Happy Fathers' Day

Ryan's wish for FD was to take a trip down to OMSI. Since we've moved away from NE PDX we haven't been visiting as regularly and Ryan wanted have a fun play day with the kids. So, trying to get a photo with this three is like herding cats! Ryan is just as difficult as the children - and sometimes worse. :-)


Our little chipmunks, playing in a tree trunk
E, throwing his nuts
The water feature is always a fave!


Emerson was fascinated with the eletronic dino - everytime we moved to a different area, he'd try to run back.
Stopping for a picnic lunch

Then into the science area - Emerson takes a ride in a rocket.
Norah the hip scientist
Making fireworks!

A walk around the Esplanade, then we are done for the day~

Tea Party

The Butlers - as in Neil, Dannelle, Josie and James - came over for lunch. Josie sure knows how to entertain!Taking care of business - she is SO Hollywood. I am sure she is brokering a huge movie deal here.
Taking a break for lunch!
When tea parties go wrong...
James, taking it all in.

Happy Birthday to me, again!

Wow, two birthday celebrations in one year - I don't think this has happened since I was in single digits...

We met my family out at Lewsiville Park for a BBQ. This was MUCH warmer than Norah's bday in November. No one left with frostbite!:-) Emerson was in love with this puddle. He'd throw a ball in then go wading in after it.

Norah set the picnic table all by herself. She used a can of soda and filled each cup with about and inch of Dr. Pepper. She may have been drinking out of each of them as well.
Soccer with Uncle Kodiak

Hadley, Norah and little Miss Josie Pie

Why eat at a picnic table when you can sit on a rock with Grammie?

Happy Birthday to meeeeeee

What a great birthday! Ryan and N&E pampered me all day long, including a trip to see Indiana Jones (my fave series of all time, thanks to Uncle David for babysitting) and an ice cream cake. Ahh...what could be better than a great day spent with family? I am lucky!

Norah cut the cake

Gracie, Gracie, Gracie

Norah is constantly asking me to take pictures - most frequently of Gracie and her. I spent the first 3 years of her life obsessively photographing her, now she is on the bandwagon! Here she has put on both their PJs and styled their hair and posed on the couch. :-) Although at times she is as down and dirty as Emerson, she is also quite the girly girl.

Grammie's pool opens

Although it doesn't look like it here, Emerson had quite a good time in the pool. This is his first time since last summer, so it was a whole new experience for him.

Paddling around

Whipple Creek Mudbath - I mean Hike.

A beautiful hike jsut North of Vancouver - but after a really rainy fews weeks, and a trail shared with horses - we were ankle deep in mud!
Spelling is fun, even on a hike!
Yes, Emerson is in one of Norah's coats - I didn't realize how cold it would be. Also, he could use it as a floatation device when he was sucked into the mudpiles.

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.