Aaron and DeAndra Settle In (Finally)

Snow!!

2012-01-21T15:35:00.001-06:00

Snow finally decided to grace us with its presence. The boys were pretty excited and quickly went out to play in the street (we're not bad parents...).

Rock tried his hand at sledless sledding. It didn't go well.

Ryker loved watching the snow fall and rocking his awesome hat.

Someone told Rock that snowflakes were like cotton candy. Thanks to his mythbusting techniques he now knows that that was a giant lie.

Just chilling and rocking the sweet hat.

"Whoa! This stuff is pure! You know what the street value of this stuff is?"

And we're back to chilling and rocking the hat.

The boys tried to escape but were weighed down by their six pairs of pants and seven layers of shirts.

"Bye Mommy!"

After spending time outside the boys decided it was hot cocoa and painting time.

DeA had to make sure that they knew what they were supposed to drink and what they were supposed to color...she did well, Rock's green poop notwithstanding.

Later they discovered that the arm rest cover thingies made perfect sized capes. So, they were Superman for the rest of the day.

Cute little Supermen.

Mommy told them that she needed to go to the bathroom. The boys soon realized that she was probably just hiding out and enjoying the privacy and quiet, so Rock taught Ryker how to unlock the door with a shoelace. DeA is SOOOO excited that they know how to do that.

Visitors!!

2012-01-20T12:37:00.000-06:00

Our friends the Barrientos came to visit this past weekend. We met while at Palmer in Iowa, and they just moved to Selah. The boys loved to play with their little baby, Stella. Rock was very helpful in putting pacifiers and other things into her mouth. Almost too helpful.

The boys also did a good job of wrestling and holding her while on the couch. Almost too good of a job.

We all went swimming on Saturday morning, the first day it really snowed all winter. Ryker refused to put on his shirt because you don't wear a shirt swimming. We finally got him to wear a sweatshirt, but he wasn't happy about it.

Rock loves the water and swam all over the pool with his orange muscles. Luckily he wore himself out and slept like a baby all night. Not one of our babies, but a baby that sleeps well through the night. Like someone else's baby.

This is little Tony. He liked the water too.

And here is little Shendel. They dominated the pool.

Jorge and Tamara left Sunday morning so they could get back in time for church. We got our boys ready and then they decided to get their own snacks ready.

They tried to cut cheese slices, but ended up making cheese slices. They were still cool with it.

In other news, Rock is still being my workout buddy in the morning. This morning he knocked out .28 miles, for realsies. That's like a 5K with normal adult legs.

Ryker's Funny Face

2012-01-19T11:50:00.001-06:00

Ryker recently broke out his new "funny face" that he gives to make people laugh. The problem I have with it is that it looks just like his scary face, his sad face and his blue steel face. The kid doesn't have a lot of range, but hopefully he'll learn it.

Busyness

2012-01-14T01:37:00.003-06:00

We've been so busy lately that Rock is one tuckered-out little boy. Look at him, all out of tucker.

DeA's cousin Heather sent us a bunch of girl's clothes for Pebbles. Ryker helped her go through all the stuff and found some cool tights that doubled as gloves.

He used those gloves to tickle Rock, who happened to be puking his guts out. He wasn't really in the mood for tickles.

DeA claimed that she didn't have enough hands to carry Rock's Woody hat, but the truth is she really likes wearing it.

Since little Rock was sick we let him have a picnic before bed. He tried to look excited, but you can tell by looking at his eyes that he wasn't feeling well.

Saturday night he was still puking at fell asleep like this on our bed:

Then this is how he slept most of Saturday night. He made me lay next to him for about three hours, so both of us were tired Sunday morning.

Ryker really liked having a sick and lethargic Rock on Sunday, because it allowed him more time alone with the toys. He likes having competition-free time with his toys.

"Yah! Toys!"

He also used his lethargic Rock-time to invent a new way to get dressed!

Luckily Rock's illness didn't last very long (unfortunately because he passed it on to Ryker, then Mommy then Daddy...). By Tuesday morning he was up early and doing his P90X workout. Checkout how *NSync he was with the video.

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T21:20:00.000-06:00

We had ourselves quite the exciting night. Rock raced cars all night...

and looked darn excited about it, too!

After begging and begging for a smile he finally gave us a cute one.

The aunts made crepes which meant that Ryker got to eat those along with his milkshakes, spoons of frosting and fruit snacks.

He was going to do whatever it took to stay up until midnight, and sugar was a big part of his plan.

At midnight everyone was stoked to go outside and watch fireworks. Just look at that unbridled joy on Ryker's face.

Rock really was happy all night, but whenever i took a picture he gave me a face like this:

His Aunt Whitni tried really hard to get a good smile out of him...

But he just refused to show of his pearly whites.

He just wasn't going to budge.

Even when Uncle Nick banged the New Year's pots and pans together Rock was hard to please.

He finally gave us some sort of smile when Nick banged the BIG pots and pans together. The big bright green and red pans.

But then he was back to this:

It wasn't until Uncle Nick banged the really BIG pots and pans that Rock finally could help himself. He let out a big yell and smiled really, really big.

BIG SMILE!!

Now that's the excited boy that we see when there isn't a camera around.

Speaking of excited, Rock is never excited to let somebody leave the house without him. He tries to stall by asking to tell you something. Then, just like his sweet Great-Grandma Helen, he rambles on and on while you try to get out the door. Usually it sounds like this:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Howdy Time With Rock and Ryker!!

2011-12-31T16:06:00.001-06:00

Howdy pardner! Welcome to Howdy Time, I'm your host, Rock!

Here's my trusty sidekick, Ryker!

Today we're here at the OK Corral and we be fixing to ride us some horses!

Ryker is going to show all you pardners out there the proper way to pet a horse.

Then he will show you how to properly pick the horse's nose. The trick is to get way up deep in the nostril.

Then Shaka the horse will explain his pet peeves. I'll give you a hint, it involves infants digging into his nostrils.

After picking the horse's nose, Ryker knows to wipe the snot all over the snout of the beast.

And then later, WE RIDE!!

I'll also show you how to win a staring contest. Diva didn't even know what stared her down!

Now is finally the time to ride!

I like to ride bareback like a real man. Only city boys and softies have to use a sissy saddle.

Giddyup!!

Howdy ladies!

Lil' Ryker also got a chance to ride Diva and yell "Diddyup!".

"Whoa Nelly!"

Lil' Ryker did ride plumb good.

After our big ride we sauntered on into the local saloon for some marshmallows and pipin' hot cocoa.

Nothing shakes the trail dust off your boots like roasting marshmallows!

Despicable Me and the Drive Home

2011-12-29T13:44:00.002-06:00

About a year ago Rock acquired a picture of a minion from the movie Despicable Me and carried it everywhere. The minions are little yellow guys with goggles. They look like this: Click here

Well, one of Rock's presents was a tool set with safety goggles. He's been wearing them everywhere, and his aunt Lindsey thinks he looks just like one of the minions.

He's the cutest little minion I've ever met. Now if I could just convince him to be my minion and do my bidding...

Our drive home went well, and for the most part the passengers behaved themselves. There was some crying in the front passenger's seat, but that was cured with a McDonald's hot fudge sundae. When we got home the boys got to open their presents from Mama Rae and Papa Dale and their aunts and uncle Nick. One of their coolest presents was a Cosmo the Cougar getup.

Rock has been wearing it nonstop and growling at people. Then he'll take off the hood and be a good cougar and pretend to hug you...then he puts the hood back on and mauls you. Then he plays with his toys.

Our drive went really, really well until we got to Blewett Pass and ran into freezing rain. It turned into snow and then in Manson we found giant snowflakes.

It was really pretty.

The snow was so pretty that it put Ryker to sleep in his car seat. He looks mad because he didn't get to do a sleepover with Rock, but he's a baby so he doesn't remember that now.

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T21:23:00.000-06:00

We've had lots of fun this Christmas! Rock got to help Papa Dave make cinnamon rolls.

He had a blast and he got to stay up until almost midnight! What a crazy party animal!

Watch the expert pour flour like a pro.

On Christmas Eve Rock got to go skiing with Derek and Dustin (this isn't a picture from Mt. Ashland, this is a picture from when he went ice skating with Rissa).

I got to go golfing and spotted some Christmas Deer.

Rock has been so worn out from his parties that he is falling asleep all over the place.

He wakes up all bushy-eyed and bright-tailed, so no harm, no foul.

He woke us up this morning stinking early ready to rip open the holiday carnage.

See how excited he is? That's a toothbrush. Just imagine how excited he was when he opened real toys!

Ryker wasn't sure about waking up early, so he kind of just sat there and watched Rock bounce off of the walls.

Here is DeA's stocking.

DeA had to help Ryker open his presents. He was pretty thankful.

He was pretty stoked to get a big Buzz, just like Rock! Look how excited he is!

"Wow, I'm pretty excited!"

Rock wouldn't slow down enough for a picture, so this is the best you get.

Ryker loved his big ducky and kept quaking at it.

And he got a Home Depot electric drill. He used it to open his other presents,

Rock also got some cool tools. He is a stickler for safety, so he wore his safety goggles while open the rest of his loot.

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Merry Christmas!!

OREGON!!

2011-12-21T20:03:00.001-06:00

We made it.

SNOW!!

2011-12-18T23:40:00.000-06:00

The other day it finally snowed again in the valley. Look at all the snow up on the mountains!

Unfortunately for Rock, it snowed less than an inch. But, that didn't stop him from getting his snow plow ready to push snow.

"Look how good I do at clearing snow! You can't even tell that there was any here!"

I don't think that Ryker ever realized that there was snow on the ground at one point. He was just happy to be outside where no one can smell his stinky baby farts.

Rock found the one patch of a snow-like substance and went sledding.

It was a long ride of at least 18 inches.

Oh well, at least he had a good time. All night he just kept talking about how he shredded the hill like it was cheddar cheese.

Saturday night we had a birthday cake for Rock. He even blew the candle out all by himself. Happy birthday big guy!

Wait a minute, it's not his birthday! Apparently he talked his aunts into singing for him before they cut the cake that they bought for themselves. He's a little schemer he is.

Meanwhile, at Deseret Books the other day Ryker ran right into the corner of a table that was set up. It left him with a giant goose egg and bleeding cut. This is the best picture that I could get that shows the goose eggedness of his injury.

He finally got over the pain by playing with Elmo on the iPad.

He loves to count animals and have adventures with Elmo on the thing. He and Rock fight over it all the time, unless Mama Rae is there to protect it.

Ah, look. With the bandaid you'd never know that he has a big owie. DeA like that because it keeps the judging eyes from judging her judgmentally.

Oh, and he likes the game with the train that plays the same song over and over. I get it, someone is in the kitchen with Dina and they are strumming on the STUPID BANJO!

The other night Dad and I were watching bullriding when Rock joined in. He noticed that the cowboys were all wearing vests. He did what any good cowboy would do and found the only vest that he owns. Now his cowboy getup looks like this:

Yes, that is a dress vest similar to what a banker would wear, complete with the pocket square. But you try telling this cowboy that it's not the proper attire.

Updated Family Picture

2011-12-12T12:29:00.001-06:00

Pebbles isn't quite as photogenic as she will be one day. She's still adorable, but not photogenic yet. One day, but not this day.

Just A Little Behind

2011-12-07T20:40:00.001-06:00

So, since we last did a post the boys learned how to make cookies with their aunt Lindsea

And, more importantly, they learned how to lick the frosting before putting it on the cookies.

They're such good bakers.

They even help make the rolls for Sunday dinner.

And Ryker always knows how to enjoy a good piece of pie.

They both learn their delicious baking from a good teacher.

Yeah, that's how you finish a good meal.

Recently Santa made an appearance to help share Christmas cheer and to eat cookies.

I finally was able to track down some pics of the Turkey Bowl from the girls who were in charge of photographing the game.

We got some pics of the action like this:

And many more non-action pictures like this:

I know what it looks like, but Bro. Toolson didn't just pull a hamstring and Erik isn't doing a show tune.

Rock likes telling the ladies hello.

Lindsea and Travis didn't play very long but still made it into the pictures. She held herself out of the game to protect little Demetrius in her womb.

The girls did a good job capturing the catch of the game (if that award goes to the most awkward, clumsy catch).

Each year more and more kids get to come and play the Turkey Bowl companion games.

After the game it's all about chowing some delicious food and waiting for turkey.

one of the nights over Thanksgiving weekend the boys taught Grandpa how to make chocolate milkshakes.

"It's four parts ice cream, one part milk and twelve parts Nesquik.

The snow has since melted, but while it was here the boys made a giant snowman.

Look at that thing! It's huge!

Ultrasound

2011-11-30T15:47:00.001-06:00

DeAndra had her 20 week ultrasound today at the hospital. The little baby was moving and active, but we were still able to see what we needed to see. One thing that we didn't see was Razyr's manjunk, so it looks like we are having a girl!!

Now I need to start accumulating an extensive arsenal like this:

Random Find

2011-11-29T18:02:00.001-06:00

In my other life I broadcast football and basketball games for KOZI Radio in Chelan. Tonight I am broadcasting the first game of the year for the Manson basketball teams and have to put together a little pre-game show. I was perusing the Manson School District website looking for fodder when I came across an interesting website: denniskingphoto.com.

It was on this website that I found this little nugget:

and Len's:

Here's Janet

And Kellie's twin Mary

Uncle Dave

Uncle Doug

Auntie Kay

And Aunt Judy.

I thought about stopping there, but I'm glad I didn't because I found Grandma!!

There she is, years before she would get to meet her favorite grandson:

Oh, and before Papa Dale or Dave complains, here are the boys:

A Trip to the Dentist: An Adventure Captured On Daddy's Phone

2011-11-28T16:30:00.001-06:00

Today was the dreaded day when the boys had to go to the dentist. Rock has one prior experience with the dentist, and it didn't go well.

Ryker could somehow sense from Rock that this wasn't going to be as fun as Mommy pretended it would be.

The dentist's helper was very good and first started by helping the boys brush their teeth. They did that just fine.

Ryker was a little concerned about the helper's intentions when he wanted to floss Ryker's three teeth.

But he was more than willing to relax in the fancy reclining chair. Nothing bad can happen in a chair like this, right?

"See? I'm a good boy with good teeth because I brush my teeth all the time. So how about you put that pointy thing down?"

Luckily the pointy thing never came out and Dr. Jeff used the mirror to look inside Ryker's mouth instead.

Then Ryker went back to working on his toothbrush.

You could tell that Rock wasn't cool with everything, but he let them check his mouth and brush his teeth.

He didn't even try to bite Jeff's fingers like we thought he would.

After his dentist appointment Ryker had to go see Dr. Dame for a checkup. At one point he was laying naked on butcher paper. He grabbed a tongue depressor to stab anyone who tried to get close with needles. It took four people to subdue him enough to administer the inoculations. And one of them got a pretty bad splinter.

Belly Picks!!

2011-11-26T02:48:00.001-06:00

DeA casually mentioned out loud that it was probably time to take some belly pics of Razyr. Rock agreed and so he started snapping some shots.

I don't know if DeA was posing for this picture or not, but it looks like how she poses for pictures so I think yes.

Look at those quality photography skills.

Look how cute Razyr looks!

And look how cute DeA looks!

It seems like her tummy has really started to get pregnant the past two weeks.

Ryker still likes the baby, but that's probably because he doesn't realize how much attention that baby will steal from him.

He likes touching the belly and kissing it.

"C'mon Ma! Lift the shirt up for the pics!"

"Knock knock! Anybody in there?"

"Well, if there is a baby in there this should get his attention!"

The Cider Press!!

2011-11-20T17:22:00.001-06:00

Last Saturday we were going to the shed to make cider. Ryker was so excited that he couldn't put down his drinking glass.

The morning of cider he was especially happy.

But the Froot Loops might have been part of his happiness.

Another thing that got Ryker's excitement percolating was the new snow!

Ryker loved playing in the snow.

"S'no!"

Finally it was cider time. That meant it was also time for the most important part: homemade donuts!

Somebody took Amelia's donut. She wasn't thrilled.

Travis and Ken manned the press while others manned the donuts.

Marissa did this most of the time, whatever this is.

Ryker loved his job as the official cider quality control guy.

Rock ate himself lots of donuts and hot dogs. Yummers.

They both drank a lot of cider. Like a ton. Ryker needed a 40 lb diaper just to hold all the 'cider'.

R&R loved playing with their cousins until they got incarcerated in a bin.

Strongman Colby is strong.

When all was said and done we made over 80 gallons of cider. That's a lot of juice. Just think of all the poor apples that gave their little juicy lives for this delicious cider. Delicious cider.

Strongman Colby got in trouble and was only allowed to drive the forklift with his Gpa Doug.

When we got home DeA asked Ryker if it was cold outside. This was his response:

The Official Rock Workout

2011-11-15T15:19:00.001-06:00

Here's Rock's latest fitness video.

Oh, and Ryker did something very, very encouraging:

Nothing was excreted from his body, but we're still excited that he knows what it is and kind of what to do.

Last Family Picture Post

2011-11-11T13:45:00.001-06:00

Here are the rest of the good family pics. I forgot to mention that Kelly Leggett is who took our pictures. Most of us were really happy with how they turned out (except for one person who obsesses that one hair is out of place or their makeup was a shade too light. Yup, I'm pretty high maintenance).

Here are some more leaf pictures.

We rewarded Rock by letting him play on the playground...

and chase some ducks while quacking at them.

I like how these turned out

Partway through the end of the shoot someone started to turn into Buzz Lightyear. I'll just let you guess who that was.

Another compromise with the boys was letting them play in the water a little bit.

Turned out it made a cute picture also.

YA! No Buzz Lightyear!

Oh, he's back...

Somehow DeA let me lick her forehead without even changing her expression. That's dedicated modeling right there.

She called these our "engagement pictures".

See? So romantic.

Remember this? When our receptionist Ruth saw this she said "DeA never changes! But you, you definitely changed. You're old now". I guess that shows how intimidating I am to my employees.

Family Pics Part Two

2011-11-10T17:37:00.021-06:00

Ryker likes Charlie Brown and this is his Charlie Brown walk.

Rock liked the leaves, even after finding the giant bug under one.

DeA always looks good in pictures.

Here is one with all of us, just like a real family.

Once in a while we got everybody looking the right way.

Leaves!!

This time I was the one looking the wrong place.

Our photographer brought some suitcases and a hat as props. Rock likes props.

Sampling of Family Pics

2011-11-08T15:13:00.001-06:00

DeA and I have been married for over six years. In that time we've never taken professional family pictures...until this past weekend. Here is a brief preview of how they turned out (spoiler alert: They are awesome!).

A Few Oregon Pics

2011-11-04T15:36:00.002-05:00

And by a few I mean over 40 or so. That means you should probably sit back and sip that Dr. Pepper in your hand while you peruse this post.

Rock loves sports and golfing. Papa Dave had a mini driving range set up in the back driveway, so Rock made sure to hone his swing.

I think he envisioned that Ryker would be his ball boy, but Ryker refused to acknowledge that idea.

He was too busy playing with Buddy.

Eventually Ryker got his own turn on the range. His stance is a little unorthodox, but it works.

rock noticed that Buddy ran out of drinking water so he ran into the house and filled a cup. Buddy didn't say it, but I'm sure he appreciated it.

They sure love Buddy.

Ryker loved having food ready for him whenever he wanted it. All he had to do was look adorable and someone would fix him something delicious.

They spent a lot of quality time in the bath tub.

DeA thinks it is because they like the water, but I'm sure it is because they highly value hygiene.

Look at them, getting all clean and hygienic.

His face doesn't show it, but he's having a ball.

One day the boys got to release their wiggles in a jump pit.

They loved jumping their little hearts out.

Sometimes the landings weren't so smooth, but that didn't stop them from jumping.

Look at those mad toddler hops!

I'm sure it's just like being in outer space.

I think Mama Zista had fun, too!

Then they went to a petting zoo and watched the animals.

They both did a great job of feeding the goats food and not their fingers.

"Mmm...unprocessed goat burgers..."

"The unprocessed goat burger licked me!"

Eventually the boys got tired of walking and climbed on some taxis.

Eventually they found their way into a corn maze. Ryker was worried that they'd have to eat their way out, but luckily it never came to that.

To celebrate their conquering of the maze they enjoyed SnoCones and cotton candy.

Lots and lots of cotton candy.

"Mmm...root beer SnoCone..."

After recharging and refreshing the boys hit the giant inflatable toys.

"Whee!!!!"

The whole time DeA was just thinking to herself "Oh yeah, work yourselves silly and wear yourselves out!"

Her plan worked like a charm.

Eventually it was time to come home to Manson. Ryker went out and shook Buddy's hand one last time.

The boys were excited to get to the airport early to watch the planes.

Mama Zista looks happy, but she's already missing the boys. And Ryker just noticed the hot dog stand.

"Bye bye Mama Zista!"

"Will you tell Buddy that I miss him for me? Oh, and Papa Dave, too"

First Glimpse At Halloween!!

2011-11-01T11:58:00.000-05:00

We are still sorting out the pictures from DeA's trip to Oregon, Halloween and my two weeks at home. Meanwhile, we did manage to steal some pics from Dad's camera from the Church's Trunk or Treat. Ryker now loves his lion costume, especially since he learned that lions get to eat whatever they want.

I love that Rock is getting to the age where he gets excited about stuff. He loved being Buzz Lightyear and hearing the other kids yell "HEY! LOOK! BUZZ IS HERE!!".

"I'm gonna eat this sucker because I'm a freaking lion, okay?"

"It's good to be king of the jungle"

It didn't take the boys long to realize that all the candy they could want was in the back of the car.

"Hey Buzz, let's go around the loop again. The people don't know that we've already got candy from them! It's the perfect crime!"

Like all good lions, Ryker loves a good ear scratching.

Buzz's girlfriend in the movies is Jessie, but in real life Buzz is intimidated by Jessie.

"Mmm...suckers..."

Buzz is so strong that he can break the sucker sticks with his bare hands!

What a cute little lion. Don't mind the cowboy boots, the king of the jungle wears whatever he wants.

The bucket got too full to carry. That's a good day.

He started dumping the bucket in the back of Flipper and then hitting the rounds another time.

Buzz sure liked dancing and running around.

Lazer beam activate!

"Hello? Candy? Where are you?"

"Mama Rae, check out all my candy? How bout you start unwrapping it all for me? Thanks"

We carved pumpkins as a family Sunday night. (Not pictured: the family).

Trip to Central Point!!

2011-10-23T03:51:00.000-05:00

DeA and the boys are living the high life down in Oregon while I slave away here at the office. She uploaded some pictures, so I'm going to do my best to describe them. Here Ryker is busy refilling bottle water for the local bottling company. Also, he's not wearing a shirt.

Rock found a straw cowboy hat and likes to bow and say "Howdy, partner".

The boys are having a ball playing on all the lumber and equipment. They love climbing on stuff.

In the past, Rock was afraid of Buddy the Golden Retriever. This trip he has decided that Buddy is his bestest buddy in the world.

He will just sit out on the back porch with Buddy and hug him, pet him and talk to him.

He even wanted to call Buddy while away from the house to let him know he was coming home soon. Oh, guess how many times he's called me...zero!

The boys love to play with toy tractors, so it only makes sense that they like the real things, too.

Rock was more than willing to explain to Ryker how to drive the lift.

"...and this knob controls the laser beams."

What a cutie.

Ryker has always loved having his shirt off and feeling his belly. Even when we lived in Renton and he was a newbie.

They helped Papa Dave prepare the site for the gazebo.

Rock discovered fishing, and he loves just sitting out by the pool and trying to catch fish with the old people's grabber thingy.

Mama Zista likes to plant pumpkins for the kids to enjoy. Ryker picked out a good one that was just his size. Also, he still doesn't have a shirt on. I don't know, maybe DeA just forgot to pack them.

Rock loves getting lost in the garden with his gardener hat.

He likes to literally get lost.

Look at the little trooper go and find the perfect pumpkin deep in the field.

Meanwhile, Ryker was still waiting for someone to help him cook this thing into a delicious pumpkin pie.

The boys made sure to protect their loot.

Still shirtless, and loving it.

Aw, finally the little guy got a shirt. He definitely looks happy about it.

I'm not sure what Rock is planning, but I'm going to guess that he's sneaking up on Buddy to jump on him like a horse.

Rock may just grow up to be a world class gardener. Or a regular gardener with super powers.

"Ha, Buddy did a good job on this fertilizer!"

He did a good job watering everything that he could find out on the deck, including Buddy.

Meanwhile, Ryker was busy with the broom. He sure loves brooms.

Corvallis Trip, Part II

2011-10-20T15:17:00.002-05:00

Game day morning!! We stayed at La Quinta because they are famous for their flip waffles (according to DeA). Rock usually isn't a big waffle eater, but he loved the waffles. He loved them so much that he never realized how much syrup got on his sleeve from dragging it across the plate.

Ryker is always a fan of any food, especially flip waffles and biscuits and gravy. Some genius introduced us to the magic that is waffles and gravy. He was pure genius.

"Wha? No, I wasn't checking out the chicks. Why do you ask?"

Speaking of chicks, Ryker found himself a little girlfriend during breakfast. He kept mauling her with kisses and hugs, like a true gentleman.

Here's the Beaver marching band doing marching band stuff.

The boys were sure little champs and loved watching the game until naptime.

They really did look interested in what was happening on the field.

They were so interested that they started copying the players.

For about a quarter they just "tackled" and mauled each other.

Here is a good view of BYU's first (or so) offensive play. Our seats were nice because you could see the whole field. They were kind of not nice because we were 77 freaking rows up. Way up there, with no hand rails and two little boys. Come on, OSU, what's your deal? You can't put a little money into railings? Or a tow rope or chairlift or something!

Gameday In Corvallis!! Part I

2011-10-18T17:35:00.004-05:00

DeA and I loaded the little guys up in Flipper and took off for Corvallis on Friday afternoon. Oh, and how awesome is it to be your own boss and just take off because you want to? Pretty darn awesome, that's how awesome! Well, we have other, cooler pics on the camera. But, I don't have the camera, so everyone text DeA right now and remind her to upload the camera onto the computer. Well, we gots what wes gots, so here are the game pictures that I have on my phone.

Saturday morning we went to the Cougar Club tailgate party at the stake center in Corvallis. We ran in to Peggy and Aron (not pictured: Peggy and Aron) and their kids. Rock noticed that other kids had their faces painted with Cougar colors, so he had to join in the fun.

Ryker wasn't on board with the face painting, so he sat disapprovingly while DeA got a paw print of her own.

Rock was pretty excited all morning.

One of the coolest things was he got to meet his (new) hero, Cosmo! He was so thrilled to meet Cosmo that he wouldn't look at me for the picture. (ed. note: I don't know what that kid is doing in the background, but he looks like he's having a good time.)

Notice how Cosmo's shirt is tucked in but Rock's isn't? Guess who else noticed and tucked his shirt in the rest of the day...

Ryker wouldn't let anybody but DeA or I hold him...except for Cosmo!

Awe...adorable.

The boys did great the first half (and those pictures are on the camera, so text DeA again) and then crashed the second half.

Spoiler Alert: Cougs Win!! Cougs Win!!

Uncle Jim was there to help us rush the field!! Cougs Win!!

Remember how I said that Ryker wouldn't let anyone but DeA, Cosmo and me hold him? Yeah, he's got some learning to do. I would say that he'll figure it out one day, but his uncle Nick isn't setting the greatest example...

Pic Dump From Mama Rae's Camera

2011-10-10T18:36:00.003-05:00

Those videos didn't work, so I'll try them another time. Meanwhile, you can still look at the cute kiddos.

Yeah, they're pretty adorable.

Even Woody.

Ryker has always been a good little climber, but lately he's getting to be too good at climbing, if you know what I mean. The kid is getting into everything.

Speaking of climbing, now that someone believes that he is Buzz Lightyear he has been jumping off of any piece of furniture that he can find.

"To infinity, and beyond!"

"It's not flying, it's falling with style!"

Ryker got to spend Friday night at Mama Rae's and Papa Dale's house while Rock helped me broadcast the Manson football game. He was being adorable while riding the bike and wearing a hat, so Papa Dale tried to take a picture. Ryker had other ideas.

"You can't see me!"

Seriously, Papa Dale took about a bajillion pictures like these of Ryker toying with him.

And then, randomly, he let's you take as many adorable pics as you want.

They're adorable, but blurry. He's sneaky like that.

I've been able to announce some of the local football games for KOZI Radio, and this week I was lucky enough to do the Manson-Brewster game. Rock and DeA came along since there was a promise of McDonald's made.

DeA realized once we got to the field that Rock's only coat was definitely Brewster colored. She was horrified that she overlooked something so important and crucial to our happiness.

But, in typical Rock fashion, he was cool with it.

"Where's my blue coat?"

Saturday I got to enjoy a two day seminar on L&I Impairment Ratings. Two days in a stuffy conference center listening to the difference between "mild but significant" and "moderate but not significant". Yup, those are real terms used by Washington State. It wasn't all bad, since I did enjoy this view during the break:

Kix It Through the Uprights

2011-10-07T11:57:00.001-05:00

Ryker has been intrigued by something his mommy keeps talking about. She keeps mentioning something called "Kix" and how it's the Bee's Cheese and the best thing since slicing bread. So, he decided to give it a try.

He took his time letting the delicious cereal work its way around his mouth.

"Hey, this isn't bad stuff. I mean, it's no Froot Loops, but what is, ya know?"

"Yeah, I could get used to this stuff."

"I give it ten fingers up!"

"Ten fingers up and a touchdown!"

"Come here, Dad! Let me give you a big hug for sharing this stuff with me! A big, wet, milky kiss before you go to work! C'mon, right there on your clean work shirt!"

Hair and Ice Cream!!

2011-10-06T18:33:00.004-05:00

DeA got her hair did yesterday, and it looks AWESOME!

Today she received her shipment of Whiteys Ice Cream!! It's been a long time since we've had Whiteys, and holy twap we missed it!

She was so excited that the package barely made it in the door!

Ahh...look at that deliciousness!

They quickly took the ice cream home, and hopefully remembered to save some for me. Oh, and Rock was pretty super-duper excited about the ice cream.

Videos

2011-10-06T01:14:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday we went to the shed and made apple cider with a bunch of family. Ryker was in charge of cleaning up and hosing down the equipment.

Here's another of Ryker 'helping'.

It's hard to believe that it's already October. That means it's the time of year that kids get to be their heroes...

or something that they hate instead of something cool.

DeA's Never Been More Proud

2011-09-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

Overlooked Pictures!

2011-09-27T16:10:00.001-05:00

I found some random pictures from the camera that I failed to use. DeA's always told me that I should never let cute pictures of the boys go to waste. Here's Ryker doing wicked awesome tricks with his motorcycle.

Ryker has started to hold his hands behind his back, especially when asking for something.

He loves to find Rock, especially when Rock is hiding. He squawks Rock, but it sounds like "AAok!"

Rock likes playing hide and go seek, also. Can't you tell?

The boys love living by the lake. Rock loves to take his alligator down there to scare away any tourists that are still hanging out down there.

And Rock loves sneaking onto the golf course after hours.

It is sure pretty living down here.

Ryker preparing for liftoff.

"GOAL!!!!"

They never like getting loaded up in the stroller after playing, except when Rock has an escape plan in mind.

We were playing in the living room when the boys pulled a Scooby Doo and ran right into each other. Rock's mouth smashed into Ryker's forehead and gave him a fat lip. He made sure everyone could see it.

What a sad little boy.

Ryker loves his dinner, and can't wait for it to be ready.

Rock's still a sad little boy.

I guess Ryker couldn't wait for dinner.

Cap'n Underpants was worried about people recognizing him, so he starting wearing a special Cap'n Underpants mask! You just hope that he finds the clean unders.

A Fable

2011-09-19T17:22:00.004-05:00

Once upon a time there was a wise tree named Rykertree. The Rykertree was wise and full of wisdom. People would come from miles to hear his wise counsel.

One day a young man came and asked the Rykertree a perplexing question: How he could be the best dad ever. The Rykertree thought long and hard about the question, then he slowly looked up and said:

"Rarellows and M&Ms. Lots of Rarellows and M&Ms"

The end.

Phone Pics!!

2011-09-18T21:37:00.000-05:00

It is a scientific fact that babies sleep so that mothers don't snap (citation needed). I think they sleep just to remind people of how adorable they are.

When he's not sleeping, Ryker likes to watch TV and text his girlfriend in Wisconsin.

Len and Lesa have a ~~giant bear~~ dog named Ebony. Rock used to be scared to death of ~~Big Ben~~ Ebony, but now they are friends.

My phone has a filter to make things look 'nostalgic'. So here's a nostalgic pic of the boys taking a bath from a long time ago...like ten days or so.

Here's a nostalgic pic of DeA looking pretty. She's always pretty, not just in nostalgic pictures.

My camera also has a filter that does whatever this picture is. It's Ryker at the beach in a dramatic filter or something.

There's also a filter that is supposed to increase brightness and contrast. Notice Ryker contrasting against the sand. Epic.

Here is epic Rock with the same contrast.

Here's a normal picture of Ryker being adorable. Also pictured: Papa Dale's legs.

Last Friday Rock and I went up to Top Shelf to go camping. We had a fire and roasted marshmallows. Rock learned how to light a marshmallow on a stick and wave it in the air. Also pictured: Papa Dale smothering a lit marshmallow.

After getting back from camping Papa Dale and I took the boys to Jack's to get donuts. They both eat their donuts frosting side first (and last, because after eating the frosting they don't eat the rest of the donut. It's like a peach pit or an apple core at that point).

Rock asked me if we could get haircuts. He wanted to try and cut his hair first.

"He did a decent job of not killing himself, but the haircutting part was lacking.

He even cut Ryker's hair, and once again did a good job of not killing anyone.

He's still Captain Underpants.

He likes being Captain Underpants.

Holy Twap, Dad! Maybe You Update Blog?

2011-09-17T12:24:00.003-05:00

Lately Rock has learned the power of phrases like "maybe..." and "Hey, I have idea!" Usually he breaks them out when he wants something that we don't want him to have. Those are his compromise/negotiating tactics. He won't do it for the camera, so here's Ryker sleeping.

Ryker is at the age where he loves gadgets and phones. He loves to talk to his homies on one line while listening to Nazareth on Bampa's smartphone.

Doesn't Ryker look happy? Well, that was just because it was before he got ditched by Bampa and Rock when they went on their camping trip. It was pretty traumatic, and only cuddling with Mommy and a bag of "rarellows" could sooth his ache. Also, he's a baby so he forgot in like 30 seconds, but the marshmallows lasted a lot longer than that. Speaking of Rock, here he is giving Grampa the thumbs up to launch the boat.

Rock got to man the bridge, and drove the boat almost the whole way to Stehekin.

Kind of reminds you of Miami Vice, doesn't it?

"Maybe you let me go faster? Hey, I have idea: How about you let me go faster?"

He's driven with his Mama Rae enough to know that you always keep one hand on the horn at all times.

His shift eventually ended, and he took some time to rest in the jump seat.

Finally they got to Stehekin and rode around in the white pick up. Rock said "Hey, I have idea! Maybe you put my car seat in front of the steering wheel and I drive! You like that idea?"

Here's a picture of the awesomeness of Stehekin.

One more month and these deer would have ended coming home to Manson in quarters.

The campground was close to a sweet river. Rock thought he wanted to get into the water, but then he realized that it was pure glacier water.

Rock quickly realized that Buzz Lightyear didn't have a campground, so he made him one.

Rock showed Papa Dale the proper way to build a fire.

Rock randomly asked Papa Dale to take a picture of a sad boy. He wasn't really sad, but wanted a picture of a sad boy. Who knows what he's thinking.

Rock was super excited to drink the best water in the world! Also, he liked posing for the pictures.

See, he learned the whole posing thing from his mommy.

Eventually the next morning came. After a quick trip to the bakery they rode back down the lake. What a trip!

More Is Coming...

2011-09-14T20:36:00.003-05:00

But until then here is a video of Ryker welcoming his new cousin to Manson!!

Four Wheeler!!

2011-09-04T21:42:00.003-05:00

Papa Dale's four wheeler is like a drug to Ryker. He is only happy when he's on it, and he hates getting off it. When we stopped our last ride he refused to dismount.

He knows how to turn on the key, shift the gears and push the starter. He just doesn't know how to do them in the right order. But, like the velociraptors from Jurassic Park, he is learning.

"Hey, Dad! Get your butt down here!"

Here's a video of him trying to hot wire the vehicle.

And here's a video of Ryker torturing Rock with tickles.
In other news, Cougs win!! Cougs win!! Here's a link to relive the awesomeness!!
http://espn.go.com/watchespn/player/_/source/espn3/id/226213/size/condensed/

Cat's Out of the Bag

2011-09-01T22:31:00.002-05:00

Well, it made its way on to Facebook, so most people probably know already...but Stone is on his way!

We're not sure, but we think that DeA will be due sometime in the April-May time frame, so plan your trips for the baby shower accordingly.

Hey, Look! Two Posts Within a Week!!

2011-08-30T13:42:00.001-05:00

Aaron must be sick or something! Oh, and check out how cute these boys are!

I found some more pics from Mama Zista (but Rock actually says Lisa now, it's very sad) and Papa Dave. We had ice cream cones one night.

Ryker loved it!

Rock had a blast with his grandparents here, can't you tell?

At one point Ryker bumped his head on the underside of the table and started crying. Rock went and got help: a Band-aid.

Here are more pictures of Rock's golf outing.

And here's me on the 3rd(?) hole.

Rock was good at checking out the tee boxes and making sure that there weren't any baby frogs.

He was also very good at lining up the shots for me.

When we made the turn for the back nine they gave Rock some "fish bread". I know what you are thinking, "bread that tastes like fish? Count me in!" But it wasn't like that.

The lake fish would come munch on the bread!

Here's a video of said fish doing said activity:

Rock even got to drive the cart once in a while!

You can't see their faces, but it's a cute picture anyways. Also, Rock might be picking his nose.

Boatload of Stuff

2011-08-28T22:59:00.001-05:00

Holy cow, I get it. I've been bad at updating the blog. I have a good excuse, what with opening the new business and all. But the boys have continued to be adorable, even when wearing their underwear wrong.

Ryker's got some bumps and bruises on his cute face. He had a fight with the stairs, and it looks like the stairs won this round.

Rock mastered climbing on to the roof of the playhouse. He was pretty proud of himself.

But he also wore himself out.

After naps they munched some yummies from Grandma and Grandpa.

They both want to ride the four wheeler, so they finally compromised into a sharing agreement. They ride it together until Rock pushes Ryker off of the hog.

Rock's cousins came to the lake to play with his uncle Dave. He was happy to spend time in the water.

He loved following his cousin and playing with her. I guess she has a reputation for not being 'friendly', but she and Rock got along very well.

He likes spending time at the beach, because then he gets to ask where the weight room is. Is it over there?

He likes his guns.

The office has gotten off to a nice start, so we are very happy about that. I really like having Rock and Ryker come visit me whenever they want. Apparently Rock doesn't understand what 'business casual' means.

He loves showing off his underwear hat.

Meanwhile, we had a pretty cool evening down on the lake, and this was the sunset. It didn't turn out well, but trust me it was awesome.

See! DeA loves it!

So, I have so many pics that I have lost chronological order. Here is Rock from his golf outing with Papa Dave, Aunt Windsey and Daddyo. He like holding the flag on each hole.

We got a good father and son pic with the lake behind us. Special.

After we all got done putting Rock got to take his turn playing the hole. His tee box was a little closer than it was for the others.

Here he was on a longer hole.

He did get a little impatient waiting for us to finish. Here he is trying to get Lindsey to hurry up and make the stinking putt!

Here was one of his shorter holes.

"D'oh! Too many muscles!"

The school did a potluck to celebrate (wait, is that the right word? More like commiserate?) the start of the school year. They showed How to Train Your Dragon on a monster screen. Rock made sure to make our spot with authority.

Ryker made sure to eat the Oreos with authority.

Here's a better look of his scraped up nose from the fight with the stairs.

Halfway through the movie Rock stripped his clothes off and started changing. Once again he just wanted to show off the cannons.

Rock went up to Stehekin with Papa Dale to check out Rainbow Falls. He kept telling Papa Dale that it was the best water ever, and that he had to get a sip.

So he made sure to get a good sip.

"Ahh!! Refreshing!"

Here's the whole crew that went up to the falls. Intimidating.

"Whoa! Check out that bighorn sheeps!"

All this being adorable really wears the boys out.

It Just Got Real!

2011-08-22T23:36:00.000-05:00

We are this close to football!

6 Years Baby!!!

2011-08-20T11:56:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess. She was the most beautiful ever. Her name was DeAndra. She married the handsomest prince ever.

Together they had two little boys, Rockimus and Rykemer. These were the most adorablest boys in all the land

Together they moved to Utah, Iowa, Oregon, Renton and then to Chelan. Everywhere they went she was still the prettiest princess ever.

She wasn't just the prettiest, she was also the kindest, sweetest and nicest princess ever.

Now they've been married six wonderful years, and I couldn't be happier.

I love you Sugar Boobs!

Lindsey Lu!!

2011-08-17T23:00:00.002-05:00

Mama Rae and Papa Dale left for the Eastern Seaboard for a few weeks, but first Papa Dale took the boys to Company Creek. Rock wasn't sure to expect, so he prepared himself for just about anything.

After they left, Aunt Lindsey Lu flew into Wenatchee to help with the boys. Rock came with me to pick her up. Also, he wanted to watch Tangled.

One of the first things we did is take Lindsey Lu to the Burger Barn for ice cream.

The girls and Rock all enjoyed blue bubble gum ice cream. Later they were concerned about blue 'stools', but that's wasn't until the next day.

He likes his ice cream.

All I asked him was to show me his face. This is what I got.

And this.

Once the ice cream was gone the boys started playing in the dirt. The ice cream worked as a great adhesive for the dirt to permanently stick to their skin.

The boys have been tuckered out, what with all the playing and stuff.

Rock couldn't even make it through the front door.

We took the boys down to Banjo Creek and let them play on the swings. They loved the horse shaped rides down there.

They boys are spending lots of quality time in the water. Ryker only wears the muscles to prepare himself for the future bicep growth. Also, he can't swim, but mostly they are for the first thing I said.

Rock always makes sure to grab the noodles. He holds on to that and swims the length of the pool, just like Mark Spitz.

No trip to Manson would be complete without a trip snake hunting. We found one.

The girls have also spent quality time cuddling. Ryker is in charge of supervising.

Rock found a new hat. He like hats, even ones that might not even be hats.

We are about two and a half weeks away from football season! Here's a little something to feed your football needs.

BYU vs New Mexico 2010 FM from Furious Monkey on Vimeo.

Operation Stolen Pictures

2011-08-02T20:13:00.000-05:00

"Echo Delta Charlie Bonzai, we have a visual on the target. Requesting permission to fire."

"Acquisition of target confirmed, nuke them!"

"Nuke them gone!!"

" !!!"

Phone Pics!!

2011-07-31T21:22:00.000-05:00

Rock came in to help me at the office. He's a hard worker.

Rock had a long day yesterday. He went running, went swimming and then went to a birthday party. He turned into a blond tomato.

He got all sweaty, and then bonked his noggin against the netting on the jump castle. It left a perfect waffle mark.

Today they decided to throw rocks into the pond.

And Rock wanted people to know that he is still learning lots from his mommy, like this:

The Office and Guns of Navarone!

2011-07-25T23:42:00.002-05:00

This blog features two classic shows. First, The Office:

Second, Guns of Navarone!

Holy Twap, Holy Twap, Holy Twap!!

2011-07-25T00:32:00.002-05:00

Some stuff happened, so let's get started. First, Ryker was as snug as a naked bug in a rug. Adorable.

When awake he has been working on wooing the ladies.

Also, the office bathroom got redone. Much better.

A patient from Renton sent us an office warming gift. Precious.

Rock wanted to play soccer on Playstation. Soccer might not be exciting enough for him.

I am a lucky man.

Ryker's been spending some quality naked time. It's what he does.

We had the family reunion this weekend. Rock's cousins from Boise came up to visit and Rock loved it.

I think we had somewhere between 100 and a bajillion people here Friday night for dinner. It was great to see everybody.

Rock loved having a TON of cousins, but didn't love having all those greedy little hands all over his toys.

He had to stay ever vigilant, even when tinkling.

It was hard work protecting his toys, but eventually he learned the virtue of sharing. Well, eventually he will learn the virtue of sharing, hopefully.

While everyone was cleaning Ryker decided to get into stuff. He found the corn starch and had himself some fun.

He did try to wipe up his mess, but somehow that made it worse.

Ohh, look at those cute little footprints. Heartmelting.

Peggy's husband, Aron, booked us a tee time for Bear Mountain early (like waaaayyy too early) Saturday. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to play with these views:

DeA's Note: These pictures are also to remind her Dad and Lindsey Loo that the sooner they come visit the sooner they get to play this course!

Meanwhile, back at the family reunion, Rock was coordinating helicopter rides. He loves the helicopter, and makes sure that no one calls it the chopper.

He knows exactly how put on the headset and talk heli-talk.

"Alpha Bravo Foxtrot Echo, this is Stryker Ramon requesting permission to strafe the tourists"

"Negative, Stryker Ramon, just take pictures and quit spitting out the window!"

"Roger that, but that's not spit..."

"What? Don't judge me for 'watering' the peeps down below. I learned from watching uncle Nick."

Rock knew he would need to drink a lot of water to "water" the people, but maybe he drank just a little too much.

After the Heli good time we all went down to the lake and enjoyed the water...well, Rock couldn't pass up on his post-flight nap, but eventually got in the water.

Eventually we all ended up at the church in time for pictures. They tried to get all the great-grandsons together for a picture. This was the best they could do.

Ryker never had a hard time finding people to give him loves. Here he is with one of Jen's boys (Ryan? I can't tell if they aren't all together and no one is here to ask...).

The Pegster and company put together a great dinner with family slideshow and Tangled. Ryker loved the pulled pork and watermelon.

Rock loved playing some more with his cousins. Awesome!

Happy Family Reunion!! In other news, the office opens tomorrow, so come on in! Also, since the Mariners recently imploded I thought I'd give a little something to get you excited for football season!

Flipper! (Fixed)

2011-07-17T17:58:00.002-05:00

Friday Mama Rae and Papa Dale went down to Wenatchee to pick up the newest member of the family. Ryker wasn't completely happy with not being the baby anymore, but he put on a brave face.

Rock had already gotten used to not being the baby, so he didn't care.

We stopped at Arby's while we were down there, and that made him happy.

They started practicing their goal screams while at the restaurant, but Mama Rae and Mommy put an end to that.

Ryker is a fan of straight fries. Curly fries are yucky.

Rock loves to see how much of the chicken he can shove into his mouth. Then he washes it down with chocolate milk.

"Mmm...Chocolate milk....gulp."

Here she is, Flipper!!

Rock even knows where the button is to close her tail. She's fitting right in.

Summer in Manson!!

2011-07-13T23:27:00.001-05:00

We've had a pretty good summer, and the boys are living it up. Ryker is doing what most of us wish we could do all summer: nap!

Rock asked me if he could go golfing with me, so of course I told him yes. He put on his best collared shirt, his golfing shorts and shades. He was ready.

He's not quite far enough along for me to plan retirement, but he's getting there.

He kept wanting to chase down the balls that he hit, even though the range drops down off the tee boxes.

Between his swings he helped me out by recording my swing. It's not much better than his.

Also, a gentleman always replaces his divots. Even on the range.

Look at that moon shot!

The battery ran out on the way home, after begging me to leave him there for Grandpa to come pick him up.

We've also been letting the boys roam free down by lake. Ryker really loves the water, but doesn't love not getting to be in the water.

He constantly tries to get through the holes in the fence.

"Curse you, ample thighs! Curse you!"

Rock enjoys rolling on the path and showing off for the chicks.

After we let the boys down some kiddie cones. Ryker learned the hard way that he doesn't like brain freezes.

"Stop the freeze! Stop it with Hot Tamales!"

Rock loved his cookie dough ice cream almost as much as he loved kicking back and soaking in the sunshine.

In other news, we have an x-ray! The office is really starting to look like a real thing! We are going to take turns x-raying each other until someone turns into the Hulk (just kidding, everyone knows that the Hulk drank something or got injected. Or, maybe it was a magic cream or something. Maybe people don't know).

The sixty year old bathroom doesn't look sixty anymore.

Here's a narrated tour by our very own DeA!

As a bonus, here is Rock showing the proper way to do a decline push up.

Blog Spill

2011-07-09T03:04:00.000-05:00

Alright, we've got some ground to cover, so let's get going. Ryker is cute, but he's starting to know that he's cute, but people don't seem to mind that he knows that they know that he's cute.

The 4th of July was this week, so Rock taught Papa Dale how to make homemade ice cream.

The trick is in the salt. You need good salt.

Ryker's been rolling in his sweet ride.

It's got a different style of roof, but he doesn't seem to mind.

We all went to watch Rock watch Cars 2 after the BBQ. Rock wasn't as impressed with the show as we thought he would be, and kept saying that he was bored and wanted to go home.

As if that wasn't a full enough day already, we went down to the lake to have a potluck and watch the fireworks.

Pretty nice night, no?

Rock liked the fireworks a lot more than the movie. He did keep asking if the fireworks were going to land on him, but otherwise loved them.

And he especially loved cuddling with Mama Rae as the night started getting cooler.

Everyone was pretty tired the next day, so some naps were taken. Ryker wakes up from his naps a lot happier than Rock ever does. He's not as cute now that his hair isn't sticking up, but he's still adorable.

As soon as he wakes all the way up he really gets going. He likes to show of his adorableness.

The boys have been spending quality time outside in the sunshine. We have really had to tone down their time in the heat since they don't like coming inside.

At least they don't get too dirty.

Yup, clean as a whistle.

The boys did not like the idea of going inside to takes baths. Rock tried to hide in the woodpile, but his bright blond hair wasn't good camouflage.

Ryker tried to claim that he needed water before he could make it inside to the tub. Lots of water.

I told you they didn't want to come inside.

I can't tell where the tan ends and the dirt begins.

Meanwhile, back at the office...We picked out a color that looked blue gray on the swatch, but was definitely lavender on the wall. We called it the Aunt Lesa Room (she's the one in the middle, and notice the color of the house behind them...).

It's kind of hard to see, but it's definitely purple.

We went to the building supply and picked out a more solidly blue blue.

Rock asked me to post pictures of Nick and I at Bear Mountain Golf Course from this afternoon. He wants Papa Dave and Aunt Windsey to see how cool it looks...

Then they can come visit the golf course and see him at the same time. Win-win!!

Win-win-win!!

Faces

2011-07-03T22:48:00.002-05:00

Sometimes they are clean and adorable.

Sometimes they look like they are prepped to invade a small island by themselves and blow everybody up.

At times they look like that one kid from that sissy movie.

Sometimes they look so squeezable.

They are always so perfect, even when they don't know the right way to make noise.

But they always are grateful that they look like their mommy, and don't look like this:

Call Me a Liker, I'm a Fan of Ryker!!

2011-07-03T01:56:00.001-05:00

Lil' Ryker's hair has continued to grow into Sideshow Bob size. But it doesn't stop him from cuddling with the couch pillow during his nap. Look at those cute little cheeks.

Mama Rae got home from Arizona today, so we trimmed Ryker's flowing locks of golden sunshine. He sure did a lot better than Rock ever did.

As long as he stayed distracted he did just fine. Once he realized what he was doing he would fuss, but only a little. He's a champ.

Rock kept trying to 'help' Mama Rae with the hair cut, so Uncle Nick distracted him with binoculars out on the deck.

Aw, look at the cute haircut.

Now he is more aerodynamic, and that helps him during takeoff.

Rock was pretty excited to get some new toys and a ranger hat from Zona.

He asked me to take pictures of him in his new hat, just to make sure I had one.

We have adorable boys. That's because they don't look like their daddy.

Getting Stuff Done

2011-07-02T02:10:00.000-05:00

For FHE the other night we talked about man earning his bread by the sweat of his brow. That caused us to discuss that the free ride was over, and the boys need to start carrying their weight around here. That meant Rock went out to work on his dirt pile. That dirt isn't going to move itself.

Working hard also makes his haircut look even better. He likes showing off his haircut.

But sometimes the cameras can get to be a little too much and he wants them stopped.

He really wants those cameras to stop!

Ryker was put in charge of mowing the lawn and the orchard. His complaints seemed sincere, but his mommy was not letting up for anything.

"Come on, Ryker, quit your dilly dallying!" His mom can be so hard on him sometimes.

Later, Rock was told that the cupcakes weren't going to make themselves. He did a good job filling the cups with cake batter, but kept whining that the oven was too hot and his arms were too short.

Finally the boys got to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labors. Ryker shows orange. Also, check out his awesome hair.

"Mmm...that's good orange."

"Don't look at me like that, this is my orange."

Rock also had a delicious Otter Pop, but he was more interested in showing off his haircut.

We had a sweet sauce pizza party tonight. Rock chilled on the couch and watched Toy Story 2: Woody's Revenge (That might not actually be the right name).

As the movie kept going the pizza started disappearing and his eyes started getting heavy. After the movie he asked me if he could go to bed...and you never tell an active 3 year-old no to that question.

Ryker likes it when Rock goes to sleep early, because that means more Mommy-Ryker time!

The Cutting of Hairs and Painting of the Office

2011-06-30T21:22:00.001-05:00

Ryker's mop is starting to reach hippie stage, but even with my stellar record of giving Rock haircuts I am forbidden to touch Ryker's golden locks.

I wanted to take a new picture of Rock's current shag, but he's not very social in the morning.

He finally got distracted by Bugs Bunny enough to let me show his bed head.

Grandpa finally got Rock to agree to a "I cut your hair and you cut mine" type of deal. Except that Grandpa was gone when it was time to sheer the boy, so I ended up letting Rock cut my hair.

Look who looks so grown up. Lil' baby Rock is long gone and little boy Rock is here.

Ryker and his bushy hair took us to an Apple Sox game (no fooling they are called the Apple Sox. Not Apple Packers, Applemen or something somewhat normal.) and ran all over the place.

DeA says she doesn't know a lot about baseball, but she knows a tight end when she sees one...wait, what?

"And then I told the players to get some runs, but I think Rock misunderstood me."

The office is coming along wonderfully, we even started painting today. This is the front reception room into the hallway.

This is from the corner you were just looking into back towards the front door.

Another view down the hallway.

This is the first coat on the relaxation room. Soothing.

This is DeA's massage room that she textured and painted almost all by herself, with Brian's help.

Dad went to Costco and picked up the new office fridge. He also picked up a few business essentials. That's right, those throwback Dews and Pepsis are al business.

Tomorrow is a very big, important day. Here is a video to help you all celebrate today the specialness of tomorrow.

Winning: I Did It

2011-06-29T01:50:00.000-05:00

The picture proves it

It's awesome.

Hide Your Nakedness!!

2011-06-26T21:52:00.002-05:00

Ryker is going through a phase of being a nakedphile. Every time he gets out of the tub or we try to change his diaper he tries to stay free.

He's slimmed down quite a bit from when he was younger, it's probably all the running away from Rock that's burned it off.

Boy, that board in the chair couldn't be at a better spot.

"I'M NAKED AND LOVING IT!!"

DeA did her hair in a pretty new way the other day and I tried to take pictures. She deleted those pictures even though she was told that I would post a picture of her sleeping...so here it is. So pretty.

After the run yesterday we took the boys down to 'their' lake. Even though Ryker has slimmed down he is still self-conscious of taking his shirt off. So, he'll run around buck nekked but swims with his shirt on. He's an enigma wrapped in a riddle dipped in a conundrum and deep fried in a Gordian knot. Also, I don't remember if we even tried to take it off.

Rock isn't as ashamed, unless he chooses to be. Today he chose to be happy with it off.

Ryker brought down his trusty lawn mower just in case some grass needed mowed.

The water was pretty cold, but Rock tried to get all the way wet. He kept walking in to the point that his shorts would get wet and then run back to shore.

"Hi Mom!"

"Stupid mower, you stink at mowing the beach!"

"Oh my, the scenery here is spectacular!"

"Look Ma! Just for you!"

"Mommy, come in! The water is great. Trust me!"

Ryker loves to throw rocks into the water, but people are constantly telling him not to since the kitchen sink doesn't do well with rocks. But down at the lake it was open throwing season.

"Oh yeah, I saw you taking a peak. Soak it in, soak it all in."

We asked Rock as we were getting done if he liked the lake, and he just gave us this smile. That either means he likes it or he's really, really cold.

Saul Run

2011-06-25T22:54:00.001-05:00

Today was the annual Saul Gallegos Memorial Run. Rock trained hard all year to dominate his division. He started out a little distracted, but strong overall.

He ran up ahead of us, then waited until we caught up. He'd chug some delicious apple juice and then keep going.

CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!

His little cousin Jacob was a worthy foe. They were neck and neck for at least ten feet.

Rock kept the boosters going strong.

About halfway through he had to take a pit stop with Mommy's help.

He watered down that ant hill pretty good.

Then he turned the jets back on for the home stretch. He finished strong and basically ran the whole 3km route.

Ryker saved his energy for the lunch by riding in the stroller the whole way. That way he was able to play hard.

"Look, Rocks!"

"Mmm...watermelon..."

Like two heavyweight fighters, Rock and Jacob hugged and made good after their battle. Meanwhile, Ryker enjoyed himself some more watermelon.

Really, he had like six slices of watermelon.

He would go up to his great-great-aunt Alice and say "mah memo" and point at the watermelon.

His diapers are going to pay the price for all these watermelons.

Rock found some other friends. I don't know who they are (well, that's Jamison to his right) but they were all cool with him sitting in their circle.

After eating a ton of melon he filled in the cracks with some gogurts. Spoiler alert: Gogurts are just yogurts in tubes. Sorry to ruin that for you.

Dad said some things about Saul and why we do this run each year.

Ryker took care of some housecleaning once he got in the car. Some deep, deep housecleaning.

Boys and the Lake

2011-06-22T13:37:00.001-05:00

They weather hit 90 degrees yesterday, so the boys went to play at the lake.

They were excited to see that there were still lots of throwing rocks to be tossed into the water.

DeA doesn't like Rock's hat since it covers his adorable face.

Ryker hasn't turned into a hat guy yet, so we can still see his pink, adorable face.

"Hot enough for ya?"

There's a good picture of his face.

The heat was so much that Ryker just dunked himself into the water. It felt good, but he still freaked out a little by trying to run all the way up to the car.

"Ahh...much better."

"Is it cool if I just hang my clothes here on the branch? I'm just gonna let my pecs air out a little bit."

Rock saw that this was turning into a sexy photo shoot, so he decided to crank things up a little bit. Water helps the muscles glisten.

DeA tried to get the boys up to the car by herself, but Rock wanted to take some time to smell and water the flowers.

Even these beautiful white flowers in the grass.

Oh, and the rocks, too. Rocks need water, according to Rock.

The Boys, Domke and the Office. Buckle Up

2011-06-19T21:45:00.000-05:00

The boys still love their mommy, just in case anyone was wondering. They used her as the landing pad for nap time the other day.

Ryker also likes cuddling with pillows.

Speaking of Ryker, he loves himself some Mac and Cheese.

He rubs it all over and sometimes even gets some in his mouth.

"Mmm...maclicious."

"More! More!"

Wednesday Papa Dale and I took off with some of Megan's boys and flew into Domke Lake for a few days. This is the view of downtown Manson from the plane.

There's the aerial view of Papa Dale and Mama Rae's house. Can you find Rock playing?

The first thing we did when we landed is prepared some man food.

Meat and potatoes, just like man was meant to eat.

Between wind storms we got in some quality fishing.

The boys learned the hard way that if they want to keep the fish to brag they are also going to eat it.

Cade was cool with eating the fish, but being the city boy he wasn't sure what he was supposed to munch.

Parker learned that you can make your fish seem bigger by holding it out in front of you for the picture.

He also learned how to rip the head from the body while gutting a fish. That'll show him to brag about his catch.

Here's a pic of the monster that I caught.

This one was even better. Now imagine how big this would look if I were holding it like Parker.

This is Domke Lake looking North-ish.

Here's our "rustic" cabin. No power, running water or phones. Perfect for getting away from everything. Also perfect for having squirrels pee in your trial mix.

We hiked down to Lake Chelan on Friday.

After a trip to the Stehekin to the bakery we rode Doug's boat back to civilization, and along the way found some silly billy goats.

Rock was pretty excited to see us when we got home, and even more excited to try out my new sunglasses.

Ryker showed me his new wrestling moves on the hippy bear.

He does a good job fighting through the bears' double team.

One sweet surprise that I came home to was the office. DeA worked hard with Brian to mud, texture and pain the walls. She did all the venetian plaster in her massage room all by herself. Well, Ryker helped a little.

They got almost everything painted. Rock was a fan.

Here is the pain in the front room. There is going to be a darker shade of ~~waynescottingwaynescotingWayneL.Scotting~~ wainscoting on the lower half of the front room and into the relaxation room.

Here's Ryker cleaning up after the workers.

Dea is really proud of her walls.

Saturday the stake had the Father's Day golf tournament at Desert Canyon. I didn't get a picture, but this is from a year or so ago when I was there, like anyone would care or know the difference.

I couldn't find my three wood until I got home. Seems that someone has been letting themselves into my bag.

Learning From Mommy Part IV

2011-06-13T00:11:00.000-05:00

I haven't done this kind of post in a while, since the last one almost got me killed. But I couldn't pass up this awesome dance by Rock that he copied from his mommy move for move.

Summer!

2011-06-12T11:04:00.000-05:00

It looks like summer is officially here. Ryker knows the best thing to do on a hot summer day is to sleep right through it.

The boys got a package from Mama Zista and Papa Dave. They were super excited to get some new loot!

Ryker was so stoked he could hardly stand it

One of the things that they received was a giant bubble wand. It wasn't enough to play in the bubbles, they had to make them themselves.

Unfortunately that meant that many baby bubbles were spilled.

The watermelon is starting to get ripe, and we have another little watermelon fiend in the house.

He's just not always sure how to eat the stuff.

Rock's hair is starting to get longer and much more afro-y.

It took two gallons of water to lay that mop down in time for church.

Like a giant blond blowfish.