Happy times of Summer

Too much time has gone by . .. which means there is too much to write. So here are pictures that say it all (with captions to help give you a glimpse into all the fun we have been having).

First off we have been blessed by visitors. Auntie Rhonda and my dear friend Allison came one weekend. It was the first time Allison has met my "everythings" - I have been dying for her to come up and spend a little time in my wonderful world. It meant everything that she did. How much our lives have changed from the crazy ND college times. One thing hasn't, how much my Irish girls mean to me and how much I miss them so.

Above: Anna cozying up to her Aunt (Rhonda's first time meeting her!)
Below: Al with the boys for storytime.


Below: Gigi & Popi took us and the boys out on the boat. It was the first time for the boys to ride in the biscuit. My mom took them both out together. Brave Gigi!!




Below: Travis and Rhonda gave Allison and I some time to shop! They took the crew to the zoo . . . I had to laugh at the picture below- where's Anna? I think she was scared of the BIG dinosaur. The boys love the exhibit there- they are terrified in the moment but then beg for more!

Below: Then Auntie Rhonda became the big favorite when she gave the boys these dinosaurs- a huge hit!
Below: Grandma was at a hospital in Forest Grove for the last month. While going to visit her we loved going to an outdoor restaurant out there. Here is the night we took Rhonda and Al . . . so fun.


Above: Carter
Below: Annamarie
Below: Rhonda ordered hummus- I never saw her take a bite though- I think Carter ended up eating it all . . .
Below: more zoo pix (we've been regulars this summer)




Below: the boys in the dinosaur exhibit. They kept crying saying "bye bye dinosaur" . . . but then begged me to take them again the next day.
Below: Pictures from the Fair.
Gigi and Popi went with us. . . Above: Quote of the day
I told the boys the bunny is having dinner- Tyler points to the dish and asks: "Bunny's Coffee?"
Above: Something about boys and trucks- all of them wanted to catch a glimpse of the monster trucks.
Above: It was so disappointing that the boys were too little for any ride- but Gigi made up for it (below) and got the boys their first Ice Cream Cones!
Nana came over one day with Megan and her girls. Carter immediately grabbed her hand and said "Nana, COME ON" and pulled her out to the sandbox. (I thought it was too adorable and rushed to take a picture too fast- I barely got Nana in the shot!) It was so terribly hot outside and she looked so nice, that I felt horrible for her. But Nana is such a sport and loved playing with the little guys.




Adventures with Grace.
Our neighbor Grace has helped me out once a week to take the boys on excursions I can't do on my own (safely that is). . . From the Beaverton Fountain to the Zoo - the boys have enjoyed every minute. She has been a fantastic helped this summer- why does school have to start? We will miss her! (also below is her and Anna, the first time for Grace to hold a baby!)


More Boating Fun with Gigi & Popi:



Blueberry Picking: Gigi had the boys ALMOST using proper "berry etiquete". . . okay maybe not quite, but there is always next year.



Below: A little problem we have. . . so cute till one wakes the other up.
Below: She is loved.

Two Month Check In

Already 2 months old. . . depressing how fast time flies- yet I feel like she has always been a part of my life. My adored daughter.

Long and Lean- or should I say leaner? The boys were always 95th percentile weight and a bit less in height and she is the opposite. A tall tall girl- 24 inches (97%) and 12 pounds (85%). Annamarie looks so different than the boys,- she has a little more mature of a look with a narrower face and bigger eyes. . . . however, her lust to get moving and play reminds me so much of them (I don't think my "don't walk till you're two pact" will stand a shot). She has to be looking out and seeing all the action and gets so proud of herself when she stands and jumps. This huge smile overcomes her. I tell her to slow down- Be my baby for a while- again time flies way too fast.Here's the question- her hair seems very straight but after a bath looks like this. Will she get her brother's curls? They were bald and lost all their newborn hair by 3 months and didn't get anything till they were around 14 months. I am not quite sure she will lose hers . . .It is so fun to see the boys just gawk over her. They fight over who gets to hold her, and run up to give her kisses on an hourly basis. They are becoming VERY good- she is turning from their toy sister to the real thing. Their little voices saying "mama, baby crying" "mama baby HUNGRY" is just too sweet. Carter has also gotten a good push from his brother for touching Baby Anna's belongings or getting in her bouncer. Tyler is very protective. . . .even telling friends when they hold her, "no, mama's baby."




We are having so much fun. I feel so blessed every day for my wonderful and healthy family. Anna has truly completed it and brought all of us such joy. I say everything is a phase when it comes to the quirks and qualms of my little ones . . . I'll take this phase anyday & everyday!

A Week of Luke and Brinn

It was a little piece of heaven for the boys as they chase (and get chased) by their adored cousin. . .
My brother Brian and wife Karen came up with their two little ones for a week (and the 4th at the beach) and oh my goodness the boys fell in love with their cousins. Weeks later they still ask for "Cousin Luke" every morning and when we get in the car to go somewhere . . . and when I say he is in California "Cousin Brinn?" is next. And boy do they get excited to wear his hand me down shirts. They top the list now, even beating out wearing a fire engine or alligator- that's big. Below you can see why:
Above: Luke and Tyler
Below: Luke & Carter
Look at Brinn so wanting to be involved. She is too cute for words- and SO happy. She just lights up for anyone and everyone, her smile infectious. I was thrilled to see my boys so happy following around Luke that it made me realize, our little Anna will be the same in just a year or so- worshiping and longing to see her cousin Brinn. (see picture below) How fun is that? They will have their moments together too just like these crazy three guys. Oh yes, and "guys" is now a common word in our house because of our blond haired cousin. Just one of the longterm influences he's had on our family.
Above: Popi with the boys and Brinn (Tyler in orange)
Below: Carter playing tennis
We spent the weekend of the 4th at the beach with family and friends. I know this is going to sound ridiculous BUT it was one of the most toddler-friendly place you could take the boys . . . our beaches are so huge and no one is on them . . . they could run 20 feet from you without me getting freaked out like I would at a playground or store. . . and believe me- they ran! We spent part of a wonderful afternoon together, just the five of us, down at the water. It was short but will have lasting memories for me:
Above: My wonderful husband. He took them out to the FREEZING water (which also makes it toddler-friendly cause they wanted nothing to do with it) see below- they loved being chased by the tide but did not want to get caught!
Below: Anna's first time on the sand of the Oregon Coast
The Fourth is a BIG DEAL at Cannon Beach cause of the Annual Parade. Such a sight and hysterical because everyone in the town is in it- whether it is a family piled into their truck throwing candy, or friends wearing matching t-shirts throwing candy. No float or talent required. It's a must see.
Above: The boys with Luke and Brinn
Below: Tyler showing his spirit
Above: Gigi and Popi showed the boys the ropes of candy collecting and cheering
Below: Anna is always along for the ride. She is so good about being trekked all about.We all slept in one big room- The boys on the floor on mattresses. They loved it. One morning I woke up finding Carter asleep on top of me.
The whole group of families we go with has a celebration every night. It was the first time the boys had seen fireworks and enjoyed hotdogs. Both were huge hits.
Above: Travis watching the works with the boys.
Below: Carter had no hesitation eating his first dog. He then wanted to make sure Popi knew how good it was.Below: Bunny Hunting. The place we stayed at had bunnies running around. The boys looked for them everyday, bringing along a treat.
Above: Carter
Below: Tyler
Below: I stole this picture (and some others you see) from Karen's blog. I thought it was too great not to share. Uncle Brian with our boys and as she pointed out- they are holding hands.

Below: More beach pictures including sweet Anna.