Idaho Summer: Part I

Sam, Evan and I flew to Idaho in June while Joe was traveling in Switzerland (he will join our trip later in part two). We arrived just in time for Father's Day so we celebrated with both Grandpas and a few other dads in the family. It is so nice to reunite with loved ones over a delicious Sunday dinner. From there our time centered around Sam's cousins and swimming lessons. Evan practiced sleeping and eating (both are very important things to practice). He fell into a deep trance in the "sleeping room" and started sleeping through the night. If only Sam would've done the same. I wondered what was up with all of his thrashing around in the night to later find out he had strep throat and an ear infection. Poor little guy. Luckily antibiotics work really fast and just in time for Dad to return.

Big bird Jay with his little bird and my little bird. Love those chubby bodies!

Auntie Em getting some sweetness.

Avocados!!!! Best baby food.


A morning dip with Grandpa before lessons begin.

Sam took swim lessons from Grandma June with Elly and Ford. His favorite part-dunking for starbursts. Here he's "jumping" off the board.

Catching a ride with Uncle Jay in the bicycle built for a whole family.

See Sam Ski

A major advantage of not having a lot of toys is that Sam becomes very creative in making things up. Remember his drum set...well here he is skiing, helmet and all. (Pardon my filming, I turned the camera and don't know how to edit it back upright.)

After crashing in an avalanche, Sam breaks both of his legs and ends up with two casts.

Evan doesn't need any toys because his big brother provides constant entertainment.

Can't wait to see you back in Idaho in less than a week!

Blessed Babes

Malia, Amelia, Evan, & Simon

This past Sunday, Evan was formally introduced to the world along with a few of his new friends. We gathered at the beach with friends and family to celebrate and bless all of these little ones with love and peace. A Hawaiian, Christian minister performed a traditional Hawaiian baby blessing where he anointed them with oil, and sprinkled salt water on their heads. Evan smiled the whole way through. My favorite part was holding him up and announcing his full name for all to hear. The dad's joined us up front as well as other little ones for the official welcoming ceremony. Sam was delighted and seemed in awe of this man. He got sprinkled with blessings as well.

Amelia and Nysa, Evan and Jenelle, Malia and Grace, Simon and Margaret

Showing our babes to the world and the world to our babes. And asking all family, friends, and community to help us care for these precious spirits.

The Moags, Carberrys, Halvorsens, & Machalas

My boys! Mmmmm...love being their mama!