Monday, October 1, 2012

Farewell Summer, it was a good one!



We've enjoyed a fantastic summer! It's been busy and full of fun with family and friends. Here's a brief recap leaving out a TON of stuff, but alas, it will have to do. Perhaps the cooler weather will inspire me to blog more often

We celebrated Nana graduating from Clark! She worked so hard for the last few years and it paid off. We watched as she walked in the commencement held at the amphitheater.

Nannie's Graduation from Clark!

This summer was the first in five years that George was home for the 4th of July. For the last several years he has had Army commitments that have kept him from celebrating with the family. Although our budget was tight we did splurge on fireworks for the big day. Norah loved it! She stayed up late to watch all the big bright explosions. Of course, Daddy helped her light a few fireworks of her own too.
Loving the sparklers
Our little town has an outdoor pool that is open for the summer. This year I braved the waters with Norah so we could do swimming lessons! It was a parent/tot class four days a week for two weeks. Norah had a lot of fun and really likes the water. Hopefully next year she will be ready for some big kid lessons so Momma and Owen can do the Tot class!

First day of swim lessons
 This summer also brought it's share of birthday partys, playdates, picnics, parks & potlucks!
In mid August we went to a dinner potluck with a bunch of friends. It was super hot that day so we picked up water balloons for the kids. For the amount of time we spent filling all the balloons, the kids wasted no time popping them.

Norah and her friend Leland soaking from water balloons
 We've met so many great people over the last two years here, and most of us have children the same age.
Babies everywhere!
Kinley, Owen, Scarlet, Ries

The big kids
Norah, Connor, Lila, Lusa, Leland
 Road Trip!
We made our annual beach trip in August to celebrate our anniversary and Norah's birthday.
We found a beautiful condo in Lincoln City right on the bay. The price was amazing and it had two bedrooms seperate from the living space, set up much like an aparment. It was perfect!
Chillin with Daddy before heading into the Tillamook Cheese Factory
 This sweet girl, she was beyond excited to go to the beach. She loves playing in sand, this was a dream come true! Needless to say, we played on the beach several times a day, followed by many many baths!
We finally arrived! Quick walk on the beach before bedtime
 Five Years.
Two Kids.
A Beautiful Life.

(Love)

 An anniversary/birthday celebration wouldn't be complete without an amazing cake from Larson's Bakery
Chocolate buttercream with raspberry filling, please refrain from licking the computer!
 Happy 3rd Birthday Norah!
Waiting, waiting, waiting...it's finally time for the cake!
 This big boy, oh my...He has changed so much this summer. He crawls, eats amazing amounts of food, is so curious about everything, and loves following his big sister around.
First time at the beach!
 This is the common Owen position! He does what we call a bear crawl, up on hands and feet instead on knees. It's crazy cute to watch and he is super fast. He's also cruzing holding on to furniture and will probably be walking before his birthday.
On his nine month checkup in Sept he was 22lbs and 29in which puts him in about the 75%. He's already bigger than Norah was at one year.
At Norah's three year checkup she was 29lbs and 36in, which puts her in about the 30%.
He's catching up fast, soon he's going to be her Big little brother!
Bear Crawl!
  The summer also brought a few things we could have done without.
Wildfires.
There was a fire a few weeks ago just outside of White Salmon. Although we weren't in danger, it did come very close to friends of ours and was pretty frightening. The smoke has been awful. Currently there is a fire across the river from us which is almost out. I believe the fire by Mt Adams is also still burning. 
Milepost 66 fire, burning along the Hatfield trial, picture taken from our kitchen
As the summer comes to an end, we are starting new adventures. This sweet little lady is taking dance lessons! Tomorrow will be her second class, I have to drop her off this time which is a first for me and makes me a little nervous. She loved the first class and I know she will do just fine.
After the holidays we're considering enrolling her in preschool.
What a big girl!
First day of ballet class

 October is here and we are looking forward to the cooler weather.
Pumpkin patch here we come!