Orions' first Interview with Charles St. Vincent

Kirstina and Orion, documented...

It seems like I'm usually the one taking the pictures around here, so I made a point to ask Michael to take some pictures of me and Orion.  We found the perfect occasion.  My dear friend Debra, who resides in Italy, was in town visiting.  She invited us to a barbeque at her uncle's ranch out near Riverside.  We had a wonderful time, and it was a wonderful break from urban life.  Thanks Debra and family!  Even though we had very little sunlight to work with and Orion was getting fussy, we got some really nice pictures.  I treasure the moments with my baby and I want to remember them forever!

Time with Papa

Orion loves his dad.  Right now, Michael is known as "papa" to him.  Michael loves his beautiful boy to pieces.  It's so fun to see the two of them together. 

Music Time

Play Time

Adventure Time

Just Hangin' Out

Morning Snuggles

A little boy and his "papa"!

Orion's Blessing Day-- August 16th, 2009

Orion Elijah Collins, born May 25, 2009

     Fresh from heaven.  Welcome to our family!

Sunday was a very special day.  It was Orion's blessing day.  Michael officially gave him his name and a blessing during our church service.  It was a beautiful blessing that welcomed him to our family and blessed his life.  We were thankful to have many of Michael's family in attendance.  Following the blessing, both Michael and I spoke in the meeting.  So it was a big day for the whole family.

Getting ready-- the day began with a bath and a nap

Then getting dressed in his blessing outfit...so sweet!

Then off to church.  Orion cuddled with Michael before the blessing, was alert and mostly quiet during the blessing, and then after the blessing, he slept in Grandma's arms for the rest of the meeting.

After church and visiting with family, he was all tuckered out.

Sweet dreams, little guy.  We know you are God's child, and we're thankful that you are ours too!

A visit from Michael's family

We enjoyed a visit last weekend from Michael's mother, his sister Jane's family, his sister Claire's family, and niece Hiedi and her boyfriend Shelby.  Also, Michael's brother Sam and his family came up for the day on Sunday.  We had fun at the beach, at the Aquarium of the Pacific, and at the Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro.  Thank you for taking the time to visit us!

Family Campout

While in Washington, we were able to go camping for the Fish Family Reunion (my mothers' side).  What fun!  Highlights were being in the beautiful forest, visiting with family, going swimming in a lake, and yummy food.  We slept very well.  I was impressed with our little camper!

my awesome mom with the babe

.  

we took Orion for his first swim-- we didn't have any swim trunks for him, so he wore his birthday suit and loved it

This is Orion's very grown up 4-year-old cousin 

Odin.  He's great with babies!

My sister Lauren and her adorable family.  Husband Anders and kids Odin, Henrik, and Elise.  They were great camping partners.

Happy Campers!!

A trip to Washington

We had a wonderful trip up to Washington.  We visited my family, including my parents, my sister Anna, my Grandmother, my sister Lauren, and many relatives.  We also were able to visit some of Michael's family in a day-trip to Seattle.  Orion had plenty of people to adore him, which was great!  When we arrived in Washington, there was a record-breaking heat wave, with temps as high as 108 degrees!  We stayed in and huddled around my parents' window AC for 2 days.  Thankfully it did cool off, and we were able to enjoy hiking, walking around Seattle, and a camping trip.    

Flying on Virgin America

Orion is a seasoned traveler!

Orion loves his Grandpa

and his Great-Grandma

visiting Michael's relatives in Seattle.  Sarah Jane, Uncle Jim, 

Aunt Jane, and Jaylen, Christian, and Seth 

We enjoyed a beautiful ferry ride from Seattle to Bremerton