On top of the world

We have discovered our new favorite spot in Portland. It is a patio area on the 15th floor in Chris' office building. You can see all of Portland and feel on top of the world. We also went to the Saturday Market downtown, rode Max (twice) and had dinner with some friends. It was a great day and fun to enjoy the sunshine.

Amy loves to slide and you can tell from her hair she did it more than enough!!

Sam rode a bike with pedals (with help) for the first time. He was a bit freaked out, but he did it and was really proud of himself.

Quote of the day...

We were playing this morning and Sam went to throw a book and I said, " Sam we don't throw books, we only throw balls." 

Sam says, " No Mommy we throw other things, like fits."

Yes, we have an observant three year old and a lively one year old.

Weekend in Eugene

After much begging by my parents they got to have the kids for the weekend. I dropped them off Friday night and they headed down to Eugene. 

Sarah & Chris: Went shopping by myself, ate out two nights in a row after 7:00pm, cleaned the house, slept until 9am, Chris went to work, and had a great time just being in the house by ourselves. We did get up at 5:30 am ready to go get them on Sunday morning. 

Sam & Amy: Slept great, got what they wanted, went and saw GG (my grandma), played in the backyard, played baseball, played with the puppies (now only two that Sam has named Quinn & Jack. After his two good buddies.) and ate hot dogs and coco puffs. 

A GREAT weekend for all of us. Here a some pictures:

Sam's Class Play

Sam's preschool has been working on a play for quite a while - learning parts, making costumes, learning songs - all in preparation for a performance at parent's night a couple weeks ago.  Unfortunately, Sam had about a 103 degree fever on the day of the performance, so he had to skip out.  We think he was pretty sad about it, but luckily, his teacher agreed to have the class do a brief "encore" performance on Tuesday at the end of class, so Sam could participate and so Sarah & I could watch and enjoy!  Most of the kids left their costumes at school for the encore, and it was great.  The play was, I think, written by the class as a whole.  Sam played a goat named "Benny the Goat."   The plot was a little thin (something about animals and ice cream), but the songs were good and hey, these are 3 & 4 year olds.  Here's some pictures and a little video.  Enjoy!

Schools out for ...

As many of you know I have been working on two classes to renew my license. Well, as of this moment I have finished and will be mailing off the second class work tomorrow. Thank you all for your well wishes and help! 

Amy has been feeling ill, it has been a long couple of weeks. We are hoping to get better soon. 

 She has her monkey and Sam's bear.

Dozer Day 2008

On Saturday we went to Dozer Day (http://www.parksfoundation.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=29).  

Dozer Day is an indescribable, loud, kid-friendly spectacle in Vancouver, WA.  Lots of diggers.  Lots of dumpers.  Semi-trucks.  Fire trucks.  Garbage trucks.  You name it...if it's loud, big and likely to attract the attention of a 3-year old, its there and your kids will probably be able to ride on it.  

This is our 2nd year, and we had a great time despite the 93 degree heat (and despite the fact that both kids are probably a bit under the weather).  Don't worry, we hit the sprinklers and kiddy pool after nap to cool off.  Here's some pictures!

Chris

Sam riding and operating a digger

Climbing on hot, enormous tires

Seriously not just for boys

Inside a fire truck

The back of the fire truck

Here's some video from Sam puttin' in a hard day's work: 

Sick Sam

This photo describes how Sam has been the past six days. Hopefully he will be back to his normal self soon.