Other Recent Events

Face to fish days at the MK nature center. Thats Tyler's dad, Tyler and Lincoln. 3 generations of silly boys.

Lincoln loves dogs- "the Doggie" or "the Pup." This one was at the park we walk to a couple times a week, and he was very friendly.

Posing at the Rose Garden in the park.

My boy loves to read. It melts my heart.

And thats my little bro who left on his mission last week.

July 2

The Rice family has a reunion every year on the 4th. This year we celebrated on the 2nd though. It might have been my favorite reunion yet. Mimi and Papa are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary this year so the reunion was a little bigger deal than usual. We had a private camp area and it was all Rices all the time. anyway, I actually took my camera to take pictures ... but the battery died so I only have a couple.

One of the traditional pastimes is for all of Mimi and Papa's kids to sing to them. (Okay, not all ... just those that want to). I did get a picture of that.

Isn't he cute in his little swimming suit and farmer's tan?

Alison Krauss

I really should have taken a picture of my cousin, Trish, and I ... Oh well. But ... we went to an Alison Krauss and Union Station concert on Friday night. It was REALLY awesome. I'm really glad I got to go with Trish and have a bit of a girls evening. It was really refreshing to me. It was at the Idaho Botanical Garden. You bring picnic blankets and low chairs, a picnic dinner and enjoy the show. The back of the venue is the old penitentiary wall. My fav venue thus far in my life. I highly recommend it. Plus, it was just chill, awesome music. I loved it. I wanted to brag a little. Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski and band are awesome.

Also, my best friend from Moscow sent me a birthday card a couple days before the show that contained money to buy a T-shirt at the concert. It was probably the most heart-felt and heart-received birthday cash ever. So, here are crappy pictures to show off my new shirt. Thanks Jillaine! I purposely did a side shot so everyone can see that my belly has already begun to 'pop'. (15 weeks and counting)

For My Long Lost NC Friends

Here is a little update on our lives (although, I wouldn't mind hearing the same from you "Anne B" and Emily S):

Tyler is doing a joint program with the University of Idaho and Boise State. We were in Northern Idaho for the past 2 years (and I LOVED it). Now we are back in our hometown of Boise (and I'm liking a lot more than I expected after leaving a place I loved). So, we are no longer trailer trash. Its a big step down to being back in a regular old apartment. :) Its still fun. We live close to the greenbelt and parks and the zoo and my favorite grocery store so we go on lots of fun little bike rides and walks to fun places.

I've also started painting my fingernails, which I have never enjoyed before. Its going pretty well. I'm sure you are anxious for a status update on that. :)

Lincoln is one and a half, and he has been getting really big. Like he is a boy now. Not a baby. He is totally a mama's boy and I forgot how fun it is to show him off on the blog.

And I'm due the beginning of January. So ... I expect a baby around mid-January.

He totally looks like an Oakes boy here to me. (My maiden name). He is landing his 'hop.' He is really good at jumping for a 19 month old.

He got to pick his hat out of the treasure box at summer reading and he was really proud of it for a few days. He also loves to tote around his suitcase from his cousin, 'ZZuuzz.'

My lil' bro is leaving on a mission next week to Argentina. Tyler's sister's family just moved to London for 2 years. I should have lots of pics from recent family gatherings, but I don't ... yet. Maybe that will be next week's nap-time blog.

I love nap time because it turns into me blogging about this ...

Last night I decided that this baby is either the next karate kid

or I accidentally ate fireworks.

(thats right, I just went public)

Oh ... and have you seen how big this boy has gotten recently?

(Sussanah Warr took some family pictures before we moved and they are great! The above picture is compliments of her).

PSS- We have the internet again!

for Emma

We will miss you!

for auntie lindsey

so, I never watch videos on other blogs, so don't feel that you need to. but ... this is for auntie lindsey. that cutie pie nephew of hers' has moves. and his mom can't hold a camera level.