Oregon State Fair

Benjamin's first trip to the Oregon State Fair.

After Papa's own heart.
Very first icecream cone (that mom witnessed anyway).

Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon

We did it! Erin encouraged me to start running again post-baby. We did a "baby swap" every Wednesday to get in a long run once a week. Thanks Erin!

More of the Water Park

Luke had never seen Ben play at a water park because when we went he was at work. We met him after work one day at Wilsonville's Memorial Park for a picnic dinner. Ben fell asleep in the car, but quickly fell into action once he realized where he was!

New Kicks

First pair of new sneakers. When "Nana" bought these before I was even born, Mom felt like they were SO big. :)

They get Ben everywhere he wants to go!

National Anthem

First Baptist Church choir sings the National Anthem at the Portland Beavers baseball game.
Luke is on the left in the white and red stripe shirt and "Nana" is on the right in the red jacket and jean skirt. Sounded good!

Tired babe in the car on the way home.

Grandma Carol came to watch!

Luke's Birthday Weekend in Redmond

We have a serious lover of books. Don't know how we got so lucky, but he could read for HOURS.

Relaxin' in Grandpa's chair.






Watching the sunset with Mom while Dad BBQs his favorite Redmond meal.
There was a baby deer on the front porch when we pulled in the driveway. We watched mom and baby for quite a while. Benjamin can now say "deer."

Petersen Rock Gardens

"I come in peace Mr. Peacock."

The chase.

The odd beauty of the rock gardens.

Benjamin LOVES to make the horse sound.

Big day for little Ben. Proud mom.

First Steps

Benjamin officially started walking the weekend of August 21-22nd at the Petersen Rock Gardens in Redmond, OR at 14 months. He had been taking a few steps here and there prior to that, but once he saw the peacocks on the lawn, he just had to catch one!

WATER!!!!

Not so sure at first... [Wilsonville Memorial Park]

WOW! I mean, WOW! I LOVE this stuff! [Sherwood Snyder Park]

Poolside at cousin Zoe's birthday party.

"Dirt." Yes, I can even say it, I love it so much.

Beaverton's fountain with Nana while at the Farmer's Market.

George Roger's State Park.

Wilsonville's Town Center Fountain with friend Collin.

The Gehring bathtub. Still a hit after all that.

Redmond Trip with Renabe

A trip to Brasada Ranch.

Renee and Abe with their nephew in the back yard.

This is my Auntie Nay-Nay-Nay-Nay-Nay-Nay and I love her very much!

Fourth of July

"Bub-blss" and "bahls"

Checking out the "bahl" tree Nana is growing.

Summer, FINALLY.

Sweatshirts and layers of blankets until mid-July; really?

Sadie kisses.
Vacation Bible Fun- Ben is not so sure...

Kristen and sisters got their pictures taken in front of these daisies every summer growing up... Benjamin's turn!

Ben's first taste of Gehring marionberry.


Mmmmm..... We have discovered Benjamin's chocolate equivalent.

Cousins!!! (with Gramma Carol)

Father's Day Zoo Trip

We're going to the zoo...in the rain?

Hey Nana, there is a bird on mommy....
Two mommies and two babies.

"ROAR!!" He said this all through the cats exhibit.

I love this guy! Happy Father's Day Da-Da.

Bye Zoo! I love the zoo in the rain! (His smile really did get progressively bigger throughout the day).