Spaghetti

Just might be our new favorite dinner.  Noodles by the fist-full.  

15 months going on 16 years

Dad thinks this is funny now.  Sitting in the front seat of the car, honking the horn, looking cool in sunglasses.  He won't think it is so funny when Saylor can actually reach the gas pedal and see over the steering wheel.   When the Nuggs gets her license I have a feeling she will be locked in the house and the key thrown away!

Rainy Day

It was bound to happen.  Everyone knew the 84 days of straight sun had to come to an end sooner or later.  That does not mean we can't romp around outside.  And you know your kid is from Washington when out of the blue she says her fourth word, "rainy".  

Gardening

Saylor is super helpful when it comes to yard work.  She will help dig holes and pick flowers, but she will also get you in tip top wheelbarrow pushing shape.  Grandpa would much rather haul a cute Nugget than a load of dirt!

Round and Round

Another gorgeous fall day.  Perfect for trekking around the zoo.  We forgot to put the stroller in the car so had to rent one...that ended up being a good thing because it led us to the merry-go-round.  She loved every second of it.  So much we had to do it twice.

                                     

Tough Mudder 2012

Who spends their Saturday running around mud pits, avoiding electric shocks and swimming through ice baths?  Me.  I can check the Tough Mudder off my list.  Not sure it was ever even on a list, but I got suckered into it by a bunch of dumb boys.  Dan couldn't even find us to take pictures so these represent the last 100 feet of a very wet, muddy, cold race.

I stopped to get a kiss and a french fry before I tortured myself one last time

Only 2 obstacles left...the dreaded half pipe and the wall of electricity I get to run through.

Does this smile look forced?

Ridiculous amounts of mud.  Check out my eyebrow.  But I survived. 

Playground

It might be a bit windy and the fall air is definitely crisp, but the sun is shining so we have to get outside while we can.  Feeling pretty good about getting through the tunnels on her own!

Lovin' Grandpa Pounder

There are so many photos in between these and the last post, but this just makes me smile.  Grandpa Pounder loves him some Nugget and I am quite certain the feeling is mutual.  

Fancy Cart

We have upgraded.  First, we started with the small double-decker basket cart because we didn't need the extra space.  Once Saylor arrived we moved up to the standard grocery cart.  Now Nuggie prefers her own wheels.  Never thought I would be pushing the mini van version of a grocery cart around.  This cart is enormous and we may have hit a few things while shopping today.

Mariner Game With Friends

Dad took Nuggs to the Mariner's game this week.  Dan joined forces with Aaron and his daughter Maeve.  Saylor and Maeve seem to be best buds now.  Shared a healthy dinner of fries, some kisses and good view of the field.  Congrats to Maeve because she just found out she will be a big sister to twins!

Dad taught Saylor to dip her fries in ranch

Poor Maeve didn't know Saylor kisses with her mouth wide open!

See Maeve, Gutierrez does have a nice butt!

Abominable Snowman

Um, I think Dad got a bit carried away with the bubbles.  

Weekend Escape

Saylor escaped her parents for the weekend.  She was spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa Pounder for 3 whole days.  Lucky girl.  Mom and Dad headed to Long Beach, California for a wedding.  First time we had both left Saylor over night.  I think it was a success on both sides (although G&G are very tired and mom and dad might be a little hung over)

See, just fine without you mom.

Got to read and snooze on the plane ride down

Seal Beach.  Cute little beach town.

One drink leads to another....

...which leads to us going through the McDonald's drive thru with 2 guys driving a golf cart.  They were very nice and got me my fries.

Overall, a very fun weekend with great friends.  Thanks G&G for taking such good care of our Nugget.  We didn't worry at all, but we are so glad to be home with the little monster.

This Past Week

I have been a slacker about posting.  I am still trying to put together Saylor's one year entry.  But we have been busy.  Here are a few of my favorite moments.

Waiting for mom to get home from work.

Lovin' Daddy at the beach

Slides don't scare me!

If only she would wear her own sunglasses

Good Morning Beach

Nothing like a trip to the beach in pajamas.  Dad kayaked while Saylor climbed over logs and ate sand and banana for breakfast.  We also touched our first dead crab and live giant snail.  Good start to a Sunday.  

 

Date Night

Husband and I actually went out without Nuggs.  I think some people call it a date, but I don't really remember because it has been so long.  We headed to Seattle for a Mariner's game.  Even had a drink.

And I am pretty sure the lead singer from an 80s band was sitting behind us.  That might have been the highlight of the evening, husband secretly trying to take pics of crazy hair guy.

You Go Girls

Happy 40th Anniversary Title IX.  Thank you to all the women who fought for the right to play.  

Billy Jean King

 “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” 

Day at the Park

We had a little family play time at Chambers Bay.  I think it might be our new favorite park.  If only it were a bit closer.  Saylor romped in the grass and pushed her own stroller around, we hit the beach for some porpoise sightings and then ended it all at the playground.  Needless to say, Nugget was one tired kiddo.

                                                                             

Family Time

Had a little lunch date with Uncle JP and Aunt AlexAnn today.  JP taught Saylor how to throw rocks.  Thanks for that.

Beach Bum

On a day like today, there is nothing better to do than hit the beach.  Saylor is a huge fan.  She loved watching all the kiddos, pointing to the airplanes flying overhead and the crows scavenging for food.  But there is nothing better than eating sand.  Seriously.  She shoveled that stuff in by the handful.  

Let Me Out!

She would love nothing more than to break through the screen door and crawl her way to freedom.  I wonder if the neighbors are afraid of this scary face?  

Baby Steps

The little red push wagon has arrived!  With the help of handy husband and a very helpful Saylor we managed to complete assembly before bedtime.  I think the pink shoes make her super fast.

Saving It For Later

It is quite possible that we have the messiest eater.  She is now into "dipping".  She dips crackers, fruit, toast in anything else that she is eating.  Yogurt.  Good for dipping.  Pureed veggies.  Super good for dipping.  Graham crackers dipped in yogurt then zucchini is by far the best.  This is why she is saving the graham cracker for later.  Just in case.

Rough Day for the Noggin

Poor Nuggs.  Her giant head had a bit of a hard time today.  There are no pictures to document this day.  I was too busy rescuing Saylor from her surroundings.  First, she was standing, trying to balance with the help of the kitchen chair when it came crashing down on her.  Grandma caught the chair before it could squish her, but Nuggs hit the floor with a bang.  Lots of tears.  No damage.  Only a few hours later, Saylor's curiosity got the best of her.  She put her head through the railing so she could peek down into the play room from the kitchen.  Oops again.  Lots and lots of crying as her head was stuck.  She tried to pull it out but to no avail.  Mom to the rescue!  Turns out the middle part of the railing is wider than the bottom.  Only minor damage...a red mark or two behind her ears.  Hope tomorrow is better kiddo!

Cluck Cluck

Saylor loves bath time.  Really loves it.  She hates getting out of the tub.  That is until we wrapped her up in a chicken towel.  She couldn't get enough of herself in the mirror.  Must be the giant orange beak.

Happy Chocolate Chip Day!

Did you know it is chocolate chip day?  Me neither.  But it is.  And I for one find chocolate chips a staple in our household.  Put them in things, on things or just eat them.  Always delicious.  So in honor of this "holiday" that might be ridiculous, if only slightly, I would like to share my favorite cookie recipe.

Click here so you can enjoy Big Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Yum yum!