A NICE surprise!

For any of you who rummage through your coupon books (PayBack, to be exact) looking for new places to eat - we found a gem! You would NEVER know from the name "C.T. Cafe" or location (McGillivray / 164th) that this little restaurant would be so delightful!
We walked in for lunch, and what a cute, asian bistro-style place! The small, bright lights above the tables, nice bamboo work on the booths, and VERY clean floors (we did notice, because Evan was pretending to be a cat) were just the beginning. Though their menu isn't huge, they do offer a good variety of American/Chinese fare (we opted for a chicken burger and a hamburger). They even serve breakfast (until 2:30pm) with those nice, big sausages. Not the cheap little stick ones....
The owner (who adored Evan) was very friendly and accommodating. Evan wanted breakfast with SELECT items, and she kindly brought them out in a beautifully decorated plate.
We are raving about this place - and wanted to share our good fortune with friends. Please support this local business - it was a pleasure being their customer!

Evan's Big Announcement

This is how we announced our news to family members.

I am 8 weeks along and just now starting to feel nauseated. And here I was last week complaining "I don't feel sick!" Ha ha.

We are very excited, and had been trying for about 6 months. Now that I am finally pregnant, it's WAY scary! I can't believe we're going to "start over" again, but I know I will fall just as madly in love with my second baby as I am with my Ebby.

(No - I will NOT be posting pictures of my belly)

A Blast at Big Al's

The "slow way" - pushing it down the lane.

Once he discovered this ramp, it was no going back to the "slow way"!

Yay! A spare!

We recently took Evan bowling for the first time - he LOVED it! They have really reasonable rates for kids to play, so for a good amount of time, Evan rolled the balls down the lane for less than $5.

Big Al's also has an arcade, so Evan had even more fun playing games, earning tickets and redeeming them for (what else?) candy!

Vancouver Walk MS 2008

Over the past several weeks, I have had the privilege of being involved with this walk. Yesterday was the actual walk - and THANK GOD it did not rain! Ryan, Evan and Ryan's Mom walked (well, Evan lazily rode in his stroller) - and I was "Prize Queen" of Prize Distribution (you know, handing out t-shirts, duffle bags, etc. to fundraisers). How fitting, right? I LOVE prizes!

Anyway, it was a huge success - and based on comments from other walkers and volunteers - about 5 TIMES the size of previous years. People stayed afterwards for chowder, fruit, rolls, and even ice cream bars! Thanks to a TON of food and gift-card donations, we also had a raffle for some good prizes.

Here are a few photos from the event: notice my little Evan was the helper in the raffle.....

An Evan-ism

Tonight was so cute and funny, I just had to share. I was busy pulling dinner out of the oven while Evan and Ryan were rough-housing in the kitchen near me. I heard Ryan exclaim, "I'm gonna mess you up!" Evan, in the same wrestle-maniac voice yelled back, "No you're not! I'm already put-together!"
Kids are so literal at this age, aren't they?? I enjoyed that little laugh!

Is This Normal?!

To add to the list of things Evan insists on doing HIMSELF, now we can include trimming his own fingernails. It seriously scares me!! I was so afraid he'd cut too deeply, that I sat next to him gasping and cringing every second!

So tell me, does your almost-4-year-old do this?? Or if they're older, DID they at this age?

Cape Disappointment State Park

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse - we hiked up there!

S'mores chefs.

Evan fully enjoying his first kite!

"Leaning Men"


We spent 4 days during Spring Break at Cape Disappointment State Park. This park is on the Long Beach Peninsula, across the bridge from Astoria. It is so beautiful there! Evan had a TON of "firsts" - staying in a yurt, flying a kite and hiking up to the lighthouse. The weather was a mixed bag: 2 days sun, 2 days semi-rain. Good thing most of the rain poured while we slept! And the little heaters in the yurts? Not a big help. Next time we'll bring more blankets.


My Mom spent the 3rd with us - her birthday! We enjoyed the typical campfire dinner (hot dogs, potato salad, chips and s'mores for dessert). We also enjoyed our restaurant dinners too. :) Good thing we found a Dooger's in Long Beach!
And of course, a little espresso place in Ilwaco made the YUMMIEST Almond Joy Mochas - mmmm.... We didn't really "rough it", did we?


We're glad to be home in our warm, dry, spacious house. BUT - we had a wonderful family camping trip - and we're looking forward to MANY more.