My Two Favorite 'Walkie Talkie' Buddies

Today was a sad day for our trio of gals with our tikes because it was our last official walk together before I move to Florida. Our group started a month or two ago when Catherine called MeDynn and I to start walking and from that time we've grown so close and I feel like I am losing two of my best friends in a few days. I treasure all of the time we spent together and wish we'd have only started this sooner. . .daRn! Thank heavens for blogs right. MeDynn-we are going to have to bring you over to the blogging side! Anyway, I wanted to say thanks so much to these two amazing women. It has been a pleasure to rub shoulders with ya and I am a happier, better person because of it. Your friendship has meant the world and I wish both of you the best in the years to come. Take care-Luv YA! Thanks for the walks and the talks.My send-off poster. So cute girls-thank you! Notice that women give each other chocolates and sweets--we know where it is at!

Colton, despondant and melancholy at the thought of leaving his buddies.

The adorable Lauren with her infectious smile and hilarious mannerisms.

The three of us. MeDynn & Aidan Call, Hillary & Colton Calaway & Catherine with Lauren Brown.

Hey Aidan-throw your sippy. Colton- you poop your pants and I'll try to escape out of this thing. Then our chattie Mommas will take us home!

Aidan kicking back and enjoying the ride.

The unstoppable three. I bet they change so much by next year!

Way to lay one on her Aidan! Going for the older woman--what a guy.

At the Lake

The annual Calaway trip to Priest Lake kicked off officially on July 6th, but since Blaine, Colt and I were in Idaho for Grandma Furness's funeral, we didn't join the family until Wednesday the 9th of the week long excursion. We packed it in: tubing, snorkeling, swimming, tubing, wake boarding, knee boarding, hiking, bonfires and bike rides. It was crazy to think back a year to when Colton was a week and a half old the first time he came to the lake. This year I definitely enjoyed more sleep! Family pic in front of the cabin.

Bradley rocking it out on the screamers! Watch out Blaine!!

Hillary enjoying the sun and the water.

Snorkel Time--we love to go out to this rock area in the middle of the lake, anchor the boat down and explore the area.

Colton pooped out and fell asleep in the boat. Most of the time we'd put him under the captain's chair with some towels where Grandpa could keep a good eye on his boy.

Granite Falls Hike

While we were up at Priest Lake we hiked to Granite Falls and around the area. The falls were beautiful as usual and there were so many wildflowers I went crazy with our camera.

Run Your Toes Through the Sand

I Will Remember You

I try not to write a lot on my blog, but I hope you'll humor me with this one. On July 3rd I learned that my Grandma Furness had unexpectedly passed away and consequently traveled to Idaho for her funeral the following Tuesday. There were so many memories of Grandma that flooded my mind over the time I spent in Idaho with family mourning her departure. She came to almost every recital, performance, and milestone in my life--and Grandma did this for every grandchild she could. I think I've been avoiding this entry for days because what do you say about someone like that and how do you put into words the joy they've given you and the sorrow you feel at their passing? I think the best tribute she can be given is to see the values and principles she embodied manifest in the lives of her posterity. That way, her sweet influence is magnified and expanded to everyone we come in contact with. I had the privilege of performing a final time for Grandma at her funeral with my husband Blaine's help on the violin. We performed a medley of Amazing Grace/As Now We Take the Sacrament/and How Great Thou Art. I know she heard it, and it was an amazing experience. . .

There was a scripture shared by her dear friend and a former teacher of mine Annette Hunter and I think for those of you who didn't have the opportunity to meet her--this would let you know what she was like.
"10 Who can find a viruous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 12 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. . .25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Proverbs 31:10-20, 25-29

I realized a couple of days ago what my very last interaction with Grandma Furness had been. She was passing through the TriCities on her way to a wedding inthe Seattle area and dropped by for an hour to visit. We chatted and enjoyed our time but the last thing I remember is her sitting in the car looking out the window at my little boy waving at his Great Grandma with a grin on his face. I'll always remember that. I love you Grandma. . .

We're Going GREEN!

Okay not in the way you were probably thinking. Our little family is packing up and moving to Gainesville, Florida in 16 days for Blaine to attend a graduate program at the University of Florida. He will be studying Ag Business and even though it is far from family and literally the farthest state away from our beloved Washington we are excited for this new chapter in our lives and the adventures that await. You're only young once right!

ONE of a Kind Birthday

This Sunday was Colton's One Year Birthday and we celebrated 'snorkeler' style with family at Great Grandma & Grandpa Calaway's in Mattawa. For Colton's cake I made this little snorkeler who we named Billy and we thoroughly enjoyed watching Colton take him apart. Colton got a bigger kick out of the tissue paper that came with his gifts than the actual presents (go figure!), but he definitely made away with some adorable loot (Thank you to his Grandma & Great Grandma!). It was a wonderful day full of great memories with family that we will treasure.

Blind Billy

Billy pre-destruction

'What am I supposed to do with this?'

My Alaskan puppy from Great Grandma's trip to Alaska. So soft!

'This stuff just cracks me up!'

I think Colton inherited his shoe-fetish from both parents. Poor boy. . .

Hats Off!!

Colton and I get bored at night when Dad is out working late so tonight we played dress up with a few of our hats. My favorite is the cowboy--Yeehaw!

He Walks!

Colton figured out this last week how to walk and just in time for his one year birthday. I was holding out my hand for him to grab onto one night and he just took off on his own without help. He is working on taking more than five steps at a time right now, but I am enjoying the slower phase because I know once he gets it figured out I am really in trouble. HOORAY Colt-we knew you could do it!

I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home

Colton will go to our sliding glass door and look out patiently waiting for Daddy to get home. Whenever Blaine walks in the door, Colton will put both of his arms out and wave fast for Daddy to come to him. Colt bolts across the room and gets so excited--it really makes for a great welcome after Blaine comes home from a hard, long day of work on the farm.

Look at those lashes--why do the boys get them and not the girls?!!

I'll chew on this until Dad arrives. (Colton is still teething. . .can't wait for that to be done!)

That's it! I'm tired of waiting. I want my Dad!

Moving Forward with a Backward Motion

Colton loves to wave 'hi' to everyone and it made me laugh this last week when he started facing his hand towards his face. As my keen mother-in-law observed with her children, that is what a baby sees when you wave at them so that's what he does. We love it either way and we thrill at the gesture every time.

My First Word

Hooray! I am so excited that I got Colton's first word on video. It isn't 100% clear but he consistently says 'hi' when you tell him hi and he waves his hand too as you can see in the video. Hope you enjoy this as much as we do!

Time for a Walk

Colton and Mommy were lucky enough to join a walking group and we look forward to it everyday! We have so much fun--there are usually 3-4 of us girls with their kids (all under 2) that walk in the neighborhood together and on this particular day we decided to reconvene later in the day for homemade Italian Sodas, a recipe swap and a play date. Thanks MeDynn--the drinks were extra yummy! We definitely need to do this again soon.

Music Man Encore

Music Man

Colton comes alive whenever he hears music playing. He has a one of a kind dance move--hey, at least the kid's got rhythm.