Swingin' Without Rain

So, as many of you know, Portland can be pretty rainy sometimes.

But sometimes, it can be BEAUTIFUL. And on these beautiful days, I try to get the Richie outside somehow. A few days ago, this meant that we hit up Cook Park for about an hour, and Rich had his first (enjoyable) swinging experience.

I mean just look at this face. If this doesn't say, "I love swings," then I don't know what does.

Haha. Just kidding.

This is the face that loves swings. (Sorry for the strange angle. Rich's head is not quite this oblong in real life.)

No but seriously, swinging pictures are the best pictures. Richie makes the best faces while swinging.

I encourage you to look at Grant's faces as well. (If you click on the picture, it will make it bigger, and easier to check out all the cute faces in these photos.) Isn't Grant such a cutie?

These two boys have such good dads.

(Thanks for indulging my whim to go to the park, you guys. It really was awesome.)

Cousin Time in California

When you are a little boy, suddenly being immersed in half of your extended family all at once can be a little overwhelming. Traveling to different places and seeing all of these different people--all who want to lavish you with attention--can be exhausting. But Rich is handling it like a champ.

Two cousin memories I want to remember forever:

We got to hang out with the Brock and Erin family earlier today, and Rich LOVED seeing someone his size (their daughter Violet, who is almost two). He still did his own thing, but every now and then would wander up to his cousins to check out what they were up to. Note to Violet: Rich owes you one for pushing you off the ottoman earlier today. (I don't think Rich intended to push her off, but push her off she did.) You can use it as leverage when you're older to get something you want from him. I'll back you up on it.

Later, we went to visit the Logan and Amy family, and again, Rich thrived with all of the other kids. But, he is a bit of an explorer, and managed to pull a fireplace grate on top of himself at one point. He was more scared than hurt, but he just kept crying. Jonas (who is three-and-a-half) went into his room, got one of his shirts, and gave it to Richie to comfort him and help him stop crying. It was absolutely the sweetest moment. One little cousin trying to help out the other. And you know what, that little present actually did help.

Anyway. We are so loving being in California with family. (I'll try to remember to get some pictures of my own this week.)

(So happy to be with family!)