Happy 18 Months!

Can't believe that our boy is 18 months today! He's such a big boy, even learned how to say "pretty" today. Pretty flowers, pretty pictures, pretty, pretty!

In other news - Aaden and I have been down in Portland taking care of my mom as she recovers from knee surgery. I was able to get some work done for SPU then we headed off to see my good friend Denee'. She's moments away from having her first baby, so it was nice to catch up with her before the baby comes!

We then headed to my grandparents house to cook them dinner. Aaden even sat at the dinner table like a big 18 month old boy, great fun!

Finished Product

So now our front and back yard are pretty well together and our vegetable garden is coming along too!

Flower World

We discovered the best place on earth...Flower World. It is a 13 acre flower, produce and petting zoo near our house. I was so excited to find this place and get my yard ready for summer that I went there twice this last weekend! The boys came on Saturday and helped pick out some peonies and fuchsia for the front yard. I went Sunday to get all of the flowers for my pots. I love having my yard back under control and ready for summer!

Papa!!

Aaden has always loved his family and talks about everyone from "Nana, Unkie, Gramma, Grandpa, Dada, Mama" etc. Lately though "Papa" (my dad) has been "IT"!! He wakes up talking about him and requests to look at pictures of him all around the house. My Pa is one funny guy, so I can only imagine why Aaden is drawn to him. Here's a sequence of him looking for "Papa" (forgive the Christmas pjs, laundry day)!

 "Papa"

 Requesting his picture to be brought down

Gazing at "Papa"

...and another favorite pastime as you can see is sweeping. He loves doing chores, can't beat that!

Catching Up...

Two weekends ago we spent the day down in Puyallup for Aunt Lacey's 21st birthday...

 With the uncles!

I love "BOOKS"!

Tuesday evening I was sitting on the couch with Aaden when I asked him to go and get a book to read. He slid down off the couch and giggled. I said "go and get a book to read". Thinking he'd go to the toy basket around the corner and get one. Instead he ran to the stairs, climbed up them and continued into his room. I was convinced he'd loose his concentration and forget. I heard him on the monitor saying "woof woof" and giggling some more. A few moments later he was sliding down the stairs with his favorite book "The Pet I'll Get". It has a big doggy on the front cover. He was so proud as he walked over and handed me the book to read. "See Mom I got a book"!

That being said, his favorite place is here...

in his room with all of his books. Would make my librarian grandmother very proud!

My silly kids

While Mom is away at work...

 Aaden learns how to do this:

Tulip Festival

Today we headed up to the Tulip Festival in Mt. Vernon on a whim. Our friends the Jorgensons joined us for an outing before their third baby comes (due any day now)!

The weather was gorgeous and it was fun to see all of the beautiful colors. The trip wasn't complete without at least one kid falling in the mud. Our dear boy stumbled into a huge puddle and slid his entire backside through the mud. He was such a good sport, hopped right up and was on his way. No fun for Dad to have to carry him but we all had a good time regardless!

Love hanging out...

with my boy!

He's so silly!

Easter

I'm just now getting caught up for last weekend in Portland. We had a wonderful Easter celebration with my folks, aunt/uncle and grandparents. Aaden LOVED his egg hunt (indoors as the weather was crazy out). There was no need for candy as he was totally content finding the colorful eggs around the house. My mom and I decorated eggs, but not the traditional way. Kristofer made Challa bread (with cinnamon and sugar) for breakfast. We went to church and my aunt and I put on a pretty big spread. All in all it was a great weekend!

A few photos of our time...

Another Cousin!

We had the privilege of meeting Carter Luke Bellamy yesterday, born 6:45am on April Fools via c-section to my dear cousin Joanne and her husband Andy.

Aaden was a great with the baby, even wanted to share his thumb sucker with him. He talked all the way home about the "beeebeee" even this morning he's still remembering how fun it was.

Can't wait for cousin play-dates!

Congratulations Bellamy family!