Summer Times

So, regardless of a very cold, rocky start, Summer has finally reached the Pacific Northwest. It has been wonderful, sunny weather, and we've been trying to enjoy it while we can. I still have yet to post about our rainy Independence Day, and Tristan's birthday, because those pics are on Jake's phone. But, this is what we've been up to most recently.

We took a jaunt up to Shoreline to visit my college girlfriend, and her family. She has 4 kids, including a set of twins, and the oldest just turned 5. And, she handles it beautifully. Wonderful children, wonderful house, wonderful mother. I am so glad that we can keep in touch.

Here are all the kids, minus Tristan. They all had such a good time, wading in the freezing water, and burying themselves in sand. I am still finding sand in the bathtub at night!

Tristan liked it too. (Thanks for the pictures, Bree!)

Of course, we had to attend the Renton River Days Parade. Mainly to see the SeaFair pirates. They were very entertaining, as usual. It was a hot day, but, the kids got a little candy, which made it worth it. We missed our usual "partners-in-crime," the other Kleins, who usually go with us. I guess they decided camping was more fun.

Anyone want to take him? He's FREE! Really!

Dad, and the kids, waiting for it to start.

Not sure what this has to do with summer. I just thought it was quite the ensemble. A G.I. Joe Prince?

We like to take full advantage of Whitney, while she's here. This includes using the really cool waterslide that the family she nannies for has. The picture at the top of the post is of Tay, and Jace, one of the kids Whitney watches. They actually all play pretty well together. Their house is really cool too. We like to visit Whit at work!

Rohnie slidin' down.

Another cool dress-up outfit. Funny kid.

Tristan loves to chew on whole, ripe nectarines. He just gobbles them up. I almost have to bathe him afterwards, though.

Prince Caspian, and Belle going to a friend's birthday party.

We spend the most time outside in our backyard, utilizing the swings, and playset. Of course, Tristan can't swing without his trusty golf club! Happy Summer, everyone!

Ghostbusters

There are really no words to describe this. Pure Entertainment!

Family Reunion

We took 10 days off to visit my family, and attend the Louis Hamblin Family Reunion. There are 10 kids in my Dad's family, and every year, one of those children are in charge of the Reunion. Well, this year it was my Dad's turn. He had been planning, and anticipating this all year long. Down to the very last detail, and it turned out awesome. I am so glad that we were able to go, participate in it, and support my dad. Because it's a 2 days drive to Montana, where my parents live, we wanted to make it worth it. So, we left a little early, and travelled to Idaho first, to visit my sister, Holly, and her family. After spending a few days reconnecting with her, and her family, we drove to Ekalaka, to the Reunion. I didn't get a camera until the last few days of the Reunion, so, I didn't get nearly enough pictures. And, even then, I was chasing around a very active 1 year old most of the time, and couldn't stop to snap a photo.

My favorite photo. Tristan loved my parents instantly, and was so friendly with everyone at the reunion. He has always been such a Momma's boy, but, he's starting to branch out, and let his personality shine.

This is my new adorable nephew, Benson. He is the cutest, sweetest little baby. I just couldn't get enough of him. I am so sad that I won't be able to see him grow up. I just love him!

My kids loved the baby so much. It made me remember when Tristan was that little. They grow up too darn fast! Benson smiled at Taylee a few times.

Can you stand the cuteness?

Ekalaka doesn't have many things. But, it does have an outdoor pool. It's pretty much a piece of junk, but, we enjoyed the $1 price, and took advantage of it one day. Jake got pretty sunburned on the top of his head that day. Gonna have to remind him to put sunscreen up there now a days.

Here's a picture of our kids, and Holly's kids. On Friday of the Reunion, we ventured to Medora, North Dakota, which was a short 2 hour drive. It is a tourist town, famous for the Pitchfork Fondue, and western Musical. I went there about 10 years ago, before Jake and I got married. It was really really hot. But, the dinner and the Musical made it worth it. The Musical is performed in a big outdoor Ampitheater, western style. It was so fun, and my kids (minus Tristan, who went home with Grandma) loved it. It cooled down towards the end of the night, which was very nice!

I don't know why we thought it would be a good idea to go Mini Golfing in 98 degree weather, but, we did. If my kids look hot, it's because they were very very hot. Us poor, die-hard, Pacific Northwesterners can't handle that much sun! It was really hard to take. After this, my kids were like zombies. Rohne was glazed over, and not even talking, until we got in the shade, took his shirt off, and drenched his head in water.

Tristan made it very hard for us to be good golfers, actually. But, he liked it.

Jake taking a shot.

They called all the kids up onto the stage during the Musical. The actors taught them a little song and dance, gave them a microphone, and let them perform. Taylee got really into it. Rohne wasn't so sure.

Jake and Rohne watching the music. It was such a late night. We didn't get back to my parent's house until 1:00 in the morning.

Me and Tay. She's already rolling her eyes at her Mom. What do we have in store? If you think I look tired, it's because I was very tired, and hot. Did I mention it was hot? It was.

Nat and Baby Benson. She is such a good Mommy.

My sister, Holly, and Benson. With the family dog, Missy in the background. My brothers weren't able to come to the Reunion, and Whit couldn't come either. So, it was just 3 sisters. It was really nice to spend time with them, though.

My Grandma Margaret Hamblin. The Matriarch of the group. We celebrated her Birthday while there. She gave a speech that made me cry my eyes out. She is so wonderful!

And, what family gathering would be complete, without a little sing-along and talent show. Here's my mom and dad, with my Uncle Garth and Aunt Ellen. Believe it or not, they used to be in a band together, back in the day. They still sound fabulous together. So much talent! Taylee performed a little number, and did great. She loved all the attention.

We left early Sunday morning, and headed for home. We stayed halfway in a hotel, which was in Missoula, MT. I have a good friend, from childhood, who lives there, and we had planned on meeting up. However, one of us got the dates mixed up, and she was gone camping. But, we saw each other for a very short minute before we headed out of town, and she went to work. I had fully planned on taking a picture, but, I forgot. We then travelled the rest of the way home the next day. The last few hours in the car were torture. For all of us. The baby cried, the kids screamed, and I felt like screaming. But, it was good to finally be home.

After I gave Taylee a bath in the hotel, the water was draining, and Tristan crawled right in, fully clothed. He was very proud.

Good thing Bub has a Camera!

Here's a few pictures from Whit's camera. We sure love having her around!

Update minus pictures

So, I broke my camera. And, it was not even quite a year old. Sad. . . I will spare you the deets, but, it was all my fault. So, until I can go and buy a new camera, there are no pictures. Sorry. Here's a little update for ya.

-Taylee lost her first tooth. It had been wigglin' for awhile, and she was so excited for it to fall out. She was eating an ice cream cone, of all things, and it got really loose, and she pulled it out, all by herself. There was a little blood, which she even got on her shirt. But, she didn't freak out at all. She loved it, and was so proud! What a big girl! She looks so cute with a gap in her bottom teeth. The tooth fairy graciously gave her $2.00, which she was absolutely thrilled about. She's growing up so fast.

-Tay and Rohne attended their first Day Camp last week. It was my good friend's daughter who put it on, and it was just out of their house. Pretty low key, but, they loved every minute. They also started swimming lessons this week. It's a little hard to get all the kids ready, and out the door by 8:30 in the morning, but, they're really enjoying it. We have had a severe shortage of warm weather this summer, hence, not very much outdoor swimming. At least this is giving them their fill.

-Tristan is sleeping through the night!!! (Pretty much, mostly, one time doesn't count, right?) All I know, is that I am finally feeling like I can read before bed, and I don't go to him nearly as much. It took a year, but, at least he's there, right? Hooray! Because he is sleeping more at night, he now thinks that he only needs one nap. This is a little exhausting for Mommy, because he is still so young, and definitely needs that second nap still. He now has upper and lower molars, and one I-tooth has pushed through, with the other close behind. I will be so glad to have teething done! It makes for a grouchy baby.

-Nothing new for the parents, unfortunately. Jake's working, and I'm working at home. I can't wait to go see Eclipse tonight at midnight with the girls!! I'm gonna need some major caffiene so I can stay awake though. And, I'm not looking forward to tomorrow, after such a long night. It better be worth it, that's all I can say!

Ballet Recital

Tay's Ballet Recital was today. She was so cute, and wonderful, I just cried through the whole thing. It's so wonderful watching her do something that she absolutes loves, and excels at. She tends to be a very shy, partly withdrawn little girl in group situations. But, when she is performing in front of people, she lights up, and comes to life. She is never even nervous before she goes on, or while she's out there. Watching her today just reaffirmed the fact, that I will be keeping her in dance classes.
Here's her little group of friends she did Ballet with. It was nice to have all our girls in the same class. We could carpool together, and they grew to become great friends.

Um, who can say DIVA?
I love my Ballerina girl! Good job, Tay, we love you so much!

We have a Preschool Graduate!

So, Tay's done with preschool. It was kind of a rocky year. I have always gone back and forth about preschool. I've never thought that kids really need it. And, it's so so expensive here to enroll your kids. My stance has always been that there's no better place for children to learn than in the comfort of their own homes, with a loving parent teaching them. However, Mr. Fussypants threw off my groove a little bit, and I found myself spending less and less time teaching Tay at home. We got lucky that there was a move-out, so space opened up in a neighborhood preschool, and I enrolled her. I haven't always agreed with the teacher, but, I think she genuinely cares about the children, and, we've had a pretty positive experience. I'm glad it's done though. I'm ready for a more laid-back schedule, before I enter into the world of PTA, school lunches, yellow buses, and everything else that comes with the public school system. I am going to cherish these 3 months of summer, that's for sure!!

Tay, and her teacher, Miss Tammy

Tay, and her cousin, Samantha, leaving Graduation.
3 cute girlies

Tay, and her friend, Syd. They had lots of fun together in school together this year.

I took this picture mainly to show Tay's gorgeous hair. It took me a good 30-45 minutes to curl all of her hair in ringlets. It looked so pretty though. She loved it. We called her Shirley Temple, Goldilocks, and Alice in Wonderland throughout the night. That girl loves any excuse to dress up.

She was so happy, and beaming all night. Always our little performer.

Sorry this is a 3 minute video. I just had to show how cute it was. All the kids did such a great job, and I was so stinkin' proud of my girly. Enjoy!