Kinda like a reunion but for the first time.

"Grandpa Lyon" was what I called my grandpa.  Now he's Grandpa Lyon.  We picked up my dad and Cheryl on Wednesday at Sea-Tac and they got to hold her for the first time.  

There were smiles all around from both our family and strangers who happened to enjoy the moment as well. 

We made a day of it heading to Ivar's for lunch and Pike's Market for fresh fruit and cinnamon rolls.

The infamous "gum wall" in the Post Ally below Pike's Market. 

Curious seagulls at lunch.  Avery was not a fan!

Back in Birch Bay we got to experience a sunset at Semiamoo spit with views of Mt. Baker to our backs.

Hang out time with Grandpa.

Our adventures required frequent car feedings, diaper changes, and burpings with mommy. 

Dad and I enjoyed a kayak trip to the other side of the bay.  Our eyes were on the lookout for the unusual- sea lions, starfish and eagles.

A baby starfish.

How many starfish can you find? Hint-75+.

I couldn't get the camera out fast enough! Leila was called from the shore some 75 yards away.  The tide was low enough for her to meet my dad and I.  Here we are back at shore.  She was excited to see us.

An attempt at a family portrait. 

I've titled them accordingly. 

"Baby vs. Dog...Quick! Everyone look annoyed."

"Me and Leila...oh...and Katie and Avery."

"Squirrel!" 

"Squirrel Again!"

"Everyone look at the D#mn camera!"

"A mother's Love."

"Mole."

What a great time.  Thanks for coming all the way out to meet her!  Now we get a short break before my Mom and Dan arrive on Thursday!  Yay for doing it all over again!

A post only a father can love...

Sitting silently to soak up every last hiccup.  It's over.  I'll never get those moments back.  She will grow up and I will tell her about it.  Maybe this blog will still exist.  That's the beauty of these precious memories.  They cannot be replicated- not on video, or photo or in my mind.  They are over and she's going to grow up and leave me priceless irreplaceable sweet memories.

Some of these videos belong to her first week-others more recently.

A good friend got us a "woomie."  I couldn't help myself.

Leila and I exercising.

She loves her swing!

Sweet dreams bring half smiles.

My Favorite. 

Last week. 3 weeks.

Tomorrow is a good day.  My dad and Cheryl arrive.  It will be good as my family will begin there face to face meetings with Aves.

One is silver and the other's gold.

It's Avery's world but Leila has to live in it.  People say, "Just wait, Leila will be long forgot about." or "You're life is going to change...big time!"  Well, I have to say I'm glad I didn't throw my dog away and Avery is far from the center of everything we do.

Sure, Avery has her routines and her sleep and feeding times are of great importance to us but she is a "part" of our family and will function within the family unit...not run the family unit.   And Leila is doing great.  She was not jealous of Avery (like many said she would be).  She gets at least an hour on or off leash walking/ running a day.  She is excited to see Avery (but more me) however knows the time has yet to arrive when Avery can interact with her so she gives her a welcoming sniff and goes on her way.

May has brought out the flowers, sunsets, smells, and wildlife.

Today the tide was out...way out!  That meant an adventure with Leila and Emma for crab, starfish, and shells.  I took my camera.

Where I am standing is usually eight ft. under water.

 I caught a bald eagle  hunting on a sand bar.  Seriously, how often do you see a bald eagle hunting while on the ground?!

 Leila leaves the eagles alone for the most part.  Seagulls, ducks, and blue herons will have to leave the ground when she's around unless they want to meet Leila- Eagles are the exception.  I've yet to see her chase one, be interested in one, or want to be even remotely close to one.  That's probably a good thing!

She's not sitting...she's peeing.

I'm mean and might bite.

Social hour at the beach.

A juvenile eagle on the move.

I wish I could save these beautiful days for when my family visits next week and the week after.  I want them to experience Birch Bay and coastal Washington to it's fullest.  I guess to experience it to the fullest a little rain would be in the mix.