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!