Hunting for the right tree

 Oliver realized that this would be the perfect place for a game of hide and seek with Estelle.

 

The kids got to feed Prancer and Donner, who don't actually like carrots after all.

First birthday at Ross Lake

 

Estelle turned one at Ross Lake this year.  It is a pretty special place to us and it felt right to celebrate her first year of life in a such a remarkable spot.  Papa Fred and some of our very important friends were there with us to ring in her first year.   Estelle dug her cupcake and of course opening presents. 

More walking, balloon punching and humming

At the very end of the second video, you can see Oliver yank Estelle to the ground.  Caught on film. 

And she walks!

Summer time

First step

Dancing, swinging,singing and walking

Spring break with family

 

Alek and Oliver

Aunt Sarah and Estelle

Papa Fred and the boys on top of Badger Mountain

The cousins

Things we do

 Making St Patty's Day cupcakes brings out the pirate in Oliver.

 Very typical activity for Estelle these days. Big girl gets to choose her OWN toys now.

Our kids

Kelly and Stefan were here for a visit recently and took some pictures of Estelle and Oliver.  They have a much nicer camera than ours.  Or perhaps it's an operator issue.  I love these photos of the kids.  Oliver adores Estelle and continuously hugs her, squeezes her and tries to make her laugh.  And Estelle thinks that Oliver is cooler than sliced bread, not that she really knows what that is yet, but she could watch Oliver all day long and be completely entertained.  These photos capture all of that for me.

And she crawls

Just this weekend Estelle started crawling forward.  And she is now everywhere!  I quickly baby proofed as much as I could and of course realized how dusty everything was, so I had to do some unplanned cleaning.  Thanks Estelle.  While mopping the floors on my hands and knees today (how much are house cleaners charging these days?), I  looked at our floors, walls, shelves and  appliances as Estelle would from her viewpoint and grossed myself out.  Clean some more and clean some more.  Again, can I afford to pay some one to do this?  Or maybe I'll just wrap Estelle in dust clothes.  She only requires food and diaper changes every couple of hours.  Problem solved.

Spring and swing

Spring is here in the Tri-Cities, so we spent a good deal outside today.  Anth put up a new swing for Estelle and Oliver helped her by pushing.  Feels good to be outside with the kids!

Has it really been two months? Geesh.

Oliver exploring in the woods near White Pass.  He belongs near trees don't you think?

Estelle 8 months

 That is Iron Man's foot Estelle is nibbling on.

The plank

Pretty scenery photo for a change of....scenery.

Angry bird

My new nickname for Estelle is "Angry Bird".  Watch this and you'll see, er I mean hear. You should hear her at feeding time.  Oh, and she is VERY close to crawling.  My how 8 months flies by.

Estelle 6 months

Celebrating NYE in Portland