS....AND THOSE FRIENDS ALL HAVE NAMES
Landon loves Thomas the Train. He talks about "choo choo trains" and says "Thomas, are you!?" as he looks for him during the TV show. Connor & Drew are also into Thomas, and helped Sean and I learn that not only does Thomas have a lot of friends...but all of those friends have names! Thanks for introducing us to James, Percy, Emily, Toby, Harold, and more!
8. BATH PARTIES
I just loved seeing these 3 little dudes having a blast in the tub together! Tons of bubbles, lots of laughs, a few headlocks, and an audience!
9. MAN-ON-MAN DEFENSE
It wasn't until our third day in Butte that I realized we were evenly matched: 4 adults & 4 kids. Talk about the need for man-on-man defense! Not to mention the realization that when Sean and I add to our family we'll be outnumbered next time we visit the Kachmariks -- woah!
10. SPENDING TIME WITH GREAT FRIENDS...WHO ARE REALLY MORE LIKE FAMILY.
Lish, Dan, Connor, Drew, and Kaitlyn - thank you for being such wonderful hosts, and showing us around Montana! You are the trailblazing family - first to get married, first to have a baby, one of the first to move away & buy a home. Thanks for continuing to make things look so easy...the rest of us will figure it out, eventually! We love you -- and can't wait to see you all in September!
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