Feighny updates -- Zachary's first month!

As you can imagine we've been quite busy this past month. I can't write much, but here are some pictures to capture a bit of what we've been up to...

Ian started swimming lessons again and is doing great. He's super excited that he can walk around now in the shallow end of the pool, but is much more hesitant than his kamikaze former self when in comes to jumping in the water and floating on his back...now he's afraid of getting water up his nose. He sure does love the hot tub though! :-)

Ian has also (finally!) found another passion in soccer after going and seeing Dada play with some frineds at a local park. Unfortunately after 23 years off the field Mike's body wasn't used to the quick moves his mind was still crafting and he hurt his knee. Guess his revival of a soccer career started about a half hour after it started.... :-(

...and to his super excitement (as you can imagine) Ian has started skating lessons too! "You have to know how to skate to play hockey like the big boys" -- and he is taking to it like a champ. Last week he mastered getting up by himself, and he had LOTS of practice. With a smile on his face the entire time!

We've also had time to relax and visit with the Force's during their visit to Colorado in Estes:

and FINALLY made our last (and first) camping trip of the year for Mike's B-day near Red Feather. We were soooo lucky in that it ended up being the last super nice weekend of the season and we all went away with a bit of sun and lots of great memories. 3 families, 5 kids at/under 4 (including Zach), 4 dogs, 2 campers, 1 van and lots of laughs and so many "He did it" etc. cries and "dog get out of there's" to remember.

We were excited to try our new sleeping arrangements with all FOUR of us in the van and it worked out perfectly. Me, Mike and Zach on the bed (feather bed and down comforter included -- yeah we're really hard core!) and Ian's lightening McQueen tent fit in front of our bed inside the van! He was so excited to cuddle up with all the blankets (and feather bed underneath for him as well, of course). Campin' Feighny style (ghetto? perhaps. Fun, absolutely!)

Here is Zachary relaxing in the fresh mountain air in his travel swing. He seemed to take to the outdoors VERY well and actually slept wonderfully during the night = I did too!

Mike took all the kids on bike rides through the various trails and roads around the area in the Chariot -- and it seems they had a blast. Good thing the trailer has good shocks! Ian was beside himself to have friends ride with him in the trailer (here with Aspen), and I think Mike got quite a workout pulling an extra 80+ pounds up and down the mountain!

Showing his big brother muscles before our hike -- all the while sporting the "colorado hiker" look complete with camelback and cow boots :-)

All the "big" kids before our hike (Oakley, Aspen, Quin & Ian):

Professional picture Quin's parents took of Zachary at 2 weeks -- and he wasn't cooperating or excited about it, but somehow they pulled it off. By the way Solley Photography rocks!

Back at home, Zachary snoozing on the boppy:

Mike has taken to sleeping & cuddling with Ian most nights b/c he gets more sleep and Ian always comes in to our room around 2 AM in his cutest voice saying "snuggie me Dada" -- how could you say no? (Plus Ian lets him "growl in his sleep" (snore) where he gets whacked if he's with me!)

chillin' at home:

Already surfin'

Happy 1 month birthday Zach! Zachary is growing like a champ 10 lbs 1 oz as of yesterday and we've all started to settle in to our new family of 4 life. Ian is the best, kindest, gentlest, proudest and super aware big brother a mom could ever ask for (only exception being the instance where he dropped a puck on Z's head!). Ian loves to help give Zach baths and watch Mama pump her milk -- the questions he asks! He seems to have grown up 3 years in just a few weeks! Zachary is becoming more aware of his surroundings and has proven to be a very pleasent baby. He rarely cries, but makes lots of "baby noises" grunting, slurping and so forth and is sleeping fairly well through the night (until about 2-4 AM).

...until next time!