Family in California

Ryan, Norah and I headed down to California on Tuesday to vist relatives. We had such a wonderful time!

Solomon and Gramma at the Zoo

While Aunt Marla is out of town we have had the pleasure of playing with Cousin Solomon. If you haven't met him, you are missing out! He is a bright and precocious 3 year old with a spunky and fun personality. He came over to play for a few hours after school on Friday, then today we met Gramma Joyce and Solomon at the Oregon Zoo. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the place was packed! We managed to get in a train ride and visit many of the animals, as well as some running around/getting out the wiggles time!

The sheep weren't too excited about visiting with us.

Riding the camel - Solomon and Norah played on the animal statues for a good 20 minutes. Solomon is such a great climber, I don't think there was anything he couldn't master. Norah discovered lots of rocks, bark dust and a pinecone!
How cute is this smile???

Norah and Solomon enjoyed the Radio Flyer Limo Service that Gramma Joyce and I provided. Actually, I think Solomon had the most fun playing with the seats, seat belt and cup holders. He kept Norah entertained when she got fussy. One the ride out to our cars I kept hearing her crack up laughing at whatever he was doing.
Petting the goats is cool!
I love this cute little monkey. :-) She was delighted with the goats!
Yeehaw!! Gideeyap, cowpokes!

Who, me?

Norah found a clever new way to sneak into the drawer of goodies she isn't supposed to touch...she emptied out the bottom drawer, climbed and and started exploring the top drawer. I guess its time to find a new home for the scissors, pens, batteries, etc!

MKE 2006

Misty's Karaoke Extravaganza was a great success! We had lots of fun celebrating her birthday with friends and family - and playing Karaoke Revolution. Thanks to everyone who came, and to Mom for all her help with the party. It was a riot, we'll have to do it again next year...

Sing it, sister!

Misty couldn't let go of the mic - she is addicted...

Norah and Justice, running around and around in circles
A self-portrait - what skills!
Misty and Wendy
Even our shy mom couldn't resist the the lure of the mic!!
Misty and Jonesy, her best buddy

Bath Time

Bath time is one the most fun parts of our day - Norah is happy in the mornings and her delight increases with a bubble-filled bath full of toys!

A surprise trip to the Zoo

Norah and I made a spur of the moment trip to the Oregon Zoo this afternoon. Grandpa Vern wasn't able to come visit today, so we were left with a sunny afternoon to fill!
The small statue play area is one of out fave places. Mommy gets to relaz in the sun on a bench and Norah scurries around, climbing and poking. She was showing me the eyes and noses on all the animals.
The pymy goats in the farm area were quite a crack-up - and the saw horses were fun too!
Although not the best smelling, the penguins were a big hit.

Its fun to just watch what catches Norah's interest!

It's Jonesy's World

He needed a little nap, all tucked in... :-)

Playing with Grammy

Norah played at Grandma Peggy's house while I went to work on Tuesday. The weather has been fabulous, so they had a playdate at the Rick's house, then went for a walk. Norah loves playing with Grammy - she lets her explore everything!

Easter with Gramma and Grandpa Skogen

We spend Easter Sunday with Gramma and Grandpa in Corvallis - it was great! Gramma Joyce had presents, baskets, eggs and a delicious Easter dinner ready and waiting for us...so much fun and such a treat. Norah did a very good job during her first year searching for eggs. Once she found one, she just wanted to play with it - we had to persuade her to go find more. As you can see, we all really enjoyed the day. Gramma had a foil Easter bunny that really intrigued Norah and Solomon. Fortunatly it was still intact when we left.
A few weeks ago we went to Yeun Lui for photos with the Easter Bunny. Norah was so good with the little critters. She loved it!
Solomon was SO cute with all the girls. He is so good at sharing - and redirecting Norah when she gets into things she shouldn't be. He is a sweet punkin'! We get to play with him for a few hour on Friday and are looking forward to it!
Glamorous Sophie, sporting a bow...
Marla and Gramma, babywrangling - a near impossible task.
Who me? I wasn't touching Grandpa's duck carvings!

Family Visit

Aunt Lynne and Uncle Todd came to visit this last week - it was a great visit, because they were here to buy a house in Portland! We are really excited to have their entire family so close. They'll be moving from So. Cal. to Tualatin, quite a change. Their new house is incredible and perfect for a family and lots of entertaining. Yay! Grandma Carmen sent THREE sweaters up for Norah. You can bet you'll see lots of pics of them in the future. Today she wore a cream colored one with a beautiful pattern and we had compliments everywhere we went. People keep asking if I made them and I am tempted to say yes. :-) So far I have given all credit where its due - thank you Grandma Carmen!!

Dandilion: The Most Beautiful Flower

It was such a nice day, we went out on a couple of walks. Norah likes to stop for every flower, especially the dandilions.

Goodbye and Good Luck!

My brother and his wife, Robert and Mindy, are moving down to California. We had a little goodbye dinner for them and then watched old family movies. Two year old Kodiak

Misty as a 14 year old

Robert at about 9 years old
Crazy Robert and Mindy
It was also Tamae's birthday - and Mindy's birthday was on Satruday - so I "made" them very special hostess cupcake birthday cakes.
Justice and Misty
Kodiak and Clair!

Lunch with Jones

Days with Norah are spent keeping her out of Jones' dog food. Its a real delight... :-) Here she is, with a delicious mouthful. Needless to say, we've perfected the dog food sweep of the mouth!!

A few days with my favorite Monkey

Norah is learning to use flatware - what a genius! Well, developmentally on target, but I still think she's a genius. :-)

We've had several lovely days and spent lots of time outside. Jones and Norah have loved it...and I have too. Norah still fits in the sweater Grandma Carmen knitted her for Valentines Day last year.
Uncle Kodiak has created a fascination with Norah - she loves the PS2 controller now. Too bad, no video games for her!