This and That

Ethan was about Thurston's age in the photo below. This was right after Daniel and Cara's wedding in May of 09. Miss Lilly was still camping out a chez Trish.




15 months later.....



Too bad I couldn't get Ethan in this photo. His motor-butt was off in the other room playing games. Sigh...it might take another 10 years before we can get them to all take a photo together again.

Portland Parks

Family Times

I walk in the door from a long work day and a turbo-charged little being comes galloping at me shrieking and giggling. How can I resist?

"Thurstish"

Thurston's personality is blossoming these days. He's in ultra mimic mode and I catch him copying my actions or words or even noises. I can see start to see bits of the little person he's starting to become.

His grasp of language is steadily increasing and bit by bit he learns new words or, for example, points to his nose and giggles when I ask where it is.

Thurston words that I have personally recognized thus far:

Dada
Mama
Up ("Uhff")
Hi
Trucks ("rucks" or "tucks")
Apple ("Bauple")
No
Yup or Yeah

And then of course this doesn't even take into account the various forms and conglomerations of noises that make up "Thurstish". He has an assortment of grunts, expressions, and noises that also stand for very specific items.

The Miner family spent last weekend on a surprise trip down to California for Lilly's first birthday. We also spent some time with Dave's old high school buddies at his 10-year reunion. Oh my gosh, it was a BLAST! I absolutely love spending time with Dave's family and it was fantastic for us to get some one on one with the niece and nephew. It is difficult being so far away. I've included a handful of photos below.

Summer Fun & My Birthday

Scream

The little guy has some major vocals. He's got the belting genes. Sometimes I want to join his wailing and scream and rip my hair out and stomp my feet. And sometimes I actually do.

And then sometimes he just walks right over to me and plops into my lap and I melt. He's the best monster ever.

Teedle Toodle

Last weekend I ran the Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon on the 4th of July. It took place on Sauvie Island, which made for an absolutely stunning route!!

Per example at mile 12: (I was still smiling so I must have been doing alright!)






....and the last 50 yards:




Scarlet and Mel were waiting at the last 100 yards with Thurston. As soon as I spotted him at the finish, I just about cried. It was just too cute to see him flinging his arms out with glee at seeing me come running towards him. I patted him as I ran by and continued down the last 100 yards or so to the finish. I was told later that he started crying after I passed by. Poor kid!





And to top of an awesome 4th of July.....a BBQ!






Showing our hungry tummies....





...and talking to our corn under the table....