Vacation!

This past week we took a family trip to Seattle.  Josh had a conference and Abram and I were able to visit with family and friends.  The weather was perfect and we had a great time.  I'm posting a lot of pictures for the benefit of Grandpa Terry who loves Washington and wasn't able to come with us.

Aunt Susie and Uncle Paul hosted a fun family party for us but somehow I didn't get any pictures with them :(    Here is a picture of Uncle Allen and Aunt Marianne.

Abram met his cousin Bethany for the first time and pretty much fell in love.  He followed her around the entire afternoon and had tons of fun.

 

Abram and I were also able to spend a day at the Woodland Park Zoo with my friend Amy.  This was Abram's first trip to a zoo and it was a hit!  If I would have let him I think he would have stared and barked at the penguins all day.

 He's pointing at a beautiful giraffe family in this picture.  The zoo is very beautiful and has a very 'natural' feel.  So natural in fact that we kept getting lost!

 We did manage to find the petting zoo which was a huge hit. 

Thanks Amy for a great day!

Of course any trip to Seattle wouldn't be complete without a trip to the market.  We actually didn't get very far because it is so packed with people that we mainly had to walk outside.  I was able to slip away early one morning for a visit to the market and it is so much fun - especially without the crowds.

 Abram found a beautiful sculpture at the waterfront and decided to emerge himself in the art.

First bite of seafood at Ivars.

A trip on the ferry.  I thought Abram would be afraid but he had a great time.

 We also had a trip to the beach with Great Grandma Ace.  It was low tide so there was a bit of seaweed but that didn't stop us from having fun.

Papa explaining all about photosynthesis.

Hands on exploration of the sand.

 I just thought this was a cute picture.

Papa, Abram and Great Grandma Ace relaxing.

Saying goodbye to Aunt Laurie.

Vacations are always way too short!

15 Months

Abram turned 15 months old this week and got to spend time with Grandpa Terry and Grandma Linda  - what a lucky boy!

He got to go swimming, to the park, on a walk, read books and generally had a wonderful time.

 

Abram also had a playdate today.  It looks like he had a pretty good time.

Day at the Park

Pictures from our fun day at the park!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE6ZJ6cEYrg

 

Competition

So I guess Abram isn't the only one who likes sweet corn.   Like father, like son.

Iowa Boy

I had to post a follow-up to last weeks walking video.  We can't believe how much improvement he has made in a few days time.  The video is dark for a few seconds- when you can't see him he is in the hallway trying to open the bathroom door - another one of his new tricks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiqQe_1DLmI

Tonight was Abram's first experience with corn on the cob.  If there was any question if he was an Iowan - he passed with flying colors.  When I tried to help him reposition the cob for easier eating he actually started crying.

I've seen people eat corn a lot of ways but this was a first for me.

After eating corn on the cob you've got to brush those teeth - all 8 of them.

Like father - like son.

Time with Friends

This weekend we were able to have lunch with some good friends.  Erin, Donny and Drew are pictured here with Abram.

 

Here's the whole group - minus me.  Nathan and Sarah are organic farmers in NE Iowa.  You can see some of their delicious produce in Josh's hand.  Yeah for farmers!!!

Abram getting a visit from the tickle monster.

While Abram had lots of fun - when he was ready to go, he was ready to GO!

Unstoppable

There is no stopping him now!  Abram surprised us all by deciding this was the week to start walking.  He has been scooting around as quick as lightening so we thought he might never decide to walk.

Here's a link to a video of Abram taking a few steps and a fun surprise at the end.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBZi419QtnM

It's hard to tell in these pictures but he is taking his first tentative steps.

After his first few steps he was laughing so hard he fell over.

Last week Abram also got to experience watching a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis.  He was so excited about seeing the butterfly we had to keep it on top of the fridge so the neither the kitty cats or Abram could get to it before Abram and Josh released it.  Thanks Joan!

Another picture I couldn't resist is of Peter and Abram.  Abram loves to give Peter hugs and I don't have a picture of this but he also likes to touch his face.  I think it's because he doesn't have a beard like Josh does.  Kids do the strangest things!