Married Two Years

It's hard to believe we've only been married two years considering all the places we've been and things we've done. We had a simple and quiet anniversary. Kirsten was sick so we stayed local. A church friend watched Brooklyn for a few hours each of two days and we celebrated by getting caught up. Kirsten worked on patients' medical charts and Kyle finished building Brooklyn's play table and organized our files. Chinese takeout, a short family hike, a delicious fresh raspberry sundae, and watching "Mr. Mom" (Kyle's Father's Day present) were a few of the highlights.

Where's Brooklyn?

One of Brooklyn's new games is to quietly hide under a blanket and wait for someone to find her. She's normally very patient in waiting to be discovered but in this clip you can hear her giving a clue.

No Longer An Intern

Kirsten officially finished her first year of medical residency. One year down; two to go.

Back with the Boat

We were finally able to bring out our small row boat to where we live. Brooklyn enjoyed her first boat ride. She wanted to push off and do the rowing.

First Birthday

Brooklyn had a great birthday. It's hard to believe she's already one.

Lake Erie

We were in the Cleveland area to visit Kyle's parents and his siblings that were in town from Alaska and Utah. We had a fun time and Brooklyn got to meet nine cousins and two aunts and uncles. It was indeed a full house. On Saturday we stopped at a local beach to show Brooklyn Lake Erie. When she saw the water she immediately jumped out of our arms and wanted to walk in the waves. After attending Church on Sunday we stopped by the cemetery where Kyle's brother is buried and took a family photo beside his grave marker.

Waiting at Hospital for Mommy

During Kirsten's 30-hour shift over the weekend, Kyle and Brooklyn decided to visit her hoping she'd have a break around dinner time. She was extra busy with patients but Brooklyn didn't mind waiting with her favorite fish.

Lil' Swimmer and Climber

Happy Birthday Kyle

Sorry you all missed out on Kirsten's yellow cake with her signature chocolate frosting.

First Family BBQ

We purchased a small $10 grill the other day and had our first BBQ of the year on our patio. The corn was especially good.

Houston Zoo

LDS Houston Temple

Memorial Day Texas Style

We spent Memorial Day in Brenham, Texas with two of Kyle's siblings and their families who live in Texas. After a tasty meal of Texas BBQ takeout, we went to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site and State Park. That's the site where the Texas Declaration of Independece was signed on March 2, 1836 and the state's Independence Hall (a replica) resides.

After, we stopped by the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham, but it was closed for the holiday. We were disappointed to find the City's Pool closing early as we were arriving, but the hoses and sprinkler we set up in the backyard were just as fun and kept everyone cool. We ended the day with a trip to the local park.

Check back for updates of the rest of our Texas vacation.

Going on Vacation

Not by wagon . . .

nor by car . . .

but by airplane!

Here's Brooklyn waiting for the plane to come, watching her favorite Baby Einstein movie and eating her favorite snack: cheese crunchies. We're off to Texas to meet great-grandma and great-grandpa, and to visit lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Eleven Months

Brooklyn turned 11-months-old today. She finally got her upper two teeth in so she's sleeping much better at night now. She loves books, grapes (peeled of course), overhead fans, animals, and sitting (and carrying) her chair.

Finally A Day Off Work

On Kirsten's recent day off work, we went as a family to a local park which had an environmental education center with lots of animals. After, we went for a scenic country drive and stopped at a popular orchard and farm market.

Passed Another Bar Exam

We recently found out that Kyle passed the February Ohio Bar Exam. He'll be a law clerk to a local judge starting later this year.