Speakman Family Adoption: This week...

This past week has just been jam-packed with running around!

We started the week with taking a walk to the mailbox (Zack's new favorite thing). He pushed his push-walker all the way there and back...which is pretty far, actually, from the house. On the way back, a little neighbor girl asked if she could "keep him" and kept yelling, "PROMISE!?!?!" to me as I headed back to the house. She is so cute!

We spent some down-time with Daddy...he's been working so hard, but the time off in the winter will be a good pay-off.

Then, Zack and I spent a little time saving the world from danger. Jess got this outfit for him at Magic Mountain and sent it to him. He really liked the cape.

Then, Jess and her new husband Ben came to visit us! Jess hasn't seen Zack since he was born, so this was a big visit! She was able to help me feed him, play with him, give him a bath, go shopping, have a family dinner out - - it couldn't have been a better day.

Ben and Jess...they just got married last week. I really like him. He seems to treat her very well.

And guess what Zack started doing while Jess was here!!! He started taking more steps - - uh-oh! He took up to 5 steps at a time and started standing on his own for longer periods of time. I told her he was waiting for her to come visit to start pulling out those tricks!

We had a nice family dinner at Casa Carlos that night. We were lucky to have Heidi and her kids available to meet us too!

The next morning, Zack, Mom, Clint and I headed to Oregon. Our destination was near Salem, but we stopped short in Roseburg to stay the night with Tara's grandparents along the way. Her grandparents were such gracious hosts and we appreciate the home cooked meal, the comfortable bed and the good conversation! This was my mom and Tara's Grandma Diane sitting on their back porch sharing some wine.

Tara's Grandpa Dave. Zack had such a good time playing with him. He kept calling him "Dadda"...then Dave would say, "I'm not your 'Dadda'...I'm your 'Pop Pop'!" :)

Saturday morning, we continued our trek up North to Scio (near Salem) to my cousin Kim & Aaron's house. They have a VERY kid-friendly house, as they have a 7 year old daughter and twin 19-month-olds (1 boy / 1 girl). Clint and I stayed with them and mom went to stay with Mary Lou. As you can see, Zack was thrilled to be out of the car!

We had a fantastic BBQ with family to celebrate the life of Mary Lou's husband Steve (see obituary in previous post). While we were there, Zack got to see his Grandma Jackie (Jess' mom) for the first time since he was born. It was love at first sight!

The newlyweds, Destiny and Jon were there.

My cousins Tim and Harpreet. This was the first time I was able to meet Tim's wife Harpreet and I LOVE HER! She is so kind-hearted and she has an amazing family that came with her. Her and Tim make a beautiful couple.

My cousin Dave's wife Sylvia brought beautiful flowers for the tables. It was the first time I was able to meet her, as well. We got along very well and I can't wait to see her again!

Zack and his uncle Micah (Jess' brother).

Zane...one of the twins. He was fascinated with sharing toys with Zack, until he realized that Zack would be sticking around for a while...then he wanted his stuff back :)

Anna, her Grandma Mary Lou and Sylvia.