Sam's got something to say

Watch our little man get a few things off his mind.

The perils of learning to crawl

You'd think these boys were from Philly

Boy of summer

Happy (double) Dad's Day to me

Didn't think Father's Day could get any better, but Sam Otis made it twice as fun this year. 

Ready for the dog days of summer

Muggin'

We're celebrating Father's Day early at the ballpark tonight since we don't play on Sunday. The first 10,000 dads at the game get a Mariners travel mug. 

Why do I share this info on the blog? Well, check out the father-son duo that graces the side of the giveaway box. 

Happy (early) Father's Day!

Mama's boy

Sam picked the occasion of his 7-month birthday to say his first word: mama. 

Appropriately enough he was looking at Elisa when he said it. 

His brother now wants to know when he's going to say, "Max."

Sam at seven months

What's our little guy been up to lately?

Oh you know, just looking ridiculously cute

Eating and spending time with his brother
(aka the coolest person in the world)

Learning to feed himself

Giving this walking thing a try and dressing awesome

And for the most part enjoying being the center of attention.

Max meets an American hero

I wanted to share with you an incredible encounter we had on Memorial Day at Safeco Field two weeks ago.

Prior to the game, Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry delivered the game ball to the mound.  It was the culmination of a memorable and moving pre-game ceremony honoring veterans.

SFC Petry is a true American hero. He received the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor, when he protected a group of fellow soldiers in Afghanistan retrieving a grenade and tossing it away from them. He lost his hand, but saved many lives.

In 2011 when President Obama presented him the Medal of Honor, SFC Petry became only the second living recipient since the Vietnam War.

As the family and I were leaving the ballpark that day we spotted SFC Petry and I introduced him to Max. Not only did he spend a few precious moments with Max, but he reached into his pocket and presented Max with a personalized coin imprinted with his name and the Medal of Honor.

Below you can watch this incredible moment that I won't ever forget.

 

Last day of preschool (until September)

Another year of preschool is in the books. Max has one more school year before he starts (deep breath) kindergarten.  

Here's a look at how he started and finished the year. Yes, we cut his hair once over the last nine months.

Neighbors and preschool pals for life. 

The pre-K version of the Rat Pack.  

This about sums up the joy preschool brings Max.

Not only did Max get bigger, but so did the goslings.

Just added to the PlayGarden: A musical art instillation from renowned artist  Trimpin.

For comparison's sake. Our little guy just keeps getting bigger. 

Let's play (nearly) two

Proud of my boys for making it through all 16 innings and 5 hours and 42 minutes of the longest home game in Mariners history. 

Sam only took this first inning nap and neither of the kids shed a single tear. 

Can't say the same for their dad after the tough loss. 

Look out Michael Phelps

Max may not have 18 gold medals, but he's almost logged 18 minutes in the pool. 

Our little man had his first swim lesson on Friday. He went with a few of the neighbor kids and he bravely took the first plunge into the pool. 

Unfortunately, like his mom when she was young, his thin frame didn't keep him warm enough, so he came out of the pool shivering and nearly blue after about 15 minutes. 

With some online sleuthing Elisa found a mini wet suit that should solve the shivers next week.