Mt. Rainier 2010

For the third year, we went to Mt. Rainier with friends. Each year the trip gets better and better! Although the weather was a bit cold, we managed to get in some good hiking and make some great memories. We're all already looking forward to next year.

9 month comparison

Maddie

Otis

Hot, Hot Heat

After complaining about what a dismal summer we've had, this weekend has been very, very hot. We managed to keep cool and have fun!

Maddie "wearing a towel like Mommy" after a bath.

Picnic!

Saturday morning Chutes and Ladders

Otis LOVES 6:30 am...ugh!

Daddy getting his hair brushed before going to the pool.

Maddie

Today is Maddie's 3rd birthday, though we had her party over the weekend. I'm amazed that she's 3 already. The months and years seem to come in a flash, though every moment still feels memorable and timeless. She's my first child, and special in a way that only a firstborn can be. Her life marks a distinct moment in time for both Eric and I - a passing from one stage of life to the next. She is very much her own person, though distinctly our child. She's smart and sensitive; energetic and amazingly, though not surprisingly, clumsy; maddening and loving. I love her in that way that every parent can understand, but only maybe Eric can really know. She is not my baby anymore. She is always my baby.

Firsts

Otis and Maddie both seem to be growing up quickly these days and have had some sibling firsts recently.

First Shared Bath

First Climb on Maddie's Bathroom Stool

First Full-On Fight Over a Toy

First Time Otis Gets the Baby

Family Photo