Hello Midwest!

In June, we packed up the kiddos and headed East to Tama, Iowa to visit Uncle Bert (John's brother), Aunt Michelle, and Cousins Matt, Brad, Abby, and Timmy. Here is just a sampling of the 1000's of pictures taken of our adventures.


Unfortunately, Caleb decided to get 3 molars and 2 front teeth while we were there so he wasn't too happy unless mommy was holding him - at all times.















Cousin Abby and Ryan spent a lot of quality time reading - that is when Ryan wasn't playing with Timmy in his room.
On our first full day, we decided to take a walk to the river to see some of the Iowa flooding in person. Lucky Caleb got to hitch a ride on Brad's backin the same backpack all the Iowa cousins used to use.
































We also visited several parks, incluing this one by a lake where the "kids" had a blast in the human hamster wheel.











Uncle John and Uncle Bert showing the boys how it's done!





Mommy and Daddy sneaking away for a few quiet moments on the lake




Golf Cart Driving 101 with cousin Brad. Later, Ryan, Daddy, Abby, and Timmy take a ride on the innertube pulled by crazy Uncle Bert.






Whew! What a day!!!

Ahhhh, success at last - Caleb is happy in some else's arms =)

****As a side note, we began our vacation by visiting my mom's cousin Lillian in Chicago. She gave us an amazing tour of her beautiful city and as soon as my computer stops boycotting and gives me the rest of the pictures, I will post them, too =)

Happy 3rd Birthday, Ryan!!!!

Ryan's 3rd Birthday started with a surprise visit from Grama. On the day of his birthday, we met daddy at McDonald's for lunch where Ryan had a blast playing in the tunnels (despite learning some life lessons from an older boy. Ryan now knows what happens when you hit an older kid...) Later that night we had Ryan's birthday dinner of choice (homemade hamburgers) and then of course, we celebrated with cake, ice cream, and presents

The next day, daddy had a seminar in Portland, so Ryan, Caleb, Grama, and mommy spent the day at the Portland Children's Museum - What a great day!

On Saturday, Ryan had his first true birthday party. We held his party at a near park that has a fantastic playground/wood castle play structure. His theme was "Where the Wild Things Are" - beyond fitting for Ryan =). A few months ago, Johna and I had found these great "Where the Wild Things Are" party invitations - little did we know those are the ONLY things that exist for a birthday party with this theme. So, we got creative =) Mommy's attempt at a Wild Thing Cake

After playing for a while and eating lunch, the kids gathered around for a reading of "Where the Wild Things Are". Afterwards, the kids had a great time decorating their own Wild Thing masks - Thanks Nana!!!

The party favors

What a great day! Despite Caleb being under the weather, we all had an amazing time celebrating our little man's 3rd birthday.

Misc. Pix

Keeping the California roots alive =)

Don't worry, he didn't eat the worm

Now that we have removed most of the stuff in our yard in order to make room for lawn, now came the time to transplant the plants we want to save. On this particular weekend, we pulled out 9 bushes (thanks to the 4-Runner and some cable! Can we say redneck?) and transplanted 5 rhododendrons.

A couple of weeks ago, the boys and I spent a week watching over the barn while the trainers were at a horse show. The boys had such a blast feeding -it was hilarious!!! Also made me proud to be raising country boys - even if we do live in town.

Sitting at the table like a big boy

Thanks Holland and Clay for these cool shirts from New Zealand!!

Caleb's First Haircut

The before shot

Ta-Da!