Olympic National Park - Day 1

Due to the magnitude of photos taken by none other, our trip to the Peninsula will be broken down into a couple posts. It was a wonderful time to celebrate our 4th anniversary and also to have family time.   

 

Checking out the Elwha Dam restoration project

So excited to hike on her own!

Treking to Sunrise Point.

Enjoying the 360 degree views.

New mode of transportation

Due to its close proximity to water, Seattle has some interesting modes of transportation.  One of which is the ferries that jut cars/passengers out to the peninsula.  Kyle went on her first ferry ride this past weekend, as we made our first family trek to Olympic National Park (pics to come).  She loved every minute of it!

What does the ..... say?

Kyle has mastered a litany of animal sounds.  We're quite impressed.  Even cuter is the fact, she loves watching this video and will yell out the animal sounds each time the question is asked.

Adrenaline Junkie

Once again, a box proves to be the most exciting thing we own.  Especially when you have a friend and a Dad who is willing to go fast!

One last summer trip

Before summer officially ended, we made one last trip over the mountains to spend time at Papa John and Grandma Donna's place on Lake Chelan.  It was great to spend time with aunts, uncles, and cousins and celebrate Papa John's birthday.

1.5 YEARS

Kyle turned 18 months old today.  About the best way to describe her at this stage is busy.  She is constantly digging through a drawer, analyzing a toy, reading a book, or climbing.  She loves wrestling with her father and tormenting her mother.  She continues to be happy and bubbly but definitely has a temperamental side.  We have been the audience to a few temper tantrums including foot stomping.  However, she's eager to provide kisses, so long as its on her terms.  There is a strong suspicion that Kyle might be a bit stubborn in her wishes.  She's cautious and will always plan a means to get to her next adventure.  She plays hard and still sleeps amazingly well, and even better, now is directing us on when she is ready to go to bed.

At 18 months, Kyle loves fruit - grapes, blueberries, blackberries, although she may overdo it a bit.  She's started to struggle with wanting chicken or meat and at times shuns vegetables.  Although she will smile for corn on the cob and any food item that can be dipped.  Recently she's started using utensils with some success.  When she's finished with her meal, she calmly hand you her sippy cup and then everything on her plate.

Other loves include babies - this cannot be understated.  She asks us to read I know a Rhino and When the Elephant Walks over and over.  Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear is a favorite nursery rhyme.  She plays endlessly with her Little People Farm and Zoo.  Her brown chair is a favorite place to relax and put on her shoes - a task she is determined to do herself now.   However, above just about anything else, Kyle continues to love being outside.  She will swing for hours on end, picking that over nearly every other piece of playground equipment.  She loves runs in the stroller and being pushed in the toddler car by her Grampi.  Kyle is thrilled to chase Mischief and woof at Ace, although she's a bit happier when he keeps a safe distance.  She loves daycare and is so happy every morning when dropped off. 

As for words, Kyle knows many animal sounds including lion, monkey, cat, dog, cow, and sheep.  She's added excitement words including whee and woah.  Recently she started saying please and is slowly learning it assists with getting the things she wants. 

The last 18 months have been filled with wonderful memories, a multitude of smiles, and many baby kisses and hugs that have been more than we could imagine.  We can't wait to see our little baby grow into a toddler and soon a little girl!

At 18 months, Kyle is 33.39 inches  (92%), 26.38 pounds (89%), and her head circumference is 19.29 in (98%).

Where has Kyle been?

Kyle and her mommy went on a vacation back to Iowa to visit family.  Kyle enjoyed herself immensely because she got endless spoiling, a lifetime supply of grapes, countless car rides, and even got to feed a goat.  Her mommy enjoyed running by herself and the occasional nap.  It was relaxing and great time with family.  Although this time, the plane trip proved to be a bit more of a challenge.  We made it though, and it was all worth it.

Relaxing after a long flight.

Checking out the fire engine.

Quite excited about this!

Visiting Arnold's Park

A "must-have" photo for an Okoboji vacation.

Trying calamari.

Taking a walk with Grampi and Grammi

More excitement!

Hugs with cousin Rhapsody.

Going for a stroll with Great Garmer.

And then helping her push!

Not real sure about swimming.

A bit happier out of the water.

Watching the otters at the zoo.

Feeding goats!

Touching an alligator.

First boat ride!

Examining the mechanics.

Not so sure about boating.

Our smiley girl...with pigtails.

Driving a classic.

Thanks Okoboji for a great trip!