Grayson's First Day of Preschool (2nd Year)

Western Idaho Fair 2011

We got busted...having some family fun at the Fair.

Grayson's mean face is hilarious (and a little creepy!)

Mrs. G's blue ribbon pie!

Greta's 1st Fair experience -- here, she appears to have caught on to the exceptional people-watching opportunities all around us -- uff da!

Roller coaster for the little ones

Look who won themselves some goldfish!  (And guess who gets to clean the aquarium?!)

This is the game where the boys won their new pets -- and the gracious gentleman who fixed the game so he could unload some goldfish on us.  ☺

Greta -- Six Months Old

Wasn't it just last week we were taking our baby home from the hospital? Honestly, I can't believe it's been six months already. Every day with Greta is such an incredible blessing. She officially rolled over on August 7th and hasn't really stopped since; she'll be all over the place soon. Her first tooth broke through just this past weekend, August 20th - after several weeks of drooling, gnawing on everything in sight, and occasional bouts of fussiness, which caught our attention, as she's usually so happy. She is a vocal baby, loves to babble, squeal, and make funny noises. She also loves to touch and study things. Gary and I have noticed that while we feed her, she drifts off to sleep and tickles us with her little hand, opening and closing her fingers. She also does that to her bed sheets at night - I think she likes the sound it makes. She has so much character! Auntie Jen got her to really giggle while we were in Portland earlier this month. It was her first belly laugh - music to our ears, of course.

Look how much she's grown and changed in these past six months....

I may be a bit biased, but isn't she just so precious?! ☺

Such a happy & sweet baby!
We love you so very much, Greta!

Gordon's First Day of 1st Grade

Oregon - Day 7: Heading Home

After packing up and checking out of our hotel on Saturday, we met Jen & Tony for brunch at a Denny's near downtown.

In spite of having to say good-bye for now, we had a nice time, laughing and relishing this time with Jen & Tony before embarking on the long drive home.

Thank you so much, to Jen & Tony for the wonderful meals and hospitality, and for arranging your schedules as much as you could in order to spend time with us!

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Portland!

Oregon - Day 6: The Portland Zoo

Friday morning - just waiting for Auntie Nenny to get off of work (she took the afternoon off). So we lounged around in our hotel room and watched some cartoons on cable TV, which we don't have at home. Right here, I think it was Sponge Bob Square Pants that was on.

After Jen & Tony picked us up at our hotel, they took us out for a yummy lunch downtown - then we caught the MAX to the Portland Zoo for the afternoon.

Who needs a bunch of souvenirs from the gift shop? The boys were elated by the free zoo maps we were given as we entered.

Jen & Tony - It was so fun to have a couple days to spend with them in Portland!

Sea otters and sea anemones

Tide pool creatures

seals (I think?)

Drowsy polar bear

Whistling at some animals to get their attention

So much to see!

Big orangutan

Again with the maps!

Seriously, Grayson slept holding his map for the next several nights...and still treasures it, nearly a month later at home.

Greta was sleepy and slept in her Sleepy Wrap throughout most of the tour.

She woke up smiling.

After catching the train back to a stop near their apartment, we walked there and relaxed while relishing the delicious aroma of Tony's cooking in the kitchen.

Tony, whipping up some fabulous beef burritos.

Time got away from us, however - and Tony's band had a scheduled concert that evening that he and Jen had to get to. So he bundled up a big batch of burritos for us to take with us. Gary and I had really wanted to see Tony's band perform, but Gary had to work late at KGW and Greta has hit an age where only Mommy can get her to sleep at night. So in spite of Jen's gracious offer to babysit, we had to pass on a night out. But we thoroughly enjoyed these scrumptious burritos to go!

The boys and I devoured our dinner at the Hilton, and Gary truly appreciated the wonderful meal when he joined us, after his day at the station.

Another fun day was had - and we enjoyed relaxing in our hotel - our final night of vacation.