Camping at Buffalo Lake

This past weekend was our first camping trip of the year and Ellie's first camping trip ever! The weather was nice and hot, so Ellie spent most of Saturday in a diaper and sunscreen. Despite having worn bug spray, Jared and I both got eaten up pretty good by the mosquitos and deer flies. Thankfully Ellie came away with out any bites.



Ellie went for her first swim in the lake (well actually this is her second trip, Jared took her earlier in the day). But she loved it! Much better reaction than to the pool a couple of weeks ago.




Brayden and Krissy enjoying the day. Followed by pictures of the frog that Brayden caught. He was hoping to take him home, but the frog 'escaped' and Brayden didn't want to pick it up! Pretty cute!







Last but not least, a picture of chunky monkey Case with Pop Pop. This was Case's second trip camping and he too spent the weekend in his diaper!

Fake Laugh and More

I forgot to mention in my last posts that while Jared was in Alaska, Ellie had a couple of funny 'milestones'.

1. She is finally tall enough that we raised her exersaucer to the second setting!
2. She developed a fake laugh. Its sooo forced and she does it especially when she sees the cats.
3. She loves to watch particular TV shows - Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. But more than the shows she really really loves Mickey's voice. He's her favorite.
4. She started wearing 6-9 month clothes. Time for some more shopping!

I think that covered all of the newest ones!

Alaska

Jared, Pat and Nick all went to Alaska this past week (with Jared's cousins and uncle). They had wonderful weather from the sounds of it, delicious food, and some good catches. Jared caught a record-sized Yellow Eye. The fishing guide said it was probably 100+ years old! Pat caught a huge Halibut - I think Jared said it was 55 lbs. They caught over 1,000 lbs of fish, which equated to 450 lbs of filets. We will be heading to pick up a deep freezer this week so we can bring it home from his parents house!

Our 3rd Anniversary

Jared was in Alaska on the 30th - which marked our 3rd anniversary. However, we got a sweet 'gift' to ourselves. Our 1st dining room table. Whoohoo!

Sitting Up

Ellie has been getting better and better about sitting on her own. Each time its just a bit longer and she is learning to balance herself and pull herself back upright. Yesterday I snapped this super cute pic of her sitting, but I also wanted to show this adorable jean skirt that she fits into now!

Warmer Weather Finally

The weekend Nick graduated was the first nice weekend we had seen in awhile! It was so nice that Pop Pop busted out the pool for Carter and Ellie. Ellie was not into it at all. Probably just a bit too cold although it was out in the sun warming all morning. She looked super cute in her swim suit though - even though the bottom is WAY too big.



Also, Carter got to watch the hay bailer across the street from Grandma and Pop Pop's house. He was pretty excited.

Some Catching Up - Nick's Graduation

Well - I have been a horrible blogger since we got to Spokane. What's worse, I haven't taken many pictures either. But I do have a few to share from the past few weeks.

One of the most exciting things we have done over the past month is attend and celebrate Nick's graduation! We were so excited and proud of Nick and even more proud that he will be heading off to Marine bootcamp in September.


Ellie was super proud of Uncle Nick too!


Nick's senior project was to start restoring Pat's Torino NW Type. It sure looks good. Since then he has put new headers and a tailpipe on it.


Ellie and Auntie Ashley having a good laugh.


Jared took this super cute pic of Ellie, just randomly.