...While We Were Home....

We were pretty busy between our trip to Utah, before our trip to California.  We were home for about ten days and had a couple play dates as well as the 4th of July, and turning 10 months old!

Harper never falls asleep in anyone's arms but Mommas.  Here I had transferred him and he actually stayed asleep so Gus could cuddle the little man for a nap.  It was so precious, and unheard of, that we had to document it!

A couple friends got married, so Gus and I had an afternoon out while Grandma and Grandpa Strickland played with Harper at home.

We had a couple days of good weather, so a bonfire was a must!  Here's my little beach bum...

Harper usually falls asleep for most of the evenings on the beach, so I thought since he was awake we should show him the ocean up close...

He seemed pretty intrigued by the whole thing..

Here he is eating sand for the first time....I cringed, but figure it's bound to happen.  He's a boy and we live at the beach!

We are still swimming twice a week when we are home.  Harper still loves it, and we look forward to seeing our friends (big and small) who we only see at the pool!

Harper exploring our new furniture!

We had a bbq and bonfire at Bill and Deb's...Harper is loving on one of their dogs.

Harper is singing a song for Gma Debbers.

The three of us enjoying the good food and company!

Us at the 4th of July parade in Gearhart.

Harper's first Fourth of July!

Harper watching all the people!

Heidi was in the parade, but came to visit after it was over!

Harper is relaxing in his adirondak chair at Grandma and Grandpa Strickland's house!

Harper turned 10 months old...I can't believe it.  He's growing up...So fast.

On his 10 month day, before we headed out for California (that night we drove all night to Gus' family lake cabin) we had a play date with our friends who have a baby 8 days older than Harper.  I remember visiting them in the hospital before Harper was born.  Holding an 8 lb baby with a 7 lb baby still in my belly.  It was a wild moment for me, and a memory I can't quite put into words, but will carry with me forever....

Here is Jack.  And Harper.  Jack was very excited to see Harper, but Harper had other ideas.  He cried.  I'm blaming it on the fact that July 4th didn't leave much time for sleep for him and he was tired!

Jack went straight for Harper's cheek every time we put them down together.  And every time Harper cried for his Mommy and Daddy....Poor Jack.  We tried to convince him Harper was sleepy.  Jack went about his business thinking Harper wasn't a very fun play date partner!

Jack sharing his toys with Harper and his two big sisters, Leah and Ella.

Harper and Jack playing with some blocks

Finally some smiles from Mr. Sleepyhead!  Harper loved Jack's car!

Jack wanted to push Harper!  Pretty cute!...And for the record, we have one of Harper's very own cars in the mail as I type!

....Then we were off to California!