Listen to me talk!

I realized I wanted to share this little video of Ryland too! So, here is my second post today. Ryland wanted to show of her new skills anyways!

Singing with Ryland

Ryland loves music, and absolutely loves when you sing to her. Lately, when I sing "Baa, baa black sheep", she sings along with "baa baa baa". It's so amazing to see her learning as fast as she is.

More beach pictures

Three days at the beach + Ryland = lots and lots of pictures! There are so many good pictures from the beach I just had to share some more. You can tell from the pictures, that Ryland had a great experience, and I'm sure she would love to go back soon.

The past few days, Ryland has been talking up at storm, practically saying a new word everyday. Today, she was trying to say "peek-a-boo", and yesterday it was "mango". I'm sure by tomorrow she'll be able to recite the whole alphabet, or atleast it seems that way :)

Oregon Coast

We just arrived back home from 3 days at the Oregon Coast. Ryland had so much fun, and thankfully we took a lot of pictures to prove it! Our hotel was in Newport, but we got to spend time in Depoe Bay and Lincoln city also. The first day was incredibly windy, and Ryland could barely stand on her own on the beach. We took her to have fish and chips at The Chowder Bowl, a restaurant that I remember eating at as a young kid with my family. She didn't really want anything to do with the fish, but of course, liked the chips :) When we got to the hotel, Ryland spent the first 15 mintues, going through the dresser drawers, spreading tissue around the room all while squealing with happiness.

We took Ryland to the Newport Aquarium to see all the colorful fish, crabs, sea otters, sharks, and more. She really enjoyed putting her face up to the glass of the aquariums to see what was inside. She was pointing, and talking the whole time. Her new thing is to wave and say hi to people around her. It's fun to see how Ryland can light up a complete stanger's face just by saying hi to them.

Today, before we left the beach, we drove to Lincoln city, and spent some time on the beach. It was so beautiful outside. The sun was out, and Ryland was cruising all around the beach. She was loving standing by the ocean, and waiting for the waves to come in. We were searching for rocks, shells, and splashing around in the warmer pools of ocean water. It was so much fun.

It's HOT!

It's been very warm in Vancouver the last few days, so Champ and I took Ryland over to Champ's dad's pool to cool off. We've only taken Ryland swimming once before, and she was a little confused by the loudness of the indoor public pool. So, we were excited to take her to a quiet outdoor pool. After adjusting to the cool water, she loved having us stand her on the edge and jump her in. She also loved kicking her feet, and acted like she just wanted to swim around on her own. And her cute blue bathing suit? Yep, that was actually mine when I was a little girl. It suits her well :)

After swimming, we had to have a few snacks, and of course Ryland had to feed them to Cheif the dog. He gladly accepted.

Family visit!

This morning, Champ and I woke up early ready to head up to Olympia to visit Champ's grandparents, and cousins. Ryland however, had plans of her own, and slept in until 10 am. She is becoming quite the busy girl these days, so she definitely needs her rest!

Once in Olympia, we got to meet Ryland's 2 month old second cousin Kyra. Ryland enjoyed playing with Kyra's hair, and I enjoyed reminiscing about when Ryland was that small. It's so amazing to see how much babies change in just one year. Champ and I are always saying that it just keeps getting better and better, and that we think Ryland changes everyday.

Of course Ryland loved to see Mimi and Pop again! They always have toys set out for her, and she loves playing with all of Mimi's dolls. She had a great time exploring their house, and is always looking for the perfect time to showing off her walking skills (which are soon to be running skills!)

Ryland's new skills

Ryland is just loving her wagon these day, and anything else she can push for that matter. Lately when we go to grocery store Ryland wants to get down and push the cart with Champ. She also spent about thirty minutes the other night pushing luggage around the airport as we waited for grandma's flight to come in.









Ryland has also been trying to say a lot of words lately. She has been trying to say "baby", "bath", "uh oh", and "oh no". Whenever Champ and I ask her a question, she responds with "no". No matter what the question. It is very entertaining, and very cute.

Breakfast with Bob!

Two weekends ago, Champ and I took Ryland to our favorite place to eat breakfast, Bob's Red Mill. We were very excited to take her there considering we used to go there when I was pregnant and talk about how fun it would be to go with our little family one day! Ryland loved her pancakes and scrambled eggs, and even got to met Bob herself! He may look familiar to you all, as his products are in a lot of stores. We had a blast, and can't wait to take Ryland back! Before we know it, she'll be ordering for herself :)

Out and About with Ryland

This past week has been a busy one for little miss Ryland. She has taken several trips to the park in her wagon, has been playing in the water in downtown Portland, has been taking cat naps, and meeting little doggies. Today, was an extra special day because Ryland and I went to an event in Portland, called "The Big Latch On". This event was in honor of World Breastfeeding Week. Moms from all around came to several specific locations in an effort to have the most mom's breastfeeding there babies in one city at the same time. 518 moms with their babies participated, and although no record was set, it was a great experience. I was happy to be a part of something that means so much to me, and Ryland.

Blueberry Pickin'

Today we took Ryland to pick blueberries at a farm near Champ's work. Let's just say, by the time we left, Ryland's belly was quite full. She knew her assigned job was taste testing the berries while Champ and I picked (...and sampled a few too). Seeing Ryland walk down the row of blueberries in her straw hat was definitely a precious moment. She kept bending down, and grabbing berries off the ground. We know for sure, we will be doing this again before the end of the summer because this little family can eat a lot of blueberries!