They're Heeeere!

Over the last few days there has been a flurry of excitement in the Rhyne households of Oregon. Wait, was that plural? Did I say households? Yes, there are two Rhyne families up here now! At the end of last year, Andy's brother Zach was hired on as a job transfer to the Hillsboro Genentech facility from the South San Francisco facility (where both he and Andy used to work). Since Uncle Zach's official start date for his new position was Feb 1st he, his wife Auntie Karen, and their daughter Cousin *P flew up here on Friday afternoon with armloads of luggage, stroller, porta-crib, and oh yeah, their cat and dog. These poor guys had quite a load! Andy met them at the airport to help with baggage claim and to load the dog's crate into the back of his truck. Their arrival held good omens for the start to this new adventure: not only did their plane arrive almost 30 minutes early, the forecast for the day had been for rain and we didn't see any until late that night, making it much easier to move their belongings into their temporary Hillsboro accommodations.
Andy, Alton and I helped out a little bit with unpacking at the corporate apartment they'll be living in while they look for something more permanent, and *P was in Cousin Heaven with all of the hugs and squeezes and kisses she was giving to Altie. We went out for Mexican food afterward and the kids sat happily side by side in their high chairs, holding hands, slapping high-five, and exchanging squeaks and shrieks. They held hands while exiting the restaurant and we got audible "awww" sounds from at least half a dozen tables.


These two have made quite a habit of stunning folks with their cuteness. Who could forget:
The first time they met

Their first Christmas


Complete with the chunky thigh parade!

Alton's First Birthday Party

Their visit to Hillsboro last summer

*P 's First Birthday Party

A fun fall breakfast


(with two walkin' tots!)

And last Christmas

They are only six months apart in age and now they will be living in the same town, amping up the "cute" by the minute.
On Sunday night of this last weekend, after an exhausting weekend of unpacking and running errands, we welcomed Uncle Zach, Auntie Karen and Cousin *P to our house for dinner. While the food was getting ready, the kids had time for reading...

and playing,

before settling down to the table in their matching bibs, ready to eat! What a fun family meal.


We are so excited that they are here to stay!*P, Alton--what do you think about it?


Looks like a party to me!