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.

Jack is Eighteen Months!

After months of trying, Jack is finally willing to sit and read books. Tonight we read the same book for about 20 minutes, until it randomly disappeared.

Kim & Jack

Jack is perpetually teething. Suddenly, Jack has a mouthful of ten teeth, which he very dutifully brushes each night. He also loves to put lotion on.

Jack is quite the big helper. He helps mom empty the dishwasher and put away dishes. He helps to dig dirt out in the garden. And, he especially loves helping to unfold clothes.

Daddy & Jack on their way to Sesame Street Show

Mom daringly removed the gate above the stairs this month. So far, Jack doesn't care about the stairs unless someone goes down them. Then, he wants to follow, but luckily he also wants your hand getting down the stairs. Daddy worried that Mom was moving too quickly for our fearless climber and suggested we wait to remove the gate until Jack was 10 years old. However, I envision Jack climbing over the gate and tumbling headfirst so we're trying it my way.

But either way, I see bumps and bruises ahead. This rough and tumble guy sure loves to be on the move!

Who would believe a sweet looking boy could be so damn strong-willed?!

Midwest Meanderings

Jack and I headed to the Midwest to visit family. First stop was Dad's house where Jack worked his magic and scored lots of love & toys.

Jack cuddles Uncle Cameron

Jack loved kissing his Aunt Katie

Afterwards, Jack & I trekked to Kansas where we played with cute cousins.

Levi shows off squirt gun skills.

The sweetest 6yo. Anna is a great reader, too.

Part of the reason we were in Kansas was for my cousin, Bailey's, Wedding.

Levi was the "Ring Bear".

Cousins, Bailey & Van, during the "Dollar Dance."

It's been a great trip, but tomorrow... Home, James!

Jack is Seventeen Months!

Jack you are quite the character these days. Very independent and headstrong. You think it's so funny to say, "no, no, no" and shake your finger whenever you are doing something that you're not supposed to. A couple days ago, you & Mama had a meeting of the minds when you continuously threw her sea glass all over the floor. It started with sobbing and tears, but we ended with hugs.

You're going to preschool at the church one day a week and we both love it. You're ready to jump out of my arms and play when we arrive. It's so nice to have even three hours away from you to get work done, and yet I love going to pick you up. You're so excited to see me again that you even snuggle a little bit.

Jack, you continue to love music. As soon as you hear music, you say "dance" (or "da", which is very similar in sound to "dad" and "dog") and start do a head-bob. You've incorporated some other moves, too. There is the squat & bob, which is just basically moving your booty up & down a little. And, every white boy needs to practice their foot stomping hoe down.

Jack in the box.

You've picked up some of your sister's habits, too. You're a total hand-talker. Who knows what you're saying half the time, but we do know that with all the wild gesturing that you're very serious.

Cousins, Jack & Lucy

You love Elmo. Every time you watch Sesame Street, you laugh when Elmo comes on. And, I found you some practically new Elmo slippers (Goodwill for $1!) that you bring me so you can wear them around the house. And, sometimes you just hug them.

Yesterday Kylie said that you're just getting cuter and cuter. We might be slightly biased, but I think that's a pretty accurate statement, Jack. You're adorable!

My Six Seconds with The Pioneer Woman

While in Sequim working in the West Coast Sea Glass studio, I discovered that Ree Drumond (The Pioneer Woman) would be signing books in Seattle. If your not familiar with her work then you probably aren't a FoodNetwork addict. Ree Drumond lives on a cattle ranch. She began blogging six years about food, photography, and life in the middle of nowhere country. She has won awards for her blogs, where she demonstrates recipes through step-by-step photos.

I have a mild interest in her work, but my dad was quick to point out this event and his undying love. So, Jack and I decided to trek to Third Place Books... along with over 700 of our closest, foodie friends.

Jack enjoys his first ferry ride.

 

P.W. is to the right of slideshow screen.

After wandering the book store for an hour and a half, Jack was ready to terrorize the place. We did less listening to her talk and more throwing books off the shelves. I was able to overhear bits and pieces... There were lots of pictures, especially of Charlie. She sang... sorta. There was even the mention of a possible move to Seattle? Despite his lack of interest, Jack made sure to clap at appropriate times with the rest of the audience.

Jack threw these water bottles all over the store.

Jack was fairly well behaved thanks to the large bookstore's food court and toddler play area. However at the 6 hour mark, we both started to melt.

Jack mostly watched the other kids in the play area.

 
I think Jack was wondering why we waited so long to see a lady color in books when his Mama is always saying not to do that.

In need of naps, new diapers and a better photographer...

"Love to Jim!"

P.W.'s newest cookbook.

Happy Birthday, Dad! ...a couple months early. I expect some damn Peach Whiskey Chicken next week. And, Jack wants Coffee Cream Cake. He told me so.