Pictures!

Life's been a little busy the last month as we try to cram as much into the final days of summer as possible. We've been on some great trips and seen lots of friends and family. Other than working 4 days a week, our lives are pretty much a vacation! No complaints here!

Here are some pictures from our latest adventures...

Portland Bridge Pedal - Nick's first official bike race.

Seanfest 2009 - a weekend of mountain biking, camping, bacon and beer to celebrate Sean's birthday in the Coast Range.

Lake Powell 2009 - with 14 of our great friends from Colorado and Portland. More fun than should be allowed in any one week. Thanks Becky & Daren!!

Westport, WA - an awesome weekend at the beach with Mary Ann (Andy's mom) and Ryan, Amber & Lily French.

*Oops - forgot our camera! Waiting for pictures from Amber & Ryan.

Becky's 30th Birthday at Becky's family ranch near Mt. Adams. A relaxing weekend with good friends, good weather, and great fun. Oh, and guns, tractors, and death-defying kayaking!

Camping and mountain biking in Oakridge, OR. Nick played with a High Life box and beer bottles all weekend. Real educational!

Luckily, even though summer is officially over, we have lots of fun adventures to look forward to this fall. The San Juans, Vegas, and at least a few camping trips. And Nick is close to mastering walking which is an adventure in and of itself.

Where did the summer go?

August already? Time flies. But what a great summer it's been. I've been terrible about keeping up to date with emails, phone calls and this thing. So here's a quick summary.

Last I wrote I was in Philly for Sara & Steve's wedding; July found me in Philly again but this time for work. I did have a little bit of time to see friends which was great. Four nights away from Nick though, and I was ready to get home!

That trip was preceded by a trip to Minnesota with my family and extended family. We rented an awesome "cabin" by Red Sand Lake outside of Brainerd and spent the week boating, playing tennis, golfing, relaxing, and over-indulging in every way possible. At one point, 20 members of the McRaith family (my mom's family) spanning four generations were there. It was great!

We had visits from all of Andy's siblings in June and July which was fun. The twins recently moved back to Seattle for the summer so now they are just 3 hours away. They came down last week for an emergency babysitting gig. It's great to have them so close!

We also had visits from Becky & Daren from Colorado and Joan from Philadelphia in July, both of which were great. Becky & Daren were here for a week and it was just like old times. We had a great day on the boat, some great BBQs and lots of fun. Lucky for us, we get to see them again in a few weeks in Lake Powell. Joan and I got away this past weekend for a girl's night and a Sugarland concert. We had a great time, but I discovered I can't party like I used to. It took a few days to recover!

In between all the fun, we've had a little time for work (but not too much) and lots of fun with our Portland crew. We've also experienced a heat wave like none other in Portland. Several days over 100, even more over 90. It's supposed to be under 90 tomorrow for the first time in weeks. I can't wait!!

Nick is doing awesome and keeping us entertained and on our toes. He loves life and is full of energy. As long is he is awake, he's on the move. He's not far from walking but not quite there yet. We're not sure if it will make our lives easier or more difficult! He is working on a few words and we're hoping to have him reading by the end of the month (ha!). It's a blast.

Here are a few pictures and a video (sorry, it's kind of long) to keep the grandparents at bay! Love and hugs to all!

Philadelphia Freedom

Good Counsel Girls (minus Sara) - all married off now!

A few weeks ago, I flew to Philly for my first weekend away since Nick was born. While I missed my boys, it was really nice to have a few nights alone. I even got to sleep until 9am both days! My friends Sara and Steve from Villanova got married and it was great to see my college crew again. The wedding was beautiful (and the band was awesome) and I can't imagine a happier couple.

Annie, me and Joan

The bride and groom doing their infamous Double Dutch

Becky, Joan and Eileen

One year down!

It's hard to believe that it was already a year ago that I went in for my 34 week appointment (alone since Andy was climbing in Vegas) only to discover that I was going to have a baby that very same day! I can't believe how fast our little man has grown, but it's also hard to imagine life without him. It's been such a great year and we are so lucky to have such an awesome, funny, well-behaved (most of the time), and adventurous dude in our lives. It's more and different that I could've ever imagined and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Nick's birthDAY was actually more of a birthWEEK, which, given how he came into the world, seemed appropriate. It been with the arrival of my parents, Mimi & Papa, a week before the big day. Nick was lucky to be able to spend a whole day with them while we were at work. They took him to a toy store where he got to pick out his birthday present. According to Papa, Nick insisted that Papa also get a new harmonica and accompanying song book as an early Father's Day gift. Needless to say, Papa perfected Taps over the weekend! We spent the weekend in Manzanita where the weather was, well, typical for the Oregon Coast. I'm not sure why I ever expect anything but. We stayed right on the beach though and had a great time.

Being the popular boy that Nick is, he drew quite a crowd for his first birthday party. His girlfriend, Malia, was the only other baby he wanted to invite (except Brady who wasn't able to get a flight in for the party). He got lots of great gifts - new toys, clothes, and a cool photo album from Mimi & Papa.

I was actually out of town for Nick's REAL birthday (which makes me a terrible mom, I know). I'm pretty sure he didn't know the difference but have a feeling his dad will be sure to remind him once he's older! Luckily, Andy's mom came into town for the big day and Nick got to spend the whole day with her. She bought him a new car (lucky boy!) which he can't get enough of.

Big kid party

Cade, our friends Matt & Sally's son, turned three a few weeks ago and Nick (and parents) were invited to his party at kid's play gym. We weren't quite sure what to expect or how Nick would do with all the "big" kids, but we quickly realized we had nothing to worry about. I've never seen him play so hard in his short little life. He was the proverbial kid in the candy store and crashed equally as hard once it was all over. Andy and I had a pretty good time too!