Washington Brown Bear

Species: Brown bear, or Ursus arctos

Native to: Washington

Approx. age: 1 year

Characteristics: While this bear looks cute and cuddly, efforts to hug him usually result in pushing away. The bear would rather be playing than snuggled in an embrace.

News Update: Currently, this Washingtonian Brown Bear is relocating permanently to Utah to be near its Grandmas. It is bringing along its mother and father as well to reside here.

We've moved!

Ch ch ch ch changes

From this. . . .


to this. . . .


I think it was about 15 inches overall.

Jake's Birthday Party in Utah

I loved his crown. What a cute boy!

Four Thoughts for Tuesday

1. Jacob is walking! He doesn't do it consistently yet, but he is getting a lot braver. Last night he went 64 steps in a row without help! They were very small steps, however, so he didn't go very far.

2. Blake is in the throes of busy season right now. I'm glad to have a little buddy with me now while he is gone at work.

3. I canned approximately 45 jars of peaches this past week. No one told me beforehand that 3 boxes was a lot. But I got it all done, and it felt like a really big accomplishment to learn how to do it and finish all of them.

4. We've moved. Yes, again. Cheaper rent was calling our names, so we left our old place. If you need our new address, let me know.

I'm not sure why it was so funny . . .

The Tornado Hit

If you wonder why our books look like this . . .

and this . . .

and this . . .

Well, now you know.


He wouldn't even interrupt his playing to turn and look at the camera. Too busy, Mom. Too busy. I've let him enjoy unloading the DVDs onto the floor, but I think it will have to stop soon. He's getting too good at it!

We are switching to a new apartment in a week (still in our ward), and we have decided that as many bookshelves as will fit are going in the closets.

The Month of July

We've been busy so far this month. Here are some of the things that we have been doing.

We went to the zoo for the first time. Our favorite thing was the bears. They were up roaming around in all their huge glory. We are a big fan of bears in this family.

The birds at the Willawong Station were also a big hit. We fed them seeds on sticks and tried to keep Jacob from grabbing them. He loved them.

We went to Victoria next! Here we are riding the Clipper .
We saw the Parliament building.

And we went to Butchart Gardens! Here is the amazing Sunken Garden, built in an old limestone quarry.

Blake and Jakey in front of some gorgeous Delphinium.

The Rose Garden was spectacular. We were there at the perfect time of year.

Jakey was really good. I think he likes to travel.


We let Jake try to feed himself. Prunes. He wouldn't eat, so I let him try. It didn't go very well, and it ended in a bath, something he loves.

Blake and I got to go see Coldplay at the Gorge at George. The location was amazing, and the concert was wonderful.

And we played with this little boy. He's standing, walking along everything (even preferring that to crawling, and getting into anything he can. He is so much fun to play with and we love him lost and lots.
Hope you are doing well also!