The Griffins: October-Mostly "Treats"

Where did we leave off last time? Oh, right, Rob’s mom’s wedding reception! Sue and Steve were married in Florida in March, but had a wedding reception/celebration on Lake Union and Lake Washington (on 9.20.08; okay, so that was technically September, but it was still a treat!). We got to meet more of Steve’s family, including his three sons. There was yummy food and crazy dancing until late into the night, and then we got to enjoy a room at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

One major “trick” of October was that Crystal’s grandpa (aka Papa) had heart valve replacement surgery. Thankfully the surgery went very well and he’s been recovering smoothly and quickly. We are so thankful for that and also that we get to see him (and Nana) pretty often, even though they live on the other side of the mountains.

We joined the brand-spankin’-new YMCA next door (literally) and took Ruby for her first swim ever in the pool there. She didn’t cry too much, but they’re still working on the pool temperature, so it was a little cool for her taste. Since then, we’ve taken her swimming in our little condo pool, which is much warmer (in the water and the air). She loved it! She swam and kicked and splashed while on her belly and her back. She especially liked it when Daddy played peek-a-boo with her by disappearing under the water. She laughed and laughed at that.

Ruby was a pirate for her first Halloween, so all together we were a pirate family. I’m sure we intimidated so many people (ha!)! We also did a pumpkin photo shoot and carved jack-o’-lanterns with Crystal’s family.

On the other side of the family, we went to Schuh Farms to check out the pumpkins, donkeys, chickens, and pigs. Ruby’s cousin Jaxon met us there (along with his mommy Emily), and the Farms even put out a special sign greeting Sue and Steve. We felt so welcome!! (No, the sign wasn’t really for us… we think!) Afterwards the cousins got a little playtime together. Check out this super cute pic of the three of them (Jaxon, Torance, and Ruby)!

Well, those were our major October festivities. As for Ruby’s development, she’s been laughing more and more, discovered that her bottom lip is fun to suck on, and loves to read her books (especially the ones she can hold by herself!). She doesn’t like her naps, but still enjoys sleeping through the night (usually!). And after just a few practice tries (at yoga class with Mommy), she decided she can sit up now! Some days she’s better at it than others, but she definitely can when she wants to! It’s just hard to catch on camera, especially with just one pair of hands to assist her and take pictures at the same time!!