Soaking Up Summer

Summer seems to be back the end of August and into September, so we're soaking up all we can!

We took the boat out one last time before Mommy decided to retire for the season to keep baby #2 safe. We even got Avery in the tube!

Avery finally found the frog that Nana has been telling her all about.  She thought that was the coolest thing!

We got to go to the Aquarium with the Graziers & sweet Cole ("Baby Tole" as Avery calls him).

We get as much park time in as possible.

We go for our weekend walks to Kirkland/Bellevue.  Last weekend Avery lost the battle to a squeezer (and ended up topless) and passed out before we got home.

And we kicked off Husky football season!  Avery's game days are numbered as she's not the patient sleeping fan she used to be.

Anniversary Weekend





Andy and I have a tradition for our anniversary, taking turns every year and surprising the other person where we go.  This year was my turn, and we took the Amtrack down to Portland for the weekend.  We had a great, relaxing, quiet weekend.  The weather started out hot but suddenly changed the very next day to cold and rainy.  Still a great time. 

 

Meanwhile, Avery was at Nana & Opa's having a great time without us, getting spoiled and even got to play with Auntie!

Thank you to Mom and Dad for watching our munchkin so we could enjoy a weekend together.  And thank you to my Andy for 6 years of wedded bliss!  I can't believe all that we have accomplished in our 12 years together, a beautiful spunky daughter and another baby on the way!  I love you babe, couldn't imagine a better partner in crime!

Lake Chelan

The beginning of August we picked up the Hunt family summer vacation to Lake Chelan (Andy's parents have been camping in the City of Chelan RV park for over 40 years).  Grandma & Papa bring their trailer and the Ruhls and Jr. Hunts tent next to them.  We haven't done the Chelan trip in 3 years, and this was the first time with 3 munchkins.  We had a lot of fun in the hot sun - it reached 106 degrees on Sunday when we arrived & set up camp.  By the time we got the boat launched, tent up and unpacked we were in major need of cold drinks & a dip in the lake!  We got lots of quality family time in, and even Nana & Opa and Grandma & Grandpa Ruhl (cousin's grandparents) joined us at local hotels starting Wednesday.  Here are some collages of our fun.

Avery being Avery.  The ride to Chelan started off rough, and then finally Avery snoozed.  Naps for the toddlers was a bit challenging - we were very thankful when we had grandparent's hotel rooms to use starting Wednesday.  Avery & Nolan fought all week over that phone, Nolan was a nice boy to share.

We got Braden out on the boat a few times and even got him jumping in the water.  Avery sought comfort in Uncle Mike's arms.

Avery got lots of cousin time in.  And finally, toward the end of the week Avery & Nolan became good buddies.  Avery & Braden get along great, they pal around and have "secret conversations."  Avery still calls Nolan "Baby Nolan."  Pretty funny since she's only 6 weeks older and has NEVER weighed more than him.

We got to go to SlideWaters one day.  Braden got to do all the big scary slides.  Pregnant Mommy stayed back with the little ones in the wading pool.  Avery wasn't a huge fan of the slide she went down with Daddy.

My girly girl thought the sand in the tent pads was great fun, and gave herself dirt baths.  Nolan and Braden quickly caught on to the fun too.

Avery got lots of "Nama" (Grandma), Papa, Nannie & Opie time in.

We got ice cream cones.

We got to do lots of boating.  The middle picture is Opie seeing what the engine he built could do - he got it up to 65mph.  By the end of the week our timid boater got her sea legs and loved the boat, on her knees shouting "bumpy, bumpy!"  It's about time!  We had to be slow and smooth with Mommy on board for baby #2.

But Opa managed to get Daddy & I out on the tube - slow of course.

Avery loved the water!  The best part was the pool at Cambell's where Nana & Opa were staying. 

We checked out one winery with the wine crew and did alot of just hanging out.  Our friends Cara & Tim came into town for the weekend and Nana & Opa gave us a night to play with them.

We joked all week that we were living in Arkansas: since we were living next to trailers in tents, chairs & gear all over the place, and naked babies running around. :)

We came back home Sunday with golden tans and a major case of post-vacation blues.  Can't wait to do it again!  Though tenting for a week may be a thing of the past...

July wrap-up

Since I'm behind, here's an end of July wrap-up.  One of our favorite things to do on summer weekend mornings is pack Avery up in the stroller and walk to either downtown Kirkland or downtown Bellevue.  (About a 5 and 3 mile roundtrip walk respectively).  On one of our walks to Bellevue we ran into the Bellevue art fair.  Avery thought the sidewalk chalk exhibit for kids was too cool.



The end of July we got to celebrate Daddy's birthday!  Avery helped Daddy open his gifts.

And gave Daddy birthday cuddles.

Nana watched the little Stinker so Mommy & Daddy could go see a movie AND have happy hour!  Two things parents don't get to do very often.

And here's Avery modeling her VERY cute outfit from Auntie KK.  My little Marilyn Monroe.

Big news in the Hunt Home!

There's big news in the Hunt Home: WE'RE PREGNANT WITH BABY #2!  We're expecting our new little bundle of joy on January 27, 2013.  Avery is going to be a big sister!  She knows Mommy has a baby in her tummy but I don't think she quite gets what's going on or how her world is getting rocked in 6 months.  We know she's going to be a great big sister, she LOVES playing babies and is a great Mommy to her dolls.



We waited to tell parents until Father's Day, and let Avery spring the news in this shirt.  It worked like a charm and was fun to see all the reactions.

We had our first appointment and ultrasound at 9 weeks:

And had our 2nd ultrasound and check up today, at 13 weeks.  Daddy and Avery watched axiously and eventually Avery had to snuggle with Mommy to make sure it was ok.

We are excited to report that everything looks great!

The sonographer couldn't make a call on the sex quite yet.

We are so excited to add another cutie to the family, though this time around things hit us a little differently.  More of "are we really ready for this?"  If you know Avery, you know she keeps us on our toes and on guard, so we're hoping #2 is a little more mellow. :)  And, to make things even more exciting, we get to share this pregnancy with 3 of my very good friends, who are all due with babies within 2 months of me!  You can't ask for more than that other than healthy babies and seamless pregnancies.  I'm hoping that getting into my 2nd trimester will end the horrible all day long sickness I've had with this one.  I hope that means he/she is just a healthy little fighter like their sister!

Adventures on the Stilly

Last weekend we went up to Grandma and Papa's for the annual Hunt river float.  Andy's parents live on the Stilliquamish River, and every year they host a crew of around 30 people, arranging rides, and providing a party after we all get out of the river.  We had a great time with family and friends and the sun decided to make an appearance about half way through our float (as usual).  It was a fast and cold trip and we had a slight incident... but we're all safe!  I didn't get a water camera this year so here are the pictures from land.

Avery & Nolan setting up the train.

Avery and Nolan stayed behind with Cousin Sarah as the rest of us floated the river.

Jello shots to start the day!

Grandma walking the kids down to the river.

Avery was very into all 3 of her Aunts this weekend.
(Jess, Sarah & Auntie Nan)

Avery & Cousin Emily

Lounging.

Cutie Nolan.

Thank you Grandma and Papa for hosting another fun and memorable river float!  We survived!

Sunday night we went down to Nana & Opa's house to celebrate Grote Opa's 86th birthday with the whole Hermans clan, even Auntie Nan.  Avery got lots of family time this weekend and enjoyed every minute of it!  She can't stop talking about "Papa", "Nama" (Grandma), "Nannie", "Opie" and "Auntie"!