Just because...

Jason (my boss and friend) got this hat for Anderson up in Leadville, CO this past weekend..."just because" he thought it was cute. So I thought I would post some pictures "just because" I think it looks cute on him!! I can't believe how much he is growing and changing. He's now rolling from his tummy to back, back to tummy, reaching, grabbing, and playing with lots of different sounds like mmmm, mmmmbbbbb, aaaaaaahhhh, uuuuuuuubbbbb, oooooooo!!! He's so curious and very active too. Brad and I keep saying that he's going to be into EVERYTHING when he starts moving around. What happened to the little baby that would sleep soundly in his car seat while Brad and I ate out at a restaurant?!?! I know this is just the beginning too!!

Triple Bypass

Brad completed a "Colorado must" bike race this past weekend. It's called the Triple Bypass. It is a race that starts in Evergreen, CO and ends in Avon, CO (just past Vail) for a total of 120 miles and 10,000 feet of elevation gain! He did the race with a bunch of his friends from the EM residency program. They even had specially designed jerseys and called themselves the Denver General Bike Gang. It was fun to be in the mountains to cheer him on...he did great!!
In a couple of weekends, we head out to Seattle for the RAM-ROD (ride around Mt. Rainier in one day) race...another big one. I'll let you know how that one goes...

Brad at the finish...he was TIRED! He said it was just as difficult as some of the marathons he's done!

Brad and Anderson after the race...it was raining in the mountains.

Brad and Zach after the race!!

Grandpa Michael Talley

While we were back in the Pacific Northwest, Anderson and I visited Grandpa Michael Talley's grave. Anderson never got to meet him...sadly, Brad's dad died 6 years ago of cancer. Mike led a full life! He had a love for the outdoors which he past on to Brad and Brad will pass on to Anderson. He loved to work with his hands (building decks and working in the yard) which we also enjoy and will teach Anderson to enjoy as well. He was a cherished elementary teacher and a loving father. He modeled to Brad the importance of family and we thank him for that! His memory is alive and he is missed deeply!!

When I laid Anderson on the grave site he started babbling and smiling! It was sweet and definitely a tear jerker!!

What A Trip

Anderson and I flew back to Seattle for an 1o day trip to meet all of his great grandparents, great aunties and uncles, and good friends. I was very anxious and nervous to fly with Anderson (and without Brad...he had to stay home and work). However, Anderson did great. We flew in the evening so he fell asleep in my arms. Below are some highlights of the trip...

We got to spend Father's Day with my dad and family at his house. Anderson got to go on his first boat ride with Uncle Jim and somehow we talked my dad in to letting me shave all his hair off.

It looks really good!! And I think he's going to keep it this way!!

Anderson got to meet some of his great grandparents. He has 7 great grandma's and 3 great grandpa's!!

Great Grandpa and Grandma Lemon

Great Grandpa and Grandma Clark

Grandma Gregory and Great Grandma Hinton (or Grandma Great)

Anderson finally got to meet his Uncle TC...he was a little scared at first but who wouldn't be (just kidding TC!!). TC feed Anderson, played with him, and even helped give Anderson a bath!! I think TC liked Anderson as much as Anderson liked Uncle TC!!

Anderson and Uncle TC

We spent a day up north in the Bellingham area visiting some family and also my friend, Shannon and her family. Shannon and I have been very close friends since the 7th grade. She is like a sister to me!! Her first son, Nolan, is almost 3 and she just had her second son, Logan. Logan and Anderson are only 11 weeks apart. Maybe they'll be best friends like their mommy's!?!?

Logan (8 weeks) and Anderson (4 1/2 months)

We spent one week with Grandma Shorty and Grandpa Mark. Anderson sure loves his Grandma!! Anderson played and played! He loved looking at Grandpa Mark's feet for some reason...so, my mom drew a smiley face on the bottom of Mark's sock and Anderson was glued onto "Mr. Sock"!! It was hilarious!

Anderson and Grandma Shorty

My mom also had a huge BBQ with lots of family. Anderson got to meet Hayden, his cousin and we snapped this adorable photo. Anderson's eyes were locked onto everything Hayden was doing. And it was so precious to watch Hayden interact with Anderson. Hayden's going to be a big brother soon so it was good practice for him.

Hayden (3 1/2 years) and Anderson (4 1/2 months)