Nathan James

Our friends Joana and Steve became proud parents Saturday morning to Nathan James, 8lb 4 oz and 21 inches. We went to see them at the hospital that afternoon and lucky for Brian since he was up this weekend got to meet the little guy too.

Leavenworth

Last weekend Brian and I celebrated our 5th anniversary in Leavenworth. The actual day was the 18th and that weekend we spent as a family at the beach house, but this weekend was just the two of us, Grammy came up to watch Ashley. We took the corvette since it was going to be 80 degrees, which definitely made up for the fact that we couldn't take the car to Anacordes a few weekends ago because of rain! The Fall festival was going on and we got there right in the middle of the parade. So, we parked and walked into town, got lunch and went into all the cute shops. They had a band playing and people dancing, it was great. We spent the afternoon there and headed back to our bed and breakfast for dinner. We stayed at the Pine River Ranch where Brian proposed to me 6 years ago in January. Same room and everything. It was completely different being there in the fall, especially since the last time we were there is was after that huge 2004 snow storm where they cosed down I-84 because of snow and ice. We still talk about how crazy it was that I drove out there, but it was a big weekend and someone was determined that I get there! The leaves were changing and made for a beautiful scenery. It was a perfect weekend, spent with the perfect person.

I caught Ashley trying to drink from the camel pack. You can just look at the still image instead of clicking to view the video, it's only 1/2 a second when I realized it was on the video setting and I was trying to take a still picture. She had been watching us trying to figure out what we were doing and I guess she decided to give it a try. By the time I switched the setting she wouldn't do it again, I think she decided it wasn't as fun as it looked since she couldn't get any water out.

Tiger Mountain

Last Sunday we went up to Tiger Mountain for a hike. It was a gorgeous day. We both had never been there, but decided it was on our "to do" list before we moved. I think we would have enjoyed it a little more if we were in shape, it's a tough hike straight up with hardly any flat areas for relief. My quads were burning!!! I thought my legs were going to give out from underneath me. Of course people had warned us of this, but you forget how out of shape you are. We're a little sore even days after, but we made it and the view was.... unimpressive! I was ready to give up at 2.2 miles (it's a 6 mile round trip, 3 miles each way, so we were almost there) and Brian kept encouraging me saying it will be all worth it once we see the view from the top. Well I'm glad we didn't really know what that view was like because I wouldn't have pushed myself as hard as I did and Brian was the one carrying Ashley! There was an old man at the top who commented that "a young girl like myself should not be breathing that hard", my response (to myself of course) "try carrying around a 21 week belly old man!" The nerve!






These birds were taking food right from people's hands, never seen anything like it

20 Weeks

Well 21 weeks 3 days today, but this picture was taken at 20 weeks. So far the pregnancy as gone really well. I'm a lot bigger this time, mostly because I have no time to work out, but also because "he's my second", everyone has been so sweet by saying that. It makes it not so fun to dress myself in the morning, though. I'm feeling him kick all the time, it's quite amusing. He's a strong little guy and very busy in there. He's going to give his big sister a run for her money. Speaking of, I think Ashley kind of gets that he's growing in mommy's tummy. She'll randomly say it and include him in our conversation. The other day we were "brushing" her baby's teeth and she said "brush baby brother's teeth?" Then when we asked her where baby brother was, she responded "in mommy's tummy". I was impressed. She'll also just randomly state the fact that "baby brother in mommy's tummy" and point to my belly. I hope she's as excited about him when he arrives. She has been practicing with her own baby, feeding it a bottle, putting it under the covers and rubbing it's back, and of course holding and patting it's back whispering "shhhh, shhhh" when it's "crying".

Fam Jam Puddle Huddle 2009

I think we made a mistake by calling our annual family gathering Puddle Huddle because we jinxed ourselves for good. It has rained every year (this being the 4th), but this year it POURED!!! (although from the pictures it looks like it was a sunny weekend, well that's because it was the only time I could bring my camera out, trust me it wasn't the majority of the weekend) Rain was in the forecast so we prepared for it, but I think we were overly optimistic and didn't think it was going to be as bad as it was. We had a tarp over our tents and thanks to my father who found two canopies on Craig's List the week before, we managed to stay fairly dry. None of us slept because of the sound of the rain on the tarps, but even with the bad weather and lack of sleep we all had a good time and no one complained. There has been talk, though, on the Lewis side of cabins or a pop up next year and the demise of tent camping. Of course Brian's parents have there pop up and rubbed it in how cozy, dry and warm they were all weekend, we'll see what our family decides next year with two kids. No matter how everyone gets to sleep we will continue the tradition of "camping" every year. We went back to the same place and sites as last year with an addition of a water site that we were going to use to store the boat and have easy access to the many water sports that were going to happen. Yeah, that didn't happen and luckily we got a refund. You can also guess that a lot of other people got refunds as well, so it was very quiet around the campground for a Labor Day weekend. We did a lot of eating and sitting by the fire for warmth. We did go to Mount St. Helen's visitor Center one day for some relief from the rain and that was really fun. Brian's parents and mine got together for a surprise graduation gift for the both of us, which was extremely generous of them. Brian got a new set of golf clubs that he's still talking about. We went to the driving range this weekend and he LOVES them! Then I got very generous gift certificate and a voucher to bring whomever I want for a nights stay at the Mariott. Ashley got some new jammies, a book and a stroller for her baby. They were all very nice gifts and we appreciate them very much. Can't wait for Fam Jam next year, we're going to try July and see what our luck brings us for weather.





This was camp for the weekend. It took awhile to set up and take down (thankfully it was dry for both), but it was well appreciated!!! Thanks Dad and Bri.

Ashley tipping one back...

and then passing out

The boys lounging...

while the girls are cleaning.

The parents posing with Brian and his new set of golf clubs





Ashley practicing pushing around her little brother when he arrives. She loved her new stroller and wanted to go for walks any chance she could get even in the rain and mom chasing after her to keep her hood on.

Road Trip

The Saturday after graduation I planned a surprise road trip for Brian and I to celebrate the end of his two years in PA school. My plan was to take the Corvette since we never take it out together, it always seems easier than getting a babysitter for the both of us to go. Well Brian started talking like I didn't like the Corvette, which is not true so I wanted to plan this trip to show him how much I do like it and for some time just the two of us. The weather was supposed to be 80 degrees when I checked the Monday before. The day before our trip I checked again and RAIN! I was so mad. The whole idea of this trip was to take the Corvette, but since it doesn't have windshield wipers it would be really bad if it rained. We decided to go anyways and roll down the windows to pretend we were in the Corvette. Ashley spent the day with our friends and we headed up to Mt Erie for a picnic and then to Washington Park for gorgeous views of the San Juan's and Deception Pass. Guess what... it ended up being gorgeous and not one speck of rain fell on us all day. I didn't have nice things to say to the weatherman to say the least!!! We did have a really fun day, it just didn't go exactly as planned, oh well. There are plenty of other opportunities and no plan to sell the car any time soon.



View from Mt. Erie

Brian took Ashley down to Gig Harbor for a BBQ and kayaking with his buddy Chad from PA school. Mom had to work, but you can see they had a great time! This was Ashley's first time in a kayak and she loved it! They even saw a seal right next to them.



She paraded around the beach with this life jacket on. Big difference from when she was little and hated to wear the life jacket.

Brian Timm, PA

Brian officially graduated from PA school today! I am so proud, I get tears in my eyes just writing this. A lot has happened in the last two years and I wouldn't trade it for the world. He has really shown me being a PA is what he's wanted out of a career and has exceeded my expectations of what that outcome would be, a job in CT surgery! Never imagined two years ago this is where it would take us. Today was a very big day that we hadn't really let sink in, we were both pretty emotional. He's endured endless hours of studying, lack of sleep, dedication to his family, figuring out finances, and completing his goal of becoming a very good PA. Congratulations honey, you've done an amazing job!

The day started off with a reception at 9am, then the ceremony from 10am to noon. Medex did a wonderful job with the ceremony and had really good guest speakers both outside and within the 2009 class. A big surprise to both Brian and I was an award given to him for his Leadership. Quite an honor to receive! After the ceremony, Brian took me to lunch at our favorite Indian restaurant nearby and this afternoon we took Ashley and the dog to Lake Washington to go swimming and enjoy this 80 degree weather we had today. Tonight Hani and Steve took Brian out for a celebratory dinner at El Gaucho, something they've been planning for months. They're enjoying a special bottle of wine that Hani's picked out, some good scotch and $50 steak. Sounds like a good night out with the boys! The rest of the week is just as busy celebrating this big day. Tomorrow Brian's bringing Ashley down to Gig Harbor for a BBQ with his buddy Chad and his family, then Sat I'm taking him on a surprise destination cruise in the corvette, Saturday night we're going out with a bunch of friends to the Ballard Loft, and then Sunday is rest, rest, rest!!!! We're going to need it!





Brian and his buddy Tom who also received the Leadership award. They were the only two out of a class of 40, they deserved it!

I'll let you decide what her conversation is about, but it looks pretty serious