Jack is Nineteen Months!

In his reading chair.

Dear Jack,

You love to read. Several times a day, you'll hand me a book and climb into my lap for story time. I'm okay with that because it's a rare opportunity that you allow me to cuddle you.

Daddy has been gone this month, and he comes home tonight. I know you will be so excited to see him. We talk about Daddy a lot and look at his pictures. We even have some video of Daddy reading you a story. One time when we were watching the video you kept waving your little hand, saying, "Hi. Da. Hi." It was pretty adorable.

You are working so hard to communicate and have all sorts of new words under your belt. Even if you're not always able to communicate what you want, I often find myself surprised by how much of life you're tracking. My favorite new word is "Ma!", which always tends to be in the form of a yell. My least favorite is "mine."  

Cute like Daddy.

Other New Words:
Moon
Star, car and guitar (which all sound very similar).
Water

Things You Love:
Coloring
Hammering
Blueberries
Swinging
Riding in your wagon
Climbing (like your Aunt Kirby did)

I love you, Little Man! Looking forward to the next month with you!

James Archie King, 1925-2012

Grandpa came to visit my family in Seattle

James Archie King was quick-tempered, ornery, stubborn, and always one to question authority, especially when it came to those damn doctors.

Considered legally blind by 41yo, my grandfather needed a lot of those strong Irish traits just to make it in the world.

Recently, he confessed that a policeman pulled him over for driving his lawnmower into town. He wanted to know if he needed a license to drive a scooter instead. Apparently, he continued to ride his lawnmower anyway.

Grandpa was pretty rough around the edges, but put a baby in his arms and he'd coo and giggle. In fact, Baby Jack loved Grandpa's overalls with it's shiny buttons.

After an all you can eat buffet, I'm sure.

Ever the farmer.

Because blind guys like to drive, too.

My Aunt Rosemary & Grandpa

Grandpa loved Jack. Maybe even more than he loved me.

I love you, Gramps.

Happy Father's Day, Brian!

I'm sorry that you can't be with your kiddos today, but we're sending our love in the meanwhile.

The Grad Girl

Kylie graduate from Curtis High School yesterday. She was accepted by all of her colleges but plans to attend the University Nevada in Las Vegas.

At Baccalaureate

Kayla is almost family

Catherine is in Kylie's small group

McKenzie (cousin), Kylie & Therin

Therin was teasing Kylie for being short.

Graduation Day!

Kylie with her Rutledge Grandparents.

Grandma Mary & the Grad Girl.