Vancouver Lake Park

Does anyone else still have this t-shirt? I was a little embarassed when I realized I had it on outside my home. :-)

When Norah grows up...

...she wants to be a face painter. Yep, you heard it here first. Begin booking your parties

now!

This morning Norah's ballet studio had an open house for their students and families - Norah's favorites parts were the face painting and the bouncy house - in that order!

Norah's instructor, and owner of DanceWorks Studio, Ms. Karen. She is an incredible teacher - and has such patience and kindness when working with the youngest children. We all love her!

Norah and Kelly, a friend from class.

Adventures Await Anson!

Tonight the Ricks family hosted a BBQ for friends and family, to celebrate Anson's departure on his mission for the LDS church. He has really prepared for this exciting time in his life and is more than ready to leave for Brazil! We are really going to miss him - two years is a long time - but can't wait to hear what he is up to.

Charlie found a picnic spot under the buffet table. :-)

I was too distracted to take many pics (i.e. lazing about in a lawn chair, enjoying the sun).

Enchanted Forest

Gramma and Grandpa Skogen met us at the Enchanted Forest for a lunchtime excursion. N and E really enjoyed the activites, but were most pleased to see their grandparents.

Cousins

Hadley, Norah, Kimberly and Josie

Milestones

Norah's first library card - she signed it all by herself!

Happy 33rd Birthday, Dave!

mmmm...enjoying a yummy chocolate and strtawberry birthday treat

Sprinkler at last

Today was finally warm enough to pull out the sprinkler - which made for VERY happy Skogens!

Finally, I let Emerson take his shirt off. :-)

Syttende Mai - Norwegian Constitution Day

Happy May 17th, hurray!
Some pics from our HOT afternoon celebrating Norwegian Constitution Day. We were lagging after the parade, but regrouped and made the most of the rest of the afternoon. Norah was exceptionally cute during her dance performance - she stood center stage and entertained the audience (and herself). We also had people ask to take her photo...I am bias (and flattery will get you everywhere)...but she is pretty great/cute. Emerson enjoyed running around in the kids activity room the most - actually, running around all over. He was up and down stairs and all over the place! He rode in a wagon during most of the parade and in Ryan's arms for the last bit. It was hard being restrained for that long! Emerson also scarfed down a giant polser (sausage) in record time, then begged Ryan for his. Well, I'd say he was more demanding than begging... We met lots of neat families and enjoyed the experience - and are all now in bed or on the way!

Jump!

If my dad could only see the kids...he forbade us from jumping on trampolines when we were little. :-) Norah and Emerson loved it, as you can see! Aunt Kaye has the best yard ever. Its great for kids AND adults!

Practice Makes Perfect

Norah is just a few weeks away from her first ballet recital. Today we brought in the video camera, so we could go home and practice her "fancy dance".

Norah on the far left and cousin Hadley on the right, in pink.

If you look in the mirror, you can see Norah admiring her reflection - one of her favorite ballet class activities. Fortunatly, she is not alone! The rest of these girls seem equally enamoured.

Practicing returning to the stage for bows!

Sharis - the only place to bring 4 children under 3 years...

Neil, Dannelle and all the attached children took Grandma and Grandpa out to Sharis today - actually, we did the driving and G&G took us out. :-) I don't know if we'll ever be welcome back. Josie and Emerson made quite a mess!

Is it just me, or is Neil a little scary here?? Sorry Dannelle, I cut your head off...

Posers

Norah and Gracie dressing up in their matching sundresses

The great flora of the Pacific Northwest

The kids were funny on our walk today - as Emerson matures (??!) he enjoys interacting more and more with Norah. They crack me up - he follows her around and mimics everything she does, unless she wants to get in on what he is up to - then he revolts for independance.

Trying to give little brother a hug

We have to check out ALL of the mailboxes.

Will mom let me touch the water today? No...so I'll wait till her back is turned...

Norah describes the famed Pompai Tree (I have no idea where she came up with this!)

James is blessed - and so are we!

James Neil Lorren was blessed today! We really enjoyed sharing the special moment with Neil, Dannelle, family and friends. After the church ceremony, the N&D hosted a luncheon at their home. Wow, I can't beleive they had us all over!
I love the blessing outfit Dannelle found - its a beautiful knit outfit and was so soft and snuggly. Grammie Peggy made the blanket our SUPERSTAR is laying on.
Most of the blessing attendees
Neil, Dannelle, James, Josie and Grandma and Grandpa Habel - Dannelle's parents

Anna, Norah and Hadley, playing outside the church
The Ricks - Charlie, Anson and Anna
Anson Ricks, Neil Butler and Dave Butler
Miss Josie Pie
Aunt Kaye and Baby James