Tillamook Part I

Hobbes and I visited half the family in Tillamook last week as we all gather for Liz to return home from her mission in Brazil. We will be heading over there again tomorrow after picking Liz up from the airport.

During our first trip there our days were filled with playing in the water, running around outside, chasing Misty the dog, and catching up with family. One morning Grandma Snyder asked some of the cousins to help her pick raspberries and strawberries in the garden. If people were going outside Hobbes wanted to tag along as well. After that first visit to the garden Hobbes couldn't get enough of it. He was always out there opening the gate and going in the garden. He wouldn't touch anything, he just enjoyed walking around in between the raised beds. He even convinced his cousin April Kunzler to join him.

But I think his favorite thing was having Grandma read him books!

Helping Mommy Work

Last week I had a lot of papers to shred. Hobbes liked watching and helping me empty the shredder into a bag or box to carry outside to the recycling bin. I stepped out to empty a box and wasn't gone for more than 30 seconds. Look at what I came back to find:

Why spend money on toys?

My adorable little boy!

Independence Day

Sadly this is the only picture that really turned out from our Independence Day celebration. Don't be fooled by the look on Hobbes' face, he really did enjoy the fireworks. This was just the last sparkler and it was very, very late and he was tired and ready to go to bed.

He talks about fireworks almost everyday now. He enjoyed the colors, sounds, and experience of a good firework show. Dad had to work that night so Hobbes and I spent the evening with Brendan's Dad, Shayne and Jen. It was a very fun evening.

Parks, Parks, Parks

Hobbes loves to go to the nearby parks. We try to go at least once a week if not more. I'm positive that if we didn't have a lock high up on our door, that Hobbes couldn't reach, that he would be out the door and on his way to the park everytime Mom turned her back on him. He is becoming so independent and likes to do things all by himself. He doesn't like help with ladders anymore. But he still needs help with the swings even though he says "no, no, no" when Brendan or I stand behind him or put our hand on his back. It's so fun to watch him as he interacts with other children at the park. He likes to look at them and then run away and pretend they are chasing him even if they aren't. He just laughs and gets a kick out of it.

Happy 2nd Birthday Hobbes!

Over 1 month ago Hobbes turned 2 years old. Here are a few pictures I snapped that day. I love the expression on his face when he is pulling the present out of the bag. He really likes his Spiderman Mr. Potato Head.

Fun Pictures

Hobbes keeps our days exciting and fun. Hobbes loves to put on Brendan's and my shoes. Here he is wearing my uggs. If you look closely at his feet you'll notice he has one of them on backwards. Silly boy!

Hobbes also likes glasses. He snatched Brendan's glasses off his face the other day and carefully placed them on his own.

With the weather warming up Hobbes and I just had to get out and do some biking. Here is Hobbes showing off his bike helmet before we headed off to the grocery store.

Cousins, cousins, cousins

Three new cousins were born into our family recently. They are each so beautiful and sweet. Hobbes loves seeing the babies and very gentle points out their little hands and ears to everyone.

Here is Amber Kunzler born to Marianne and Wesley Kunzler on October 25, 2008. She is the happiest baby I've ever met. She is so alert and always seems to have a smile on her face.



Here is Alivia Nash born to Amanda and Jonathan Nash on her mother's birthday, December 27, 2008. She has beautiful eyes and lots of dark hair. We enjoy rocking her to sleep and soaking in her beauty every time we see her.


Lastly, here is Nathan Pacheko born to Jocelynn Nash and Jed Pacheko on March 12, 2009. He is a handsome bundle of joy. Hobbes can't wait for Nathan to get bigger so he can run around and play with him.


We are so happy to have all of these new babies in the family. They brighten our days every time we see them. All these cute babies is making me want another one. We'll see what the future holds for our little family.

Valentine's Day Gift

Hobbes surprised Brendan and I with an early Valentine's Day present. Two days before Valentine's Day we were snuggling with him on our bed before going to sleep and he said "I love you!" for the first time. We were so excited. I grabbed my cell phone and recorded him saying it a few times. I hope you all enjoy it as much as we do. I made the sound clip into a video showing a few of the many people that Hobbes loves.