San Juan Islands

Sunday we returned from a mini-vacation to the San Juan Islands, located just a couple of hours north of Seattle. We had such a great time! The weather was perfect and the scenery was breathtaking everywhere we went.

Gabby was able to experience many firsts, including her first ferry ride.

Not sure where she got the swimsuit model pose idea, but I appreciate her originality.

We did a little whale watching, but only managed to see some sea lions before Gabby lost interest in staring at the same water for hours.

On the second island we went to, Orcas Island, Gabby discovered throwing rocks into the water and decided this is an activity that will never get old.

We enjoyed many great meals at restaurants overlooking the water.

Our bed-and-breakfast had a beautiful view from our bedroom deck.

The view of Mt. Baker from the top of Mt. Constitution.

Another view from Mt. Constitution.

Our only profile shot of Baby Boyer #2. (6 weeks to go!)

Despite the fact that we never gave this girl a chance to nap, she was a trooper and happy the whole time.

Near some waterfalls on our hike. Why don't they make a backpack like that to carry me?

We took a relaxing row boat ride out on the lake. (Well, relaxing for the two of us, while Daddy did all the work.) :)

During our time in the car, Gabby entertained her baby by reading stories to her. (Although I am not sure that the baby can see much, the way she is holding her....)

Happenings

Our daily lives have been pretty busy lately, with visitors and summer toys and getting settled in our new home. Here is a glimpse of what we have been up to. As seen above, Mémé (Jen's mom) visited for a week and Gabby finally had someone else to follow around everywhere. Jason and I even seized the opportunity to go out on a date and saw Fiddler on the Roof performed at the Paramount!

At my cousin's wedding, we were able to be with Gabby's Great-Grandma Allred.

On Memorial Day, we visited my four sibling's graves. (They may not be war veterans, but it seemed like an appropriate time to pay them a little visit anyway.)

Gabby also got her first tricycle! She is amazing at making it move without even having her feet on the peddles....

Thanks to the improved weather (and a backyard!), Gabby has been spending every moment that she can convince me, playing with her water & sand table. The water has a way of quickly moving from the table to Gabby's entire body, so she generally plays with full raincoat & boot body armor.

With the baby soon coming to take over the crib, Gabby got a new big-girl bed! She loves it. I was prepared to spend the first couple of weeks waking up in the middle of the night to her crying because she fell off of the bed. But so far, she has slept even better here than in her crib. Even for a wild sleeper, she has not managed to fall out of bed yet! (Knock on wood....)

Here is a look at her new room. (The blackout curtains probably should take the credit for her sleeping longer these days.) We still have more details to add, but she seems to have adjusted well to the transfer.

First Haircut

Before & After

Gabby's first haircut took place about 3 weeks ago. Considering her attachment to her mullet, I think she did quite well at holding still while our friend, Crystal, chopped off the chaotic baby hair ends. Still more growing out to do, but in the meantime, I think it looks pretty cute.