Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

Here are some pics from our visit to one of Costa Rica's national parks. It was beautiful....the jungle, the beach, and the approaching storm that loomed just as it was time for us to leave. This was one of my favorite days. Nothing better than a day at the beach.

10 Months. Creeping Speeding to 1 year!

Hank is becoming quite the BOY. He loves being rough and frequently attacks my face with that slobbery mouth of his. He LOVES crawling around the house looking for treasures to put in his mouth. His favorite thing is to have a bin of toys in front of him so he can flail his arms frantically and see how many toys he can send flying...he also does this in his highchair, sending his food all over the floor.  He is working hard on climbing the stairs...he's probably wondering why he never gets closer to that darn toy. Still has no teeth...but I think there are two on the bottom trying to bust through. And my personal favorite characteristic....he has turned into quite the momma's boy.

I have recently noticed how different Hank is than Ruby was at this age. He is much more aggressive and not as controlled and articulate in his movements. Ruby was very curious about the world around her, but much more cautious about things than Hank. It is pretty fun to watch this little guy's personality emerge. He still gets me every time with that charming smile of his. 

Fatherhood in a nutshell.

...and it suits you well, Hugh.
We sure love you. 

Happy Birthday to my favorite 30-year-old!

It's a big one...we are gonna party!

Milestones.

1. She rides.

Ruby on her new bike. (well new to her...it was her aunt Mal's)

Hugh took Ruby down to the bike store to get the bike tuned-up. New tires, training wheels, and a little parrot horn. She thought it was pretty cool to help dad get her new bike ready. 

2. He eats dirt.

Big sis advising him otherwise.

Tastes good to me, sis!

Just trying to document the exciting happenings around these parts. Two funny kiddos getting big!

Relaxing and Beaching it in Costa Rica.

There's no question...Hank LOVES
the water!

Painting until she dies.

{Painted by Miss Ruby Elizabeth. 2012}

The story goes a little something like this.

Aunt Mal stops by for a surprise visit (Ruby is pleased). Ruby shows Mal her most recent artwork, hung ever so particularly in her room. Ruby then tells Mal,

"I"m going to paint more until I die. Then when I get resurrected I'll paint some more."