Washington Park

Uncle David persuaded us to go on an impromptu picnic up at Washington Park. We ate our spread in the Rose Gardens then went for playtime in the children's area (the old Elephant House). It was HOT, so we finished off the trip with root beer floats in the Shakespeare Garden. I think we really added to the atmosphere... :-)

Emerson's first root beer. Yeah, he loved the sugary goodness. I am deteriorating as a mother - Norah hadn't even tried soda by this age. E has had several tastes now. AHH.

Emerson's fave part was sitting in the front seat of Uncle David's Rubicon - he was mad when we made him get out!

Happy 4th Birthday Ian!

Norah and I made a special trip down to Veneta, Oregon to celebrate Ian's 4th birthday. It was so much fun! Amariah planned a bbq at a community park - it was all bat-themed, as per the birthday boy's request. We didn't want to leave the party!I loved these cupcakes - Amariah is a Martha (without the jailtime):-)

Blowing out his very own bat-cake...
...and licking the bat on top.
The Sevey family with Amariah's side of the fam.
A very happy day for everyone!
Ian and his Nana

A bat pinata! This was Norah's first experience with a pinata - and I think most of the other children's as well. They were totally into it! Ian took the final turn (don't worry, he had the first as well!!) and smashed it wide open. Apparently this is pretty intuitive; the children went diving into the candy head first.


Does it look like he is enjoying his b-day kiss??? Someday.... :-)

Princess and the Pea

Grandpa Vern created a beautiful crown cornice board for Norah's bed - now it is VERY fancy. :-)
Here is her bed without all the pillows - a few days after this we went out and picked out some fun pillow additions to the bed, including a pillow that has a feather border. Oh how I tried to talk Norah out of that one, but it was her favorite! It sheds everywhere...

Independence Day with Grandpa and Grandma B!

We had a great week with Grandpa and Grandma, culminating in an Independance day celebration at the Blinn's (Ryan sister and fam) home. We wish G&G lived A LOT closer!
Three peas in a pod ~
Emerson loved chasing around his cousins and playing ball. He is usually surrounded by girl cousins - he had a heyday!

An un-birthday trip to Build-a-Bear with Grammy C.


Norah and Jack

Ahhh....shorts

Grandpa and Gramma just returned from a trip to the East coast - and brought along these adorable shorts outfits for N&E. Just in time for summer!

BBQ!

The Blinns hosted a welcome BBQ for G&G B - G&G Skogen came up from Corvallis as well, so we were able to see everyone at once!
Norah definitly takes after her Auntie Lynne and Grammy C!
Playing ball - the boys played some version of ball all afternoon. Emerson did his best to participate. I don't think I've ever seen him have as much fun as he did today, running around after the big boys. He's usually innundated with girls and princesses.

Sleepover with the Bug

This weekend Hadley is staying with us - she is so easy to watch - helps entertain Norah and Emerson and is a sweet little cuddle bug. :-) We told her this weekend she is an honorary Skogen!Enjoying ice cream after a HOT performance at the Scan Festival. We had craft time, play time, ice cream time, and finally quiet time, my favorite.

Getting ready for bed in their matching princess PJs.
Despite their looong day, they still didn't get to sleep till around 10!

Portland Scandanavian Festival

Norah and her Leikarringen group performed at this weekend's Scandinavian Festival. It was 105 degrees out - so hot for all of us! We brought along lots of water and fruit, but could only stay for about an hour and a half. Whew, HOT, HOT, HOT!
Dancing the Nose Grinder with Hadley (cousins Hadley and Kim have joined the Lille Leikarringen group)

Grandma Carmen and Grandpa Lyman just arrived into town last night and were able to meet us at the festival. After two long days of driving, they were real troopers to come along! We were so happy to see them!

What a sweetheart :-)





Watching the Maypole procession

and marching in the procession!

Summer Reading Extravaganza

Wow - we went to the library for what we thought was a little activity, but it turned otu to be a huge summer reading program kickoff. The line to get in wrapped around the side of the building - whew, what fun. I'm glad we went and will be sure that we have it on our calendar for next year! This summer is bug-themed - much to N&E's enjoyment.

Playdate with GP

Grammie Peggy is leaving on vacation soon, so we've been spending lots of time with her this week!

Matching play skirts...should we have added a ruffle on Grammie's? :-)