The Cook Family

Playing Outside

2009-03-01T14:24:00.000-08:00

A little catch

some time in the sandbox

back up the hill...

down with speed

Go Sis!

Look Mom...no hands!

trailing a boat around the island

Experiencing Grandma Soltero's new chair

Pre-Valentine's Day Party at the Cook's

2009-03-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

B loved this brownie!!!

Baylee is meeting the Valentine's Day frog

AJ is decorating her heart brownie with frosting and candy with Grandpa Cook

showing off hoiday tattoos

decorating Grandma Cook's candy tree

Making valentine's for the grandparents

Baylee is showing us the sign for "toobrush/brush teeth"

Baylee has found her new place in the world

Steve's & Kaye's Birthday Party at the Cook's

2009-03-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

presents and wrapping paper throwing fun! In honor of Aunt Steph of course!

Steve and his mom have the same birthday! Look at the smoke from the candles!

Grandma Cook with Baylee! Happy Birthday Grandma!

AJ helped Grandma in the kitchen for dinner

Sweet girl!

Lots of Love

2009-03-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

Aunt Molly showed B the make-up routine... blush anyone?

Getting bundled to go on a jog with mom

Spidergirl

Hugs...later turned into wrestling:)

Valentine's Day cookies that didn't really make it out of our house...

Caden and Ashlyn frosted their own too!

A little taste here....a little lick there...

Kids in Motion

2009-03-01T13:42:00.000-08:00

Time for a ball race...Caden is the oldest in AJ's gym class (Kids in Motion)

Are you ready to rumble? AJ just jumped into the pads...you can see her feet!

Time for dancing and spinning the ribbons...they ended up being used as weapons...

Bag race at gym class

Caden turned the shopping cart we won into a stoller for his baby Spencer

XOXOXOX

Baylee got a stroller for Valentine's Day ( a little early) so she took her baby for a spin

Top Food Winner and More!

2009-03-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

Here is Baylee in her new hat!

Ashlyn's a proud supporter as well!

Baylee kept trying to push the cart around the house..wonder why?!

The kids and their winner's loot!

Saying goodbye to their trucks from Papa Soltero...they only made it out the door for now

Baylee on the swing with Steve

The kids got their faces painted at the top food store opening. We also won the store grocery cart with food...wahoo!

Steve's Birthday Celebration!

2009-03-01T10:08:00.001-08:00

Miss B loves being outside!

The chocolate still in the wraper from the pinata

Steve's pinata for his 32nd Birthday! It fits...he was Mr. Incredible for Halloween!

AJ taking a turn trying to break the pinata open!

Steve's choco birthday cake in the shape of a golf ball

Baylee and Caden walking up the bus to pick up Ashlyn after preschool!

Park City, Utah- Boy's Trip

2009-03-01T09:55:00.001-08:00

Grandma & Grandpa Cook took Caden and Steve on a trip to Park City this last Jan. Caden got to ride on an airplane for the first time and loved it, especially the take off! He went on a carriage ride, got to ski for the first time, visited with Uncle Jason and Aunt Brittany and also got to visit with our friends that moved away two years ago this April. He got lots of sledding time in and was all about the snow! He even went with Steve on the Alpine Coaster twice! Love it and thank you Gma and Gpa Cook!

Uncle Jason and Aunt Brittany with Caden

The Johnson Family came sledding with Steve and Caden! Jeri and Blake are the parents and they brought their son Strat and daughter Miss Marley who we never got the chance to meet until now! We miss them and will hopefully see them again soon!

Packed up and ready to go!

New Years Eve & Pacific Science Center! Welcome 2009!

2009-01-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

It's late..ummm may be early...almost 1 am...can you tell? T likes to celebrate New Years in pajamas!

Papa Dondalin's crazy light up glasses were great for the New Year celebration!

The kids had a count down and celebrated with Gma and Gpa Soltero by blowing horns, using champagne poppers and wearing hats of course ...we did this at 7:30pm..a little eary for the Newy Year but they have similar bedtimes:)

The real New Year party at the Cook's house...wahoo!!!!!

traditional fondue dinner at the Cook's...the chocolate was the winner:)

we took the kids to the Science Center and they had a great time!

Ashlyn used all her weight and got a little bit of help from dad

Baylee and Caden took a ride in the car

it took a lot for Caden to get enough courage to touch the ocean creatures

Baylee and both kids even touched a cockroach!!!

Skating Party!!!

2009-01-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

Tara and Baylee

Miss Ashlyn loved running around the rink....until she got kicked off for not having on skates:(

Caden & Steve. Caden enjoyed his first skating experience and learned to "love" the wall! He did try taking on the rink by himself and soon after requested to take off the skates and take a few spins around the rink in his socks like his sister....he reminded me of Dash from the Incredibles! Thanks Jobe family for the invite!!!!

Christmas Morning at the Soltero's

2008-12-31T07:29:00.000-08:00

Grandma Soltero, Aunt Molly & Aunt Kristin

Caden ....Our knight for the day

Baylee was in love with her husky puppy from the start

Ashlyn is in heaven!!!! That was her Disney princess kitchen stuff I think....

Christmas Sledding & Snowmobiling:)

2008-12-30T18:22:00.000-08:00

Caden and Ashlyn made Santa's

Steve jumping over Caden as he is coming down the hill

Go Caden!

Papa Cook on his new toy!

Papa Soltero taking a ride after taking a nearly 40 yr break from snowmobiling!!!!

Kristin and Tara taking a drive

Ashlyn, Caden, and Steve

Baylee and Steve sledding a "smaller" hill

Aunt Kristin and Ashlyn going together down the hill

Miss Baylee is ready for the snow!!!!

Christmas Eve at the Cook's

2008-12-30T17:58:00.000-08:00

The Cook Family has a Christmas Eve tradition of doing a talent show, singing songs, crackers, etc. Tonight was different and the crew was smaller than normal but we still had fun! We did sing Christmas songs and read from the Bible about the coming of Christ. The kids also acted out the nativity. Caden was Joseph and Hailey was Mary and the baby...well, yes, the baby was baby Jesus. We ended with a significantly important task- the VERY traditional making of homemade doughnuts....thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Cook. We ate up like they were going out of style....and missed those that are normally part of this process. Tara's family came to join in the fun as well!

Don Soltero (GPA) Steve, Aunt Molly and Baylee
Grandpa Cook "Head Baker"
Cousins Hailey and Ashlyn giving a greeting of love!
Hailey and Caden doing it up Nativity Style

They were so cute! They acted as choristers during the music and took on the care of Baby Jesus almost too well:)

Winter Storm Hits #2

2008-12-30T09:51:00.000-08:00

We made a trip out to see the Gunters and the grandparents for snowmobiling and making the traditional "Giant Bellevue Coul-de-sac Snowman" with Papa Soltero but obviously not in Bellevue. We made this snowman every winter as Tara grew up. Hailey wanted to eat snow in her close up shot. We also got to take Papa Cook's snowmobiles out for a ride...there was enough snow and it was a blast!!!!

AJ with Steve...so cute!

Out in the snow again...a snowman in our own yard this time....he was a pirate then became a train conductor snowman until he melted on Dec 28th

The snow fell over night and filled in the paths Steve had worked so hard to shovel out the night before... it was pretty to look at though!

Four Wheeling in the Snow!

2008-12-30T09:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Papa Cook...the kids got to enjoy doing some 4-wheeling out in the snow!

Prepared and READY for the winter snow!

The Snow Stuck Around....

2008-12-30T09:38:00.001-08:00

The older kids were loving the snow! Baylee wasn't quite sure..it was her first "snow experience"

Our little angels wanted to make snow angels in all sorts of ways...they love snow!!!!

Neighborhood friends:) They made their first snowman of the winter

More December Fun....

2008-12-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

Lots of dress up and Christmas crafts helped with the longer, darker, colder days

Baylee is attempting to feed herself...a delayed skill due to her weight gaining problem

Ashlyn, Steve, and Caden outside playing after our first "small" snow sprinkle:)

Cute kids...they look like twins once again:)

Dress up at Grandma Cook's House!

2008-12-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

The Queen and Batman in effect!

Our soldier and Batman giving a little pose

BATMAN!!!!

Steve and Caden on Grandpa's new toy!

Ward Christmas Party and First Snow!

2008-12-18T20:10:00.000-08:00

Another picture with Santa and Baylee is still not a fan:(

Caden was getting creative with the pinata piece

Caden taking a swing at the Ward Christmas Party Pinata

Our first snow of the year.....Baylee with cousin Abby are in amazement!

Snow is fun!!! Hugs to everyone!!!! AJ, Hailey and Caden

Christmas Lights and Snowflakes

2008-12-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

Miss B taking it all in

The kids with Rudolph

Steve with Caden and AJ

Caden loved the drummers

We got to see Frosty

Family Pic with Frosty

Tree Farm with the Cooks and Gunters

2008-12-18T19:58:00.000-08:00

Cook Family on the hay ride (straw ride)

Caden and Ashlyn with Santa

We all got together and visited a tree farms to find grandma and grandpa a tree for Christmas. The kids were so excited to help find the special tree and even helped Unlce Lewis saw down the stump. We enjoyed a fire, cider, cookies and santa as well:)

Baylee is walking!!!

2008-12-18T19:53:00.001-08:00

Baylee started walking almost two weeks ago. She is really starting to "waddle" at a faster pace and loves to explore her new heights. She just laughs with excitement. She has also graduated from physical therapy and has caught up to normal limits in her motor development. YEAH!!

Caden turnns 5!

2008-12-16T16:15:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Cook couldn't make Caden's bday party so they took him out for a special day trip to celebrate:) He had lots of fun:)

Grandma Cook made Caden a special Batman cake!!!!

We celebrated Caden's 5th birthday at a Bounce House. It was fun for the grown-ups too!

Tara made this cake for Caden's bday party....Caden couldn't decide between Batman or Spiderman...so he got both.

Sears Pictures for Nov 2008

2008-12-02T16:23:00.001-08:00

Day with Daddy and Grandpa Cook

2008-12-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

Moments in November

2008-12-02T16:19:00.001-08:00

B is playing in daddy's hat...super cute!

Baylee is into brushing hair...everyone's hair!

Great Grandma and Grandpa Soltero came to visit for lunch..lucky us!

The kids loving creating things, places, events. They often play superheros or pirates...they have even used stickers (as eye patches) over their babies eyes to make them into pirates. They like to gather things like chairs and often block doorways or the fridge or other "need to be ablet to get to spots."

Caden is loving his karate class!!!!

Playing with headbands...looks like the 80's are back:)

Halloween 2008

2008-11-08T20:03:00.001-08:00

The Cook Kiddos with the Gunter cousins Hailey and Abby

The incredible kids! Ashlyn and Caden having fun!

Ashlyn was Wonder Red, Caden was Super Why and Baylee as a Butterfly!

Pumpkin Carving & More

2008-10-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Each kiddo picked out their own pumpkin and template to help carve...

We made spiderwebs for FHE and went to Claim Jumper with Papa Soltero

Princess Baylee is having lots of fun this Fall...she loves animals:)

Chucky Cheese & Red Robin for B's Party

2008-10-13T08:56:00.001-07:00

Grandma Cook took us to Chuck E. Cheese and then to Red Robin for dinner for Baylee's 1st Birthday celebration! She loved the rides and the food at Red Robin. She was so excited to play with her new toys as well!!!We had a special day for our special little girl!!!

Baylee loved her new toys and her ice cream! Thanks Grandma Cook!!!

The games and rides were a blast! Everyone joined in!

The kids had fun playing on the rides at Chucky Cheese first and then we headed over to Red Robin for dinner, presents and dessert.

House Fun

2008-10-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

Fun Halloween masks for the kids to play with!

The pose they decided to make..on their own

Salmon Days is here!

2008-10-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Papa Soltero was teaching Caden how to make his "special" eggs
The rain was coming down but the kids loved it!

Out for a train ride

Aunt Natalie and Cousin Abby

It was raining, cold and windy but Salmon Days is only here once a year. Our fam met up with the Gunter Fam to experience Salmon Days. They enjoyed the train ride, the kids music and dancing, the park and huge swing, the tumble bus, the fish hatchery and treats of course!

Quest Museum

2008-10-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

The museum was a fun way to spend a Friday night.

Climbing the leaf jungle, cuddling with animals and playing in the water

the water area is one of the greatest attractions at the museum

changing seasons

2008-10-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

Baylee and Caden go for a rainy day walk with daddy in the bike carrier

The rain is here...Fall in Seattle...love it!
The kids decided to go swimming in the family room

Baylee's first coloring experience....keeping it out of her mouth is the challenge

Baylee's 1st Birthday, Oct 1, 2008

2008-10-13T08:18:00.001-07:00

Baylee now has a truck just like her bro and sis.They are a fun crew! Love it

Baylee's First Birthday! Papa Soltero brought her one of her favorite things...a smoothie! We had dinner and she had her own cake just for her. She was hesitant until she tasted her fingers and then dove in and flung it around the kitchen as she clapped her hands to pat-a-cake!

Woodland P Zoo for B's 1st Bday!

2008-10-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

The bear came in the water for a swim and we got close and personal behind the glass of course!

Caden popped out of an egg and the kids pressed pennies with zoo spider prints
We stayed for story time and got to meet the special guest, a chicken! Baylee pet her first chicken:)

We visited the bug house. Yes...spiders were in there...but caged.

We took the kids to the zoo for Baylee's first birthday! She loves animals and loves to be outside. The sun came out and we were fortunate to see lots of animals out-and-about that day! What a great start to a great day all for Baylee!

playing days

2008-10-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Baylee found Ashlyn's shades and kept putting them on her head

Our last little

baby is growing up so fast..too fast. She is now using the walker to cruise around the house. She hasn't quite figured out how to get around walls yet but she pushes on!
The kids enjoyed their Halloween costumes so much they had to put them on. Caden is Super Why and Ashlyn is Wonder Red from the pbs show.

Latest Times

2008-09-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Train conductor Caden and Ashlyn, our builder are hard at work

We made puppets during our FHE on being a "child of God."

The kids also made cookies to decorate for our FHE treat! The ate the frosting way before the cookie

Grandma Cook made Caden and Ashlyn each a cape...this is a suprise the kids have been asking for and anxiously waiting for! They are reversible and the kids love them! Thank you Grandma!!!!

Here is Dora (the other side is Bat Girl) and Spiderman (Batman is the other side)

Snoqualmie Train Depot-Train Ride!!!

2008-09-19T08:42:00.004-07:00

The train took us for a ride through the old trains waiting to be restored and then on the backside of the Snoqualmie Falls and over an old bridge...it had a great view. The train ride was fun and it was great to see the old passenger cars and different styles of seats, etc

Caden & Tara during the train ride

The kids went on a treasure hunt around the train depot

They used Thomas the Train stamps for art

The kids also got to make train necklaces with Grandma Soltero's help

The Northwest Railway in Snoqualmie, WA. We came to see the depot and go for a ride on the

Caden's back in karate!

2008-09-19T08:42:00.003-07:00

Practicing his stance
kicking a gymnastics ball....he was suppose to use his arms...hmmm...soccer player at heart maybe?!

punching stance...he promised his instructor that he would not hit/kick/punch anyone...we'll see and hope for the best!

Our Growing Princess

2008-09-19T08:42:00.002-07:00

Baylee now plays pat-a-cake thanks to practice with Grandma Soltero:) She also signs "again" "more" "food/eat" "all done" "thank you" "please" and waves "hi/bye." She is also saying "wow" "mama" "dadda" and "hi"...pretty fun:)
B is cute in her Sunday dress & loves to practice walking!
Pretty Princess. Miss Baylee is a crawling girl these days and pulls up on things and people. She is starting to climb and her curious mind often takes her outdoors to dig in the dirt, eat rocks, play in the grass, sand, or even bark..she's fearless!

Caden's back in preschool:)

2008-09-19T08:42:00.001-07:00

Caden started back up at his old preschool. He misses Ameila but is familiar with his teachers and the classroom. He's excited to be back but wishes he was in K!

Ashlyn's First Days of Preschool:)

2008-09-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn started preschool at Bell and got to ride a bus for the first time! She was really excited to get her Tinkerbell backpack and walk up the street to get on the bus. She is enjoying her new teacher and friends.

Evergreen State Fair

2008-09-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

We went to the Evergreen State Fair last weekend with the Gunter Family and Grandma and Grandpa Cook. The kids loved all the rides, the food, the treats of course and the animals! They even had Nascar racing!!! It was a fun filled day of memories and laughs!

End of August Fun

2008-09-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

Baylee climbed her first step...for blueberries of course!
AJ helped Great Grandma Soltero and Grandpa Soltero in the kitchen making homemade gravy for dinner

The rain came...so we got some energy out inside on the hopping balls

The kids decided to dig for peanuts like curious george

Miss B loves the bath!!! Her favorite thing to do!!!

The kids all love climbing on their daddy!

This is why Steve doesn't often lay on the ground...

Caden's visit to the temple

2008-09-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

When I told Caden he was going to the temple he asked, "Mom...am I getting married today?" It was so sweet and so innocent.

Caden and his primary class visited the temple for an activity one Saturday

Here he is....a bit shy...

Faith is like a seed

2008-09-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

YES! Baylee is crawling and pulling up to a stand! She's even standing on her own for a bit before she falls to her bum...which has become quite the game for her!
Caden is painting his pot for his seeds!

Here is Ashlyn painting her pot too! We took time to talk about faith and how it grows like a seed with nourishment...otherwise it will wither if we don't take care of it and help it to grow.

Hailey's 3rd Birthday!!!

2008-09-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

Hailey turned three!!! Natalie had a party with shark cupcakes which were amazing in decoration and flavor!!!! The kids enjoyed dinner, the cupcakes of course..presents...then a #3 pinata with tons of candy and goodies inside!

Bye Bye Lake House

2008-09-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

Miss Baylee getting a shower before bed
Aunt Molly with Baylee

Tara wakeboarding (first time since pregnant with AJ back in 2005)

Caden's first attempt at fishing..just like grandpa

Baylee with her daddy

Steve caught a bass!!!

Grandpa Cook was teaching AJ how to fish too!

Saying Goodbye to the Hansens

2008-08-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

Caden and Kendyl giving a goodybe hug
Kendyl, Caden & Aunt Michelle

Kendyl is Caden's best friend and cousin who has been living with Grandma Cook for the last three years. Her family moved to Colorado at the end of July and the kids had one more chance to say goodbye. Caden and Ashlyn made dolls and pictures for their cousins to take with them in memory of them. They still pray for them daily and wish to see them soon. They have such a sweet relationship and a friendship that Caden really misses now.

Lake House Visits July-August 2008

2008-08-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Cook rented a house on the lake for 4 weeks and invited us out for visits to play in the water and soak up some sun
Steve with Caden on the tube

Caden and Ashlyn chasing the ducks

Grandma Cook with Baylee and AJ

Tara with Caden on the tube

Tara with AJ on the tube

Baylee trying out the rocky shore

Steve with AJ on the jetski

Caden gives us a thumbs up!

Aunt Natalie and Abby took out the kayak

Baylee loved floating around with Aunt Steph

Aunt Molly, AJ & Steph on the boat

Miss Baylee's first time on a boat

Helping Hands

2008-08-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

And she's sitting!!! Baylee now moves from tummy to bum on a regular basis....we're moving onto crawling hopefully soon!

The kids are helping out around the house and in the yard. Ashlyn likes to help vacuum and both kids want their own mop for the kitchen. They decided to use their fishing rods to help trim the trees and they are wearing Steve and Tara's shades as well...what a look!

AJ's Graduation 07-23-2008

2008-07-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

Today was Ashlyn's Graduation Day from the Kindering Center. She has been part of this program since she was a year old and has turned three so she has graduated! They had diplomas and lei's for the kids, pictures, bubbles, water tables and fishing, an obstacle course, face painting, a bounce house, a medical center for stuffed bears and lots of treats!!!

Our pool...

2008-07-22T13:37:00.001-07:00

The kids are getting creative at home. They put on their goggles and tubes on and decided to pretend swim in the yard. We figured it was a good time to break out the pool from the shed. We used our Nemo sprinkler to buy us some time and once the pool was ready.... the kids were wet!!! They took turns squirting one another with their new toys from the Coren't party...AJ had great retaliation this time around....but Caden wasn't too excited about it.

Birthday Party!

2008-07-21T10:05:00.001-07:00

Caden's cousin Coren had his 5th birthday party last weekend! The kids enjoyed swimming with daddy, playing on the pirate ship and eating of course! Playing and squirting water often end up in great memories! Happy Birthday Coren!!!!

King County Fair 7-18-08

2008-07-21T08:22:00.001-07:00

We went to the King County Fair last Friday. The kids missed their cousins though...Kendyl got sick so they had to stay home:( The fair was great! They had animals to view and pets for adoption that you could hold and play with. There was a kids area with a rootbeer garden, free doll making, painting, western show and mini golf using all recycled products. They had pig races, a bus to tour and pretend drive and an option to rock climb and/or jump on the tramp propelling you in the air up to 25-30 feet high! Caden tried the jumping and loved it! It was crazy to see him so high up in the air and loving it!!! He immediately wanted to do it again! They also had a tractor pull where the kids could pedal the tractors in a race. Wahoo!

Soccer Practice

2008-07-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

Caden is back in soccer through August and is making some new friends. It's nice to have the sun out again so we can enjoy watching him play and then visit the park while we are there! The park is really creative in the many different methods it uses for climbing..the kids had a great time and Baylee enjoyed her time in the swing! It's so nice to be outside and have the kids involved in activities like soccer and dance where they step outside themselves and get to know other kids. They are both coming out of their shells and are growing up so fast.

Caden as a photographer

2008-07-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Caden decided it was time to try out our digital camera and did a fairly good job for his first photos. He was aiming for Baylee with T on the tree swing outside our house. He is excited to get his own camera for his birthday in Dec. The other pic of Baylee is from her "I love chocolate" experience...the girl LOVES chocolate...but who could blame her:)

July Times

2008-07-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

The kiddos were playing hot potato on the trampoline using a mini basketball and bouncy ball. They were out there for over 30-40 minutes jumping and laughing! Caden and AJ were so excited to show off their new shirts T found for them while they were camping. Caden is really into the Justice League and AJ loves Disney princesses, Tink...well, just about anything actually! Baylee just loves getting attention from the both of them....anyone for that matter. She has started announcing herself and will shout louder than our other two ever did. It's quite funny but has kept us out in the hall during church....she will be heard I guess:)

Our New Trampoline!

2008-07-13T22:12:00.001-07:00

We inherited a trampoline at the end of June from Tara's cousin. Grandpa Soltero and Steve brought it home and put it back together...an interesting process it became. The kids are really enjoying the trampoline, especially Ashlyn. It has been a great outlet for her sensory dysfuntion and has been a good way to calm her body. It's fun to get out there with them too....reminds us of how out of shape we are though...it was a bit easier when we were kids! We love it!! Thanks Korolaks!!!!

Home Time

2008-07-13T22:08:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it is nice to just be "present" at home. It has been nice to just sit at times and play with the kids at home now that school is over for summer. The kids like it too!

Ashlyn is in dance class!

2008-07-13T22:00:00.001-07:00

Ashlyn is now in a ballet/tap dance class and is loving it! She gets to wear her cute outfits thanks to Grandma Cook and enjoys her new dance teacher!

Grasslawn Water Park July 8, 2008

2008-07-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

Grasslawn Park added on new area with water, disc swings, etc...a little fun area for kids of all ages. Caden loved the climbing rocks and AJ had fun in the water and on the spinning thingy...not sure what you call it! We'll go back for sure!

July 5, 2008: Ocean Shores, WA.

2008-07-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

We spent our last day at the beach in Ocean Shores with the fam. We went to an arcade and then ended up in bumper boats...that was a big hit and lots of laughs! We had dinner at a pizza joint and then made our annual visit to the shop for some saltwater taffy...it didn't last long but did make our trip home a lot faster!

The 4th of July in Moclips, WA

2008-07-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Cook took us to Moclips, WA for the weekend of the 4th of July! The Gunter and Hansen families were there as well and the cousins had a great time playing in the sand, the river, and the ocean. Grandpa Cook made a bonfire for hot dogs and smores and then showed the kids some "small" fireworks before bedtime. The adults hit the beach later on and set off the "big" fireworks...it was a SHOW...we are talking Gasworks style! Papa Don pulled out the big ones for the family event! Casey and Lewis built a huge bonfire too so we all kept warm.

06-27-08: Crossroads Water Park

2008-07-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

Crossroads opened up a water park so we went to go explore with our friends Molly, Ameila and Olivia Partin! The park is colorful and fun but we'd like to request a little more water....maybe?!

Miss Baylee is moving!!!

2008-07-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

Baylee is moving! She has been in physical therapy for a few weeks and is showing improvement as she now pulls to her knees from a sitting position and rolls to her tummy from her back. She is reaching all over the place and is spending more quality time on her hands and knees these days...she even is standing at the couch or table!!! Yeah for Baylee!!!

Kirkland Beaches

2008-07-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

It was beach time with the cousins! We went down to Kirkland to play in the sand and water, the park toys, and have lunch with our cousins Hailey and Abby!

Kid Play

2008-07-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

We are loving the summertime. The kids are enjoying playing at home and at the parks! They are getting more and more creative each day.

Super Kids!

2008-07-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

AJ's 3rd Birthday Party!

2008-06-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

We celebrate Ashlyn's birthday a few days early with family and friends at a nearby park. The kids played on the playground, had pizza for lunch, cupcakes for their treat and took a swing at the Tinkerbell pinata! Lila, one of Tara's best friends stopped by to visit us...doesn't she look so cute...she's due with her first baby next Nov. Wahoo! Chris and Sarah came to the party too and were willing to do balloon animals and face painting for us! The kids loved it! It was a special time to have both sides of the family there to celebrate and Aunt Molly came from Bellingham too!

Ashlyn's last day of preschool at Kindering

2008-06-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

AJ with teacher Kathryn, playing in the motor room with Katie on the trampoline, and having fun in the classroom

Katie was AJ's pt in her stepping stones class. AJ will always love Katie!!!!

Grandma's 91st

2008-06-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

Grandma Gwen's 91st birthday party in Wenatchee! We met with family to celebrate grandma. The great grandkids hadsaome pool time while the adults watched and talked...the water was a bit cold for us. We ate all day and enjoyed catching up...good times! Hopefully we'll get together soon!

2008-06-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

Baylee enjoys the bath from her bum these days...she's learning about splashing and bubbles. She also enjoys her daddy and looks for him everyday for his singing, talking, playing and just holding. Caden is really into the justice league so spiderman, superman, hulk, and batman gear are all desired and are highly exciting!

Wedding Bells May 30, 2008

2008-06-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

The kids had a great time dancing the night away at the reception along with consuming as many chocolates as possible!!! It was a long day but the kids were good sports and made the most of it. All 9 grandkids were in matching wedding gear thanks to Grandma Cook. Congrats Uncle Jay and Aunt Brit!

Swimming can be fun!

2008-06-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

Swimming is over and the kids actually enjoyed the last week or so! Everyone floats, AJ attempted diving and the safe stairs and Caden swam across the pool, dove in and started a back float!

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

We've had a good weekend. The boys went camping with the church group on Friday night so the girls stayed with grandma and grandpa Soltero. On Sat, Steve and Grandpa Soltero went to a golfing tournament with Grandpa's church (MQP) and we met them for dinner. We returned home Sat night in preparation for Sunday. The kids got dressed up and were so excited to go to church! The girls had matching dresses from Grandma Soltero and looked so cute! We are now just relaxing and enjoying the rest of the day! Happy Memorial Day weekend!!!

Boy's Camping Trip

2008-05-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

The boys went camping with the church on a Father's & Son's activity. They made a campfire and roasted marshmallows. Went for walks and made a few new friends.

Superman and Spiderman had come along on the boys trip! The guys roughed it up in the minivan and Caden stayed all night..well going to sleep around 10:30 and up around 5:30!

Caden loved playing with his flashlight in the dark!!! He was so excited to have a boy's trip and wanted to make sure that he had marshmallows to roast over the fire! Too bad Blake and Strat weren't here for the trip...maybe someday:)

Baylee in PT

2008-05-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, Ashlyn was diagnosed with a sensory dysfunction when she was almost a year old. She has seen physical and occupational therapists at the Kindering Center since then and has surpassed our expectations in both motor and speech skills. Baylee has been evaluated at the KC and will also be seeing a physical therapist to help her with movement, strengthening her shoulders and loosening up her hips and arms. We are excited to see her with a bit more freedom in the next couple months!!! Tummy time is one her least favorite experiences but we got her a mirror and that is starting to help..who is that cute girl in the mirror?!?

Caden's last week at preschool

2008-05-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

Caden said goodbye to Teacher Vickie and his best friend at school, Amelia. The kids were able to decorate the windows, packd their bags, said goodbye and now are ready for summer!

Summer Swim Lessons with Miss Carol

2008-05-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

Miss Baylee

Mr. Caden

Miss Ashlyn

Bean Blessings for Baylee

2008-05-24T22:33:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the bean idea....Miss Baylee had free play with her sibs trucks!!! She was excited as you can see but chose to use Ashlyn's as a teether and ended up with it on top of her...oops...help....

Playing Outside

2008-05-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

We used chalk to create three roads down the driveway. One was actually a train track, one was a swivle road and the other was a one way. We made signs and used sticks to make the train tracks bumpy. Caden and Steve took a few rides down the hill as AJ helped me take care of feading Baylee out on a blanket. Fun family times...

Baylee started making this face and doing what we call the "snuf" or "snuffle." It's pretty cute and we think she agrees

Before Bed Cool Off

2008-05-24T20:58:00.001-07:00

We returned home one night and decided to let the kiddos play in the sprinkler before bath time. They had such a great time running around. Sarah, our neighbor, joined in the fun and her husband Chris did as well!

Woodland Park Zoo May 08

2008-05-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

We visited the zoo a couple weeks ago and had a great time seeing the animals, playing in the zoomazium, and chasing birds/squirrels while trying to have lunch. The kids got to make fossil prints, look at a frog habitat, pretend to hatch out of an egg, etc. Baylee enjoyed seeing her cute self in the log mirror. We'll be back soon for sure!

2008-05-24T20:38:00.001-07:00

The kids got new pj's and had to show them off! Cadne is really into the Justice League these days and AJ is into the princess/Dora style. They are pretty comical these days, especially Ashlyn....often doing something silly for the camera...

Baylee loves baby dolls...she prefers to eat them at this point in time. Caden is enjoying soccer and making new friends

Dad's Birthday!

2008-05-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Dad turned 62 this year! We celebrated with dinner, a cake made by a dear friend, Bernie, a baker in Seattle and presents...the kids enjoyed helping him open them")

Trip to the Lake!

2008-05-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

The kids fed the ducks, played on the toys and got crazy in the sand...even Baylee for the first time! She even ate it! Caden went in the lake with all his clothes on and was wet up to his shoulders....loved every minute of it:)

Baylee & Bananas

2008-05-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

Baylee feeds herself for the first time!!!

Kids play snow day!

2008-05-15T19:47:00.001-07:00

We wanted some fresh air but Washington was blowing some cold wind and the sun refused to shine that morning so we bundled up and pretended it was snowing! We got the tent out, got sleeping bags and had a "party" in the living room! The kids enjoyed it:)

Special Suprises

2008-05-15T19:36:00.001-07:00

A little Mother's Day love from my sisters! There was also choco/peanut butter pie/cake, dove dark choco and sentimental cards not shown here...they didn't last long enough!

Only kids can pull of zebra stripes!

2008-05-12T20:01:00.001-07:00

Is it spring?

2008-05-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

Baylee now rides the rockin dog like the big sibs do! Caden and Ashlyn got to enjoy the outdoors blowing bubbles and helping Tara plant strawberries and blueberries in the yard! We also started an indoor herb garden..wahoo! We were planning on this planting deal awhile ago, but we made a start!

Family Photos April 2008

2008-05-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

Some Firsts...

2008-05-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

Walks outside are always good and Baylee loves her new seat up front!

Caden started pre-soccer and loved it, especially his new gear and new friends he's making as he gets to run around outside! Go Buddy!He said he gets to play soccer with mommy now!

Baylee is sitting and viewing the world in a new way! She loves sitting in the carseat and getting to come out of her seat during our daily errands. She loves to ride in the cart at the grocery store and in the stroller, but Costco was her favorite trip by far!

Nanny let the kids ride the carousel at Crossroads and B had her first ride and loved it so much that she didn't want to let go!

It only took 30-60 seconds of having my back turned for AJ to start feeding Baylee her dinner. Baylee opened up and AJ did get some food in there...B's face was colorful after a few bites:)

B

2008-04-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

Baylee now enjoys her sibs toys too! She will be wanting a truck to ride of her own soon. She laughs at her sibs a lot and loves watching them play in the house. Caden and Ashlyn love her too! They read to her and sing songs to her too. Kids are wonderful and can teach us so much about the simple joys and pleasure in life. We love them and are so thankful for them!

T is 30 for real!

2008-04-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

Baylee enjoyed the ribbon and the cool whip and her toes all for the first time!

It's fun to be 30! My prime...right...or atleast until I turn 40!! Wahoo!

Tara's 30th celebration at the Cooks

2008-04-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

Tara's 30th Birthday party at the Cook's!!! Mama Kaye and Papa Dondalin always know how to throw a party!!! They had a cane, 30yr necklace, and a tiara for the big occasion! A great dinner, presents, and #30 pinata that got beat open by T. Thank you for the great party!!!!

Love Shots

2008-04-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

Baylee loves her daddy! Don't we all?!

Grandma Soltero and the Husky kiddos! They love grandma!

End of March fun!

2008-04-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

Baylee is learning that the camera doesn't disappear...especially when she is always doing so many cute things! She enjoyed Caden's firetruck although Caden wasn't too thrilled and the sunglasses actually stayed on for this ride.

Caden & Ashlyn made alligators as a rainy day or should we say snowy day project! They are both glad to be back at school since spring break is over and we are too!

Baylee "B" is 6.5 months, eating baby food, sitting on her own with tipage from time-to-time of course, working on her first tooth, laughs out loud, and gives a shout out to be noticed when her sibs are too noisy:)

Easter Morning at the Soltero's

2008-03-30T22:45:00.000-07:00

Easter Morning at Gma and Gpa Soltero's! We made sure to let the Easter Bunny know that we would b e there for the weekend so he could find the kids. The kids are asking what holiday is next...Then it was time for church!