The Ultimate camping trip... Will's idea of a party

When you've got a baby, there's only so much partying you can do. Homemade chocolate cake and 28 candles at 11 pm! We did have a pretty traditional birthday party for Will... after our 2-day pre-birthday rain fest.

Here's a picture of Snow Lake. It looks like it's a little foggy. It's not. We literally hiked into a rain cloud! I tend to exaggerate once in a while, but this little getaway was quite wet. When we drove to the trailhead, I was positive and cheerful. Within 2 miles, I got really quiet. By the time we saw the lake, the rain was not about to let up... and my complaing started. I was having flashbacks of the floods I was in during my Anasazi days.

Will kept Grant packed up pretty well. He carried a huge, dorky umbrella the entire 5 miles. But at least Grant stayed dry. I, on the other hand, had my cheap poncho I got at the dollar store in Taiwan. There's a reason it was only a dollar. The cotton hoodie from Goodwill did not hold up well either!

We did have a few dry moments to take some pictures. But Will set up the tent in the rain and mud. We had no choice other than staying out that night. It was way too rainy to hike out. We figured it would clear up soon...

...and this tent became our home for the next 15 hours. It dumped buckets all night! And the tent held up great. We really should have taken a picture the next day to show the several inches of water that we were sleeping on.

Grant was his usual, happy self. We kept him bundled tight and he slept a lot. The entire trip is definately one to remember. We're hoping to go again this weekend!

Here's some pictures of the after-camping party. We hiked around discovery park and had a picnic for Will's birthday lunch.

Yes, we realize Grant's hat is too big. But it was on sale at REI and at the rate he's growing, it will fit him next month. He does look a bit serious... it's just the hat, I'm sure.

Happy Birthday, Will!!

Will, you are the love of my life, my knight in shining armour, the blue in my skies and the light on those rainy days. I hope you know how much I love you. I appreciate how much you do for me. You really are the most thoughtful husband I could have ever hoped for. Happy 28th birthday!!

Grant also wanted to tell you something...

Hi, Daddy! I love you. Remember, YOU were the first person I ever smiled at! Thanks for all the baths...

and the food you let me try when Mom wasn't looking...

...and all the Friday nights we get one-on-one time together.

You've taught me how to be strong and to stand up (as long as I'm balanced against the couch). And you definitely have just the right touch to put me to sleep.

You are my favorite Daddy and I hope you have the best birthday ever!

Thanks for all the memories. Here's to another year of your life with us! We love you, Will.

Family Ties...

"What would we do, baby, without us? Sha-la-la-la..."

2 weeks ago family started trickling in and filling our studio apartment. Amber came first and was a HUGE help to us. We got some amazing home-cooked meals and a little break from baby duty. But we also played alot. Our brother, Keith, came in town, fresh off the mission. We taught him English again and let him see the sites in Seattle.

We took Grant on his very first camping trip, just to break him into a life of crazy fun and outdoor adventure. We built a fire in the rain, with sticks and ground debris that the rangers told us not to burn, cooked tin foil dinners, burned marshmallows and used baby diapers, stayed up late playing Hearts in our 10 man tent and hiked around Deception Pass the next day.

Apparently, Sandy really, really liked the ferry ride home.

Grant LOVED camping and all the dirt that came with it. But we didn't have to bribe him to take a bath afterward. He is so funny about bath time- he kicks all over the place and licks up the water.

Here's a peek at of our day at Golden Garden Beach, celebrating the arrival of Will's entire family. They were so excited to finally meet Grant. Our volleyball game was pretty sweet, as well. We'll see you in the 2012 Olympics.

The real reason everyone came, was to witness Grant's blessing. It was so special to have everyone there: Bill & Dorothy, Linda, Mike & Bri, Sandy, Jenni, Amber, Keith, Shawn &Tasha, Clayton, Packer, JoAnne & Woody, Kristy, Dave Lyman and Stan & Orlene. Will was able to invite the spirit and gave such a sweet blessing. He blessed him with many things, including the ability to serve those around him and find joy in the things he decides to do in his life. He also blessed him to remember and honor the names he was given.

As you can see, Grant really enjoyed taking a million pictures in his silky white tuxedo. He was sooo good during the blessing... the pictures were just too much for him.

We had a family picnic after the blessing. Grant couldn't stop smiling.


Here's all of us... or most of us anyway. Grant just wants to say, "Thank you so much for coming out! I love you all so much!"