Pink Dolphin and Carousel

To conclude a busy work week, we went to the county fair. Brooklyn went on her first amusement ride and won a pink dolphin at one of those "guaranteed to win" fishing games.

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09-08-09 -- Our Big Day

On September 8, 2009, Kyle started his new job as a judicial law clerk (which he loves).

On September 8, 2009, Brooklyn attended her first full-day at a child care program (which she loves).

On September 8, 2009, Kirsten started a month-long rotation of trauma surgery (what isn't there to love about working 30-hour shifts every few days?)

Seeing New Things in D.C.

We recently took Uncle Kenny to D.C. and walked around seeing sights for ten hours. This wasn't our first time in the city, but some of the things we saw for the first time together as a family were: Pentagon 9/11 Memorial; Arlington National Cemetery; Korean Memorial; Vietnam Memorial; Lincoln Memorial; World War II Memorial; Library of Congress; new Capitol Visitor's Center; and the Air & Space Museum. In addition, Kirsten and Brooklyn went to the top of the Washington Monument.

One Fish ... Two Fish ...

Ever since we took Brooklyn to the National Aquarium, she has been saying the word "fish" ("ishh" as she puts it) constantly. We checked out books about fish at the local library and decided today to go fishing at the nearby lake.

Yes, Daddy. Impressive sunfish.

But look at what Mommy and I can do...

13 Months Going on 30 Years

I was going through old photos tonight and found this one (taken 7/27/09). I'm still chuckling, and hope you get a good laugh too. --Kirsten

Who Needs a Spoon for Ice Cream?

We try to have family night at least one day a week, usually on Mondays, if Kirsten is home. Refreshments are always a highlight as you can see in these photos of Brooklyn last night.

After seeing this video, we couldn't help but edit this post to add it. Hope you get a good laugh.

The Frightened Little Caterpillar

Kyle's brother came to visit so we went camping at a nearby state park. It was Brooklyn's first camping trip and she had a fun time. Maybe too much fun. Once it began getting dark she discovered the fire, then the fire flies, then the moon, then the stars. Hence, we had a most difficult time getting her to sleep. A long walk around the campground at 4 am finally did the trick. Above are photos of Kyle fishing from our Jon boat, Kirsten popping Jiffy Pop (to perfection), and Kyle and his brother at the park's Frisbee golf course. (They got caught in a down pour on hole 16). Not pictured are Kirsten and Brooklyn swimming at the park's popular outdoor pool and the enormous bass Kyle caught.

Two Years Later

Kyle last saw his youngest brother two years ago when we were married in our Church's Los Angeles Temple. The younger brother recently finished a two-year Church missionary service assignment and came to visit us. He and Kyle took a trip together to our Church's D.C. Temple and Visitors' Center.

Invading Jellies & Jumping Dolphins

We recently spent a day at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. While we were waiting for our entry time, we had lunch beside the inner harbor and read children's books at Barnes & Noble where Brooklyn saw a live person cleaning a fish display. Once inside the aquarium, we enjoyed a vast display of aquatic life and other animals. At the stroller-check station they lend out backpack carriers at no charge. Brooklyn loved the view from the carrier and not having to chase her around the crowds made life easy for us too. The jellyfish exhibit, 4D show, and dolphin show were the best parts. Check out this video we took:

Fun . . . But Finally Over

Brooklyn enjoyed her last two swim classes so much that we thought she would like more time in the pool this summer before Kyle returns to work. The open swim times at public schools were too late at night and membership to local pools were too expensive so we enrolled her in a two-week class which met four days each week. She loved the water and reached her arms forward and kicked her feet quite well. But by the eighth day, this one-year old and her parents were ready for a swim break!

Four-Mile Family Hike

On Saturday we took advantage of Kirsten's day off work and cool weather and hiked four miles in scenic Kelly's Run Nature Preserve in Lancaster County. At one point in the trail there is a steep climb to a grand vista overlooking the Susquehanna River. Just as impressive as the forest was the fact that Brooklyn stayed in the hiking carrier the entire time -- even during our snack break. (Notice the photo of her with a mouth full of grapes). She was a happy and cooperative hiker, but she didn't quite make it to the end. We'll have to return in the Fall to see the colors.

After, we made an unplanned stop at a country diner with its own great view. There we learned that Brooklyn could drink out of a straw and that she thinks she's ready for horse-riding lessons.