Michael's Magic Forest

Next door to us lives a man named Michael, and every day we go out walking in his beautiful forest. He keeps up trails through a few acres around his house, and doesn't mind that we borrow them. Every day I am so grateful for his kindness and this beautiful place we live. It's especially nice this time of year with all the rhododendrons in bloom. When the sun shines through, and the birds are chirping and the leaves are crunch-crunching - it's magical. I wish I could take pictures to do it justice.

We call it the magic forest because ever since we brought baby Hyrum home from the hospital, a walk in the forest would calm him and put him to sleep. At 14 months, it still works.
But now that he's becoming such a good walker, he loves to "hike" through on his own. It's amazing to me when he just takes off at the trail head, and keeps going and going and going - stopping only to pick up random bits of interest (sticks, pine cones, lichen).

I still have to keep a pretty close watch on him, as he seems to like going downhill without help, and isn't quite steady enough to handle the speed. He gets going faster than his little legs can keep up, and a couple days ago he suffered his first fall with injuries. It wasn't a steep slope, but enough that when he tripped and his hands went down to brace the fall, his body kept moving downhill and he did a face plant (more like a face slide) into pine needles and sticks. Ouch. Poor kid. He got over it quickly (quicker than Mom did), and seems to be healing nicely and to have forgotten completely the dangers of recklessly careening downhill.

A week in Utah

We spent a week in Utah for my sister Stephanie's wedding. We really enjoyed the warm weather for a change, and seeing our families - the Joneses AND the Kinateders. This is a picture of Hyrum and his two cousins (both a few months older), Parker and Cole.

Hyrum and Dad at the temple

Hyrum sure is a daddy's boy lately - he loves their playtimes.

Sydney. She was probably Hyrum's favorite thing about our little vacation. He followed her around the entire time (much to her dismay), usually trying to either give her toys or lay on her. He got nipped a few times, but she's a good dog and didn't really hurt him (in fact, it made him laugh...don't know that that's a good thing)


In his new big boy car seat. A bit harder to sleep in unfortunately, but it's got a cup holder! Thanks to the Hansen's for his new favorite toy - a broken X-Box controller.

We went camping with the Hansens in southern Utah at a place called Red Cliffs. It was beautiful, and HOT. 103 degrees when we arrived at 4:30 in the afternoon. Yikes. Hyrum and Cole found a way to stay cool though.

A Yucca spear

Mia showing off a bug she found - we think it was a June bug. I love this picture.

Setting up the tent, a little envious that the Hansen's have more helpers - he had to pull more weight as the only Kinateder kid.

A very Tired and Dirty boy by the end of the day.

HORNY TOAD! Ryan caught a horny toad! His favorite part of the entire trip - he's still a little sore I wouldn't let him keep it. I have to admit it was beautiful.

And finally, Hyrum and cousin Luke. (I couldn't get them to both look at the camera at the same time). Hyrum really liked playing with Luke. He showed Hyrum how to golf, but it didn't really take. Maybe next year. We sure miss all the cousin's down there & can't wait to see you again!

Scott Farcus!!!

We're not sure who this kid is, it might be that tough long-haired kid down the street.

"I'll come in for lunch when I am darn well ready...."


Hyrum's unruly locks before Dad got to him


We've learned not to get in between Hyrum and his favorite pot of dirt.

Ahh... nothing like a nice cold sippy cup full of diluted apple juice after a hard day of dirt digging.

Haircut!

We finally gave the boy his first haircut. Ryan really wanted to do it himself, so we borrowed supplies from some friends - and voila! A bit sad to see it go, so silky & long, but it had to be done - he was beginning to look like a Japanese rock star. He looks so grown up & handsome with his new cut - thanks Dad! (Just don't look too close, it was Ryan's first haircut too.)
Saturday was beautiful (finally!) here in Seattle, so we went to the beach for the afternoon. Hyrum LOVED it. The sand, the rocks, the water, the dogs...we'll be going back often this summer.

He's a Walker!

Hyrum has been able to walk several steps by himself for a few weeks now, but only with a lot of encouragement and someone to catch him at the other end. On Monday though, he started stepping out on his own. He still falls a lot and is pretty tipsy (it's SO cute right now), but can change direction mid-walk, and takes off walking/running frequently.

Vegetable Garden

I've always wanted to have a vegetable garden. Peas, radishes, cucumbers, beans, tomatoes, corn, spinach, zucchini...mmmm. I inherited the love of homegrown veggies from my parents and grandparents. Unfortunately, I haven't inherited as much skill in growing them. My first real attempt at a garden was a couple years ago and ended up feeding more raccoons than people. Now that we live here in the middle of a beautiful forest, there isn't really enough sun for a full garden - but I'm still making an attempt, up on our deck away from the critters. Last year our tomatoes did ok, and this year I planted lettuce for the first time (maybe someday I'll be confident enough to plant seeds instead of half-grown plants). One especially nice aspect of planting this lettuce was how completely absorbed Hyrum was playing in a dirt-filled pot the entire time. Digging in the dirt is his favorite activity.

Happy Birthday Dad

Happy Birthday Ryan! We adore you.