Feeding The Baby Doll

Wasn't quite sure if we were giving the baby doll a drink of water or a bath - maybe her ear and hand were thirsty? Maybe they were dirty? You never quite know what goes on in a mind of a 17 1/2 month old.

Hanging Out With Dad And Maggie

The other morning as I was heading off to work the family gathered up on the steps to say good-bye. It was so cute that I had to take a photo.

Puzzle Time

We've recently started introducing Dylan to puzzles. Here's a puzzle I picked up for her with barnyard animals. She quickly took all the pieces off and then matched them right back up to where they go. I was so impressed that I took a picture of exactly how she placed the pieces. Nice work punky! Little smartypants.

Master Gymnast

Dylan's new favorite thing - and let's just say she'll do this for hours if she could!

Saying Good-bye To Great Grandma Ruth

Great G-ma Ruth turning 90!

This past weekend we flew to Missoula to say our final goodbyes to Great Grandma Ruth. She was the best!!!! She lived a good long life. This past Thanksgiving we had a huge 90th birthday party for her - the entire Gardner family was all there to celebrate. You could tell Great G-ma Ruth was very very touched! AND very very loved by all. You could really tell that Great G-ma Ruth loved all her grand kids and great grand kids very much. Last year when Matt had his head injury Great G-ma Ruth was on the phone calling to check in on him. Matt had a very special connection with his grandma and we're all very sorry to see her go.

Her service and grave site memorial were very sweet and touching. Afterwards there was a big BBQ at Uncle Brian and Aunt Vonnie's house. The best part about funerals is seeing all the family. It was a great afternoon. A few tears were shed but all in all it was really a celebration of what a great person Great G-ma Ruth was and what a fabulous life she lived.

You will be missed Great G-ma Ruth!!! And we are so happy that Dylan got to meet you.

Great G-ma Ruth surrounded by all the Great Grand kiddo's. (oh and if you look closely Dylan is the one pulling her cousin, Pike's, ear and making him cry!)

This was from Christmas '07.

Aeroplane

Someone had the time of her life this past weekend! Yes, an AEROPLANE! Oh boy!!!! Dylan's fascinated with airplanes in the sky, so you could only imagine her little face at the airport watching them take off and then to go outside and getting in one - oh man!!!! Yes, someone was very excited plus the fact that airplanes are packed full of people to wave, giggle, flirt, and talk to - you could only imagine how she worked everyone on our flights, she even got the flight attendants security tags at one point. Oh and we laughed because two separate people told us that Dylan looks like Shiloh Pit - ha!


Dylan was a true trooper. Thursday evening our flight was delayed so we didn't get up in the air until pretty late - way past a certain someone's bedtime. But of course what's a little lost sleep when there are people that need entertaining! Thank goodness it was a quick flight to Missoula but of course I called it, minutes before landing Dylan was passed out in her dada's arms.

When we got to the rental car shuttle we had to wake Dylan up to get her in her carseat. She quickly woke up to say 'hi' to everyone in the van before passing out again. We then had to wake her up again when we got to our rental car AND then again when we got to the hotel - poor thing! AND of course up on the hotel waking up she was awake - guess she needed to make sure the room was fung shui'd as she instantly hit the ground and started re-arranging everything in the hotel room. It took some fast work to get her back to sleep again.



Since we were flying we had to leave Maggie home. Our friend Kate stayed with her at night and our friend Kim came and gave Magg's lots of love and walks during the days. We got updated texts through out the weekend with Maggie updates. Looked like some furry one was given the royal treatment! Thank you so much for helping us out Kate and Kim!!!!

Grubbin'

We were just in Montana this past weekend. One morning we stopped by a our favorite bakery, Bernice's. We have now discovered they make the best granola - someone totally chowed it all down! Thank goodness we were in a rental car because not only was there granola all over a certain someone's face but it was all over the back seat! When I turned around to see what a certain someone was giggling about I saw the huge mess and started cracking up. Matt grabbed his camera and started shooting pictures and wouldn't you know the little jokester started saying 'cheese' as soon as she saw the camera! ha!!! Next time we'll buy two containers of granola that way maybe Matt and I could share one.

Oh almost forgot the best part! Shortly after devouring the whole container of granola little missy passed out cold - we're talking snoring and all. Of course we didn't want to disturb her so we left her exactly how we found her - yes, granola all over her face. When we got back to the rental car place they had to give us a ride to the airport - I laughed when the guy saw the back seat and then the passed out kid with granola all over her face - I think he understood as he said he had kids himself but I'm sure was a little bummed to have to clean it all up. I did feel bad but Dylan was so proud of herself that the whole thing made us laugh.

Walking The Dog

Come Back Soon Auntie Beans

Here's a quick shot taken the night before Auntie Beans left to go back to Hawaii. I was down in Medford working and realized we barely got any pictures this visit so I made Matt take one before she left. Here's a cute shot of Auntie Beans, Little d, and our new friend Daryl (who's super fun and likes to read squirrel stories). Great to see you Jill, come back soon!

While Momma C Was In Medford

While I was down in Medford, OR working Dylan had a few playmates to entertain her during the days. First off Auntie Beans hung out with D, they had a great time at the park and reading several books, and I heard G-ma McBride came over for a walk. Then Ciara came to play, they had a super fun day. And Madison came for the last 3 days - let's just say there was all kinds of fun to be had at the homestead. I got lots of texts and pictures through out the day of what the girls where up to. The girls all did a GREAT job and poor Madison got stuck with a few long days - thank you all!!!! If we were passing out medals for the week, I must say it would go to Matt who was super dad! I'm happy to say that it looked as though Dylan was well feed, well played with, and well loved while I was on vacation, I mean work :)>!

Here's To Dylan Ray

We love you punky!

Children's Museum With Auntie Beans

During Auntie Bean's visit we went to the Children's Museum at Seattle Center. Not sure out of all of us who had more fun!