a birthday surprise.

On June 29, my Mom turned 54 and I turned 30.  Birthdays really aren't a big deal at this point, but it is fun to share a day with my mom so we can celebrate together.  We had a nice day together.  Got manicures and pedicures, had a nice family dinner on my parents patio, and then we received a birthday surprise...Teenie, Ben, and Will snuck down to Boise and stayed the night!  Clara and Ben were thrilled to see each other, and Clara loved kissing and hugging cousin Will.  They only stayed about 12 hours, but we managed to get a few cute pictures while they were here!

See this poor baby's wrapped feet.  That is a story I'll put on the blag soon. 

Thanks Teenie for making the enormous effort to drive down to see us for such a short amount of time!  We loved spending the evening and morning with you three!

A night with Grandma and Grandpa

For my birthday, Jeff and Janet treated Clara and I to a fun night on the town. Kurtis was out of town for work. But we still had lots of fun! We went to alive after five for a cold beverage and some fun in the fountain. Then we visited uncle Brian at his work (Piper Pub) and ate some dinner. Then we strolled around the capital buildings and gardens. It was such a treat! Thanks Gma and Gpa Brooks!

(sorry the pics are out of order)

the best hair.

This little guy has...

the best hair!

The first pic is bed head, and the rest are when I had a little fun running my fingers through his luscious locks and fro-ing it up!  How did he get so lucky!  Clara and I are jeal!

babies in the bathtub (again).

We just can't resist!  Each time these kids are together in the bath, we bring out the cameras.  We're enjoying it while we can, ok?

After seeing these pics, you understand our addiction to bathtime photos of babies, don't you!  Thought so!

This baby is crazy.

the lovely palouse.

On the drive home from Ben's birthday celebration in Palouse, we stopped along the way to snap a few photos of the lovely palouse.  It is beautiful country!

My mom has loved this grove of trees between Pullman and Palouse since Teenie moved up north, and we finally got a few shots of them!

We love heading up to visit the Kaufmans, but seeing the palouse makes the trip even more worthwhile!

a party.

Teenie and Steve planned a "Fun in the Sun" birthday party for Ben.  We had zero sun, but lots of fun!  Here are some pics!

Mom, Teenie, and Teenie's niece Andi

 Steve's brother Phil and Ben

 Steve's brother Joe and his daughter Andi

 Clara loving on that Will again, and Oma

 Clara (loving the whipped cream) and I

 Presents with all the little ones!

 The only family shot of the day...classic!

 Yet another classic!

I did a terrible job getting shots of everyone there!  I always do...someday I'll learn!