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!

Hooray for Aunties!

We love all of the aunties, but particularly the ones who've yet to have babies of their own. Aunt Kristie came for a visit last weekend and spoiled both of the boys with presents from Disneyland. She also spoiled mom and dad by playing with Sam and holding Evan. Seriously, us aunties with kids just don't seem to have enough energy left for the nieces and nephews. So here's to all the aunties out there who still get to sleep in - and therefore have energy left to toss our little ones around a bit. If you're considering diving in (it's the best )......but remember, we don't mind if you wait.

After Aunt Kristie left, we took a family hike on the San Juan Trail. Yes we are still a mobile unit thanks to the new child carrier Grandma June bought for us. The Ergo is perfect for babies on the front or the hip and great for toddlers on the back. And it puts their weight on your hips instead of pulling on your shoulders.

However, we wouldn't recommend using this on really hot days. After our midday hike, Sam was so sweaty he had to strip down to his...well, his crocs. This one is for the uncles out there.

A Voice

I just recently watched a documentary called, The Devil Came on Horseback on the genocide happening right now in Darfur, Sudan. I was blown away by the violent mass killings of innocent people and now the photos will not leave my mind. After viewing such sadness, I am left wanting to help and wondering how it is possible that the rest of the world can go on allowing this injustice to humanity once again (I am remembering The Holocaust and Rwanda) while we fuss over the stock market, declining home prices, etc. We, as Americans living with so many luxuries are entitled to help do whatever we can to help those that are suffering.

Here are some ways you can educate yourself about this conflict and do something very simple to help make a difference. If millions of little people make their voices heard, maybe this conflict can be resolved and women and children's lives can be saved. Please visit http://www.savedarfur.org/ or check out http://miafarrow.org/what_you_can_do.html for more ideas.

I know it isn't always pleasant to watch or be reminded of the big picture, but it is necessary. We feel so blessed and hope that someday the voices of love and equality will be louder than those of war and injustice. Peace to you and your family.

Mama Day picnic to Casper Wilderness

Joy!

Evan and Friends

Usually our play dates are centered around Sam and making sure that he gets some physical activity, however last week Evan took center stage and had a few friends over to play. Here he is hanging out with Amelia. She is the daughter of our friends Jeff and Nysa. In the next photo you'll see she initiates the first move........seriously she reached for his hand all on her own.

This is my dear friend Grace and her new little one, Malia. Evan didn't seem to mind being surrounded by all of the ladies.

Sam seemed to keep all of the babes entertained, with the constant reminder to be gentle. Sam remains Evan's best buddy and you can see why from the video below. Who else comes up with the coolest ways to use the most ordinary things?!

1..2....3!!!!

It is hard to believe that another year has passed. Three feels so big! Sometimes I want to just squeeze as much joy out of every moment with him (i.e. "Mom, I need a hug."), and other times I am grateful time doesn't stand still (i.e. "You're not nice....I put you in timeout."). So much has happened for Sam during the past year. Beginning with a major move from the mountains to the sea. (He hardly even remembers the snow now.) Then settling into his new home with a new big boy bed to get ready for his new brother. Wow, no wonder why we had so many restless nights. Hopefully his new year will offer more stability for all of us.

We had a wonderful birthday celebration: waffles in the morning, baking with mom, swimming, bbq, finally....presents and cake. This morning he asked if it was his birthday again. I told him he only has to wait 364 more days. Hmmm.......that's what makes birthdays so special.

Evan trying on the birthday hat. Sam wasn't so into it this year. However, Sam insisted on wearing it when we sang "Happy Birthday".

Sam wanted a motorcycle cake. He was treated to a few new motorcycle guys to go with his cake.