17 months

Yep, that's how old Luke is today. It is also Maddie's (Luke's cousin) first birthday today, so we wish her a big happy birthday number one. Given that the past two weeks have been full of sun and heat, I expect to have a warm summer in Oregon. Luke loves to be outside, so we have enjoyed a few trips to the zoo and many outings to parks. With the heat, I am ready for fountains and splash parks.

The summer social scene is upon us. Memorial day weekend was a busy one ... three potluck/BBQs (including one we hosted). The past few weeks have also been filled with seeing grandma Eileen on the weekends (something Luke always loves) and a couple of birthday parties. I even had a chance to get away for a few days to San Diego and had a great time doing some research with colleagues there. (Luckily, Luke was a well-behaved little guy while daddy took care of him.) Enjoy the photos.


Silver Falls


That's a big faucet, isn't it Luke?


Enjoying the ball tent


Maddie and Luke


At the zoo with Maddie and Mark


Swinging with Anna


Look who's the big boy


Cruising our friends' deck


At our neighbor's birthday party

Spring has Sprung

Spring has sprung and Luke definitely has more spring in his step now... he wants to go faster than his coordination allows. He regularly takes spills, but has not wounded himself too badly yet. He took his largest spill last weekend at grandma's house while running down her driveway with licorice in both hands. Luke crashed on his knees and face since he would not give up his licorice to brace his fall. What a funny guy... I guess he has his priorities.

To those of you in blogland who actually read this: Thanks for staying tuned and for your patience while waiting for a new post. For some reason, the past month kept us busy every minute. (Plus, Tammy learned to play bridge with some of her colleagues, so she spends her free time playing bridge and reading bridge columns.) The academic year has ended; now I have more time to write and organize the many photos we take of Luke.

Luke loves to be outside, so we are thrilled that the weather is starting to feel like summer. He is a cute little fellow. When he wants to go outside, he gets his coat and stands at the door, waiting for one of us to take him outside. He loves to go to the park and fly down the slides.

Highlights since mid-March:

• Tom and Tammy attended the NCAA men's basketball tournament in Portland (round 1). It was great fun to see Gonzaga and UW in person.
• Luke played with Tammy's friend's children at various gatherings
  
• Easter at Grandma Eileen's
• Spending time with Luke's cousins (playing wii)
• Seeing the Pilots women's soccer team play the national U-23 team
• Watching the elephants and the zoo
• Playing at OMSI (and seeing a fantastic Da Vinci exhibit)
  
• Visiting Grandma for Mother's Day weekend
• Attending the Beavers baseball game for mother's day

Just hanging out


Whee - the swing


Sophia (19 months), Neil (2.5 years), and Luke (16 months)


Luke loves grandma's little bridge


Hanging out with Grandma


Easter!


Two babies!


Get those eggs, Luke


Luke and Maddie


At the soccer game


Watching the elephants


On the zoo train


Having fun with Maddie


The slide


Luke's new favorite toy -- mommy's sunglasses