Happy Birthday, Grammie Peggy

Norah picked out a present for Grammie - she found some pottery pieces that she thought she and Grammie should paint together. She picked out a dragon for herself and a pony for Grammie. So cute - she came up with the idea herself and was EXCITED.
On Saturday afternoon we had a BBQ for Mom and invited a few of our family friends over to celebrate...
Charlie Ricks
Chris and Kaye O'Brien with Emerson

Emerson loves a party!
I put together little activity bags for the kids - Anna Ricks loved the notebook and spent most of her time practicing her spelling and drawing skills.
Norah and Charlie ran around and around - he plays a great game of chase, Norah's fave activity.
Munching on the goods that Ryan 'cued.

It's hot!

Thank goodness for A/C and popsicles!

Doug and Heather Straw's Wedding!

Ryan and I spent a beautiful day in Bend, Oregon, celebrating the marriage of Ryan's childhood friend, Doug and his fabulous wife, Heather. It was a perfect day and a georgeous wedding!

Ryan, Heather Straw and a fellow wedding guest. Heather was stunning in her dress!

Ryan, Tony and Devin

Lots of high school friends - Doug is in all white.

Little Monte - the tiniest baby I have ever seen. He was cute! so was his big brother, Max...

There were about 15+ friends from Ryan's childhood at the wedding - trying to get everyone together for a photo was crazy...

We love the Zoo!Emerson is wondering why he's always in the backpack...
Crazy monkey with the penguins
"taking pictures"

mmm...Emerson's first grape!

"Hiking" in the city

Strolling by the waterfront - Columbia River
Ryan took a couple of days off (much needed) so we've been traipsing around town, enjoying the sunny weather opportunities. There is a pretty boardwalk stroll down the Columbia, on the Washington side, just off I-5.

Norah had to bring her purse - she's an urban hiker ;-)
Beautiful view of the Columbia

Strolling by the waterfront - Willamette River

Emerson gets a lot of rest during our walks...

Happy Independence Day!

We enjoyed a 4th of July celebration with the Blinn family - a delicious BBQ and time in the sun. Or the shade. :-) Lynne and Todd completely outdid themselves with the BBQ. We loved it so much that we took meticulous notes so we could recreate the entire thing. Dillon and Carson taught Ryan the intricacies of their many game systems. I think Ryan is sold on the Xbox!

Cuddling with Aunt Lynne
Watering can - Norah loves it!
Jack and...Carson!
Kid Pile!
Norah and Jack, kenneled...

Little Fish

Grammie's pool has totally rocked this summer! We have had so much fun swimming - Norah is like a fish, dog paddling everywhere with no fear. We are looking forward to continuing her skills with more swim lessons starting in a few weeks. Emerson loves playing in the water as well - although on this very hot day he sat in the shade with Grammie.

Grammie and Emerson's little piggies

Summer days are drifting away...

Favored by both - spinning Emerson around and around in the excersaucer

This is equally fun in AND out of the pool

A popsicle with Daddy

Fun Convention pictures from Maja!

Jenny Whittom and me!

Although I wasn't here for this one of the Portland area delegates, Maja still included me. :-)