8 Months!

Michael is 8 months old and ready to take off running! Our little mover weighed in at 16 1/2 lbs at his nurse visit last week (they're trying to get extra benchmarks for him because he's slimmed down so much - but the Dr. is convinced that the early crawling and cruising is responsible). Michael loves pulling himself up on the furniture and cruising around, and has lost the "drunken sailor" look that he had when he first started :) His balance is good enough that he often lets go with one hand and can turn around and move in the other direction - he has also tried letting go with both hands and been successful a few times! A new favorite is holding on to Mommy's hands and walking around the house whenever I let him, and of course, chasing the kitties wherever they go. Toys that have buttons and make noise are a big hit, and he has figured out how to turn all of them on! He loves his big sister AND her toys (puzzle, crayons, books, and dolls - not the toys she likes to share!). Thankfully, Hannah is somewhat patient with him (patient for a 2 year old, that is!) and is learning to keep her favorite toys out of his reach. Michael has been busy trying lots of new food, and loves to feed himself :) He is also mastering "kisses" and will lay a big slobbering kiss on any cheek or nose that he can get his mouth on :)

A Little More Summer Fun

Summer's not over yet! We've been busy having all the outdoor fun we can squeeze into the last weeks of summer :) This past week we visited our friend Christine's backyard "waterpark" for a pool party, and this week we met some friends at a park for some playground fun and wild blackberry picking. We've got a few more outings planned yet, so as long as the weather holds out we're good!

Michael loving on his friend Sarah - - she wasn't so sure she loved him back!

Hannah thought Liam's muffin looked good - - much more delicious than the one I had put on a plate for her!
After hearing all the Mommies tell Michael to stop eating grass, Hannah took matters into her own hands and gave him a toy to chew on instead :) Smart girl!
Our friend Vrania took some adorable pictures of all the kids while we were there - - this is my favorite :)

Michael visiting with hid buddy Easton

Michael entertaining himself and us with his fridge antics - - he knows just what to do to make Farmer Tad sing!
Daddy playing at the park. . . . .
Picking wild blackberries with friends - -Hannah stored a few for later, but ate most of them right off the bush!
YUMMY!

NW Washignton Fair

After years of never being here for the fair, we were finally able to go this year! (Yay for fairs!!) We spent one day there as a family on Daddy's day off, and then Mommy and the kids went for one more morning with some of Hannah's friends. We had a great time the first day, but unfortunately did not have the camera with. Our 2nd day was a little rough - Hannah wasn't interested in doing much, although what she did find to do she REALLY loved! :) Unlike previous carnivals and fairs we've been to, this time Hannah wanted nothing to do with the rides. She did go on the Merry-Go-Round, but after that just screamed "NOOOOOOOO" everytime Mommy suggested she try something.

Checking out her cool "Tink Bell" tattoo - amazingly, it lasted a full week, including a pool party and multiple baths!! Hannah has only recently discovered princesses, and so far Tinkerbell is her favorite (she's a princess with wings, what's not to love?!)



Milking a cow in the Farm Life building

The infamous Merry-Go-Round - we had some trouble coordinating how to get the toddlers on - a parent had to ride with but the operator suggested that we needed tickets to hold the babies, and we were all there without Daddies. . . . . but we figured it out! :)
Hannah found the Launching Success booth (an educational store in Bellingham) and thought that she should just stay there for the rest of the day!
Although I did manage to tear her away long enough to enjoy this bouncy house - but as soon as her turn was over, it was back to the toy tables!It was a great fair, and despite Hannah's attitude the 2nd day, we had a great time! We even managed to locate a mini-donut/cheese curd stand run by a couple from MN!! (Definitely a highlight for us!)

New Orleans

Last month Mommy and Michael escorted several girls from our youth group to New Orleans for the ELCA National Youth Gathering. We met up with Auntie Manda on the way there so that Michael would have someone to play with during the day while Mommy was busy (Thanks, Manda!!! We couldn't have done it without you!!) Our week was great - we heard a lot of wonderful speakers, listened to some great bands, learned a lot about the city, tried some traditional Nola food, and had an enriching day of service. I have a more extensive album on Facebook for those of you so inclined to check out the trip, but here are the highlights of the trip from Michael's point of view :)

Pizza for dinner - Michael thought he should be able to have some! :)


Michael explores high fashion - - We spent one afternoon in the Interaction Center where Michael met some Cobbers (Concordia Alumni) and construction volunteers (Habitat for Humanity), and did a little partying during a "Mardi Gras" parade!

Hanging out in the hotel room

Our hotel - super nice staff - they handled all of the rowdy teenagers really well!! :) Right after taking the picture of the hotel, Michael met this puppy who was super interested in him - - until he got his fur pulled REALLY hard! Then he didn't want to play with the baby anymore. . . .

Michael playing at the airport on the way home