Gem Lake

Steph and I hiked up to Gem lake this past weekend, I think they altitude caught us both by surprise, because we were a little more winded than usual. Regardless, if you look close at the bottom picture you can see the moon, it was an awesome day.

View from the top

Dad and I took a hike over the past weekend and we bit off a little more than we could chew. Basically, we took a very steep turn up a mountain. As much as I hate switch backs, they are always better than straight up the mountain!

A trip to Spokane!

This past weekend we packed up the car and headed for Spokane! We had many things on the agenda; family reunions, hiking, sight seeing and general fun. We accomplished them all. Kaylene continues to experince new things like a nature walk and we also had fun relaxing at the hotel.

Looking forward to the weekend

Yes, we are all looking forward to the baby dedication this weekend. It will be a blast showing Kaylene off to friends and family and we are especially looking forward to Kayke’s meeting her Auntie M. (and possibly Uncle Zach, fingers crossed).

and a Kaylene outake

First Bottle

Well a new corner was taken today, Kaylene has graduated to a bottle (give that boob a rest).

Five Weeks

It has been a very short 5 weeks and she is changing fast. It was mentioned that the majority of Kaylene’s pictures are very serious (she is a very serious little girl), however I spotted the lighter side of our sprout today and grabbed a camera. I personally think she is looking more and more like Jolene, however Jolene believes it is still too early to call.

When ya can't get enough of Kaylene

I have the early morning shift with Kaylene. This is exclusive Dad and daughter time soooo why not get some up close and personal shots.

and Cranky Baby

Sorry, I lead people to believe that the shot below was taken before church. Actually these shots were taken while we waited for the doctor. She got an excellent clean bill of health, she is on the way to becoming the perfect baby – everybody loves the squishy face.

Flower Dress

Everybody loves a girl in a pink flower dress!

We Slept!

Now as most of you know I am not a big fan of sleep but lately even the few hours I use to get have been taken away by the “Gnome”. The Gnome is the endearing name I have given my daughter when she has become unruly and unreasonable. However, last night, we all slept. I don’t expect it to last long but it was nice to have it. I can’t believe it has already been 12 days (Mom and Todd you are both so right –> it is happening fast).

Bathtime

I wish I could say that Kaylene enjoyed her first bath at home - but she really didn't. Anyway, she is clean, warm and safe now. Check out the chin quiver this kid has some lungs. Well Martha this is something to look forward too.

What color are those eyes?

Boy! I wish I could tell you; green, brown or gray it’s difficult to say.

Looking around

There was a request for a video blog, well here it is!

Tummy full

Believe it or not keeping Kaylene happy has been pretty easy, feed this kid some milk and she is counting sheep. She really likes to sleep with her hands in the air like she just don't care.

Dave! my water broke!

That was the beginning of my Friday July the 3rd. Kaylene was coming and she was coming fast, from water breaking and actual birth she arrived in under ten hours. They told us it was a textbook birth, and really, it was. Both mother and baby are fine and we are now relaxing at home, everybody is a little tired. Okay, I need to get back to poking, kissing and squeezing.

Take Off!

Dad, Chava, the guys from CBC and I climbed to the top of Issaquah’s famous Poo Poo Point. If you have ever looked to the sky in Issaquah and seen these sky drifters, this is where they originate from. It was incredible to watch them approach the cliff side and catch a drift just right to vault themselves into the atmosphere. Dad, we must bring Zach here!

I blew it!

Dad, Chris, Steph and others I should have dragged you all kicking and screaming up Granite Mountain today. Because today was a miracle!

Yup, still waiting...

Kaylene’s room is complete and we eagerly await her arrival. Kaylene proceeds to get larger within Jolene and has caused quite a few sleepless nights for the both of us. This 3rd trimester is not so easy.

Time for an Update

Been awhile for an update much less a video update, so I think its time! So baby Kaylene should be here soon and we are both very excited. According to Jolene she feels like the baby has "dropped" meaning Kaylene is moving her way down, could be weeks or days now. Anyway enjoy the video (taken from this Tuesdays hike with Dad and friends) and expect a few more updates to come.

Apple Pie, Dad and I

Yeah, another good week! And to top it off - I have a nephew on the way!

Busy

Yeah, it’s been a busy week – which is a good thing. Started the week with a hike with Dad and ended with the traditional return of the Yearly Lucky Snake! However the best part was the creation of my first turkey pot pie. Yes indeed, I made my own crust. My next attempt will be apple pie!

First

This is going to sound very odd but in my entire history of waiting in line for any movie I have never been first in line. Yesterday, it happened. We showed up two hours before the start of the new Star Trek movie (it was playing at the Boeing IMAX theater downtown) and we were the first geeks to be there! As you can see I am holding my position. Oh, and yes, I LOVED the new Star Trek movie - please JJ make 124 more.

Test Run

Yes, it’s time to change the blog; Zach got way to much playtime. In my new life as a house-husband I have enjoyed making meals and hosting my friends on the fly. Here we are enjoying a steak, chicken and macaroni and cheese meal. Above, Aliya took a test sit on Kaylene's new bench, she approved.

Happy Birthday Zach!

Again, I have a tendency not to get people at their best - BUT it’s another Dave Kidney Jr. original. However the video does point to something that is very true, I would love to have Zach, Martha and Baby Summer live just a little closer. Regardless of how far you live away I am extremely happy to have such a great brother-in-law. Zach, I am also thankful for all the smiles you give my sister and the joy you bring to our side of the family, Happy Birthday Uncle Zach!

Happy Birthday!

It's always fun to find old pictures that your pretty sure nobody has seen before. I did a little digging this morning and found this one, yes its not the best. BUT this was/is my Mom, caring for the family working on the endless amounts of meals, events and parties . Happy Birthday Mom and thank you for all your love and kindness over the years, I can only hope to become the that same kind of parent to Kaylene.

Moving along

Dalene came over last night and began work on the initial decorations. What do you guys think? I am under the impression they are awesome! Boy oh boy, I really hope that ultrasound was correct. (remeber to click on the picture for a larger image)

Further Progress

Thanks to some pretty sweet family members we have an awesome furniture setup. NOW -I just need get over this cold so I can enjoy it.

2000 Feet Up

Dad and I (and a couple of friends from church) climbed to the top of Tiger Mountain on Tuesday. It was quite a view and great way to start the hiking season.

Request for the Bump!

Yes, I did this to Jolene. We will be entering into the 3rd trimester in two weeks. Whoa! it is happening so fast.

The ultrasound better be right

Because this room sure is PINK!

Whales

Yes more whales - BUT they are so cool. Above are several shots of the bulls fighting and one charging the boat. Indeed a life changing experience. If you look closely you can see some of the fins of the whales beneath the water, these are massive beasts.