Jack is Twenty Months!

Well, Jack, I've always thought you were brilliant, but the doctor confirmed it this month. Apparently, most children learn their colors around 3 or 4. But you, my wonderful child, are learning colors like crazy. It's so cute to hear you say, "yellow", and you clearly love blue as you constantly point it out.

Speaking of color, you love to color. I have to be careful, less you color all over yourself or the walls or the table or books...

You're a feisty little thing. You completely know what's naughty and will often hide behind your hands when you know you're due a swat for disobeying. In fact, you've been known to swat your own bottom for walking off the driveway and into the road.

Proof of your little brother abilities to annoy...

My Niece is the Cutest!

Lucy strikes a pose.

I had an unexpected visit from my niece today... Oh, and her mom came along, too. Anyway, back to Lucy. She is so cute! A total flirt. Plus, she really loves her big cousin, even when he won't share his snacks and steals her toys. She just stares at him with her beautiful, big smile and big, blue eyes. I can't wait for another visit from this cutie-pie!

Zoomazing!

Jack took his first trip to the zoo today... His family might have been more excited than Jack. We kept pointing out all the different animals. And, while he did say "hi" as soon as he saw the elephant, he mostly kept pretty quiet.

Kylie dipped out early to attend a Mission Trip Reunion BBQ. Apparently, the zoo isn't quite the same when you're 18yo.

Jack really loved the aquarium. Unfortunately, he was so excited that he just ran around like a wild-man so quickly that Mama didn't get great pictures.

The playground was pretty cool.

Jack's next favorite part was the sprinklers at the playground. Can ya tell?

Overall, it was a great day at Point Defiance!

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.