New Pictures

Anybody want a copy? I have extras. Sorry, not many to choose from.

So, the Washington State Fair is going on now and the fairgrounds are just down the street from us. We can hear the concerts and fireworks at night. Kinda annoying, especially all the traffic, but at least we don't have to drive to it or pay to park.

Kaleb and I in an old buggy.

I rode my bike to it Tues. cause it's the $2 day and showed Kaleb all the animals. He liked the big Clydesdale horses! They are monsters!

We came back later with Dyers and got some famous pig ears. They're overrated, but the scones . . . . mmm. It rained, but it doesn't seem to phase people. I hated sloshing around in my sandals and hid under every barn I could. I'm still a wuss I guess.

These zebras were by the cow barn. Strange?

Parade and other things . . . .

Well, it's been a good, busy week. Saturday was the Monroe parade and we were smart this year and rode bikes to it so we weren't stuck in traffic forever. Kaleb clapped to all the music and loved waving back to people. I guess he liked staring at all the cute cheerleaders too :)
The firetrucks scared him though and he clung to me till the siren noise was gone. The parade was still going after 2 hours so we headed out with our fill of candy and free toothbrushes. (Kinda ironic?)

Friday I had good luck at garage sales and just have to share these two things! So this Little People Town set is the same one I loved when I was a squirt and it was hidden under a table in an old box. (All you Blodgetts recognize it?) I saw it and practically ran to the lady to ask how much. She shrugged and said "$4?" I was like what???? I hurried and gave her the money and ran : ) I was so excited and loved setting it up with all the pieces at home. (I think Braydan thinks I'm psycho). It almost kills me to watch Kaleb mess it up or put things in the wrong spot, like the fireman in the police car or mail truck. My other find was this cute pottery barn crib bumper for only $5. Now I'm planning out what to paint her room with these colors. I'm thinking a soft yellow??? Any suggestions?
Braydan got off early Friday so he helped me can 28 quarts of peaches! I was planning on doing it by myself, but he really wanted to help (wierd, I know) but I'm glad he did. It was like a science project to him and everything had to be just so. I finally got out of his way and peeled the whole time.

So before Braydan left on his trip, he made me the gate that I've been bugging him about. He's such a nice husband cause he had a million other things to do. I know it doesn't sound that exciting, but it is to me so I took pictures!!!! Now Kaleb is safe and secure in our backyard and I don't have to worry about him getting out. I love it.

Well, I just have to throw in this picture I made Braydan take yesterday after church. See, I AM showing for those who've argued otherwise. I feel like I'm way bigger this time than with Kaleb, but I guess that's normal with the second. Now I gotta find a name for this girl before I drive Braydan crazy. Everyday I have a new list of even more exotic names for him to shut down. I don't know what it is, but I feel like if she's gonna be kicking me I want to know her name. I guess it will come to me hopefully!

Kaleb had his 18 month checkup this week and he's tall and lean still. Sheridan (the little girl I watch) made a big list before the visit of all the words he can say, but the Dr. never asked about that, so at least I know for myself I guess. Okay Braydan's family, doesn't this picture remind you of Braydan when he was little???

Girl Week

Well, I better write about my family's visit before I forget everything! Thank goodness for pictures so I can go back and remember. Alisha and Mom got here Sunday afternoon so they got to see Braydan for a few hours at least. That was probably plenty for him :) We spent that night helping the scouts load up kayaks, coolers, and all their gear.

Monday Braydan left before I even woke up. Mom and Alisha were crazy that day and wanted to do all these things for me around the house. Alisha organized the garage and Mom took everything out of my pantry and organized it. They both said their dream jobs would be professional organizers. Why didn't I get that trait? They helped me stain more on the fence too. We followed Smith tradition and rode bikes and played tennis everyday. We had some good rounds. Alisha and Mom in action.

Tuesday morning we went to Lake Stevens. Kaleb got his 18 month pictures done and I was so glad they were there to help me with them. After, we went down to the lake and ate our lunch and spent the afternoon playing in the water.

Wednesday we took the ferry to Widbey Island. I was really nervous about driving there and especially about driving on a boat, but it went pretty smooth, (besides me cutting in line and getting in trouble).

We drove to the wooden castle on the island and hung out there and ate lunch.

We all agreed it was a cool park, but probably more fun when Kaleb is older or has lots cousins to run around with him (hint, hint Alisha). The one picture is of her getting stuck in the slide with Kaleb. It was pretty funny. They loved seeing the big Boeing building and taking pictures of the planes on the way home. Does anybody know if we can tour it???

Thursday morning I finally saw a doctor!! Hallelujah! Everything looked good. After, we drove to Khols. They had never been to one so I was excited for them to find some deals. We shopped for two hours and they were just getting started! I had to drag them out cause we were planning on going to the Snohomish water park (and I was hungry). We got in a little tiff on the way there and ended up going home. We all made up, thankfully, after some dramatic tears and then went and rode around Main Street. They wanted an authentic Monroe visit, so we stopped on our bikes and ate at the taco truck :) No, we didn't die if you're wondering.

Friday we got up early (they are serious garage-salers) and we rode around our neighborhood to find deals. We didn't do as good as last year (when they were here before), but we still found some treasures. I'm wearing the cutest capris right now I got for $2. Yes!!! Alisha got some sweet sunglasses for $.25. Of course Kaleb got stuff and Mom found some cute Edie Bauer capris too.

They'd never had Indian food so we went to Clay Oven after and Mom didn't eat anything! Alisha and I chowed down and she loved her first experience. But, we couldn't entice mom to try it. She's missing out, especially on the Nan Bread!!

We played games at night and soaked in the hot tub. The week went by so fast and it was hard to let them go on Saturday! It was also hard not feeling guilty for having them there instead of with my Grandma. Long story, but Mom spent a lot of time on the phone and computer worrying about Grandma and it was frustrating that we were so far away to do anything. I'm glad they're with her now. Thanks for coming girlies!!!

It's a . . . . . . . . .

GIRL!! We just got back from the doctor and I had to share the exciting news. I really had no idea either way, but Braydan thought it was a girl and he was right!! Crazy!! I still can't believe it. She was laying sideways so they didn't get any good profile shots. They said I might have to come back later and try again cause she was being a poop and wouldn't move. I feel like I need to go shopping right now!!! I was just telling a friend the other day that I can't have a girl because I can't do the girl clothes or the cute girl hair or bows and all the rest, but I'm sure I'll learn hopefully. It's a good thing they start out with not much hair :) Well, we love you all and hope none of you are too upset it's not a boy : )

What's new with the DuRees?

So, nothing too exciting unfortunately. Kaleb has been sick since Friday! It's almost been a week now and I'm ready for it to be over. Poor guy. He kinda wrecked our plans to go to Sea-Fest on Saturday, but we got lots done around the house instead. Braydan borrowed our neighbors pressure-washer and commenced in getting the dirtiest I've ever seen him!! There was mud splattered on him in places the sun don't shine!

A shot of the trellis, half pressure-washed. See that nasty moldy stuff on the right? That's Washington for ya.

He got the fence done, trellis, hot tub and concrete, so now I've started staining the hot tub this week. Braydan warned me not spill any on the concrete (he remembers from another incident unfortunately) and I honestly did try, but that darn paint can is so full! I think within 20 min. I accidentally knocked it a bit with my big bottom and spilled a nice splotch. After that, I said "all well," and now I guess he'll be building his deck a lot sooner than he planned to cover up all my spills :) Whoops. Hot tub before stain, After stain

Minor Stain

My Mom and sissy are coming this next week so I guess that explains my sudden frenzy of projects. I think they'll still love me if everything isn't perfect, but I don't want to chance it. One night Braydan and I got in a dumb fight over something, I don't even remember what it was about now, but he used his anger to pull out our whole rhododendron bush!! I was shocked when I saw it's gnarly roots hanging limp out of the ground! I was planning on doing it (maybe in a year), but figured it would take chain saws and lots of other heavy gear. So, I guess the moral here is just get your husband angry enough and projects get done mighty fast! It did work out convenient so I can plant some pretty stuff there hopefully before my royal guests arrive.

I forgot to mention the reason my family is coming is, no, not because they really thought of it on their own. I kinda forced them. Braydan has been working 12-13 hr. days to get ready to leave on this week long scout trip (11-16th). I wasn't highly anticipating being alone that entire week, especially having no breaks from Mr. monster. So, long story short, I practically begged them to drop everything and get over here. It worked somehow and I'm excited.

What else is new? My brother has asked me several times in my new mom life what on earth I do all day? I try not to take offence to his insensitive question (we moms can be sensitive when trying to describe hours nursing, cleaning up high chairs and spit-up, poopy bottoms and other unmentionables), but I calmly reassure him it's the best life with lots of fun stuff to do. And honestly, besides those other things, being a mom is fun cause there is no rigid schedule telling you what to do everyday. I can wake up in the morning and decide, it looks like a nice day to go to the park or bike to the library or whatever. Yesterday I got a new piano student and it was a fun lesson (hopefully for him too). I also have been watching 9 year old Sheridan this summer on Tues. and Thurs. and we have lots of adventures. She's awesome with Kaleb and helping out. I got a bike carrier trailer thing and love riding around places. A few weeks ago we went to Forest Park with some friends (petting zoo and water park place) and Sheridan saved my life there cause I also had my friend's 3 year old, and to say it mildly, he likes to explore! Thank you Sheridan!

Anyways, that's a long version of what's new here. Oh yeah.. pregnancy is going good for those who've asked. Still haven't seen a doctor yet. It's ridiculous, but made two apt. and got a babysitter twice, got changed in those embarrassing gowns twice, and doc had to go deliver a baby twice! I've almost given up and want to say, "we'll see you Jan.4th," but hopefully 3 times a charm and I can get in this next time. Wasn't planning on writing so much, but all well. Have a good week!