Roadtrippin'

We were unsure how much Augustine would like to travel, so we set out on the long drive to Spokane before sun-up in hopes that he would, at the very least, sleep the morning away, as he often does at home. So far, he seems to be the perfect traveler! He slept nearly the entire time he was in the car, and with regular breaks to eat and burp and change and get some fresh air, we only added 2 hours to our normal 8-hour trip! In my limited parenting experience, I already know that this, like any of his rhythms, could change at any time, but for now, I'll take it!

Our first stop was Multnomah Falls! We considered a quick hike to the top of the falls, but Auggie had forgotten his hiking boots, so we decided to get back on the road instead.

It was a wonderful, relaxed week of hanging out and enjoying the perfect summer weather! Brothers with each other's babies:

Pops and Auggie at an afternoon pool party:

Unckage and Emerson on a "walk." Emmy wanted to run the entire time.

The view of Chewelah from the end of the runway near Nannie and Pops' place:

Niece Emerson, up close and personal:

One lovely morning, Eric and Brody played a round of golf and Mike, Emerson, Ann, Auggie and I headed to town to check out the farmer's market. Chewelah is a small town, but has a wonderful market in a shady park with a shallow, clear creek rushing through it.

Enjoying zucchini arugula quesadillas and cold zucchini soup "backstage" -- behind a family band with kiddos of all ages in suspenders and long dresses playing stringed instruments and singing tight harmonies.

We were lucky enough to be there for the third annual zucchini boat races, in which folks carved out zucchinis and squashes of all shapes and sizes, decorated them, and released them in the creek in heats to see whose would survive the "rapids" and reach the banner of flags first, while a blond teenage boy raced along them, commentating dramatically with a cordless mic. Very quaint. And pretty hilarious to watch.

Auggie was super into it.

Sharing some juicy plums. Mike looks like he has no lower jaw here.

Emmy was most interested in the play area, as any 3-yr-old would be.

Saturday morning cartoons with Nannie:

I think Nannie liked having them around alright.

Toward the end of the week, we drove across the WA-ID border, along with Mike and Em, out to the family cabin on one of the Twin Lakes (is it Upper or Lower? I can never remember). The cabin has been in Eric's family since it was built in 1909, so it is the home of much family history, and it is a site for constant projects and upgrades. Since we were there last, the bathroom had been redone and the new ceiling in the main room was finished. And some "new" green leather furniture (a la Craigslist) was in place. So great!

Again, it was a perfect summer afternoon! Not a cloud in the sky. Hot in the sun, cool in the shade. So great.

Trying to catch bubbles:

After our cabin visit, we headed south, past Spokane, to see Mike and Tanya's new house for the first time since they moved in! Their house is on a gorgeous piece of farmland that has been in Tanya's family for some time, a mile outside of a teeny rural town, and it is awesome! It was fun to be the first to stay in their guest room!

The view out their front door:

And out the back:

Kisses for Baby Auggie, as Em calls him:

Dinner out to celebrate the birthdays of Brody and Tanya's dad, Denny.

While Tanya worked, we took a field trip to Riverside Park in downtown Spokane and where we enjoyed a tasty picnic lunch with shaved ice for dessert!

And where Emmy showed off her dancing skills on the stage of an amphitheater we happened upon. A born performer, for sure.

After one final lazy morning, we waved goodbye and headed toward home.

Some 8 hours later, we came around a bend to see this familiar face and knew we were getting close:

Dos meses!

Augustine is two months old! New tricks include smiling, staying awake for long periods of time, holding his head up and looking around the room, and eating even more than before. He weighs in at 13 pounds, 4 ounces and was called husky by a sweet old lady for the first time the other day. Other favorites continue to be snuggling in the Moby Wrap, being outside, sitting in his vibrating chair, the hair dryer recording (which we have also come to love), and sleeping on papa's chest.

Said chair:

Dinner out with Leah, Freya and Mat. A big thank-you to the parents of Leah's student who gave her a very generous gift card to P.F. Chang's. We ate well.


All attempts at the "same bear, same chair" photos showed a sleeping Auggie, but I suppose that captures what his days are like as well as anything, no?

I love to notice all the little ways that Auggie changes each day and I already miss some things about Auggie's first days, like how the wrinkled skin on his back made him look like a shar pei, or how he was always the smallest baby around. Now when I go to the farmer's market or the store, I often see at least one baby who is smaller than he is. But he is still small enough that every other person smiles at me when they walk by or crane their necks to get a peak at his sweet sleeping face poking out of the carrier. I would, too.

There is something special about spending time with people who have known you forever (i.e. since seventh grade) and it's even more special to see those people love your child nearly as much as you do. We had such a wonderful visit from Cessie and Cindy, who flew out from Michigan to spend time with us and with Cess's brother and family in Washington.


The golden shoulder strikes again! Cessie could make this kid sleep within minutes of her picking him up.

Cindy made so many delicious meals and little snacks.


The center of attention, as usual. I don't think he minds.


An incredible dinner out at a lovely remodeled theater.

A less glamorous experience, but still tasty, at Burgerville. Mmmmilkshakes. Cessie and Cindy loved riding in the back with Auggie.

Eating again, this time in SE Portland.

Just chatting.

Auggie misses you guys!