Week 1

Adilyn is already 1 week old. Kath and I have joked that when Adilyn isn't eating or sleeping she is... crying!



That was really the first couple days. She is adjusting quite well and is happy and awake much more. Here she is happy, being held by Grandma VW.

Meanwhile Sam has been working on his latest stunts at the local skate park. X games, here we come!



Sam got a chance to sit in the cab of an excavator working near our house. It was raining but Sam didn't care, he was having a great time.

Isn't She Beautiful!

Adilyn loves sleeping on Mommy's chest.

Our good-good friends (the Herzogs) took care of Sam for 3 days while we were in the hospital for the birth of Adilyn. He had an incredibly good time. What a gift... Thank you Herzogies!

This one is for you Letha... never mind the outcome of the game. Kath surprised me (Duane) with the Michigan blanket for Adilyn for game day. I love it!

Sam has been a very loving big brother... so far.

Her first ride in the car seat leaving the hospital to come home was obviously exhausting for Adilyn.

I promise the next post (coming soon) will have pictures and videos of Adilyn with her eyes open. Thanks for sharing in this joy with us!

Introducing...

Adilyn Ruth VW - Born on Oct. 2 at 7:58am. She weighs 7lbs 3oz and is 18 1/2".

Thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers. Adilyn is a precious gift!

Proud big brother holds Adilyn for the first time.

Summer Rhythm

Ahhh... sweet summer rhythms! Here are some highlights of our summer rhythm that went something like: fishing, playing at the beach, hanging out with good friends, eating good food and sleeping well!

Sam's first catch of the summer!

One of many trips to Millennium Park beach.

That's a good tired.

Sam and Braylen pushing the wagon to the beach.

Freshly picked corn from our garden. Mmmmm good!

Seriously, are there any cuter 3 year olds on the planet?! (Julia & Sam)



Letha, Kath and Sam on a boat ride with friends in Canada.

Sam caught this one entirely by himself (including the cast).

Blast Off!

Kath and I got away for our 13th anniversary!

Stay tuned for a newborn baby-filled picture post coming very soon...

Big Boy Weekend

This past weekend Sam ran his first Junior Jog at the Brian Diemer Race. Kath ran the 5k for the 19th time (this year she was 23 weeks pregnant!).

Brian Diemer was getting the 3 year old boys ready to run and asked if they were fast. He held the microphone up to Sam and Sam said loudly and clearly "I am going to beat you!" That's our boy! Brian had fun with it and made sure that Sam did indeed beat him.

Sam is off to beat Brian!

Kath and Sam after the race. Sam is sporting his gold medal and Kath is sporting the latest member of our family.
Sam has been working hard over the last few weeks earning his "Big Boy Bike." Sunday marked the big day of putting it together and riding it for the first time.

Happy Birthday Sammers!

Wow!! Sam is turning 3! Kath has asked Sam several times to just stay 3 after this birthday. We love the stage Sam is at right now. He is learning so much and he is just funny... well, most of the time. I thought his birthday would be a good reason to catch up on some photos of our family trip to Seattle, WA this past October. Sam on the plane to Seattle, WA in October.
Sam ditching the backpack to hike on his own at Twin Falls.

Aw, yes! Is there anything better for Sam than having Letha read him books?
Sam, painting at the Seattle Children's Museum, is focused!
Sam and Kath picking out the best places to throw rocks at the base of Mt. Rainier.
Duane, Sam, Letha and Kath at the base of Mt. Rainier experiencing an afternoon like a piece of heaven.