Seattle

I'm a behind in posting...but then again, what's new!

Katelynn - my youngest sister - officially graduated from high school. We had to see it to believe it:) We had a great time spending time with the family -- and enjoyed every minute of it!!

Us Texans FROZE during the outdoor graduation. It's JUNE - but the weather was in the 50s - cold and wet. While everyone else was dressed in jeans and jackets, we were wearing dresses! We huddled together the best we could...

I'm not sure how we every survived the ceremony --but Tanner managed to make every face possible. Oh - I LOVE those cheeks - but they're quickly disappearing! Help!!!
Katie was dying to celebrate...but the only thing close to being open at midnight on a weekday was Muckleshoot Bingo. Don't be fooled by the name - there was some intense BINGO players there. Myself, on the other hand, made the most of the two dollar nachos, and enjoyed some great people watching!

Bremerton Washington -

The next day we explored the Puget Sound and took ferry to the other side -- Bremerton. The highlight of the day - by far - was the ferry ride.

Tanner seriously thought he was driving the boat on this arcade game. It kept him occupied forever...and whenever we left...he'd always find his way back.

When we got to Bremerton, we visited the Navy Musuem.

Tanner enjoyed dressing up like his Uncle Collin -- who's currently serving the US Navy.

It was interesting learning about the living conditions on the ships. After seeing how little personal space -- and sleeping space they have -- I don't think I could spend one night - let alone a month - on the ship.

Afterwards, Tanner enjoyed looking at the fountains and playing on the sculpted playground made out of marble statues. For once, the sun came out and it was absolutely gorgeous!

The sisters!

Maple Valley Carnival

Lucky for us, the carnival was in town. Tanner enjoyed a few rides --while I helped myself to the best food ever - elephant ears.

Avery's highlight was the bumper cars with Nanny. It was pretty entertaining to watch those too.

While Tanner loved the rides, he was ECSTATIC about getting to ride in a real school bus. It served as the 'shuttle' and took us to the our car. We were the last ones off the bus -- and Tanner insisted on running up and down the aisles a few times before he said goodbye.

I hope he's still this excited about a school bus when he's in Kindergarten.

The Bouncy Place

Sitting back and relaxing

Tanner and Avery LOVED to feed the dogs. The dogs cooperated for the first 15 mins...but there's a limit to how much they can eat that Tanner and Avery never seemed to find.

And much to my mother's display, Tanner liked sitting on my mom's prized dog statue.
Thanks for the fun visit!! In just a few more days - the parents are coming into town and we get to do it all over again - this time in Dallas!

Camping Out!

This past weekend we headed to the woods and went camping. It's been one of those things we've talked about for years - seriouly like 5! I'm so glad we were finally able to go.

We were a little discouraged once we realized we had to hike-in the the campsite - with TONS & TONS of stuff. Definitely not prepared. And no running water/toilets is always a fun surprise. It seemed like the rest of the day we couldn't cool off. Except for me - I'm always cold. Then I realized it won't be a camping trip if everything went as planned. And days later - it's looking back and being able to laugh at the hardaches that makes the trip really fun.

Tanner didn't waste any time kickin' back and relaxing.

B

An endless supply of mud/dirt/rocks can keep him occupied for hours. This time I didn't mind cause it wasn't my backyard they were tearing apart.

They were constantly trying to escape to the lake - which was especially worrisome.

He also tried to win over the group of 12+ tween girls having a sleepover next to us. He picked flowers just for them - and was constantly picking them.

Most of Tanner's time was spent gathering random leaves/sticks - just like this collection.

Luckily, he didn't stumble across any poison ivy.

One of my favorites - FOOD! Seriously, it's always better when you have to work for it. Tin foil dinners, S'mores, and eggs/sausage - tastes SO much better when you're camping. I also think I downed a whole bag of Doritos waiting for food to cook...but that's another story.

Tanner had fun playing with his two favorite friends - Sarah and Avery. Really the best part is always the company. Thanks!

Tannerisms

Tanner repeats - Mommy, I WUV you!!

Easily counts to 3 - and fills in some of the numbers as you count to 10. He's a genius! No - more likely just another accountant in the family.

Uncle Kenneth told Tanner he had to go poo - and Tanner ran to bring him a diaper.

Laughs uncontrollably when I ask him to give me his pacifier and he puts it in my mouth.

Throws tauntrums or screams to try to get his way. But if you threaten to put him in time out, he instantly composes himself and whispers "okay" is his sweet little baby boy voice. It works like a charm, at least for now, but am dreading the day it stops working.

When he burped the other day, he said "Excuse Tanner." I have Avery to thank for teaching this boy manners.

While changing his diaper, Tanner escaped and went right to the toilet. I was shocked - we didn't think we'd even attempt to cross this bridge til he turned 2. Do you think it's time??

Shakes his booty when he runs - he twists it side to side and it's too cute. We purposefully make him run across the room so we can see him do it!

When he hurts himself - falls down, bumps his head, runs into the wall - he says, "I sorry.
Who are you apologizing to - yourself??

He wants to be outdoors 24/7 - and would live in a tent outside if I let him. Likely, he likes to hide in the bushes w/Avery, make mud pies and leaf piles. And he recently discovered roly poly's - which unfortunately - don't make it that long next to Tanner.

Will do anything for a Starburst Jelly Bean. Who wouldn't??

Take time to smell the roses

Or in Tanner's case, blow on them!

Smile - even when plans change

And remember, life is better when you have a friend by your side

Easter Greetings!

Easter Egg Hunt

Tanner knew just what to do...

And didn't waste anytime doing it.

Checking out their loot

Avery was mad that Tanner got more than her.

Even after it was over - she wanted to keep on looking and did.

She had to fend for herself and go w/the big kids and run fast -

and that's something to be proud of.

All Tanner's eggs were filled with bubble gum (seriously - what were they thinking!)

- which she got to keep and was happy.

Afterwards. Tanner enjoyed playing on the playground

running around - ganster style

and riding down the 10 ft slide

but NOTHING could beat - rocks, rocks, and more rocks!

Man I LOVE this boy!!

Avery was laughing hysterically during the Easter Bunny's Magic Show.

She even got to do the Bunny Hop next to her too.

Tanner, on the other hand, was trying to play hide n seek in the bushes.

Spring Break - Dallas Zoo

For more fun filled adventures, we headed over to the Dallas Zoo.

Tanner's been before, but just as a baby. This time, he really got into it.

His favorite animal - the monkeys.

The zookeepers had just fed them lunch and they were swinging all of the place.

We also got to watch a huge gorilla enjoy his lunch - up close and personal. The only thing separating us from the huge mammoth was a piece of glass.

Avery is Tanner's best friend - so we thought it would be more fun if she came along with us.

Avery's favorite part - riding a real horse! She was smiling the ENTIRE time.

She said it was even better than riding the carousel.

Most of the kids were scared of the horses - but I thought I'd let Tanner get close to see how he did. Turns out he wanted to go for a ride too - so they let him.

Any like any cowboy, he was holding on tight all by himself.

On the Children's section, he got to pet a live chicken.

To be honest, I don't think I've ever actually touched one before either -

but it was the softest thing ever.

Not nearly as exciting as the real horses, but they pretended

The duck pond. Tanner was trying to make a statement - leave me alone!

Tanner and Avery had fun peaking through at the chicken, lamb, and one fat pig.

But have you ever seen a pig that wasn't fat?

This elephant was trying to find every last piece of hay - even if it meant sticking it's nose outside the fence. It was just a few feet away.

And last but not least, the carousel ride. Tanner was having so much fun, he refused to get off. He had no concept of the ride being over and us being broke :)

But the smile, absolutely priceless.