finally back to blogging

From one Washington to the other. Hopefully the Obama's make some room because the Harker's are moving to Washington DC! Braden was offered a job with Homeland Security to be an economist. We are super excited for this new adventure in our life. Braden has become a little school girl. He is constantly talking about what the job will entail and how excited he is to get started on his career!

I am terribly sad to be moving away from all of our family but I am praying that we will make some awesome friends over there.

On the other hand I couldn't be more proud of my hard working husband, who is willing to sacrifice so much for our family. We finally get to see that hard work and sacrifice ALWAYS pays off, just not always on our time clock. Heavenly Father has a plan for us and if we stay faithful He will provide the way. We are humbled to be offered this position and are so grateful for the many people in our lives who have helped us get to where we are now.

I have never been to the East Coast. I hear amazing things about it except for one thing.... humidity. I just don't do well with heat, especially wet heat. But those cherry blossoms are absolutely beautiful! And how exciting will it be to be living in the capitol of our country! I am pretty excited. Let the adventures begin!

Oh and here is a pic of this adorable toddler! Who is walking all over the place, changing all the time, and a little entertainer. Love being his audience/mommy.

leo's partay...s

This lucky boy had two birthday celebrations! One on his actual birthday and the second on the Saturday following his birthday.

On his actual birthday we went to lunch at Red Robin with Papa Sendzik, Mommy, Daddy, and Jannica (she is practically an aunt to this kid). He loved Red Robin because there is so much going on and loud music. He tries to meet the noise level by talking really loud and screaming. I think it's hilarious, the people around us might not say the same. The servers brought him a balloon and sang to him. We thought he might get scared, but not at all. He loved the attention. Leo stared at them with his mouth wide open the whole time.

That night I made a little cake for him to dive into. He was apprehensive at first but then got the hang of it. See the play by play above. Once it was time to clean up, he realized how messy he was and did not like that. I wouldn't either. haha.

For the big birthday bash, we headed to Riverfront Park in Cashmere. We had pizza, cupcakes, cookies, balloons, bubbles, presents, and a little bit of rain. It cleared up after the party got started and it turned out to be nice weather. Leo had a great time playing with all of our friends and family that came. He received so many fun gifts! Thanks to all who came! You guys made it fun and unforgettable!

I have a one year old?

My mind cannot comprehend that it has been one year since this amazing event changed our lives forever.

He is changing everyday. Loves to talk now. Even attempting to say some words: flower, more, all done, light, papa, mama, dada, pst. Okay the last one isn't really a word but it's so cute when he says it.

He isn't walking yet but he has taken a couple steps a time or two. When he's ready he will do it.

Sleeps like a champ. Eats like a champ. At his year weigh-in he was at 22 lbs and 29 inches long. Once again, 50th percentile across the board.

We have seen a few tantrums so far. They have thrown us for a loop but we are figuring it out as we go. Oh toddlerhood... deep breaths.

Most of the time he is an easy-going and happy boy. Let's hope it stays that way.

I could go on and on and on about how much love and light this little angel boy has brought into our lives.

Leo, I can't believe you have been with us for one year! Sometimes it feels so short but I feel like I have known you my whole life. We love you forever!

taste the sun.

we went to cali recently for a family wedding. well thank goodness they decided to get married there because we got to soak up some sun, sand and water. we also were able to spend some time with my side of the family!

it was leo's first time at the beach. he was able to explore it all and decide what he liked and mostly, didn't like. the water was too cold and the sand was an odd texture but pure exploration is adventure enough in itself. he loved it. we spent almost everyday outside. how i miss being able to do that.

leo caught up with a couple of his adorable cousins, olivia and elise. these girls are so much fun. leo never needs his mommy when these girls are around. they are extremely entertaining. leo and elise sit on the floor and steal toys from each other, while olivia dances around them. got me to thinking, maybe we he needs a playmate at home besides just mommy and daddy... nah not yet. good thing these girls are coming to visit us this summer!

i miss everything about that place. our visits are never long enough. can't wait to go again.

p.s. there is a little baby that has a birthday in 5 days! and he will no longer be a baby... tear.

11 months.

On April 19, Leo is officially 11 months! I decided to post some random recent pictures of him that make my heart melt with happiness. I am in complete awe of how much an 11 month old can learn and retain. Leo surprises me everyday with something new he has learned. Right now, he likes to go through the alphabet and we help him with the sound each letter makes. His favorites are B,D,G,K,S and X. He can point out mommy, daddy, and baby Leo in pictures. Leo likes to touch his nose and ears, when prompted. This little puppy learns new tricks all the time. He is getting so big! Happy 11 months Leo! Mama loves you.

teaser

the sun peaked out and warmed up the day to almost 70 degrees! we decided to go to the park to celebrate. leo was able to touch the grass, wave to all the passerby's, point at the bikers and go carts, eat bark, and get grass stains. he loved his first trip to the park. can't wait for more sunny days like this one.

one short day in the emerald city

wicked fans? anyone? anyone?

i love me some wicked, but i am talking about the real emerald city... seattle. ahhhh i love that city. we decided to head down there last minute. in celebration of our anniversary but mostly just to get away for a little bit. we visited some amazing malls and went to the seattle aquarium. we had a great time, even though nothing beats sea world.

wohoo for 3 years of bliss. i love my braden. i wont bore you by confessing my undying and forever-growing love for my husband. i prefer to tell him to his face, since he is sitting next to me. cheers.