Still a Hit with the Ladies.

Since I'm an advisor for my sorority, I had a meeting at home with my advisee, Ashley. Luke was, of course, in attendance and made his presence known. After demanding to sit on the couch with us, he moved across the sectional over next to Ashley. He proceeded to- and I'm not kidding- pat and rub her thigh while she and I had our meeting. He laughed when Ashley did and completely melted every time she would acknowledge him.

Mothers of San Luis Obispo- lock up your daughters.

Luke's look of love.

Will be possibly attending Theta's Spring Formal?

Steppin' Out.

It has turned into an annual tradition that we hit up the Mid-State Fair with Grandma Carole and Grandpa John. The the last weekend of the fair, they watch Luke on Friday night while Matt and I attend the Wine Night/Concert at the fair and then the 5 of us head up there the next evening.

I still can't get over how big Luke has gotten. I happened to catch Grandma and Luke playing on the stairs again (Luke LOVES to come down the stairs on his booty) and the scene was almost exact as the year before. The diffrence- last year he could barely hold himself upright (he didn't start sitting up on his own until September-ish) and this year he's a sitting/scooting expert.

July/August 2008

July/August 2009

Here's a few shots taken as we were getting ready to leave the fair. We had hit up every concession booth and were ready to go home and enjoy our fair food comas.

We *Heart* Cinnamon Rolls.

Say "Funnel Cake!"

"One, Two, Three- Giant Corn Dog! "

Luke has started asking to "walk." He realizes that we are not letting him scoot around on his butt in public and if he asks to "walk" we let him go where he wants. His balance leaves much to be desired but the motivation is there so we encourage him to try and practice.


He believes that Dad is the only thing slowing him down.

Should probably roll those pant legs next time...

"March, march, march."

We are hoping his desire to be upright, although completely dependant on the situation and his mood, is a sign of good things to come. His regular physical therapist, Linda, came back the beginning of August after a 2 month trip so we're hoping their twice weekly sessions will continue his progression. I would LOVE to see him walking by his 3rd birthday (just Luke and a walker) but progression is progression so I'll take whatever time schedule this kid is on.

Believe The Hype.

On July 28th, we did a little day trip down to Santa Barbara to see Dr. Kelts, the pediatric G.I. specialist, who is at Cottage Hospital. We're still trying to figure out what is causing Luke's vomiting episodes so this was the next step in trying to narrow it down. I'll post more on that another time but as right now, Dr. Kelts does not think it's a G.I. issue and we're going to be consulting with a local neurologist next.

Anyway, I was so very pleased to discover that there is a Pinkberry on State Street. I've heard of it (frozen yogurt that is rumored to be heavenly) but since it's based out of L.A., I didn't think that trying it would be in my immediate future. Surprise! So Matt, Luke and I headed in, convinced that the word on the street had to be an exaggeration. WRONG. It's is DELIGHTFUL. We had a "tropical swirl" (blend of coconut and passion fruit) and I added fresh mango and kiwi to mine... mmm.... makes me crave one just thinking about it.

I think there may be one on Santana Row- definitely worth the trip. I hear the lines are long (not so in S.B. on a random Tuesday afternoon) but I would gladly wait. And if you don't believe me, this guy liked it too:

I think he's growling at me in this picture. He wants it all to himself.

Honorary Members.

The Gonzalez family was kind enough to invite us to help celebrate Matea's 3rd birthday party at their home the end of July. We realized soon after arriving that we were the only non-family members but that was quite alright- we were more then willing to join the family for the day.

There was a fish theme therefore Crafty Mama Kelci made cute little "ocean" pudding treats. Luke was briefly impressed but really just likes his pudding.

Birthday Girl Matea.

Luke and Dad beating on the dolphin pinata.

Matea, Kelci and Bella.

Bella and Luke.

Luke's 1st lollipop. He enjoyed it even though it was rootbeer flavored.

Luke made himself right at home and enjoyed the girls and all of their toys. Thanks for including us, Gonzalez family, and we hope to get to spend more time together again soon!

Central Coast Culture.

After the beach and naps, Steph, Kevin, Matt, Luke and I drove up to Paso Robles to check out the Mid-State fair. We go at least once a year but it's always fun to bring Luke and see what interests him. Because he is our son- it's primarily the food. And because he's MY son- it's NOT Smokey the Bear.

The Hersom children have a history of hating all costumed creatures. A young Uncle Brad had a meltdown when the Oak Grove High School Eagle mascot (a very cute teenage girl in complete costume) tried to hug him once. And Great America trips were always a disaster...

Luke keeps the family tradition going strong.


Corn dogs are always better at the fair.


We checked out the games and rides. I'm guessing Luke was distracted by a carnie at this moment.

Beach Bum.

Immediately following our Bay Area trip, Stephanie and Kevin came to visit for the weekend. We opted to hit up Avila Beach on Saturday afternoon. We had a nice relaxing time and Luke was more then content letting Dad pull him around in his "all-terrain" wagon.

Enjoying the sand between... his wheels.

It was windy hence the crazy hat and fly-catching mouth.

Aunt Stephanie and Luke.

Uncle Kevin, Aunt Stephanie, Dad and Luke.

The tide would go out and come back in while we were standing here. This was when it was out and I'm having a complete heart attack while taking this picture. Daredevil Daddy...

Luke loved it. Big surprise.

Chillin'.

Luke's Friendship Spans the Globe.

To conclude our Bay Area adventure last month, we headed up to San Francisco with our friends who were visiting from Germany. Hansi, Sandra, Joshua and Vivian Klatt are a wonderful family that we met through my dad in August 2005 when Matt and I actually traveled to Germany. Seeing them again, and finally introducing them to Luke, was a very special treat.

Pier 39. Even though it was July, it felt like January. Got to love San Francisco.

A shout out to Uncle Nick.

And Uncle Chris.

Luke became a spaceman for 1.4 seconds in a crazy hat store. I can't believe he allowed me to put this on his head let alone smile for the camera.

Panda and Luke warming a Pier 39 bench.


It's Vivian and Joshua!

Luke takes his bench-sitting extremely seriously.

The Klatt family with Luke and Panda.


I asked Luke to "smile" but he preferred a more intimate shot.

Hansi helping Luke perfect his German.

The Klatt Family with 2/3 of the Henard Family.

We hope the Klatt family makes it out here again before too long. Spending time with them was a lot of fun (they also stayed a night with Matt at our house in SLO) and hopefully we can head over to Germany again some day as well.