Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Like Father, Like Son

I didn't have anything to do with this, but I admit that I think it's pretty cute. They made their first look-alike appearance at church this past Sunday. Ryan's words: "My dream has come true."



And now, for your listening pleasure, Rooke will sing his "ABCD"s (complete with hiccups):

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Taking a Break

If you hadn't already noticed from the previous post, our apartment is quickly filling up with boxes. In just ten days, we are moving! No, Ryan is not dropping out of law school. We just thought there wasn't enough going on in our lives, so we've decided to throw a move into the mix. It's a great opportunity that was kinda dropped into our laps, really, and we are excited to be moving to an apartment that is just a 5-minute walk to Ryan's school (as opposed to a 20-30 minute drive), four doors down from dear friends, and closer to our church and community group. So here is what we took a break from today:


And we went kayaking!! Ryan had the day off, so we took to the water for a bit. Yes, Rooke is holding a "wheel". Never leave home without one. Ryan and I actually had a lot of fun trying to maneuver the kayak in order to snag the floating car after it fell overboard!

We stopped for a bit to watch the sea planes land and take off!

No, Rooke is not about to throw up. He was trying so hard to stay awake, but couldn't help himself!


And he finally let his head drop right as we were docking. He did great in the boat and even tried to help Ryan paddle a little!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Hosanna

Rain kept us inside on this particular morning. Rooke kept asking to "go play, go play", and eventually pulled his stroller to the window, climbed up inside, and chilled out for a bit - probably hoping the rain would stop.


"Helping" Daddy do his exercises . . .






Rooke is starting to sing more. His current favorites are the ABC's (leaving out T, U, and V), Jesus Loves Me, and this one:

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Discovering Discovery Park

Rooke and I took G-Daddy to Discovery Park for his last Seattle excursion while Ryan was at work. Jackets in August?!



Rooke developed a special connection with this particular rock. He kept coming back to it to give it a hug! Funny guy.

He would have thrown rocks in the water with G-Daddy all day long had we let him.

My new favorite picture of our precious son. . .


We found a "tunnel" and had to go inside!

Later that night, we put Rooke to sleep at a friend's house and headed out for a very special evening. Kevin treated the three of us to dinner and a show: Bela Flek performing live! Thank you!

Monday, August 10, 2009

G-Daddy's in Town

G-Daddy (AKA Ryan's dad) is in town for the weekend and we're having a great time! The look on Rooke's face when he woke up and saw G-Daddy in the apartment was priceless!


"Too much, Mom?"

We took Ryan's dad to the Arboretum and all enjoyed walking around on a cool day.


He LOVES throwing rocks - especially into water.


On a little afternoon hike. . .

"The stick broken"

Oh, how I love this man.

He loves his G-Daddy!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Baby Payne #2

Baby Payne #2 is a . . . . .

GIRL!!!!!!

Yipeeee! We are grateful that she continues to grow well and everything points to her being a healthy and strong little girl. Praise God for His gift of life in this little one that we get to call our daughter! Now, if I can just get used to the idea of a closet filled with pink clothes!


I had these cupcakes ready to be iced with blue or pink frosting after our appointment and sent them with Ryan to work the next morning. They were the perfect celebration treat (along with the pizza we ordered because I didn't want to cook! =)
Go here for the delicious recipe.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Life at Home

Rooke's reunion with his "wheels" after coming back home kept him busy for most of the day:

While he is still obsessed with wheels, his new fascination is wheels in tunnels! Thus the tunnel/fort building has commenced.

Putting a blanket over his head = being in a tunnel

We enjoyed a concert in the park with friends last weekend.


Last- minute instructions on how many pancakes he wanted

Ryan and I enjoyed a kid-free evening with some friends! First dessert and then a killer game of Putt Putt.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Trip Down South, part 2

The main reason for our trip was to take part in my aunt's wedding! It was a beautiful ceremony and we were blessed to be there for the special event. Ryan's parents were gracious enough to drive down and watch Rooke so we could participate in the wedding "stuff".


My sweet aunt Sara

Everyone on my dad's side of the family!


We were married in the same church 6 1/2 fabulous years ago

It was fun getting to be a bridesmaid!

With my Mom and Dad at the rehearsal dinner


Rooke and I drove up to spend a couple days with Ryan's family before heading home. It was a perfect ending to a fun trip: relaxing, low key, and lots of Rooke-loving from the Payne family. Walking with Uncle Joe:

He had fun "jumping" (AKA taking large steps) off Sean & Jessica's fireplace.

Rooke loved laughing with Uncle Sean!