Pure torture

...having this cute of a mini around who never lets me take a decent picture of her. Torture I tell you!!

***I talked to Isaac this morning and he is in absolute heaven. Doesn't get much better for a four year old then having a sleepover between his cousins in a teepee!

First sleepover

Isaac's thoughtful and SUPER fun Aunt planned a sleepover at her house for Isaac and her girls. When I told Isaac last week, he said "But mom, you said I wasn't old enough for sleepovers!" I told him we'd make an exception for cousins.

I don't think I really need to explain to you how excited Isaac was when 5pm rolled around tonight, the pictures say it all. He was cramming all sorts of stuff into his bag. The tenderest of all was that he went and got a picture of Geoff and I and put it in his bag "in case he missed us".

He was very loving with Lucy before he left also and told her, "Woocy, I'm going to miss you a lot...but you can't come." Ahh, big brothers.

The discoveries I made at Discovery Gateway (Children's Museum)

Discovery #1
Call beforehand to see if A. all of the surrounding SLC schools just happened to be out, and B. if about 20 preschools have arranged to come on that same day.

Discovery #2
If A and B are in place, NEVER, I mean, NEVER go, unless you want to lose your children, AND the adult you came with every 30 seconds.

Discovery #3
While vans are spacious, getting food to four children in one requires the flexibility of a contortionist.

Discovery #4
I would rather pull my own hair out piece by piece then put myself in this situation again.

That being said, I did get some pictures when we apparently were having a good time:

Isaac's favorite part is the construction section.



Flying the helicopter.



Lucy Lu










And if you ask me to go here again Amy, the answer is no. Unless of course it's been a year and I've forgotten this fiasco.

A day of firsts

Isaac played his first game of soccer ever on Saturday. As you may know, I love soccer, so seeing him play was extra special for me. I'm kind of mad about the kids who push him over, but you have to see him with his hands on his hips when he's tired. It's the cutest thing ever. He's #9, with the big shorts and chicken legs.


After the game, Geoff took Isaac up to Sundance for a long awaited first day on the slopes. Isaac was an immediate natural, and I'm pretty sure Geoff's never had a prouder day as a daddy. Our little boy is growing up!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Our Lunch Group get-togethers have been few and far between since the addition of second children for each of us. I cherish every crazy minute when we do manage to meet up. We had a green party of sorts in honor of the holiday at Amy Furstenau's AMAZING new house.

The green spread.



All the kids, minus Simone who was sleeping.
*Lucy's skirt was made by my super talented friend, Kristina.



All the older kids ran in the house after the picture and locked the door. We had to offer all sorts of treats and threats before they finally came and opened it.



Enjoying the infamous Dewitt cupcakes outside on such a beautiful day.

A glorious day

It almost approached 70 degrees outside, so pretty much it was the best day ever. We had a picnic at the park and then after Lucy's nap we played outside and got filthy dirty. I've been looking forward to this day for many cold months!







Our new friend's puppy, Sawyer. Isn't he precious!

Chickies

It has to be Spring if baby chicks are around, right? Snow, take a hike.

My awesomely tubular friend Elisha, is temporary owner of these sweeties. Lucy pretty much died and went to heaven.




I heard "Argh Matey" and turned around to see this. We were dying laughing.

Prepare yourself

Below are many additional posts from my trip to Oregon.

Our trip was such a nice break from the hustle and bustle of our normal schedules. We enjoyed long walks in the crisp air, seeing loads of animals everywhere, time with family, a delicious new patisserie, swimming at the Aquatic Center, seeing my very best friend from high school and her darling son, and ate as many almonds as we could handle. (that's an inside joke)

My trip home this time was very rewarding to me. I went on several runs on trails that I ran on as a highschooler and was overcome with gratitude for where my life has taken me since those days. Thank you to my friends, family, teachers and clients that have helped me achieve so much thus far! I have been so blessed.

A walk with my mom and the kids.



My mom gave both Isaac and Lucy haircuts.



Lucy dewinging a ladybug she found.

Cousin Thomas

Tommy and Lucy just love eachother! When we were together, everyone would ask us if they are twins (though he's 6months younger). Lucy called him "Deekah" for some reason, and they followed eachother around giving hugs.




Looking outside at the cows and dogs in the neighboring field.

Seeing the lambs

Our visit coincided perfectly with the birth of these lambs at a nearby lambing facility. I only wish they didn't paint them!










The kids just love Ami. EVERYONE loves Ami. She is the most selfless person I know.






Pretty sure this little one was smiling at me.

Orchard Court

This is where my brother and his family live while he is finishing his last year at OSU. We went there before our hike (see below) and let the kids play on the playground.

Caroline in her special swing.






Only in Corvallis...A lady and her husband came by with their one week old pet lamb and let the kids play with it. It was darling and so snuggly. What I would have given to be out in a lovely green field with it!

Fitton Green

A little known overlook in Corvallis that is BREATHTAKING! I assume it's even lovelier when it's warm, and maybe sunny.




My brother Seth, his wife Caroline, and their son Thomas.

Some randoms

Poppy (my dad) was VERY busy when we were in town so we didn't get to see him as much as we would have liked. He did a great job with all his church-related events that went on that weekend though, and we were very proud of him. He put Isaac to bed every night with a new "yarn". Isaac and Lucy followed him around every second he was home.




Isaac discovered Barbie and Ken and was quite enamored with them.



Thankfully it didn't rain as much as we had anticipated and on this day it was even WARM!

American Dream

If you're from Corvallis, you know that a pilgrimage must be made to this pizza joint anytime one is visiting from out of town. YUM!

Isaac coloring a plate to hang on the wall.



Tasting the deliciousness.



Uncle Seth putting "makeup" on Lulu.



Lucy's revenge was a crayon to the eye.




My favorite Superman wall is located right nextdoor, but to my utter dismay, they were open almost 24-7 (the last time I was there it was the holidays and they had limited hours) and they refused to pull the door down for me. Argh!!

Bathtime at Ami and Poppy's

The Shinkle Family

This is quite possibly the sweetest woman I've ever met. She is coming to my workshop and just happens to live close to my parents, so she booked me for a session while I was in town. Though the weather was less than ideal (and the sun situation!), I had a wonderful time finally meeting this family!