Surprise!

So we decided to go on a little road trip this weekend. We had to extend the weekend by three days to make it work. Caitin caught the spirit of the trip quickly, though she was awake probably 22 of the 24 hours we spent in the truck! Mater slept like a baby...all the way.

The first stop on our trip was at Aunt Laura and Uncle Brents' house in Boise. Caitin learned a lot there. Molly, their kitty cat was a good sport, but is used to playing with people who don't mind the occasional friendly scratch. Caitin came out with a swipe on the hand and a little scratch on her cheek, each of which disappeared over night. Despite the scare, Caitin continued to play hind-and-seek with Molly, and was excited to come back and see her on the way home.

Day two found us in Utah, and our first stop there was to see Gramy! Caitin showed off her reading skills, and Mater made herself at home in Gramy's arms.

We spent the night in Lindon with the Browns, and Caitin had a blast with her cousins! She enjoyed playing with them so much, that when it came time to play with her other cousins, she kept insisting she wanted to go home and play with the Browns.

On day three, it was finally time for the surprise! We loaded up and headed to Provo to join the Raisor Clan at breakfast. Grandma and Grandpa Raisor were celebrating 50 years together, and we were part of the few who were not going to be able to attend the celebration...so everyone thought! When we walked in, Grandma Blankenagel and Grandma Raisor both screamed with delight. That made the whole trip worth it!

Check out the smile on this proud Grandma face!

Cousin Maddie was a little curious about little Mater, especially when her parents took turns holding her.
It was sure fun to see everyone! We love you all, and wish we were able to visit more often!

Happy Anniversary Grandma and Grandpa!

Family Activities

Caitin loves her books. She loves them enough that she will gather a pile of them next to the chair and then move right in to the reading position, expecting to be read to. When she wants to read books, she is determined enough to sit down whether we are on the phone or tending to Mater or whatever. We are glad she loves her books that much!

I've recently finished building my commuter bike. Now I'm excited for the warmer weather and earlier sunrises to grace the northwest. I'm still adjusting and tweaking some of the little details on the bike, but it is ready for the road. I actually got out this weekend on my mountain bike to check out the road conditions and get a bit of fresh-air exercise. It really felt great to be out, but the constant sand, puddle, and pothole condition of the roads reminded me that it's still not practicle on the skinny-tire end of things!

Growin' Girls

Caitin and Mater are getting sooooooo big! Mater is now holding her head up pretty good and looking around...especially at night when she is supposed to be going to sleep. She has super chubby cheeks, and is well tempered most of the time.

Caitin is a sharp little girl. She has memorized every book we bring into the house. We'll read half a sentence on any given page and stop, and she will finish the sentance word perfect. She has also adopted her toy train, James, as her best friend. She carries him everywhere, setting him up on things to watch her do her various tricks.

Tonight when Sarah was putting Caitin to bed, she said, "I love you, Caitin."

Caitin responded, "I love you,...James"

"Do you love me too," Sarah asked?

"No. Just James."

Sarah is really a great mother to keep up with the energy of Caitin throughout the day and keep Mater happy, clean and nourished as well. Caitin does indeed love her mother, but occasionally she doesn't show it very well.