Our Escape to Yellowstone...

This year's trip was fun filled with family, fly fishing, and a bunch of "firsts" for the kids. We headed up to the family house in West Yellowstone for a week of relaxation in July. I must say that Barb and Steve were fantastic hosts again and we got our well needed rest and family time we had been looking forward to. Blake learned how to walk and Tyler learned how to fish. Which is more important? Well, it depends on who you ask. My luck at fly fishing increased this year as well. Last year it took me 3 days to catch just one little fish. This year, on day one, I caught 2 fish and day two I caught 6 fish (more than Andy even though he said, "I didn't know we were competing."). We also saw some animals...3 moose, Andy saw a bear, lots of elk, and of course buffalo. Here are some pics from this year's trip.

T Man learning how to fish.

Relaxing with Daddy on the dock.

Fishing on the Firehole River. I am told this is a world famous fishing spot. Here is my first fish of the trip. It was very exciting. In the background (you probably cannot see it) there are 2 elk and an elk calf just by the river.

Day 2 I brought in 6 trout! Woo hoo!

The anglers! We sure are dressed the part...

Tyler and Bepa waiting for a big fish.

We rode bikes through the neighborhood, too. Tyler is doing really well on his bike.

We visited Old Faithful. Blake was fascinated by the water shooting in the air.

The family...

Mema and Bepa with the kids.

The kiddos...too stinking cute!

We picnicked in the park and Tyler played in the dirt with some of his new friends.

He was very busy digging.

Heading down to enjoy the scenery.

Checking out the beautiful river in Yellowstone. We just love it here!

It Must be the Mountain Air...

Well while in Montana visiting Andy's parents, Barb and Steve, Blake started walking at just over 13 1/2 months old. He really hasn't had much interest in it until just recently. We were kind of hoping that it would happen there because that is also where Tyler learned how to walk when he was 14 1/2 months old. He is still a little wobbly but so darn cute moving along at his own pace then falling down every so often. Here are videos of both boys learning to walk in West Yellowstone, Montana.

First up is Tyler in June 2009...

Next is Blake in July 2011...

Maybe it is that great mountain air!

Just Bust a Move...

When we are not out gallivanting at McDonald's Playplaces, swimming in the pool, or swinging, sliding, or running around at parks around town, you may find us at home having a dance party. It's Tyler's new favorite thing to do at home. Watch as he busts his moves...whatever they are. Maybe I am corrupting my child with a little too much "So You Think You Can Dance."

"Crazy Little Thing Called Love"

Aquabats "Playdoh" (This one's for you Auntie Casey)

"Stone Cold Crazy"

Buzz Blakeyear...

Well, the time had come to get rid of those cute baby curls and have his first summer buzz cut from Daddy. So out came the clippers and away went Daddy. Blake really didn't mind the noise from the clippers and now he looks just like Tyler and Daddy with their summer cuts.

All done and looking mighty cute!

There's a Sticker in "Hear"...

More ear drama in the Lafflam house. At Tyler's 3 year check up, the doc found a sticker lodged in Tyler's ear. He must have just stuck it in there who knows when! Well that was in April and just recently I had looked in his ear to see if it was making its way out and there it was! With some tweezers and some praying that T would stay still I got the sticker out. All along we thought that this was a little sticker with a yellow flower. Come to find out, the sticker was folded, had five flowers on it, and was a little bigger than a DIME!!! Yikes! How did he get that so far in there? Boys...I will never know, but I am sure we will have more adventures like this in the future.

T with his sticker! Oh boy!

Blake Gets Tubes...

Since Blake's fall in February, we have been getting his hearing tested. He has always failed his hearing tests in his left ear and more recently failed on both sides. So, the doctor said it was time to get tubes. The loss of hearing is due to fluid in his ears and the accident just brought it to our attention sooner rather than later on when he wasn't talking and having speech delays. I guess everything happens for a reason. So here are some pictures of him before going into surgery. He got to wear this cute tiger hospital gown. He did an awesome job with the procedure and the anesthesia. He is starting to make more sounds so we hope the tubes are working.

Happy as usual!

Monster "Bash"...

Our little man, Blake, turned ONE on Saturday and we celebrated his birthday with family that evening. Mema and Bepa came into town for the festivities. We had a picnic dinner in the front yard with neighbors followed by presents and cake on the big day. Today, we had a great monster themed party with a monster sub, monster mash (ambrosia), and a great group of our friends. We had a fun time celebrating that our baby is now a real number, "1", and growing up so fast! We love you Blake...Happy Birthday!

Time for presents with Mema and Bepa on Blake's birthday...

Loving the cupcake!

He loved the sugary cupcake since it was the first one he had ever eaten. I'm sure he was thinking, "This is so much better than that pureed stuff Mom gives me!"

Peeking at Daddy while opening presents at his party. So cute!

Happy 1st Birthday Blake...Monster cake

Make a wish!

Yea! I am ONE!

So, where's my cake?

Happy boy making a big mess...

This is Blake after being wiped down once. He had so much fun with the frosting! So, when do I get to turn 2?