Week with Gram/ Blueberry Picking

Brian went to a conference in NY for a week, so Gram came to help out with the kiddos while I was at work.  Aunt Becki even came up for a night, so it was great to see her too.  The kids had so much fun hanging out with them.  It's always different when Mama and Papa aren't around, so I'm so glad they have that special time just with the kids.  On my Friday off, we decided to take Gram on her first water slide at the community center by my work.  I don't think Steph thought about what would happen at the end of the water slide or how fast it was going to be, but I'm telling you, I haven't laughed so hard in a long time!  The look on her face as she emerged from the water was priceless, I wish it was on video.  She practiced a few times and got it down, but you'll have to ask her if she'll ever go down another one because I'm not so sure what the answer would be!  On Saturday morning we went blueberry picking at a local farm by our house.  It was great because the bushes were full of huge blueberries, there weren't a lot of people, and they give you cool buckets to strap around your waist, which made it so easy to pick.  We came home with 18lbs of blueberries just between the kids and I!  We'll be going back every year, they're delicious!  It was a fun week, but we sure missed Papa.  We surprised him at the airport on Sunday.  The kids ran to him as soon as they saw him, so excited to have him home.

Fishing with Grandpa

Grandpa found a great fishing spot in Wilsonville, where the kids were going to catch their first fish! He scoped it all out before he planned a day out with the kiddos and I.  He had the kids fishing poles all rigged up and brought grub worms and earth worms for bait.  First cast out we had a fish on the line!  They kept getting away, though, taking our grub bait with them.  Grandpa decided we needed to switch our bait to earth worms and each of them caught 2 or 3 after that!  Isaiah was even brave enough to hold the fish and let it go.  Ashley on the other hand was happy just watching.  After fishing we met Grammy for lunch at Biscuits Cafe.

 

4th of July

4th of July was Brian's holiday, so he had to work in the morning, but was able to see the fireworks with us at night. During the day we went boating on the river with Grammy and Grandpa. We went down to the Blues Festival for a bit and then headed back for nap. It was another gorgeous day, so the kids could even enjoy swimming with Grandpa for a little while (it was cold, so I was surprise when Ashley wanted to go back in). The kids got late naps, so they were all rested for fireworks. We packed up the stroller and walked to Happy Valley Park where they put on a great show.  

Sawyer's 2nd Birthday

I can't believe our Godson is 2 already! His birthday theme was "Construction Zone... Warning Sawyer is turning 2!" Danielle did a great job gathering ideas and everything turned out so cute! She made a truck birthday cake, had lots of stuff set up in the back for the kids to play with, and really cute decorations. It was a hot weekend, so we tried to stay cool with the sprinker and pool set up in the back. The kids had a lot of fun playing and we had fun catching up with everyone.

We sang happy birthday twice during this party, but it was probably the 100th time for this little guy turning 2.  "Happy Birthday" is his favorite song and he loved blowing out candles, wanting to do it over and over again!

waiting patiently for their cake

Fun in the sprinkler.

Sawyer not so sure about the sprinkler

Making homemade individual pizza's on the grill!

Silly kiddos at breakfast

Kite Festival

June 22nd was Lincoln City's Kite Festival, so Grammy and I took the kids to check it out. Unfotunately there wasn't enough wind so the big kites didn't go up, but we still had a lot of fun watching the synchronized kite flying (which was amazing!) and hanging out on the beach. We'll try again next year and hope for better wind, at least the sun was out! We stayed at the beach house, so we had fun climbing then running down the sand dune, going for long walks and out to eat. I love that the kids are creating memories there and ask when we get to go again!

Father's Day Weekend

On Saturday Ashley had her end of the session ballet recital. Grammy came to watch and took the kids back to their house while Mama and Papa went golfing. Besides my allergies acting up, golfing was a lot of fun. It's been a long time, but we've still got it! After golf we went to Mom and Dad's for a BBQ.  Then on Sunday we rented a pontoon boat for 6 hours on North Fork Reservoir. This was what Brian wanted to do for Father's Day and I'm so glad we did, we had a blast! We packed up food, sunscreen and fishing poles ready to spend the day on the water. No fish were caught, but Brian did retrieve Ashley's fishing pole from the bottom of the lake!  He was teaching her how to cast and first try she landed the pole in the water. About 1/2 hour later they located it on the bottom, so he rigged up his fishing pole and after a few attempts brought hers in. Papa saved the day! He always has tricks up his sleeve to solve problems. You're the best, Papa, we're so lucky to have you! 

It's a Girl!

Danielle and Hani had their "gender reveal" party last month at Green Lake. Joana did her ultrasound the week before and did a great job keeping it a secret. The theme was yellow for girl and teal for boy and Jo was in charge of filling the box to be opened at the party. When they opened the box out flew yellow balloons! I think D was totally surprised, she and a lot of other people (including me) thought it was a boy. She did a great job with the decorations, food, and desserts.

Cars

He's been really into his cars and trucks lately.

Pink Potatoes

Brian started having Ashley help with the dinner menu. Here's what she picked the first week... pink potatoes, chicken, and peas!

Memorial Day 2013

The camping season was officially kicked off Memorial Day weekend.  We packed up the camper and headed to Billy Chinook for the annual Bies' Butte wiffle ball tournament and to see the new addition to the cabin! (electricity, flushing toilets and running water...  big change from port-a-potties, water jugs and lanters).  Saturday night it poured, which is unusual for Billy Chinook, but ended up being gorgeous on Sunday when we had the tournament. I think Kathy counted 50+ people this year including the Surgeon's and their friends, the Bocci's, and all of our crew. Ashley was even assistant score keeper/umpire with Grandpa Bies.  Saturday night Mike lit a huge bon fire and all the "virgins" got initiated to the cabin getting up in front of everyone to show us their "talent."  Monday morning it poured again so we had to pack up in the rain, which was a bummer. We all had a ton of fun, though, made some new friends, ate way too much and stayed up too late.  Can't wait to do it again next year!

Isaiah and Audrey on the swings, so sweet!

Wiffle Ball tournament.