Busy Weeks

It has been a busy couple of weeks! Here is a picture of Emma and Michelle soaking up an aquatic massage with Katherine Bragg at Breitenbush Hot Springs in Oregon. Michelle's school requires that students go on this retreat and practice hydrotherapy! What a beautiful October weekend it was!



Emma's sleep patterns have been changing and we struggle to know whether to let her fuss on her tummy or turn her "back to sleep." This was the first night we let her "fuss." Before I went in, Dan prefaced "Don't freak out, she's still breathing!"



The day we went to get our Christmas tree was also the first snow of the year. It turned into a beautiful December day with thick flakes draping the trees. Emma was fascinated by the snow and even tried to catch some flakes on her tongue.






Trimming the tree took a bit longer this year in spite of (because of?) the extra help. A week later and we still have ornaments in boxes -- we manage to hang two or three each day.







After a day in the snow, Emma's big sister is wiped out. If you ever want to see the video of Kona snoring away on her pillow, let us know... it made us cry with laughter!

Puppy Love

We just figured out how to add video to our blog. Emma's delight in her best friend is priceless.

Table Manners

We started giving Emma solid foods last week. I'm fairly certain she is actually consuming some of it.

Autumn

The trees are clothed in their autumn splendor. Last weekend we visited some of Michelle's family in Southern Washington and the signs of the new season were everywhere. From gathering pumpkins in Ridgefield on Saturday to a colorful walk in Longview on Sunday the weekend was busy but fun.


At a harvest festival near Ridgefield, Aunt Liz gives Emma the giggles. Liz's grandkids Blake and Addie joined us and Aunt Jeni for a hay bale maze, pumpkin harvesting, and a tractor ride through the farm.





Mother and child in front of the hay maze.







Comparing tongues with Missy, Michelle and Jeni took Emma to visit Grandma Mary in Vancouver.







After church on Sunday Grandpa Bob and Polly and Aunt Erin showed us and Jeni the full glory of the most colorful season with a walk around Lake Sacajawea in Longview.





Little Miss delights the crowd with her winning smile -- the only thing that day more radiant than the autumn leaves.

Swimming!!!

Today Emma and Mama went to the pool for the first time! I don't have a photo because when we got out to the pool with the nice lady so willing to take our picture... the camera flashed "low battery," and shut off---Needless to say I was very SAD! But I will describe Emma's Pink swimsuit with the brown polka-dots and the ruffles on the bunders and the big grin on her face. We only stayed in the pool for 15 minutes, I wanted her to end with much enthusiasm! Showering Mama and Emma was a bit challenging, but as soon as Emma was dry and in her carseat she was out like a light, so Mama was able to dress after all (yea!).

Wenatchee Cider Weekend

We know it's Autumn when the Ringsrud's host their annual cider-making weekend -- the crisp air, the ripe apples, and the cider flowing like a honey river. Years ago it was just a bunch of single college kids gathering at the orchard, sleeping on the floor, and playing card games until the wee hours of the morning. These days many of us are married and passing on the tasty tradition to our curious little children.


Self portraits are more challenging with three


Reach for the "stars" Michelle


A messy business


Harvesting


The tradition continues

First Entry

Here begins our leap into the 21st Century with the Layton's first blog. Time is a premium these days in our family thanks to our lovely little addition. Hopefully we can manage to keep this blog somewhat up to date. I am currently typing this entry one-handed while Little Miss sits on my lap spitting up on me knee :) In the meantime, enjoy the pics from our cider weekend.