Emerson is 8 months old!

Emerson continues to amaze us - he is cruising along all the furniture, walls, toys, etc. that he can find and beginning to take steps between furniture. He also has begun to appreciate music more outwardly, with his own version of a funny dance. He babbles all the time and is usually pretty happy. He is still most excited when Ryan walks in the door!

Family visit

Ryan's family came to visit and we had the opportunity to hang out with them at Aunt Lynne's home! Ryan's mom and stepdad, as well as his grandparents, were here for a couple of weeks. It was great to see them!

We've moved!

And are very slowly settling in...Emerson and Norah are enjoying the much larger bathroom - and tub! This is their first bath together without Emerson's baby tub. They loved it!

Booty

Norah's booty from the fair - she was awarded two participant ribbons, one blue ribbon and a .75 cent check as her part of the cookie prize!

Region Seven Retreat

This weekend our Region 7 team met in Portland for our annual retreat/training. I am so excited about this next year - our team is PHENOMENAL and full of energy and ideas for supporting the collegians and their alumnae mentors in R7. We rock! Our Region Seven Team - Kris, Britton, Carly, me, Stephanie and Pam

What troopers - Carly flew in from Alberta (and missed her anniversary), Pam flew in on her way home from a 2 week vacation to NY, Steph flew in the morning after a huge wedding event, Kris came directly from a visit to Idaho Alpha, and Britton began a two week doctoral dissertation for her PhD the next day!

Hard at work...
Taking a dinner breat at the Greek Cuisina
(Kris REALLY enjoyed the belly dancer... ;-) )

mmm...fried cheese

Riding the MAX back to the hotel
R7 so aware of the need to be fiscally responsible amd earth friendly! ;-)
On the way to the airport, I took Kris and Carly to the new Ikea - this was Kris' first trip!

Tapas with our adorable LDC, Lauren!
A quick visit to the Willamette and downtown

Carly and Britton, in front of more of the downtown skyline

Lynne, Mom and Ryan babysat so I could enjoy the retreat with R7 - and I know everyone's families made adjustments and sacrifices so we could meet. THANK YOU!!!

Round 2: The Clark County Fair

Grandpa came up from Corvallis to join Lynne, Dillon, Carson and our fam for a trip to the fair. We saw more animals, ate more unhealthy food and also went on fun rides!


Baby llamas make the cutest baby noises!

Grandpa, Norah and Carson - petting a cute lil bunny
Finally, a short snooze
Dillon and Emerson, wondering how they ended up in the goat barns

Norah's first carny game - she "won" a stuffed turtle
All week long Norah has been talking about going on the ferris wheel. Grandpa took her on it -she LOVED it and was happy and smiley the entire time. On the other hand, I was a scared mess on the ground. :-)
Carson is in the seat in the lower right-hand corner, Grandpa and Norah just above.
Crazy Dillon and Carson, upside down
So cute!
I think this is Akbar, the K-9 dog...but it might be Kane the K-9... :-O
A great day at the fair!

Round 1: The Clark County Fair

Grammie Peggy went to the fair with us on Monday - we had a great time! The kids (and adults) were very ready for a nap by the end of the day. We saw lots of animals, ate healthy (ha-ha) fair food and even enjoyed a K-9 show and a climb through a fire engine! This look says it all for Emerson - he was so overstimulated!

Norah's spectacular entries into the fair... this one is titled "Hands"...
...and this one is "Snake, Snake, Snakes"!
Emerson, posing by his Uncle Samerson photo - although they awarded a red ribbon, he's blue in my book!
These are Misty's two entries - both blue ribbon material!

Howdy, Pardner
Norah was a dancing cowgirl for quite a while!

Norah was THRILLED to ride her first pony - and so happy when she learned the pony's name is cowboy.
Petting a baby sheep (I guess thats tecnically a lamb)