The Zoo

Viola and Tyler in the lion's den

Tyler can get Daphne laughing pretty easily.

Giddyup!

Party in the Rain Forest

While Daphne was napping in her crib, Tyler and his stuffed animals threw a rager in the rain forest. Tyler was quite proud of himself.

6-Month Check-up

Daphne had her 6-month well child doctor's visit yesterday and got a clean bill of health. She is right on track for her age. I think her next big milestones will be sitting unsupported and rolling from her back to her tummy. Currently she rolls from her back to her side but then rolls onto her back again. The stats:

• Height: 26-3/4" (84th percentile)
• Weight: 17 lb 10.8 oz (81st percentile)
• Head circumference: 17" (72nd percentile)

Daphne's height has caught up with her weight since her 4-month check-up. She's still a chunk, but at least she's proportionate! Our kids definitely did not get their height from Michael or me. I think they must have gotten some tall genes from their Great PawPaw Protzman (my mom's dad).

Kachow!

Tyler told us that at school today he called out "Kachow!" when he passed some of his classmates while they were all riding tricycles. (Kachow is Lightning McQueen's catchphrase from the Cars movie.) That's our competitive little speed demon!

Sunday Trailways

Tualatin Hills Parks & Rec held their first Sunday Trailways today. It was more low key than Portland's Sunday Parkways but still lots of fun. And the weather actually decided to cooperate after a wet morning!

It's hard to get Tyler to stay still on his bike to get a photo.
I actually jogged alongside him to get this shot, which just
prompted Tyler to ride his bike faster and faster and to giggle!

Daphne loves the view from her stroller.

On the modern version of the see-saw. I forgot
Daphne's sun hat because it was so overcast
when we left the house and so I improvised
with her blanket when the sun came out.

Tyler was fascinated by the gigantic bubbles.

Trying, Temperamental Three's

Whoever coined the phrase "terrible two's" did so prematurely before their child turned three! Looking back I really don't think two was such a bad age for Tyler. Three on the other hand is trying our patience. Let me count the ways:

• The constant testing of limits and rules
• The attitude
• The frequent tantrums when Tyler doesn't get his way (this seems to be at least once a day)
• The stubbornness (granted, he did inherit a large dose of this from me!)
• The competitiveness (again, a genetic trait from the Hulett side of the family)
• The whiny "but I need such-and-such" or "but, but, but, but..." while he searches for a reason
• The super whiny "I need help" to do a task on his own (e.g. wash his hands) that he has done a million times before but he wants help just because he is craving extra attention

Of course you can also turn up the crankiness level when Tyler skips his nap, which is becoming more frequent lately. On the flip side, Tyler can be super sweet when he wants to be and will just melt your heart when he knows you need it most!

My Laundry Helpers

Way Cool

Tyler has been telling us about how some people wear their hats backwards.

Mr. Tooty

Tyler tooted.
Me: You're gassy.
Tyler: I'm a gassy guy! (big grin)

A little while later Tyler tooted again.
Tyler: Tooty! Tooty! (lots of giggles)

Happy Father's Day

Michael and Tyler took a bike ride along the Columbia River.

Tyler liked the view of the river on one side and the airplanes
taking off and landing at the airport on the other side.

Daphne and I took a walk along the same trail since
Daphne is still too young to ride in the bike trailer.

A great father's day gift: peace and quiet!

Playmates

Joyride

At the Park

Nice day for a bike ride

Biking buddies: Calvin and Tyler. Tyler likes to be the
leader and Calvin likes to lag behind, which works well
for my competitive little guy.

Lilith and Daphne- napping is such hard work!

Flashback to July 2009: Tyler and Calvin

Grand Floral Parade

The Grand Floral Parade was Saturday in downtown Portland. We staked out spots near the end of the parade route. In the end we spent more time hanging out waiting for the parade to start than it actually took for the parade to go by. The kids had a blast though running around and playing.

Tyler wearing his junior crime fighter sticker that
the Portland police officers handed out.

Daphne, Renee, and Teresa

Daphne woke up from a long nap just in time for the start
of the parade. She seemed to enjoy the parade mostly
because she was held the whole time.

Luke, Kristi, Devin, Cherie, and Dane

Tyler, Viola, and Jack

Little Rocker

Tyler the Builder

Tyler has been really into Bob the Builder lately. He really enjoyed putting together this wooden ice cream truck kit from Lowe's with Daddy.

Birthday Brew

I'm not sure what was more fun for Tyler- playing
in the play area or playing under the table?

Michael and the kids took me out to celebrate my birthday this past weekend. Where else but Portland can you find family-friendly micro-breweries with play areas?

Why?

"Why?" is Tyler's new favorite question. I am actually surprised it has taken him so long to start asking this. Tonight Tyler asked Michael, "Why do we have eyebrows?" That's a very good question!

Ms. Fun