When the Lights Go "Out" In the City...almost everywhere!

Life has been a little hectic lately but we have been blessed and doing great! First off Kellen turned 7 months on the 18th and the pictures are getting harder but a lot more funny to take. At his appointment he weighed 16 lbs and things are going well. I can't believe he is already twice the size of the stuffed zebra that he was at one time smaller then!

As you can see in these two pictures he takes no care to the stuffed animal.

Kellen does not like to fall asleep in our arms but a particular lady in our ward just does the trick and he fell right asleep the other day while at dinner. She has the motherly touch!

Obviously this picture needs a little explaining. The wind storm that came through the southern/eastern states did hit Roanoke/Salem area. Luckily we were only without power for 20 minutes but a lot more people were not so lucky and still do not have power and haven't had it since last Friday. Some friends in are currently trying to move and have been without power. That mixed with record high temperatures makes for an uncomfortable apartment and a toddler who won't sleep. So they have been hanging out with us which led to this evening showing of "Baby Signing Time" Kellen loves watching Elizabeth play and its fun to see her sign and get excited about things. Hopefully they get their power back soon but until then we will try and help as we have been blessed to have power. My heart also goes to those who have lost homes in the forest fires in the Colorado and Utah area.

We have been spending a lot of time at the pool and we are slowly getting Kellen to play more in the pool instead of just watching. We will be sad because here in a month we will be moving and won't have access to the pool but once you see the next picture you will understand why we won't be too sad!

While we won't have access to the whole house we are renting the bottom floor. Twice the square footage for only about 90 dollars more. It's gorgeous inside and we just bought a great table to go in the dinning room. Pictures to come! 

This is How We Have Fun!

The last two weekends Brad has had off so we have been out and about enjoying the good weather!

Memorial Weekend they had a big festival in the park in downtown Roanoke. We went with some friends and Kellen loved being outside. They had tons of things for kids and it was one of the first events that we have been to in Roanoke that there weren't a thousand people smoking. I swear people smoke a lot more out here!

 After going down town we decided to head to our apartment building's pool. It was a perfect day to be at the pool and not a lot of people were there. Kellen loved the pool even though it was his first experience in a cold pool! If he could Kellen would live outside.

 Last weekend we went on a hike with the Young Women in the ward. It was in Blacksburg where Virginia Tech is. It was a gorgeous hike and a great one to break in our new  baby carrier. Because we were outside Kellen loved the hike and seemed to be comfortable in the carrier. It felt good to go hiking again and get outside. Virginia just keeps getting better and impressing us more and more. 

 Kellen even fell asleep the last little bit on the way there and on the way back, I guess the outdoors is just his element!

 Monday was my birthday and we spent the evening having dinner at the park. The day was gorgeous and was a perfect way to end the day. I will try taking more pictures of the scenery; sometimes it just takes my breath away. As I was driving today doing my errands, I couldn't stop smiling because of how beautiful it was outside. Being a girl who grew up in the desert it truly is amazing to live in the middle of a forest! I highly suggest making the trip out east at some point in your life to experience it. Just make sure you come before the humidity sets in!

6 Months and Gettin' Thick!

While we haven't been up to a lot lately we have been enjoying the little moments with dad and hanging out in the nicer weather! Kellen really loves to read books and loves it more when dad reads to him!

 Lately Kellen has been falling asleep at a moments notice. While I usually notice the signs, sometimes it catches me off guard. This little episode is a result of me trying to get him to be on his tummy. Kellen hates tummy time but I am trying to get him more familiar with it. One night he screamed and screamed until while I wasn't looking he finally gave in and fell asleep.

 Kellen is 6 months now and starting to sit up better by himself. We are trying to introduce more foods and soon will start on the fruit. (I have a feeling when he grows up he still will favor fruits over vegetables). He is starting to babble a lot more and will do a little wave every once in awhile. We go into the doctor here soon, so we don't know his stats yet but he sure is getting thick! Every once in awhile Kellen will watch Baby Signing Time a video we borrowed. While I am not intense about him learning it he really loves watching it and enjoys when I sing him the songs. 

 Here is another one of his sleepy episodes. I was making cookies and thought he was just playing but after I turned around he was out! Brad said Kellen fell asleep on him the other night as well!

I bought my tickets today for Boise and fly out July 18th. While I am excited to see family and friends I am bummed Brad won't be joining us. But with the weather improving we plan on going to many more baseball games and hiking trips before I go out!

Is He Not Just the Cutest!

 This last weekend we got the chance to attend a friend's wedding up in D.C. We took Friday off and went up early and just relaxed. It was nice to get away and spend some time with friends. Kellen did great the whole weekend and even took some naps in the hotel room!

 Kellen might not be able to walk or talk yet but he is ready to drive!

And last I have to show off my newest winnings (practically my only winnings). I still coupon but lately I have been signing up for more freebies and shopping more online. Along with this come random sweepstakes and  instant winning games. About 2 months ago I was playing a Skittles game trying to win and come to find out I won a Pinata stuffed with skittles. 8 weeks later this was on my doorstep. I figured it wouldn't be too big but it only had one little bag of candy :( Nonetheless it was free and that made my day!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

With the nicer weather and start of baseball season we have been waiting to take Kellen to his first baseball game! For FHE we went to the Salem Red Sox game. The stadium is just two miles from where we live and that night it only cost us $1 to get in! Kellen was a champ and loved it, I bet giving him his peas helped!

 

He's learning to be just like his dad! You can't see the older gentlemen but his son is the man in front of Brad and Kellen. When they walked in the older gentlemen commented on how cute Kellen was. He talked to him for a little bit and then held out his hands like he wanted to hold Kellen. At first I was nervous but Kellen snuggled right up to him! After the man gave him back you could see him wipe tears from his eyes while he thanked us. Obviously I teared up and Brad just looked at me like he does when I cry in public. It was a precious moment. 

I taught Kellen a new trick the other day. He is still working on being able to do it by himself but we are getting there!

 

Kellen turned 5 months on the 18th. It is a little harder now because he wants to hold the paper and eat his Zebra. But he still suffers through it. As you can see though he has no sympathy for his stuffed animals. He is just glad it wasn't him who fell over. 

I have some pictures to post but I just have time to post this video tonight. I love this stage that Kellen is at especially because he finds the most random things funny. This little clip is one of those moments that I just happened to get on video. All I was doing was spinning a toy on my finger and letting it hit him! Silly Boy!

Just Keep Swimming!

I know it seems like we don't do anything but take pictures of Kellen but I swear we get out! This week I had spring break at the school so I was able to get some projects done...pictures to come later! 

Kellen finally fits into his favorite aunt t-shirt that Brittany gave him. Yes, Brittany, Leanne might try and say it is about her but I will tell you the straight facts that it was from Britt. They can give him presents and toys to bribe him for that title!

Kellen was a little fussy one day after a feeding and this movie calmed him down, so Brad had to take a picture. Brad sent the picture and emailed it to my dad asking what movie it was and of course he got it. Anyone else know the movie?!?

It was my mom's birthday last week and Kellen sent her an email wishing her a happy birthday!

We've moved onto peas this week and he likes it a lot better than the cereal. A little more messy but he loves it!

Kellen still hates tummy time but if we can distract him he will be there a lot longer. Here I am cutting some fabric out for pillows. It was nice to have Brad home not only to spend time with him but Brad kept Kellen busy while I did some projects.

This is what my husband finds funny. He had me get my camera just so he could do this again and get a picture, I'm glad Kellen and him play so well together. :)

Today we went to the Y and went swimming with friends. This was his first time getting in the pool and he took it quite well. He mainly just sat in the water and relaxed like it was a bath. Luckily we had swim diapers that fit and a swimming suit but he did get cold after awhile. But it was a success and we plan on making more trips to the pool this summer!