Waking Up

Ellery's favorite person in the whole world is "Daddy", which I know Scott loves, but when it's early in the morning and she's jumping close to his sleeping head he probably wishes she was more of a Mama's girl.

But how can you get mad at this:




When it is followed by this:

Thanksgiving

Turkey! Pies! Christmas Parade! Those were the items on our agenda for the Day After Thanksgiving, known to us this year as Thanksgiving. The actual holiday was a work day for Kathryn and Lauren, so we moved the whole celebration 24 hours. As always, the Portland family came through with delicious food and we had a fantastic evening.

The day began with the Macy's Christmas Parade and a visit with the Tree in Pioneer Square:



Then it was back home to get that bird in the oven, remove all the furniture and bring in the big table. After what felt like 15 minutes (but was more like 6 hours) in the kitchen our house was filled with the Portland Fam. Happy Thanksgiving!

Zoo Day

Ellery loves Hippos (Hapos) and was very excited about seeing a real one.


Bad Lion!



Ellery love Hippos (Hapos) was very excited about seeing a real one.

Playing in the rain

We had a small window of "sun" to go out and play. The rain is officially here!!

Alder St Halloween Party!

Ellery and friends had a great time eating candy and dancing with a sugar buzz.




Ellery and friends had a great time eating candy and dancing with a sugar buzz.


Dancing to such greats as Thriller and Monster Mash.

Yes, another blog!

A couple of action shots from Friday when we kept the girls so Joe and Lauren could have a night out. Yes...that's Elmo in a chicken suit.

I'm unemployed...what else am I going to do?

Rocking Chair

Nana (Grandma Judy) sent Ellery a beautiful rocking that has been in our family for over thirty years. Ellery has promised no blublus, cheese, cookies, etc will be consumed while rocking. We shall see.

Too Cute!

Andrew, Judy & Colette Visit

Ellery enjoyed a visit recently from her grandparents and Aunt Colette. Our whole family was fighting a cold (what is sure to be the first of many- thank you day care!), but everyone managed to rally and we had a great weekend. Andrew & Judy took Ellery on a field trip to Mt. Hood, where she built her first snowman:

Ellery shows off her presents, as well as her dramatic side:
The weather thankfully cooperated, so we had lots of sunshine to enjoy the changing Fall colors. We had to say goodbye to Andrew too soon, and then Nana and Aunt Colette braved an entire night with Ell while her parents headed to Seattle on an anniversary trip. Dinner after 7:30! Champagne in bed! Bliss!
Our time together is never long enough, but it was packed with fun. Wish that pesky Midwest wasn't in the way so we were all closer to each other!

Lion Around

The puns really are endless when it comes to Lions. Add that to the fact that it is my favorite animal (as it is also Googi's favorite) and you can imagine my excitement when Jody and I found a lion costume during our recent thrift run. I don't want to ruin the surprise for anyone, so I will just show a preview pic before we get the full costume together. You have been warned; you now have several weeks to prepare for the onslaught of cuteness that will be Ellery (and Ruby and probably Myla) in costume.

Playing catch-up again

We had so much fun on the first camping trip that we were really pumped to try it again. With a few modifications. Like electricity, beds, heat, and most importantly, a fire ring. After a beautiful hike along the Silver Falls trail we came back to our little cabins nestled in the woods, Lauren cooked a very impressive dinner and then we settled around the fire ring with marshmallows and sticks. Highlight of the night, at least for me, was that Ellery slept in her grandparents cabin. And both Ellery and Ruby played by the rules this time, so we all enjoyed our trip.

How I Ride

Campin'

4 brave parents and their 4 brave, as-of-yet-and-possibly-will-be-forever-after-this-experience child-free friends set out to camp in Maupin, OR. Town of 400 people on the shores of the Deschutes River. Hand cranked margaritas (!), aerosol pancakes and beautiful whitewater were the highlights. Ruby and Ellery took turns being the lowlight; sometimes they were actually in tandem. But thankfully the sun has to come up eventually, and there was a coffee stand within walking distance, so everyone survived. And the rafting was amazing; the 58 degree water and bright sunshine took care of our fatigue. (except for Scott and Joe, who went the day before when it was cold and cloudy and then babysat the girls while the rest of were on the river- thanks guys!)

This string was taken from Ruby immediately after the photo.

Naked camping!!

Playing catch-up

I realize as I watch the neighborhood sink into darkness at 8pm that summer is indeed nearing it's end. Here's how we spent the last of it...

Chasing cats



Taking car rides

Visiting sea lions

Standing between Oregon and Washington

Collecting rocks


Ah, those carefree days of August. But now September is upon us, and it's time to hunker down for fall.

Well, maybe a few weeks of Indian Summer wouldn't hurt....

Ell and Georgia, 1 year later

Ellery and Georgia, then




Ellery and Georgia, now

Hollow Earth Brew Fest 09