Rainy Day at the Library.

  This morning, we woke up to a gray, drizzly day that canceled our outdoor playdate with some friends. I decided to rally the troops (mainly Beniah) by saying, "Let's go to the big library!" 

Who can stay disappointed when there are floor to ceiling windows on the fifth floor?

Or when there are teepees to play in?

Not to mention the table that you can trace on.

The best part, though, is the rows and rows of picture books.

Although, the alphabet table was a close second.

When Grandparents Visit - Going to the Park

  On the last day of my parents weekend visit, we decided to walk to our neighborhood park for some climbing and sliding fun (not swings though. They are an abomination unto Elijah!).

Beniah attempting to be the first one to reach the park.

Elijah discovered the wheelchair access ramp and loves the thrill of running down it while attempting to keep from falling on his face. It's a hard feat to do with his big noggin!

Beniah discovered the fun of having a "phone" to talk into to Daddy.

It's a Daddy tunnel!

When Grandparents Come to Visit - To the Falls

   A little over a week ago, my parents came up for a weekend visit. We had one full day with them and our mission was to do our best to wear the old folks out. We started the day at the Bonneville Dam and then stopped off at Multnomah Falls to get rid of any trace of energy. 

When we pulled into the parking lot, we noticed that the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile was there and had to get a picture next to the great American icon.

"Don't worry, Elijah. All of the chemicals in real hot dogs won't get you 

when you are next to a hot dog car."

Once all the photos were taken, we were off to the falls with Beniah in the lead.

"It's so tall!"

Then came the hike up the hill.

Over a creek.

Finally, at the bridge in front of the falls.

Beniah wanted to go to the top of the falls, so Grandpa started walking with him. They got to the first bend in the trail and Beniah was done.

Elijah was in awe of the falls (or just desperately trying not to fall asleep).

One by one, the passengers in the van succumbed to sleep on the thirty minute drive home.

Mission accomplished!

Happy Memorial Day!

 Our cheer goes back to them, the valiant dead!
Laurels and roses on their graves to-day,
Lilies and laurels over them we lay,
And violets o'er each unforgotten head.
~Richard Hovey

 

  

With the tears a Land hath shed
Their graves should ever be green.
~Thomas Bailey Aldrich

May your Memorial Day be filled with joyful recollections of your loved ones and not full of forced photo-shoots.

When Grandparents Visit - Meeting the Fish

   This last Mother's Day, my sister in law and her family went to the Bonneville Dam.  When Beniah saw her blog post, he said, "Mama, let's go see fish." 

   So, when my parents when they arrived last Friday, we loaded up in the van and headed off to the Bonneville Dam. To keep the fights down, we had to split the boys between their grandparents.

Once at the Dam, we went searching for fish.

 We followed the path, right to the large sturgeons.

 

Then we were off to the trout ponds. Since Grandpa and Grandma were there, fish food was bought and the boys had fun throwing the pellets into the pond.

 Beniah loved watching the water fall down into the pond.

 Elijah did his best staying awake.

Of course, we had to reenact the bear growling photo. Beniah wanted no part of the silliness this time.

Happy Mother's Day!

This year for Mother's Day, Tim surprised me by taking me and the boys out for breakfast before church. Ok, it wasn't a total surprise. He told me on Friday what his plan was since we would have to be out the door an hour and a half earlier than normal. But I still enjoyed my time with my boys.

While we waited for our food to arrive, Daddy taught Beniah the proper way to wear the Smuckers jam samples.

Elijah was an emotional rollercoaster at the restaurant. 

First, he was upset that I would dare to take the lens cap off.

Then came contentment when I allowed him to hold my coffee mug. 

Who wouldn't happy up by holding a mug of coffee?  

 Then came the tears again after Daddy told him "No."

After church came naps.

We ended this splendid day with walking around the neighborhood...

...and blowing dandelion seeds into the air.

It was a wonderful Mother's Day. How was yours?

His Name Will Be Baatoe!

Today, we woke up to nice sunny day. This called for a celebratory walk after breakfast followed by weeding our garden patch, bubble blowing, and a picnic lunch.

 

  

 During our lunch, we were entertained by a brave squirrel who climbed and jumped between our backyard trees. 

Beniah asked me what the squirrel's name was and since I don't come up with good, quirky names, I told Beniah that he should name him.  After awhile, Beniah said, "His name is Baatoe (Pronounced Bay-toe-E).

We now have a wild pet squirrel that will never know that it has owners.