FWHS Class of 2011

Congratulations to the Federal Way High School class of 2011!

Graduation was held at the Tacoma Dome over the weekend.

We were proud to watch my brother (valedictorian!) accept his diploma and take the first steps on his new life journey!

Class of 2011- turn your tassels! 

Go Navy- Beat Army!

Dinner at Anthony's to celebrate. 

Brett's HS Graduation 6-11-11 from Jevyn Backman on Vimeo.

We are SO proud of you Brett!

Always an Eagle- always an Eagle!

Videos from the Oregon Coast

I came across these videos from our Oregon coast trip back in March. 

Great memories!

Oregon Coast 3/23-27/11 from Jevyn Backman on Vimeo.

Yard Projects

Now that summer seems here to stay, we've been doing some projects around the backyard.  

When we first moved in, there were some rock stairs leading down to the grape vineyard and what is now our vegetable garden.

Going down the stairs made me nervous with James, and Matt was nervous for me and the belly.

So my handy husband dug out a nice little path for us!

I need to take more "after" photos, but there's a nice little spot in the middle for James and I to plant more flowers.  

James is a big fan of the new pathway, 

and I'm a big fan of all the energy he burns running up and down it! 

Notice how James helps Matt with everything.  He is so in love with his Dad right now. They've bonded in such a special way over the last few months since Matt has gotten to be home with him. 

It's the sweetest thing! 

Daddy's little shadow!

Keeping up the yard is alot of work! Time for a yogurt snack!

(Have I mentioned how excited he is about his booster seat?!)

Welcome, Summer!

Summer officially arrived today! We enjoyed 80 degrees and beautiful summer sun all day long. 

James was SO ready. He woke up bright and early and asked to go out at 8am!  

It only seemed right to spend a day like today outside.

Matt and Grandpa B went fishing early this morning. They both caught their limit in just 2 hours and had a blast.  

When they arrived home we were already enjoying the pool in the back.

This kid couldn't get enough!

Taking a break from the pool to mow the lawn, just like dad does. 

But seriously- this lawn mower is a favorite! He pushes it around all the time. 

At one point I think it even went in the pool with him.

Matt and I enjoyed the pool just as much as James!

"Mom, why do I have to have this sunscreen on my nose?!"

Lots of fun with bubbles!

He loves this slide.  Today he learned how to climb up the stairs and go down it all by himself, our big boy!!

Dinner was enjoyed outside today. We've had meals outside before this, but this was by far the best weather we've had for "eating out"!

103rd trip down the slide...

Big smiles!

Matt had a brilliant idea- move the big slide into the pool! This was a hit. James never wanted it to end!

So much faster!

Our little fish loves to swim.

I'd say this kid is ready for Hawaii- less than two weeks away!

Video highlights: James had a great time on the slide! And check out the very end... he loves to dance!

Summer Sun Is Here! 6-4-11 from Jevyn Backman on Vimeo.

We are excited to welcome the summer warmth! And speaking of welcomes, I'm welcoming my growing belly to the third trimester. June, July, August... and then we'll have a new Baby Backman to welcome! 13 weeks left in the countdown!

18 Months Old!

James is 18 months old today! It's hard to believe how fast time is flying by. 

The last 18 months have been wonderful.  

James brings such incredible joy to us.

We took James to his check up today.  The doctor confirmed what we already knew- James is a happy, healthy, growing boy!

He checked in at 32.5 inches long and just under 25 pounds.  

The 55th percentile for height and 62nd for weight.

At 18 months old, James' favorite books are Little People: Let's Go On A Class Trip! and The Little Blue Truck.  We read them over, and over, and over again.

Another milestone: James has graduated from his high chair into a booster seat! He LOVES sitting at the table with us. 

He insists on doing everything we do- eating with a fork, using a napkin, etc. 

It's the cutest thing!

Here he is- such a big boy!

(Thanks for the awesome PJ's Grandma B!)

James had to get two shots today. He was brave.

Turns out Batman is becoming a theme with our little guy.

James colored us a beautiful picture.

Bath time and ice cream to end the night. 

Happy 18 month birthday James!

Silverdale

We spent the night in Silverdale. 

It was a quick stay, but we had fun nonetheless.

James especially loved being on the beach. 

Small treasures...

His favorite activity was throwing rocks and trying to skip them like Dad.

I picked up a tiny crab at one point and showed it to him. I expected squeals or that he might be afraid- he responded by grabbing it and throwing it into the ocean, just like a rock. Such a boy!