Shhhhh

Do not disturb!

I just love catching these moments when Ellie and Jude play together.

Rain Rain Rain

First Noble/Asmann Family Camping Trip??

A rainy success!

The plan was to camp near the coast Friday and Saturday night. We had a good plan for staying warm and cozy including an air bed and heated blankets.

But the weather had plans other than the normal chilly July temps at the beach . . . It poured. Even by Drew's standards it was NOT camping weather.

So we called my support staff (i.e. My dad) and he found us a great hotel room right on the beach.

I couldn't have been happier. Beach access, hiking and most importantly a shower!

Chris letting the kids have a campfire experience by lighting the dura-log in the fireplace. You may be nervous at this point seeing a 3 year old and a 5 year old with matches in their hands. But Chris did a great job teaching them about fire safety.

Very proud of themselves!

Hike to Fort Canby.

Drew and Ellie atop a bunker, or a 'bonker' as Ellie called it

3 little girls in rain coats

Teddy Bear picnic in the sand.

Note the amount of sand on her hand! She was covered!

The mommas

The dads

Ellie and Livie loved the waves and soaked up these few minutes of sunshine!

Even Ellie got tired on this hike. She fit in Jude's sling just fine.

Big kid!

After spending the weekend being constantly thankful for little luxuries I think Drew even realized that 'camping' in a hotel is much easier with 2 kiddos.

So much family

Last week, Ellie, Jude and I went up to Canada to visit family.

I remember loving family vacations in Campbell River. So much family, good food, delicious baking, the beach . . .

1st of July party at Auntie Dena's - the weather the COLD! But luckily no rain. Funny to see Jude in his Patagonia jacket in JULY! Jude and Ellie with Great GREAT Auntie Lois! My cousin Melissa with our kiddos, Jude and 11 month old Mila

Hannah loved holding Juder in the carrier. He was almost as long as she is.

Hannah, Roddie Lee and Ellie playing in the playhouse. This little A-frame playhouse has been cherished by 2 generations of girls in our family.

The weather was nice enough ONE day to head to the beach.

Ellie loved the tide pools and even went in the ocean up to her chest. It was freezing!

Jude and his cousin Nora-Lynn. It is too funny that these two were fussing in tandem because Nora-Lynn's daddy, my cousin Shea, and I used to fight like siblings. Our mum's used to get SO mad at us for arguing constantly.

Looks like these two are plotting ways to drive us crazy.

The grandma's think it's perfect pay-back!

Multi-Talented!

This boy has changed so much in the last few weeks!

Here is a sampling of his new tricks

He eats!

Tonight he tried a mum-mum crisp (rice wafer) and LOVED it.

He sits!!

Not only does he love his bumbo seat but he sits all by himself without toppling!

He spits!!!

He thinks his tongue is the coolest body part and he loves to spit at his sister!

Direct Quote

Ellie just said . . .

"Mum,

the bad news is: there is a big rain cloud outside.

But the good news is: we're going to live happily ever after!"

Love that kid.

First Foods and Fathers

Jude is 6 months old!! He's sitting up on his own (for a few minutes), rolling over, has 2 teeth, loves being in his bouncer and jumping, thinks Ellie is hilarious and has now tried a few table foods.

We spent Father's Day at Grammie and Grampie's house. It's always relaxing to have the family together and walk around the garden or the beach.

Jude joined us at dinner by sitting in Ellie's old high-chair. (However, Ellie was a little annoyed to be relegated to a regular chair) Egg yolk . . . . hmmmmm . . . .

So far he has tried avocado, banana and egg yolk.

He makes the most offended face and then reluctantly swallows.

Ellie was "love at first bite" when it came to table foods so we'll see if Jude turns out be our picky eater.

Ellie showing off her bounty from Grammie's garden.

I love that she pulls carrots right from the soil and crunches them, dirt and all.

Today was the first day of summer and it was beautiful. I'm really hoping for sunny days filled with sprinklers and popsicles!

6 great kids!

Last week we went to visit family in Olympia. Ellie is so lucky to have cousins that love her so much!

Anne and Jude snuggling.

We have a rule that at Anne's house, anything goes - snacks before dinner, unlimited juice, treats galore. Of course, Ellie is in heaven! She said "I like Auntie Anne's house, it's spoil-y!"

Looking rather sly - eating snacks right before dinner. Such sweet girls!

Roddie Lee prepared a beautiful tea party complete with cinnamon buns, donuts, gum drops, peppermints, marshmallows and Ritz crackers - did I mention it was 1/2 hour before dinner?? Oh well, like I said - no rules at Auntie Anne's house.

Pretty pearly lips

Dress up with Roddie and Quade

Jude loves his cousins too

Cute cousins

Auntie Nana let Ellie roll our her own cinnamon buns and put them in her own dish to bake.

She was pretty proud of her baking abilities! Hanging with Hannah Ellie asked today - when are we going to the spoil-y house again??