Sunday, August 3, 2008

The Locks Are Gone!

Summertime...

And the living has definitely been pretty easy. Jack took "Guppy" swimming lessons in June, and has been in the water almost daily since. Andrea has continued her early morning boot camp a couple of times a week in City Park, as well as tennis lessons two nights each week. And Mark is gearing up for hockey season! With a steady stream of visitors and trips along with fun at home, the months have flown by (Andrea goes back to work this week), but the summer fun will continue along with the warm weather.

So what has Jack been up to? Friday was his first day of school at "The Children's Workshop" where he'll attend three days a week this year. All reports were that he did not fuss at all and had fun, especially with the sandbox and bubbles outside. He's been walking completely on his own for weeks now, as well as talking up a storm. The words are not all clear, but he has about forty now in his vocabulary, and is very pleased with his ability to communicate. His favorite word is probably "No," which he of course says in a very cute way. We are, however, strongly encouraging use of the word "yes"! Other favorites include "helmet" and "swing" and "blueberry," which comes out sounding like "booby."

Andrea also gave Jack his first haircut yesterday, so he really looks like a little boy now without those golden locks. He loves riding in his wagon, swinging, swimming, playing in the sand, riding in the bike trailer, fruit, and animals. He weighs in at about 18 pounds, but is tall enough to have moved into a bigger car seat facing forward. For the most part, he sleeps through the night. He continues to be a happy little guy, with just the typical moments of frustration for toddlers. Probably his biggest shenanigan is throwing his food on the floor for Parchita. Needless to say, Parchita loves Jack.

Summer has also included more house projects--almost done with the basement, more landscaping, and our house is now barn red--we love it!

Water, Water, Water

I Love Fruit!

"Whee!"

Montana Road Trip

At the end of June we all, including Parchita, headed north in our Subaru to visit the Higgs family in Bozeman. Once there, the three dogs and three kids (Jack 1, Shaden 2, and Joryn newborn) kept our hands full, but in fun ways. It was so great to spend time with the Higgs at their home in Montana, as well as at Megan's family's ranches. We rode horses, swam, hiked, grilled, and hung out in town. It was a great vacation!

Jack Rides Jake at the Dailey Ranch

Mike and Sue Dailey's Livingston Barn

Shaden and Jack in the Coffee Shop

Lillian and Shaden Hot Tubbing It


Jesse, Carter, and Lilly (who Andrea used to babysit) stopped by Bozeman on their way home to Kallispell.

Hiking in Bozeman

The Higss Family--Steave, Shaden, Megan, and Joryn

Jack and the Bozeman Girls

DR. DELOREY

What a joyous day when Mark defended his dissertation. We are ALL thrilled!!!

At last...

If the shirt says so...it must be official!

Mom and Jack Celebrate with Dr. Mack

Partying with Clara and Beckett (and Dad and Dave too)

Red Sox Fan


Already, I have achieved so much, having seen the Red Sox win the World Series in my lifetime.

First Steps Video

A Spring of Ceremony


Spring for us now means celebrating Jack's birth. This year in addition to celebrating his 1st birthday, Jack was also formally welcomed into the world and the community through two naming ceremonies with the Unitarian Universalist Church. Once ceremony took place during a Sunday service, and the other in our home on his birthday, with all grandparents participating. It was a memorable and meaningful day, celebrating life and love, and eating chocolate cake!

A Red Wagon from Mom and Dad

Jack's Birthday Dinner Celebration


Jack's grandparents and babysitters celebrated Jack's first year on April 14th.

Happy 1st Birthday Jack!

First Birthday Cake!

Blueberries

Mothers Day Masterpiece

Visiting the Animals on Mothers Day

Planting Flowers with Mom

Never Summer Yurt Trip March 2008

In March we ventured up to the Never Summer yurt system in a Colorado state park up past Cameron Pass. There was still about an eight foot snow cover, and more arrived during our stay. The mile ski in was quite the undertaking with a baby and the requisite gear, but well worth it. Our yurt was cozy once we got the wood stove going, and the scenery spectacular in all directions.

Grass Creek Yurt


View from the Yurt

Sledding Hill at the Yurt

Makeshift Highchair in the Yurt

Hitting the Ski Trails

Hike to Horsetooth Rock

Uncle Andy and Aunt Gianna Visit from Seattle

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Devil's Thumb Ranch

For our second anniversary celebration, we took off to Devil's Thumb Ranch, near Winter Park, Colorado. What a gorgeous setting to ski in! And with such a luxurious lodge, the apres ski was just as great as being outside. We had a fabulous time with each other, with Jack, and with our friends Emily and Mike from Atlanta.

HAPPY 2nd ANNIVERSARY!!!


Lodge in the Distance

Jack's Winter Wonderland


Rocky Trains in the Spa Pool


Emily and Mike in the Lodge


Andrea's good friend Emily met us at the ranch with her fiance, Mike. Yay!

Cowboy Kid


Love the king bed!


Sunshine State in January


With 2008 underway, we took a family trip to Florida, where Jack met his great grandparents, Ray and Carolyn Smith. We are all so thrilled that we could make this trip happen!

Jack and His Great Grandma Smith


Jack and His Great Grandpa Smith


Grandma Marty's January Visit


Monday, February 4, 2008

Jack's First Christmas

Having a baby at home certainly made us feel the holiday spirit this year. It was so much fun to create family tradition with Jack, and to watch him take it all in. With plenty of snow again this year, Colorado also contributed to making the holiday season all one would hope it could be.
For the actual Christmas holiday, Jack was a trooper as we flew out to Boston during the mad rush of the Christmas holidays. He must be a traveler at heart. It was fabulous to be with the whole Delorey family, and Jack certainly had no shortage of attention from his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousin Lily.

And the stockings were hung...

Jack's First Ski Trip

Apres Ski

Best Present Under the Tree!


Jack helped us pick out this wild tree sold by a local farmer, and then was fascinated by the process of decorating it. He wanted so badly to to grab all of the mesmerizing ornaments, but fortunately for us he could only reach the ones on the bottom. We truly enjoyed our tree this year, and plan to continue the tradition of cutting a fresh tree next year.

Jack Helps Decorate the Boston Tree

The Delorey Family Christmas 2007