Ryden the Jokster

Ryden is quite the jokster. For example, he pushed me over when I was sitting down, on purpose! I didn't understand why he was pushing me so hard so persistently until after I fell over and Ryden started to laugh with utter glee. Couldn't believe it.

Also Ryden gives me kisses when I say, "chu". He often does it open mouth! But he only gives kisses sparingly.

He is enjoying mopping, sweeping and walking around with Z's golf driver.

It's Still Summer in Seattle

Ryden is walking 90% of the time. Everyone says he has great balance. He is a much happier baby now. He was well behaved at the Japanese playgroup today.

I met two Japanese women on the way to Wallingford playground/wading pool. It is still very hot and perfect swimming weather. They were both young, long hair, hip. Hiroko with 2 boys and Noriko with one. Then at the wading pool I met a woman married to a Japanese man. Her name was Mary her daughter is Aya who obviously is half Japanese. I hope to run in to them again soon.

I also ran in to Sarah and Josh who live nearby somewhere. I remember Sarah from watching Riot play at various ultimate tournaments. They have a 13 month girl. Maarti (also Riot) still has her son Brody at Able Child.

Doma Sherpa is doing great. She is full time nannying for us until Sept 18th and then Ryden starts at Kidspace on Mon & Tues. This will overlap with Dylan Hampden's time there so it will be great for them to get to know each other and to be comfortable with each other.

Aqua Adventures

Zander and I went snuba diving this morning. The boat took us out to Molokini crater. Then we went over to turtle island. Saw trumpet fish, box fish, coronet fish, angel fish, grouper, moray eels, sea turtles and more. On the second dive no one else wanted to go down so we got a private guide and the cameraman came along. We put in an order for the video when it gets done.

Ryden talks so funny. It sounds like chinese, I swear.

Maui: Second Week

Our second week has been as amazing as the first. Z and I had a nice dinner over at Cafe de Amis in Paia. Felt good to get off the 'reservation' as we are calling it. Kandra, Ryden and I went to the aquarium. They had a glass tunnel where you could sit and watch the sea life swim around you. So cool.

Have been surfing three times now. The coral has finally worked its way out of my feet. Went hiking on wednesday over along the Hana Highway. It was an all day trek. Visited an arboretum with huge palm trees from all around the world and eucalyptus and banyan trees. Ryden was pretty good in the car even with all the twisty roads.

Ryden is getting cuter by the day. His facial expressions are so adorable, especially when he shows all his teeth. He is much more friendly to other people and seems to smile a lot. He is walking around with a lot more confidence.

Yesterday we were invited over to the Grand Wailea where the Dolens are now staying. The resort has a lot of things, water slides etc, for kids to do and even a baby pool with a fake beach so that the babies don't have to deal with rogue waves. Ryden really enjoyed splashing around.

The Salvatti's leave today. They emptied out their fridge and gave us tons of food and beverages.

Tomorrow we go out on a boat and go snorkel and snuba.

Maui: First week

The vacation has been amazing. So much more enjoyable than last year. It's been great having Kandra help us out with Ryden. We have more time to go do stuff and go out at night and just sleep in in the morning every few days. We rotate the early mornings between the 3 of us.

Went surfing last week with Daniela and her daughter Kendle and caught a bunch of waves. Fun!

Many of the DPR families are staying an extra week. Jimmy and Bo and family are moving over to the Grand Wailea. It's more fun for the kids.

Ryden is making some big developmental leaps these past few weeks. He is walking now. His facial expressions are so expressive and he mimics are words more and more. So darn cute. Will have to post some photos.