she's here

Sweet baby Layla 

August 25th ~ 2:24 a.m.

6 lbs. 3 oz. ~ 19 1/2 in.

Still deciding on a middle name.

Pretty certain her first will be Layla.

So glad she's finally here.

We are totally in love already.

thoughts on a sunday

*Never got a chance to finish this post, or put it on the blog, so here it is.

• Brian got new running shoes in the mail this week.  He opened them when he got home from school and literally spent the first hour looking at them, lacing them. trying them on.  At one point I looked over at him and he was just holding one in his arms like a baby, staring at it.  Lost in love, I guess.

• McKay learned how to pump on the swings.  Oh finally!

• I got my hair done this week.  A friend in the ward watched my kids for three hours!  I felt so guilty and really missed having Grandma live right by my stylist in Utah.  

• I missed Grandmas, yes, but I also missed my old stylist.  I sat there nervously in the chair wondering how and if my hair would turn out how I wanted.  I know there are bigger problems out there, but finding a new hair stylist is a very unnerving, annoying problem.  Glad to report that my hair turned out just how I wanted it.  Whew!

• Oh you just know that I have pink eye in both eyes.  Yep.  I am large, in charge and blood-shot.  It's a beautiful combination.  

• I miss the mother that I used to be.  Does that make sense?  I am struggling over feeling guilty about not playing with my kids and not having a lot of patience the last little while.  My poor kids.  Do they remember how I used to be?  Do they notice a difference?  I hope it doesn't take too long to find myself again after this girl comes out.  

• I keep forgetting to tell you, but the most wonderful thing happened to me!  A few weeks ago our landlord emailed us and said she wanted to get the condo "deep cleaned" and asked if it would be alright with us for her to send her cleaning lady here.  Um, hello!  YES!  So on Tuesday there were two ladies here deep cleaning for three hours.  That's six hours worth of cleaning my friends!  Can you believe my good fortune?  I feel so happy.

• Brian just shared with me what Ellery does when I send her in to wake him up on the rare mornings when he gets to sleep in.  First of all, she is the most heavy-footed toddler I've ever heard- you can hear her coming down the hall even if you're in a dead sleep.  She climbs into bed with him, kisses him on the back, says, "good morning, daddy" and then starts jabbering about the wedding picture that is on his bedside table.  Every time she does this same routine.  I think it is most precious.  I would love for her to wake me up with a kiss on the back!  I just get a nose-to-nose greeting with an adamant question, "Momma, please can I have a gink-a-milk?!"

Happy Sunday.

thoughts on a sunday

Mack, looking like a missionary with his newly acquired button collection, and a backpack full of crayons and snacks. . .what you can't see is the little Jewish cap he has on his head that he wanted to wear to church.  "But I AM Jewish, mom!"

• I'm sitting here in a quiet house while my two boys are at church and Ellery, aka pinkeye, is taking a rest.  When we found out that Elle had pinkeye I was the first to jump at the chance to stay home with her.  Maybe I didn't even jump.  Maybe I leaped.  If you know me well, you know that I hate staying home from church.  I always prefer to be the one to go if one of us has to stay home with a sick kid.  But not today.  Today I am happy that I don't have to squeeze into an uncomfortable outfit and sit upright for three hours.  And I'm happy that no will have to see me do that.  And I'm happy that no one will talk to me about how much longer I have left or how uncomfortable I look.  Yes, I'm quite happy right here in my sweats, reading the Ensign and taking my own rest.  Thanks pinkeye.

• No really, pinkeye is totally gross!  My kids have never had this before.  I hate it.  I feel extremely upset that just before I am due to have a baby I have this gross, goopey infection floating around my house.  Poor little Ellery woke up this morning with one eye glued shut.  At first, she thought it was really beautiful that we kept saying she had pinkeye.  Now she yells at us, "I don't have a pink eye!"  That's when we're trying to put her antibiotic eye drops in.  She doesn't like that at all.  Thankfully, the eye drops are working and it's already getting better.  By tomorrow she shouldn't be contagious anymore.  

• Back to the boys who are at church.  They looked exactly like twins as I kissed them goodbye.  Gray pants, white shirts, black shoes and belts, fuzzy, shaved heads.  It was precious.  Since I am not there with my big bag to hold coloring books and snacks, McKay packed a little backpack and thinks he is the man for carrying his own backpack to church.  He brought enough snacks to feed the primary.

• Last week as we were driving to church I recognized that I had more jewelry on than normal.  Necklace, earrings, bracelets and even a ring.  It suddenly seemed completely ridiculous to me that we decorate ourselves with jewelry.  We're just putting decorations on our bodies.  For what?  Not that I don't like doing it, but isn't it funny if you really think about it?  I shared this with Brian, who agreed with me and made some snarky comment about how women do that kind of thing.  But I was quick to point out the non-functional tie decoration hanging from his neck.  Nothing snarky after that!

• Portland is experiencing another heat wave.  Brian and I laugh at how crazy the news gets when they have a "heat wave".  The news coverage is equivalent to an earthquake or something.  Anyway, it really has been quite hot, which has kept us inside a lot the last few days.  The kids did enjoy it when we filled up a big storage bin as a makeshift pool for them to play in.  

• I read a quote this week from Gordon B. Hinckley about parenting:  

"You parents, love your children. . .You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them.  You need the help of the Lord.  Pray for that help and follow the inspiration which you receive."

• This has inspired me to more than ever pray for direction as I raise these babies of mine.  Up until now I have felt that they are too young and that we haven't really started that phase yet.  This week it seems that everywhere I look I am reminded that this is not the case.  It's not too soon to pray for help and inspiration as I interact and guide them.  Maybe I'm late to the game on this, but the experiences I've had that have directed me to these thoughts have most definitely caused me to change my view on things.  So grateful that no matter what- no matter how insignificant our worries or concerns may seem- we are not alone as we raise our children.  This brings me great comfort.

• Brian has his last clinical tomorrow!  After that he just has class once a week and then a couple finals to get through.  I'm so, so, so happy that this baby is coming during his time off.  

• Nesting is in full swing around here.  Typically, I have been pretty crazy with what I want to do or get done before I have a baby.  This time is different.  Maybe because my house is newer and cleaner and we just moved in a year ago.  Maybe because I just don't have it in me to be more uptight.  I don't know, but my list isn't as overwhelming this time and I'm enjoying that.  Still have plenty to do to keep me busy though.  I'm working on decorating the baby's room, which has been fun.  I'm in the process of making a few things and I just hope they turn out as cute in real life as they are in my head.  That doesn't always happen for me.

• I got out all the baby clothes and blankets and washed them.  As I was folding a basket full of clothes I think it hit Brian that we are having another baby.  It's always funny to witness this happening to him.  You know, the moment he realizes that there will be another child in his life.  That this is real.  This is pretty much spot-on timing for him as well.  The last month is when it happens.

• Let me tell you something that I have mixed feelings about.  Brian is running the Hood-to-Coast relay after all.  Initially he wasn't going to be able to because of a final, but then he got the "go-ahead" from his program director, and so that was that.  He was so happy that it worked out.  I am happy for him.  I know he really wants to do it.  It's a really neat opportunity.  But.  Then.  Part of me is feeling mad because now I have all this added pressure to not give birth on those two days.  And part of me wonders, "what if he totally misses it?"  He could.  He probably won't, but he could.  Me and this un-named baby girl do not like this kind of pressure.  It makes us nervous.  And you never know what will happen if we get nervous.  And.  On top of all that pressure, think of the backlash we might get if we happen to go into labor on that day and he misses the race?  Think of it!  We will never live it down. 

• On a positive note, Brian said, "If I miss it, then you can name the baby whatever you want and I won't say anything."  I said, "Um, hello obvious!"  Of course I would do that.  I wouldn't even bother to ask.  Then I would say, "Say hello to your daughter, Cosette." and he would have to.  

• Don't worry.  I really do love Brian. . .even if he says the name Cosette is equivalent to naming a son Pierre.    

Happy Sunday!

i spy with my little eye. . .

nine kids and a little momma at the fish hatchery. . .

with wonder in their eyes. . .

from seeing Herman, the 10 ft sturgeon. . .

and stinky hands. . .

from feeding all the fish.

  

I spy with my little eye. . .

a picnic blanket full of cousins. . .

and an outfit change from one fashion-conscious two year old. . .

with plates full of honey-lime enchiladas. . .

that were a hit with some. . .

and un-touched by others.

I spy with my little eye. . .

cousins playing together. . .

and a 16 year old and a 10 year old competing with the preschoolers. . .

after a late afternoon of church.  

I spy with my little eye. . .

a proud little boy. . .

showing his cousins the "gutter". . .

at the Portland temple.

I spy with my little eye. . .

cherry chip ice cream and brownies in the park on a Sunday evening. . .

and some very chilly people. . .

who aren't used to the humidity's cold effects. . .

even in the summertime.

I spy with my little eye. . .

nine excellent berry pickers. . .

and one with professional grocer/berry picking aspirations. . .

and some white shoes that will never be the same. . .

and a berry about to be snatched!

I spy with my little eye. . .

nine cousins at the Oregon Zoo. . .

and two balloons that had to be popped. . .

and one flip-flop, before it fell into the giraffe's home. . .

which meant one really dirty left foot for one unhappy little boy.

I spy with my little eye. . .

a fun late-night for some, sleep over for others. . .

and a bored 16 year old who doesn't love babysitting. . .

and a small pile of blueberries on the floor, 

followed by a, "lets not tell our moms" comment. . .

from my two year old.

I spy with my little eye. . .

a boy sleeping sideways. . .

and ashie's little bum. . .

and a limb from a night-gown wearing princess.

I spy with my little eye. . .

too big of a group at Powell's book store. . .

and pinduli the hyena-boy.

I spy with my little eye. . .

too big of a group on the train downtown. . .

and a unicorn. . .

and curly joe. . .

with an armful of trendy teenage bracelets. . .

and a tassel or two.

I spy with my little eye. . .

five cousins with one mother. . .

while the rest went for donuts. . .

and a boy who got soaked. . .

and a girl who wanted to get naked. . .

and a boy with stinky socks. . .

and three kids who had to go to the bathroom. . .

all at different times.

I spy with my little eye. . .

cute kids in the beautiful rose garden. . .

which is the only place. . .

in the portland area. . .

that sells shaved ice!

(you know my sweet husband surprised me with one.)

I spy with my little eye. . .

a lady with a long, swishy, pioneer-like skirt. . .

who walked around downtown Portland. . .

as if she had eight children. . .

plus one on the way. . .

who may or may not have felt. . .

that everyone was staring at her. . .

and her litter.

*****

What the eye can't see. . .

is how much we loved having these cousins visit. . .

plus their parents-

they were okay too.

And. . .

let us not forget

the major swelling left behind

for the poor, pregnant, pioneer lady

and her feet, face and hands.

We miss them already. . .

swelling or not.

Thanks for a wonderful four days, Allreds!

thoughts on a sunday

Nine cute cousins at the beautiful Portland temple.

• We are so excited that my sister Lisa and her family are in town visiting!  It's been so fun to have the Allred's here for a couple days before they go to a reunion on the coast and we have plenty planned for the next couple days.  

• Last night we went to a drive-in movie with the Allred's.  When was the last time you've been to a drive-in movie?  I know.  We only stayed for the first feature, which was Despicible Me, but we all had fun.  The little kids, mine included, were a little bit little for a drive-in, but they still had fun.  The movie was cute, I guess.  Trevor and Brian liked it, and the kids of course, so maybe it's kind of like a dad/kid movie.  

• The kids didn't get in bed last night until after eleven.  This never happens.  Not living by family, their bedtime routine is as routine as it's ever been.  There is rarely a reason to keep them up past bedtime, so we hardly ever do.  These next few days will be interesting because I'm not anticipating that we will make bedtime once.  In fact, I know we won't.  

• I had a doctor's appointment this week.  Is it weird that I feel like my doctor likes me better when my kids are with me?  I do feel like that.  I didn't want to bring them, but forgot to arrange babysitting and didn't feel like calling anyone last minute.  So they've come to the last two.  McKay is Mr. Chatty with the nurses and doctor and I have to remind him that it's good to be friendly, but that he has to let them talk to mommy about the baby and not try to talk to them himself the whole time.  He gets quite inquisitive at the doctor.

• Nothing really to report with the baby.  I'm feeling sore and sleeping worse.  Brian has said my snoring has reached a new level.  Wait. . .have I told you that I'm totally snoring?  Yeah, this happens to me when I'm pregnant.  I hate it.  I can't help it.  Brian is so good and doesn't complain, except for yesterday he told me that for the first time it kept him awake during the night.  Ahhhh!  There's nothing I can even do about this!  I would have major issues if Brian snored.  I'm glad he still loves me.  

• Ellery doesn't eat breakfast.  She drinks a big old cup of rice milk and sometimes I can get her to take a bite of a bagel, or munch on some cereal.  McKay, on the other hand, sometimes eats three breakfasts.  I'll give him something, then he'll ask for more, and then he'll eat Ellery's that she didn't touch.n  Breakfast is his most important meal.  

• Brian had Friday off.  It was nice to have him home, but we didn't do much.  I had planned on cleaning the house and so that's what I did.  He helped a little, which was nice.  I was happy that he got to see the time and energy I put into cleaning because he hasn't been around on cleaning day for a long time.  After I was done I requested that he rub lotion on my feet because I just felt like I deserved it.  

• After the cleaning was done I did not have the energy in me to wash the car, which was really dirty.  We went to a car wash and of course, I was disappointed!  Our windshield still had bug guts on it after we were done.   

• If you want to imagine me, being eight months pregnant, kneeling on my hands and knees on the hood of my car at nine o'clock at night washing the windshield by hand, then go ahead.  It was necessary.

• I substituted McKay's primary class today.  I wasn't too impressed with my almost-five year old.  Whether he was influenced by his previous late night, or because his cousin was sitting next to him the whole time, or maybe because his mom was his teacher, I don't know.  But I do know that we've got to do some talking about reverence and respect.   

• My friend Starr had her baby on Thursday and I was able to visit her at the hospital that night.  It is the same hospital where I will deliver and I was glad I got to see it before I am a patient there.  It's a very busy maternity ward with tons of rooms.  It will be a much different experience for me since I am used to a smaller, more intimate hospital experience.  It was fun to see a little newborn and to be able to picture myself there with my own.  

• Some girls in my ward had another girls night get together.  I love these.  They are so good for me.  I really enjoy our ward and the people we've met here.  My mom always says that it takes a  year for people to really settle into a ward, and I have to agree.  For us it takes a year.  And we're coming up on a year in a few weeks and it feels good.  We've settled in quite nicely.

• A couple years ago Santa surprised McKay with a space train set.  It was a really cool space train set. And really annoying.  It fell apart easily, was difficult to assemble correctly and it was quite large.  Large enough and annoying enough that we hardly ever had it out.  And Santa guessed wrong that year because McKay never really got too into the space train set.  So, we decided to sell it.  I brought it out one day and set it up to take pictures of it for craigslist and McKay's friend was over and they played with it.  He fell in love with it and when his mom found out I was selling it, she offered to buy it.  McKay was able to have the money, since it was his toy, and pick out something at the store- anything he wanted.  This was so wonderful for him, but took so long.  He finally decided on a big transformer and a little transformer.

• Transformers.  This is our first dive into an "older boy" toy.  So far, so good.  We'll see if the excitement lasts.

• It's no secret that we love Taylor Swift around here.  We've been listening to hear album in the car- which is like magic when the kids are crying or upset.  Ellery has a few favorite songs, but the one I like to hear her request the most is I Be the T-Shirt.  If you're familiar with any of her songs you will understand how cute that title interpretation is.  

• The other night it was my turn for story and song.  As I was singing to the kids, McKay gazed down at me with a twinkle in his eye and said with a sigh, "I wish I was Brian."  Why?  "Because then I could marry you."  Perhaps it was my angelic voice.  Yeah, probably that.

Happy Sunday!

skippin' off to boston

Well, not really Boston, Seattle rather.  

My boys have kind of adopted the Red Sox as "their team".  

So Brian planned a trip to Seattle for him and Mack to see the Red Sox play the Mariners.

I sent along plenty of provisions for the three hour drive and, as usual, 

was happy to say goodbye to my over-excited, not-at-all-annoying boy!

Pricey hot dogs for dinner, going to a big stadium, watching the Red Sox with dad, going on a three hour trip to Seattle, staying up until the middle of the night. . .

it was pretty much the best day ever for this boy.  

He watched all but one inning of the game, when he took a little break to play on dad's phone.  Sadly, their team didn't win, but McKay really didn't care because he was too excited about starting his own cheer with the crowd.  Half way through the game he whispered, "Dad, I want to start a cheer."  And they did.  And he was sure proud.  "Lets go Red Sox!"

I love these two.  So happy they have such a good relationship.  

This boy thinks the world of his daddy and I'm pretty sure Brian feels the same way.

I'm glad they have each other because us girls are about to outnumber. . .
. . .and we don't really like baseball.

four babies all in a row

Starr, me, Cassidy

It's always fun to be pregnant with friends at the same time.  These are two girls from my ward and we're all due within a month of each other.  Starr, on the left, is due any day now, and Cassidy on the right is having twin boys and due mid-September. . .but could also go any day now!

It's sure been fun to be pregnant with these ladies.  They have made me feel better because they don't have names picked out yet either!  They've been great friends and I'm excited that my little girl will automatically have a whole group of great friends as well.

And just to clarify, this picture was taken three weeks ago.  There's been lots of growth.  And obviously I only post the most flattering photos of myself on here.  Or as flattering as I can manage.  Obviously.

thoughts on a sunday

Tumeke Touch team

• Brian's touch-rugby team had their big tournament in Portland on Saturday.  It was an all day affair- I think they played six or seven games.  Me and the kids went down to watch and the kids had a blast playing with the other kids and running around the fields all day.  Even after six hours McKay was still not ready to go home.  I don't know much about rugby, or actually I guess I should technically be calling it "touch", but it was fun to see them play.  It's pretty confusing to watch if you don't know the rules (which I don't) and they are constantly running the whole game.  They never stop running until it's over.  It's fun to see Brian do something he loves so much.  

• I took lots of pictures on Saturday and sadly enough I didn't get any good shots of Brian doing anything interesting on the field.  Maybe I was too busy watching him?  But believe me, he did lots of interesting stuff on the field.  Obviously, New Zealanders love rugby, so this game brings out a lot of kiwis living Portland.  Brian has said more than once how much he loves being around kiwis again (he served his mission in NZ) so I'm thinking that is part of the draw for him.  

• On the way to church today we were talking about how to behave in our classes.  After asking the kids a series of reverence questions, I then added, "Who's going to have fun at church today?"  McKay's response:  "I am!  I love church.  I'm a church-man!  I'm a church-missionary!  I'm a church-prophet!"  Ellery then enthusiastically added, "I'm a church-married-princess!"

• Last week at church, our little church-man said the prayer and scripture in primary.  His scripture was, "Jesus said, Come Follow Me."  He said both on his own and only stumbled a bit when trying to remember which scripture in Luke he had quoted.  Brian and I were surprised at how not shy he is.  It was also interesting to hear him pray on his own in that setting.  He has definitely picked up the phrases that are often heard in primary prayers.  He is cute.  

• Last week McKay went swimming with one of his friends and his family.  It was so sweet of my friend to take him along because McKay loves all her boys (she has six!).  On the way home from the pool there was a little road-rage from the car behind them.  This man pulled up next to their car, reached down, pulled out a gun and cocked it- all because he felt he'd been cut off.  He didn't point it at them, but was clearly sending a dangerous message.  We were all so grateful that nothing more happened, but it sure shook us up.  McKay actually thought it was kind of exciting, but he didn't see the guy or the gun- thankfully- so I imagine all the nervous energy it brought did seem exciting to him.  

• Ellery observed that we (meaning her and I) have hair on our heads and Daddy and McKay don't have hair on their heads.  She also is very into informing people, "My brother has a buzz," at random.

• I took the kids outside the other day to play.  McKay wanted to play baseball, so I brought along a big  blue ball for Ellery to hit, instead of the little softball that McKay uses.  Guess who is SO not interested in baseball?  She has become such a girly-girl and apparently has aspirations to become a cheerleader and a princess, which is what she told a man we were sitting by at Brian's rugby game.

• I recently bought agave nectar for the purpose of sweetening my smoothies.  I love it.  That's all.

• So at my last doctor's appointment we discussed the timing of this baby.  Dr. said that I should plan on going two weeks early with this one, since that's what I did with the others.  If that's the case then I have four weeks to go.  If I make it to September then that's great.  If I got past my September 9th due date I might die.

• Pretty much I am a big, grumpy lady.  I have never felt this way before.  Just being in this body makes me irritable.  My poor family.  Really, it's sad for them.  I am overly-sensitive and don't have a lot of tolerance for anything that bugs me.  Today on the way home I had a slight breakdown (slight meaning crying a bit but really feeling like bawling) because well-meaning people at church told me I look miserable, or told me I look like I'm done, or asked me if I was due any day now.  I am done.  I am miserable.  But please don't tell me I look that way too.  Just say I look cute.  Just lie.  

• I wouldn't feel as bad if my face wasn't huge.  There is no hiding your face.  It's just right there all the time.  Plus, it's covered in brown splotches that people can only assume are huge freckles.  They're not freckles.  

• I know I'm complaining a lot about this, but just so you're not worried about her- I am rubbing my belly frequently and tell this baby that I love her and I'm happy she's coming.  She doesn't take it personal.  We're okay, me and her.    

• Okay, I'm done complaining.

• Ellery has started a fun little habit of tattling on Brian for pretty much any interaction they have that she sees as negative.  "Mo-om, dad says I have to clean up."  "Mo-om, dad called me a monkey-face."  He does a lot of negative stuff to her, judging by the amount of tattles I hear.

• Speaking of tattling, isn't that one of the most awkward issues to explain to a child?   When they are the ones tattling on other kids you tell them not to.  But then sometimes they should. . .but how to explain the difference?  Then, if they are being tattled on by a friend you act like you needed to know and that it's okay that the friend tattled, and you discipline them accordingly.  So basically, it's okay for others to tattle, but not you.  That's the message I feel like I'm giving.  

• The other night at dinner we were discussing what to name our baby.  Someone brought up a silly name and then that started a whole slew of silly names.  Ellery's were my favorite: Milk-Mouth, Evelyn Poop, and Ugly Muffin. 

Happy Sunday to you.

about ellery

She does not care much for sports

She will turn on whatever parent is telling her something she doesn't want to hear.

She can sleep with anything- little figures, animals, babies, even...

She likes her hair down and flowy

She wants barbie's for her birthday...already

After she goes potty she often says, "Good job little bummy!"

She is experimenting with the word "stupid"  Especially directed at bugs, "Stupid bug."

She doesn't really like pasta.

She loves fruit and veggies.  Carrots are her favorite.

She lives in dress ups

Her new thing when I ask her to do something, like brush her hair, go potty, etc... is to say, "No, McKay first."

The best leverage we have with her is her princesses and her nightgown.  Still.

it's back

So the last several weeks I've been feeling pretty overwhelmed by mothering my children.

Not by mothering, but mothering my children.

I don't know if it's because they haven't been getting enough sleep- this seems to be a problem since sharing a room- waking each other up every morning is still quite fun for them to do.

Or maybe it's the fact that I'm 12 months pregnant and my patience is running on the thin side.  Like the dangerously thin side.  I think that's a big reason why I am hating not enjoying this pregnancy as much.  Because it's hard to take care of two other kids and be pregnant.  It's just hard.

Either way, it's been a difficult couple of weeks.  We haven't had many good days where we all get along and there's no fighting, yelling or time-outs. . .for any of us.  It's made me sad and overwhelmed each day.  I've felt heavy.  Weary.

Today.  I'm so thankful for today.  Today was nothing special.  I don't know why today was different, but it was.  I was blessed with patience.  McKay and Ellery didn't whine as much as they have been.  We kept ourselves busy.  

I found myself wanting to play with them.  Wanting to make them happy.  Wanting to hug them and snuggle them and tell them how much I love them.  Over and over and over.  And I know it wasn't just me.  We all felt a difference today.  We were all just working together like we should.  

I'm so glad that feeling came back today.  I've missed it.  I love being their mom- I really do.

But sometimes, sometimes, that slips away from me.  And it sure feels good to get it back.

Here's to an even better tomorrow. . .

when aunt krista came to stay. . .

When Aunt Krista came to stay. . .

We picked fresh raspberries,

Sampling as we filled our bowl.

I found it quite difficult

to tear Aunt Krista away from the bush.

She was quite a berry-picker.

When Aunt Krista came to stay. . .

We visited the berry farm chickens

which were the ugliest chickens.

And fed the goats.

We spent the rest of the afternoon

making beautiful raspberry peach jam.

When Aunt Krista came to stay. . .

We tried to catch a frog.

And introduced her 

to our favorite dog park.

When Aunt Krista came to stay. . .

We tricked the ducks

into thinking we had food.

And Brian learned

That not all geese are scary.

When Aunt Krista came to stay. . .

She babysat.

And that was the highlight for these two.

They all wore green pajamas.

And read the whole stack of library books.

She also brought presents.

And let them wake her up first every morning.

And spoiled them the whole time.

When Aunt Krista came to stay. . .

We took her to the "world famous" zoo.

We got lots of information about cougars.

And learned what to do if we happen upon one.

But due to a dental emergency,

We had to eat our elephant ear on the run

and leave the zoo early.

Because we can't very well 

be seen around town with a toothless hillbilly.

When Aunt Krista came to stay. . .

We had to go to VooDoo.

She tried the maple bacon.

And wasn't disappointed.

When Aunt Krista came to stay. . .

We found ourselves in Tillamook.

We took a tour of the factory.

And ate the best grilled cheese.

And Brian made this face at me.

When Aunt Krista came to stay. . .

We headed to the coast.

And stopped to play in Seaside.

Got in the water with the kids. . .but only waist high.

And jumped waves and played in the sand.

While Brian practiced skim boarding.

Which is apparently a new hobby.

When Aunt Krista came to stay. . .

She treated us to dinner at the Pig'NPancake.

Which made us all laugh a little.

And we had chocolate covered twinkies for dessert.

Which aren't as good as you might think.

When Aunt Krista came to stay. . .

We were sad to say goodbye.

But. 

Then.

She called us back.

And said that her flight was cancelled.

So we picked her up again.

And had a girls night.

Of shopping, pizza, reading and a movie.

And the next morning

 we really did have to say goodbye.

We sure loved having Aunt Krista here.
It was wonderful to have her all to ourselves.
To show her our world.

And we can't wait until she comes to stay again.

buzz man

This little boy's hair was so long.

This little boy hates getting his hair done every morning.

This little boy, however, did NOT want a haircut.

This little boy's dad couldn't take it anymore.

So this little boy got a summer buzz.

And this little boy couldn't be more thrilled about it. 

Oh this little boy is sure cute.