Off to Lopez

We went over to Lopez Island last Saturday, July 3rd.  We had to get up at 4:30 to catch the ferry, but Ryker thought it was well worth it.  He was very excited about this big boat.  I thought he might fall asleep waiting in the ferry line, but that didn't happen.  He was all jacked up.

Taking in the view

 

All smiles the whole way.  Notice the matching outfits?  My Mom borrowed a sweatshirt and I gave her the "Eat Fish" one.  Ryker ended up wearing his "Eat Crab" sweatshirt. 

Chucking rocks with the big boys

He pointed out every boat just in case someone missed one

How do I get over there? 

He wanted to know if we could swim.  The water was freezing and no one else was swimming, but apparently he thought it was the thing to do.  Instead his just waded in up to his waist and was soaked anyway.  I had his lifejacket, I should have just let him swim.

Of course, more rock throwing

He was pretty excited about all the shells.  He used them to dig.  We brought a few home for our own sand pile, but Cosmos and Chacon keep dragging them off.

Push up time!

 

Aidan took his shoes off so Ryker had to follow suit.  They scooped water with them and watched them float like boats.  Now whenever Ryker wears those shoes, he tells me they are the same as Aidan's.  He also wants to walk around outside with no shoes on all the time now and has asked to bring his shoes in the tub to make them float.  This kid loves Aidan.  Luckily, Aidan is excellent with him, and doesn't mind Ryker tagging along. 

Alexis is probably wondering how many rocks he's going to throw.

I'm not sure what was going through his head here, but he crawled back up the beach to the sand.  I think maybe the rocks were hurting his feet, but he wouldn't let me help him.

Ryker wanted on the teeter totter with me, but insisted on getting on the back.  I tried to make him sit in front, but he wasn't having it.  Maybe because the baby was already riding in the front, he figured he'd get on back.

He was having trouble hanging on because of my big ol' belly, but he thought it was pretty fun when he'd almost slide off.

Susanna and Aidan constructed this sweet fort and pretty soon everyone wanted in.

Of course, Aidan looked out for Ryker and made sure he got a prime seat.

After everyone abandon it, Alexis headed in to check it out.  When it was time to leave, I had to crawl into the farthest corner of it to peel Ryker out.  He was not happy about leaving and was hiding from me.

Lots of sticks, rocks, and water....what more could a boy ask for?

Long day, but he still had the energy to crawl around every inch of the car while waiting in line for the ferry.

Can you say TIRED?  He was out within minutes of getting off the ferry. 

Gypcrete

Ryker excited about the sand they brought for our gypcrete.  Don't worry, there was some left over and Ryker has a nice little sand pile.

Before the gypcrete that covered the radiant tubing.
 

Pouring it in

All dry.   You could walk on this stuff 2 hours after it was poured, but it takes 2 weeks to fully cure.

Looks almost good enough to leave as is.  We'll cover the main areas with hard wood, the bathrooms with tile, and the bedrooms with carpet.

Outta here.

Ryker loves to cruise...bike, trike, wagon, it doesn't matter as long as it has wheels.  (But no stoller, probably because he's not in control!)

He also bails off at the sight of any slug, bug, or anything out of the ordinary that he may pass.

Here he bailed then followed an ant until it crawled down the drain.

And he's off again.

Look at the speed on this kid.   I'm sure he will be boot race material.

A boy and his cork line.  Ryker loves to play with this peice of line.  He packs it up in his trailer, buries it in the sand, pokes the dogs with it...you name it, he's probably done it.  Anyway, this day he decided he needed to stick it down the storm drain, then pull it out to see how wet it was. 

So it's a little overkill with the pictures, but he did this for at least 40 min.  I sat in the grass and read the paper.  He was very intrigued.  Usually the end just came out wet, but sometimes there was a little mud on it, which seemed to make it all worthwhile for him. 

Future plumber snaking drains?  We'll have to work on him showing a little crack.

Chacon and Cosmos couldn't contain themselves anymore.  Ryker kept pulling it up with that good smelling mud and putting it in their faces to "see" what he had found and one of them finally snatched it.  Ryker was ticked.  I had to put down the camera and break up the tug of war between him and Cosmos. 

My Buddies

Ryker has been refering to Hippo and Monkey as his friends for a few months now.  Sometimes I find them propped up at the kitchen table ready for dinner, coloring, watching TV, reading books, ect.  I had to draw the line when Hippo needed his own milk cup.  I told Ryker he was going to have to continue sharing his.  At bedtime he's often very concerned that Hippo is well covered up and that he can see the book we're reading.  Monkey appears to be the 3rd wheel in this circle of friends, because Hippo definetly gets preferential treatment.  I came in his room this day because I heard him talking to them and they were both propped up "playing."

Hippo playing with the crane.

I think here he was waving to them, but Hippo and Monkey give fives and knuckles too so it could have been the beginning of a high five.  Lately, he's also been concerned with their hygene as I've had to clip their nails and he brushes their teeth.

Anatomy lesson:  Ryker pointed out all Hippos body parts to me. 

Fun Fact:  Ryker, Hippo, and I all have matching bellies right now.