I Dream of Disney

This week we went to Disney World with Keith's dad and the Yates family. It was so much fun...we even got to take Stryder on some of the rides, like Alladin's Magic Carpet, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Haunted Mansion. We visited MGM, Epcott, and the Magic Kingdom, which was completely awesome. At Epcott, Keith took us to the Norway part where we ate the best little pastry I ever had in my life. I think it was called 'schoolbread.' He spoke fluent Norwegian with the workers there, who were very impressed with his language skills. We hit the parks hard for two days only taking a break to dip in the pool and cool off. The fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom was my favorite part (we even saw Tinkerbell fly!) MGM had the awesome Rock 'N' Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror, which is a great thrill ride. The rides are so nostalgic and we can't wait 'til Stryder gets bigger so that he can enjoy them more. We loved seeing Keith's family and having them meet our baby boy. He has lots of love from his cute little cousins, Ben and Lizzie, and his cool Aunt E, Uncle Neil, and Papa (Grandpa Keith.)









Daddy and Stryder....at the place where dreams come true!Waiting out the storm. Gotta love it!Yes, rain is a vital part of summer in Florida!Epcott at the German section....no we didn't try the brats 'n' beer...maybe next time!Even Keith and I got to enjoy a few rides together :-)Three generations of Harrop men.We love swimming!

Aunt E and cousin Lizzie at the kiddie pool.

Stryder and his Papa

Papa came to Florida to meet Stryder for the first time. It was so special to see them together. Keith had lecture all day, but we decided to make the most of the sunny climate and head to South Beach. Stryder went swimming in the ocean (again) with Papa and we soaked up the sun and warmth. Of course, we lathered, more like smothered, the sunblock on Stryder. I actually put some on myself too. I swam way out in the deep ocean while Papa watched Stryder; it was fun to feel so free in the vast openess of the water. It was surprisingly warm and salty as ever, but wonderful to swim and stretch my muscles. I only wish Keith could have been there to enjoy it with us! Me, Stryder, and Papa (Grandpa Keith)

Stryder and his Papa swimming in the Atlantic.

Stryder likes to smile at Papa!

Jake's Graduation

Stryder and I flew back to good old Oregon, Wisconsin for my little brother's high school graduation. Jacob was valedictorian of his graduating class and we are so proud of the young man he has become. He was also voted Most Involved, which is no exaggeration! I have never seen a kid so ambitious and outgoing, not to mention friendly and carefree. Stryder also got to meet his Aunt Mikkal and Uncle Ben for the first time. They loved him...but not enough to change a poopy diaper. That's forgiveable, I guess. He also got his two month shots, which were heartbreaking to witness. But he weighed in at an impressive 12 lbs 9 oz and measured 23.5 inches long! He is right on target to be a strong healthy boy, just like his daddy. Stryder loves his Gramma and Grampa Butterfield.

Our little Jakey-boy, all growed up! :-)

Jake's speech, which went great!

Aunt Mikkal and Uncle Ben meeting their nephew, Stryder.

The lovebirds, Jenessa and Travis....wedding soon to come!

The new generation of neighborhood babies.

The neighborhood crew at Jake's grad party.

Right before his 3 shots....he doesn't even know what's coming :-(

See, I told you....heartbreaking!

Turning 27

Yes, I turned 27 today. I totally feel like I'm getting older. Wait, I am getting older....but 27 seems older, you know!? It wasn't depressing or anything, even though Keith gives me grief about my age. (He has no room to talk, he's 31.) I had a wonderful birthday this year; my first birthday as a mother. I wanted to have a cake this year, so I was planning on just baking my own, but Keith managed to deter me from that task. It was nice that he didn't have school today, so we went for a morning swim. Later, we went to Red Lobster for dinner, yum yum, where they even sang to me while presenting a great little ice cream treat complete with a candle. When we got home, Keith surprised me (why do I ever doubt him?) with my favorite cake in the whole wide world...carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Oh, it was amazing. He even took time to light the 27 candles and of course, he serenaded me with a great rendition of, what else...Happy Birthday. The next night, we went out to Hard Rock Cafe with some friends from school, where I was embarassed again by the waiter that proceeded to announce my birthday to the entire restaurant, who then proceeded to shout "Happy Birthday" back to me...good times!
Spending my birthday with my two favorite guys!Yes, that is 27 candles! Wow!At the Hard Rock with friends.

Stryder's First Swim

So much fun! Our little swimmer got his feet wet for the first time today. We took him to the pool in our complex....which is so fantastic, might I add....and he absolutely loved it! We knew he would enjoy swimming, since he loves his baths, but I really think he enjoyed it even more than expected. We geared him up with a sun hat, swim trunks, and a rash gaurd (all of which were matching of course). Keith and I were both swimmer's in high school so being a water baby is definately in Stryder's genes. I can't wait to get him in swimming lessons. I heard they can start as early as six months...only a few more months to go!

Having fun with mom and dad....

Splashing and kicking in the water!