Boyz & The Hood

Saturday morning, I woke up with the thought, "Let's drive to the mountain!" We haven't done anything spontaneous like that in a LONG time, and the sun was shining, so off we went!

First, we stopped for lunch at Calamity Jane's. I'd never been there. They have the weirdest burger combinations! We all got "normal" burgers, and the decor was truly old western style. It was fun!

Then we headed up the mountain all the way to Timberline Lodge. There was NO snow! Also, there was a wedding - so we felt like we were intruding on an otherwise public place. Nevertheless, Ryan took Evan on a little hike while I stayed and fed Jaren in the lodge. They found a little area with some snow and had a blast playing in it. Ryan also "happened upon" some snowmobiles just sitting there, so he couldn't resist posing Evan on one of them. Notice the number? 1 - of course. :)


After heading down the mountain, it was dinnertime and we were all hungry and tired. We stopped at Marie Callender's in Gresham (and took home some of their sickeningly delicious pie).

We didn't arrive home until after 8:30pm - which is WAY past Jaren's bedtime - but the boys did SO well the entire day! Our little troopers! It was a very relaxing pace for us, and we SO needed that spontaneity.

Birth Order Blessing

You know, I really believe in the philosophy of birth order. First-borns tend to be really driven, hard-working, Type-A personality, etc. I'd also like to add that first-borns (and though I'm not technically a first-born, I am the older of a pair. AND I'm younger by almost 10 years from next oldest sister, so that kind of makes me a first-born). Anyway - I'd like to add that first-borns MUST have an obsession with their names, and putting their names on EVERYTHING. I know I did it - wrote my name on stuff - LOTS of stuff - as a kid. It was mine, of course. I was older, so I knew more and therefore deserved more. :) hee hee! (I doubt Maria will read this.)

My point? Evan most definitely fits into that first-born stereotype. (Like we didn't know this already!) My other point? He too has an obsession with his own name. But THIS PICTURE represents just how much more creative and innovative he is than I ever was at 5. There he is, along with his name. Bold. Sitting right there where you can't miss him. "This is MY room. EVAN"

You go, little boy. Right now it's Lego Duplos, and you're disappointed that you couldn't get the "N" as perfect as you wanted. Maybe someday it will be a house or building you're designing. Whatever it is, make sure you stay bold. Make sure you stay determined. And make sure you ALWAYS know who you are.

I love you................EVAN.

Tubba Love & The Sock Frog

I just stole this blog title from myself. :) Just a minute ago, I sent my family some pics of what I did today.

Tubba Love = Jaren in the bathtub.

The Sock Frog = the flannel pajama bottoms I sewed for Evan today!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to my 3 JoAnn gift cards, and cash for my b-day! I bought a new sewing machine, and I am amazed that sitting down and patiently reading the manual actually TAUGHT me a whole bunch o' things! I even went out on a limb and drew a little pocket to add to the back of Evan's pants. Helps all of us to know which way he should be putting them on!

Jaren - 9 months

Uh oh. Looks like little brother is outgrowing Evan!!?? Could that be??

Jaren's Stats at 9 months: 24lbs, 12oz - 31" long
Evan's Stats at 9 months: 24lbs, 3oz - 30.5" long

Mr. Kindergarten!

I can't believe it's already here. 5 years ago, I had a 2-month old and didn't know up from down. Now, all I know is UP - because that's what he's growing. And too fast. I love you, my Evan! Congratulations on becoming a Kindergartner - may this year bring you happy memories, good friends and lots of fun.

Vacation Week!

This past week was a BUSY one! Ryan and I celebrated our 7th Anniversary at Bonneville Hot Springs Spa & Resort. This overnight trip was A-MAY-ZING! We got a mineral bath, mineral wrap and 80-minute massages, all in the same couples' room. Then, dinner. Oh. My. Gosh. 1st Class, people. The food was to die for!! The next morning, room service for breakfast. Delicious!!! What a wonderful treat.

Wednesday, we left for Rockaway Beach for 2 nights. Our first stop was of course the Tillamook Cheese Factory. How can you NOT stop there for ice cream and a tour? Then on to Rockaway. The house we stayed in was brand new, but away from the beach. There was a forested area backing up the house, so it was nice and quiet. We spent Thursday in Seaside - a very FULL day - and crashed early that night. Friday, we packed up and headed home!

Now..... we're exhausted. Figures, huh? They say you need a vacation FROM your vacation - and I fully agree. Now back to a new reality: KINDERGARTEN


The "Oldyweds" - on our veranda at Bonneville Hot Springs


Checkin' out the rental house and it's "amenities"


I love this shot of Jay. This was his first time being up-close-and-personal with the sand!

Oops! He fell backwards while sitting. Look at that tear! :(

Randoms

Ryan has been bugging me to update this thing. I can't believe it's been almost 2 months?! Have we been busy, or what??

One day I came downstairs to find that my industrious #1 decided he wasn't going to wait for me to prepare his lunch. He found a hamburger bun, some lunchmeat, sliced cheese and a cheese stick. He prepared it all on an "adult" plate and sat down to eat. I couldn't believe it! :)

Here's Mr. 5-year old at his birthday dinner at Red Robin. The waiters placed the "hat" on his head and sang to him. I particularly love this picture because his face is so GENUINELY happy. It was an awesome day!

One of his creations - a robot. This child has been creating things and lining them up since before he was two. I love him!

Little Hubba Bubba - 8 months old. (yes, he is already 9 months old NOW, but I'm a little behind on updating the blog, ok??)