Life With the Syphers

It's been two months since we returned to Oregon and regular life. Jake is now in his second year of med school and I'm staying busy at home with these two characters. 

Joe had his first taste of solid foods in the midst of moving back into our old apartment. We moved into the home of an older missionary couple for a while, but the wife passed away while they were in the field. It was very sad, but it did give us the opportunity to spend the summer in Utah, and we were able to get back in to our exact same apartment.

 Just a dad and his boys.

 Simon's always trying to be the center of attention.

 These boys love playing together. Joseph thinks that Simon is just hilarious.

 Enjoying some bike rides before the rain.

 Simon likes to help me cook.

 And he likes reading to Joseph.

 We went to the zoo with Jake's family. Jake's mom loves "wearing" Joseph. Jake should take "photobombing 101".

 Maybe Ronel can teach him.

 There we go.

 Cousins!

 Simon likes that we bought him a little seat.

 And he loves these sunglasses from Grandma and Grandpa's house. I think he stole them from another cousin...

Kelly gave us Benson's old rocket last Christmas and now it's one of Simon's favorite toys. Thanks Kelly!

 Moving up to the high chair. Joseph sure loves his solid food!

 Climber

 Here's Simon on the phone (and Joseph crawling around in the background).

 Couldn't resist this one.

And here's a video trying to get dressed.

http://youtu.be/mFMyc05uw0E

Sypher Summer Stuff

We spent most of our summer in Utah with the Carter/Parkinson side of the family, but there was plenty of excitement from the Sypher side as well!

First off there was the Sypher family reunion on the Oregon coast. We spent the night at Jake's parents house on the way.

 We bought a bike trailer for the reunion. Simon and Malachi had fun cruising together.

 Grandpa Sypher with his little buddy Joseph. These two really have a special relationship. Grandpa's always offering to hold and play with him.

 Grandma taking Simon out for a ride.

 Simon discovered scooters. Enough said.

 I'm pretty sure this stroller can do three...

The beach was just a bike ride away from our cabin :)

Camping in a huge forest next to the beach...I guess not everyone loved it as much as Simon...

As if that wasn't enough, at the end of summer we headed down to Arizona for Matthew's wedding and made a couple pit stops at the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.

Groomsmen

 Of course we picked the only day in August when the Grand Canyon was cold and windy.

 Simon's not much a view person. He's liked the interactive portion.

 In Vegas we went to a big indoor theme park.

 Wave to mommy!

 Jake and I went with Ronel and his mom to see the Hoover Dam because it's an incredible architectural feat steeped in history from one of our nations most poignant calamities. Also because it's where Percy Jackson fought a battle on his third quest. But mostly the first reason.

 Percy Jackson moment :)

 This thing is enormous!

So there you have it! A little (big) glimpse of our amazing Sypher summer adventures!