Aquarium Play Date

Last month, Ian ventured to the Aquarium with some friends that snapped the below photos of the little dude. They have some pools where you can get your hands wet and explore the wildlife. Ian assumes it's bath time and splashes about accordingly.

This photo was snapped about 3 seconds before Ian illustrated that a starfish can indeed fly. And, coincidentally, they stick to people's faces. (No starfish or faces were harmed in the shooting of this photo.)

With the aquarium under their belts, they made their way to Red Robin for lunch.

Now that's the sign of a great day!

Outdoor Adventures

Our house seems to be getting smaller and smaller. The drink you thought was safe on the end table is now within reach of grabby little hands. Below we read Ian's favorite book, "Busy Little Train" for the 792 time.

When it's time to let the animals out, they tend to let you know.

So, we packed up the little dude and hit the zoo on Saturday. He walked nearly the entire loop moving as fast as his little feet could carry him. Towards the end, he enjoyed some goat time in the petting zoo.

On Sunday, we ventured out on a hike up to Denny Creek on Snoqualmie Pass. Thanks to the kid-carrying backpack courtesy of Pat and Victoria, Ian enjoyed a nice ride perched atop Dad's shoulders. Ian hasn't giggled and laughed that much since he sat on the Watson's cat. Clearly we need to go hiking more often.

From the bridge crossing the creek, look at the top of the picture looming above the trees. That rectangular shaped behemoth is the underside of westbound I-90.

Another little cutie made the trip as well.

What are they looking at?

I-90 looms at the edge of the wilderness area. We've driven over it at least 100 times, so it was fun to see it from a completely different angle. We had no idea the bridge was that high.

After a good hike, we arrived at our destination. This is the spot where Denny Creek flattens out over some granite slabs. For those not afraid of the 35 degree water, you can slide down the creek on a natural granite water slide. We opted for snacks and rock throwing instead.

We had our hands full keeping the happy runner from getting into trouble.

Dad and son admiring an upstream waterfall.

The view from our rock.

Nature's beauty.

On our way out you can see a few groups of kids sliding down the granite falls below us. Ian has also been practicing his camera posing. Well done son!

Heading home.

A view of some of the peaks at Snoqualmie Pass. Maybe when Ian is older, we'll make it up to the summit.

July

Summer finally arrived for Ian. We met the Hoeger's, Drobesh's, and Watson's at a park in Bellevue where Ian enjoyed playing with his friends. Below, Ian enjoyed some alone time climbing through the play structures.

Although he seems to move at a thousand miles per hour, occasionally he reverts back to our cuddly little guy.

Ian showed his sympathy for Nunu after she ran into some painful dental issues. He then promptly ate his note.

To celebrate my father's retirement and the 4th of July, we ventured to McCall, ID. Below was Ian's first experience in a swimming pool. The little splasher loved every minute of it.

Though it was a little chilly in McCall, grandma ensured he was nice and warm after his swim.

The little guy absolutely loved his time with grandma and grandpa. He also loves cheese.

Ian decided to pose in his 4th of July outfit.

The grandkids have to get a picture with Mr. Bear. He's a great measuring stick for quickly growing toddlers.

The family portrait.

Ian heading off into the woods.

Ian loves story time, so Ella relished in the opportunity to read to her buddy, "Baby Ian."

Alex held the book, and Ella held Ian. Of course.

Ian enjoyed his first sandy beach. He wasn't quite sure what to make of the sand, but eventually got the hang of what to do. Luckily he had a couple of cousins to show him the ropes.

Ian met his new cousin Emery. He first thought she was the perfect toy. Emery wasn't too sure about that.

Given that we were finally all in town together, we gathered for some family pictures. Emery set a perfect example for Ian, but he let his short fuse dictate his behavior as we kept him up past his bed time. Let's hope he settled down just long enough for a few pictures to turn out ok.

Grandpa and Ian enjoy some down time among the portraits.

The grandkids all together. Don't drop the baby! Don't drop the baby!

The siblings and spouses.

Ian settled in with Grandpa just long enough to snap a quick picture. Then the, "I'm not tired!" instinct kicked in, and he ran off.

Two cuties.

A little guy in a big world. So much to explore, so little time.

Ian enjoyed some good rough-housing with cousins Brendan and Alex.

During Dad's retirement party, Ian thought he'd enjoy a stroll through the bushes.

Ella is in her happy place.

Ian told some great knock-knock jokes and had Alex and Ella rolling.

When it's 90 degrees outside and the sprinkler is on, it's time to strip down to your diaper and have some fun.

Ian found an ant. And then it crawled between his legs.

A woodland elf was caught romping through the back flower bed before he could escape out of sight.

Bed time!