Montana Trip

We recently traveled to the Northwest Montana for Eric's cousin's wedding. I had never been to Montana before, and it is gorgeous! Here are a few highlights of our trip to Bigfork / Whitefish / Kalispell / Flathead Lake.

Great times with the Grandma M and the Merhar Clan

Fun with Uncle Jeff!

A beautiful outdoor wedding

Dinner and s'mores with Eric's aunts and uncles

Dancing!

Family time

And of course... hours spent in the hotel pool!

L&J's Wedding

Aunt Lisa and Uncle Justin got married! It was a beautiful wedding at Swiftwater Cellars in Cle Elum, WA. We spent the weekend celebrating with family and friends, and Isaac was reunited with his cousin Myrna. It had been three years since they last saw each other, but were best buds from the minute we arrived. 

Here are a few 'unofficial' photos of the weekend.

Flower girl and ring bearer with the gorgeous couple

The bridal party

A few more photos are in our June Picassa Album (click here).

Stats - 4 Years Old

I.O. had his annual checkup (a few weeks late...), and at 4 years old he continues to be tall and strong: height 42.5" (87%) and weight 45lbs (93%).

He is also brave! He had three vaccinations and didn't cry. Dad did a great job coaching him before and not sugar-coating the fact that yes, it will probably hurt.

Here's a few photos of our boy who is growing up so fast!

At G&G M's for Mother's Day... Ready for Summer!

With Dad at an early Mother's Day Brunch in Mercer Island

Sounders!

Still Loving his Strider Bike

Little Buckaroo

Our little buckaroo had pony rides with "Buckaroo Bob" this month at preschool. Here he is riding "Dakota". Too cute!

Oh, Boy!

In case you haven't heard our big news, we're expecting another boy in early September 2014! That's right, I.O. is going to have a little brother.

He was being a little face-shy, but he did give us an excellent thumbs up. While we are thrilled to be having another boy, we are stumped on what to name him. Any suggestions in the comments are welcome!

And... an obligatory belly shot. Here I am at 22 weeks (5 months). It's true what they say about the second time around. I'm showing a lot earlier than I was last time at 22 weeks (see that belly shot here).

Happy 4th Birthday, I.O.!

Our little (big) guy turned 4!

Highlights of his birthday included a celebration at preschool, a super-hero themed birthday party at our house, and surprises from both of his grandpas! Grandpa M made a surprise visit to his party, and Grandpa J dressed up head to toe as Spiderman and surprised the whole party.

(Click Photo to Enlarge)

Family Portrait (Age 3 3/4)

Isaac's family portrait, age 3 3/4.

Isaac is really enjoying coloring, drawing, and cutting at school and at home right now. He really wants to learn how to read. And, although that is still a ways off, we are having fun with sounds and words.

He can write his name on his own, and can write most letters and numbers from memory. Although, for the harder ones (like the difference between 5 and 2) he likes to see an example or trace. It's so fun to see the fine motor skills develop more each week - heck, each day!

Christmas 2013, Happy New Year, and a Winter Catch-Up

Christmas and new years have come and gone! We spent most of the holidays close to home, enjoying time with family and friends, and enjoying the holiday (back) in our Seattle home. Here's what we've been up to.

Christmas 2013

Picking out an xmas tree

Amused with "elf on the shelf"

Visits with family - Isaac and Aunt Lisa

Isaac's Holiday Program at preschool

Still skeptical about santa, but gave him the full rundown of his "wish list"

Christmas Eve at G&G J's - Lisa, Justin and Oma

Christmas Day at Lisa & Justin's - G&G J and Ruxin

A little G&G time

Happy New Year!

NYE party - dress as yourself as a child

Great time catching up with old Seattle neighbors - Grace, Phil and daughter Irene

Lots of time at the zoo with our new membership!

our focused artist

happy 2014!

And... a Little Bit of January

Discovered a new train set at a nearby coffee shop

Celebrated Eric's Birthday... with a BIG Seahawks win!

Dad & I.O. at Hilliards to watch the game

Gymnastics! Found a great kids open gym in Ballard

Fun discovering new breweries

Ahh... sunset at Carkeek park

When Did My Baby Boy Get So Grown Up? [Preschool Pictures 2013]

Isaac had preschool pictures last month at school (age 3.5 years).

When did he get so grown up!?

Thanksgiving in Tricities 2013

Highlights of Thanksgiving in the Tri-Cities with the Merhar gang:

• A frosty 5k Turkey Trot
• Many gourmet meals
• Dune Racer!
• Time with family 
• Hours (upon hours) with the train set
• Wine tasting