August 2010

Otto tests out the snorkel gear as Mommy and Daddy return from our 10 year anniversary vacation to Maui.

Our good friends Matt and Shannon move to Seattle with their son Joseph. We share a meal together with them and our other good friends Chris and Alyssa with their daughter Ella who were visiting from California.

Otto had two weeks of preschool summer school at the beginning of August. He got to know some new friends and his teachers. We are looking forward to him starting Montessori school in September. As a fun ending to his summer camp we went to Bracket's Landing in Edmonds during a low tide. What fun!

Otto, James, Daddy and Grandma Joan all came out to cheer on Mommy during the Danskin triathlon. I did better than I thought I would. Yeah Mommy! Also competing were my cousins' wife, Keilee and fiance, Anna and my aunt, Jean. Way to go girls!

Otto learns to swim in our pool. He finally gained enough confidence and took the plunge.

What a super star! I'm so proud of you Otto!

Great Grandma Sally celebrated her 95th birthday. We had a family reunion at Ivar's on the Seattle waterfront.

So special to share this celebration with family. Grandma Sally is a very important part of our family. We hope to share many more memories with her and our kids.

Otto and James play with Uncle Jason's old car collection down at Grandma Joan's house.

Otto caught 5 little tree frogs and is showing them to James.

Our annual trip to the Evergreen State Fair. So much fun!!!!! We stayed for 6 hours.

Otto was so gentle with the animals in the petting farm. He loved getting up close to all of them.

James fit in well with the pigmy goats.

Otto went down the super slide countless times.

Aw, two of my favorites (the third was asleep on my back).

July 2010

Auntie Nicki shows James his first beach crab.

Big brother Otto teaches James how to catch a crab.

Otto practices casting for the first time with one of Carter's poles.

James' first camping trip at Hood Canal with friends.

A Cromwell family get together for Uncle Gordon's birthday and the 4th of July.

An Ocean Shores retreat with Grandma Joan while our kitchen floor gets fixed.

Cold, but fun!

Happy First Birthday James!!!!!

We had a huge celebration. Lots of fun!

Grandma Joan brings fresh raspberries and new t-shirts from her recent trip.

Thank you!

June 2010

Guess Who???? It's Otto at 9 months.

Guess Who????? It's James at 11 months.

The annual Chubby get together at Dirty Face Lodge. What fun!!

Owen, Arlo and Otto on a hike with nature wrist bands.

A family hike near Lake Wenatchee.

The Pool is Open! Andrew and Otto take their first dip!

James at Grandma Joan's house.

Otto at the playground with Grandma Joan.

James WALKS on Father's day.

Happy Father's Day!

A pool play date with Owen.

We learn about the GREATNESS of Forest Park in Everett. A picnic on the grass,

water fun for both

and the petting farm. James "moos" with the cow.

A play date with Owen at the zoo. Apparently they are shipwrecked.

Otto and James' second cousin, Addy, stopped by for a visit from California.

James' first finger painting. It ended up in his mouth.

Otto and Mommy make strawberry jam.

May 2010

James learning to go up the stairs. Big brother Otto is coaxing him on.

James loves to play with little wind up toys. It keeps him busy while Mommy's in the kitchen.

James drinking from a sippy cup for the first time.

Otto in preschool doing a Mother's day performance.

Mama goes solo to the zoo with the kids. Carrying one, pushing the other. We did alright.

Otto watching the Mere cats.

James' first carousal ride.

The beginning of independent walking.

Some backyard fun on a warm sunny day in May.

Mama's little helpers mowing the lawn for the first time this season.

Happy Birthday Grandma Kathee!

Otto gets dressed up in his lederhosen for Grandma Kathee's birthday.

A family get together at Lake Chelan during Memorial Day weekend with our good friends Dan, Laurie, Nano and Papa.

Otto swims with Grandma at Chelan Shores.

Bubbles for James.