No!

The one word parents dread hearing, was spoken by our offspring today. Admittedly, I was changing her diaper, which we both hate. Kaylene was reaching for her dirty bottom and I declared, No Kaylene! She quickly responded back with a no no No! She proceeded to use the word later with her mother. I was really hoping she would never learn the word, NO!

The Big Ask

This morning Kaylene came down for breakfast and said, "Mama Nana!" Translation: Mama can I have a Banana! Yes, by all means, you may have a banana for breakfast. These moments happen so fast sometimes Its hard to recognize they are happening at all. So fast, to fast.

Snow Day 2010

She loves snow, she is so awesome!

Wiggle Worm

Mom asked last night, do we still consider Kaylene a baby? I said no, I think she is considered to be a toddler. But really , she is a "Wiggle Worm". This kid will not sit still for anything!

Something Fun

Kaylene going to bed, Kaylene and Niara in the park (last saturday) and somebody surprised us with a picture. Enjoy and a have a wonderful day!

First Haircut

Time to give the ragamuffin a haircut, after 16 months, yeah, its time to get a haircut. She did very well, she very much enjoyed all the attention that Grandma and Dad gave her. Hopefully, she will continue to enjoy the Barber, I know I always have. She looks very striking! Like her Mom.

Strawberry Fairy

Tonight our daughter transformed right before our eyes, she became the Strawberry Fairy. And she owned it! Does October really have to end...

Happy Halloween!

I woke up to find Ginny Weasley and daughter, sadly no Harry. Man I love October! October should be a 12 month year.

The need to be clean

Kaylene needs to be ready, clean and prepared for the week ahead!

Pictures on my Phone Part 1

So often I receive text messages on my phone that inevitably get throw away, I thought it was time to start collecting them. These images are insights into other peoples lives and their goings on. It's time I blogged about it, above are. 1. My parents at the balloon show in Albuquerque (yes THE balloon show) 2. Random pic of the nephew 3. Jolene's trip to San Fran 4. Kaylene at the mall 5. Play Date! Anyway, enjoy and happy Sunday.

Can he really be 1?

Aunt Jolene, Uncle Dave and Kaylene are wishing you the very best on your birthday. We think you are awesome and deserve nothing but the best. May it be a day of hugs, kisses and carefree play.

Fiestas Patrias

So every year, in South Park, we celebrate Mexico's independence from Spain. Jolene and Kaylene took it upon themselves to celebrate the liberation on Saturday. Jolene says the parade now equals Issaquah's salmon days, thats a pretty bold statement. Guess I will have to check it out next year.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Kidney!

And you thought we forgot. Nah, it was just a busy day of walking, dancing, singing, talking, eating and napping. But we always find time for our Grandfather, we love you very much.

Happy Birthday Aunt Dalene

Sorry, no walking yet. Regardless, have a great day Dalene!

So we let Kaylene drive

It was a great weekend for a wedding, Spokane was sunny and all was delightful. The drive home, however, not so great. Mom and Dad were quite tired and Kaylene decided to pony-up and take her parents back to Seattle. This meant less crying (sweet), but more road rage when we hit the nasty traffic in Cle Elum (oh well). Don't ask how she did it, she just did.

Escaping the hot weather

It was hot and Mommy needed a break, it was time to take Kaylene on a hike. After church I grabbed Steph, Pat and Aliya to hike under the shady trees of coal creek. As usual, there was the general silliness and camaraderie.

AND below is a bonus Augie shot (I love this kid).

She is a Natural!

I know you all think Kaylene is special and she really is. However, today she blew me away! We went to our first swimming lessons. We were a few weeks behind the class and I feared she might be slower than the other children. Wow, that was an understatement. She did the following in the 30 minutes we were there; front kicking, backstroke kicking, blowing bubbles, played with a rubber duck and (with a ton of help from Dad) she jumped into the pool (really!). No tears, just bold determination! I have never been more proud. I love the water and I think Kaylene does too.

Kelsey Creek Sunday

It was unclear what we where going to do this Sunday afternoon. But I told Jolene to point the car towards the Eastside, I knew we would find something. We did! I recalled going to Kelsey Creek Park as a kid and young adult (Pony lessons and Cross Country). We had a blast! Kaylene loved the lambs, bunnies, horses and one giant pig. If you have not been, now is the time to go!

P.S. And they let you pet everything :-)

Thank You!

We are very blessed to have so many invested and loving family members. Over the past few weeks we have had several folks watching dogs, sisters, brother-in-laws and babies. We honestly couldn't do it without you. Specifically, thank you Dalene for watching Chava, thank you Mom and Paul for hosting all of San Diego (and saving Kaylene from the fire) and finally Mom and Dad

K. for watching Kaylene during my rafting trip. Enjoy, and watch the video again as Kaylene says thank you in her own splashy way.

Dish Helper

Kaylene loves to help unload the dishwasher, so today she climbed in and began to help Dad with those hard-to-reach dishes. Amazing skills! Also, check out that dimple in the left cheek.

So many events and Costco

What an awesome week, and well, rather sad. Kaylene and I went to the Library, which was a big win for both Daddy and daughter. Then we paid tribute to the South park Bridge and her final hours (Both Mommy and Daddy had a few tears), the bridge is now officially closed. And of course, we ended up at Costco, always fun! Oh! and somebody is turning 1 soon.

Down by the shore

Today, Daddy and daughter journeyed to Discovery park. We walked for about an hour and found our way down to the beach, were we proceeded to taste as many salty rocks as we could find. On our way back, Kaylene fell asleep in her baby backpack (which was pretty funny to see, but hard to describe). Jumping into the car, we rolled all the windows down and enjoyed the warm breeze (its finally summer!).

Green grass

Yesterday, we went to the park with our good friends the Tsai's. Kaylene really enjoyed the grass and Aliya really enjoyed jumping on Uncle Dave's stomach!

Happy Birthday Aunt Karen!

From the young Kidney's to Aunt Karen, Happy Birthday!

Lock Down!

And I will ensure she never escape!!! Despite the last picture, she really does find the bars fascinating. She is so funny and amazing, all at the same time, how is this possible?

Oh Martha, they are so fast, just wait...

She moves around chairs, she hides under desks, she rubs the walls and she follows me. Yes, she follows me around. Its incredible and it brings a whole new level of tired.

Dad's video care package

Since the volcanic eruption in Iceland my father has been stunk in the UK . I know he misses us, but we really really really miss him. We love you Dad and want you home soon!

70 years ago today

I just want to say that 70 is the new 40. Grandma, we love you very very much! Happy Birthday!

Sunday in 3 minutes

Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Silliness

Wow! What a week and what an amazing weekend. As I approach mid-life I appreciate family and friends more than ever. I am extremely lucky to be surrounded by some amazing people and their children. And really, what week would not be complete without a shamrock mash potato cake.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Just like her mother, Kaylene looks wonderful in green. I hope you all have a great St. Patty's Day!