Visit from Nana and Auntie Bonnie

We are so happy to have visitors here in Portland to celebrate Elliot's birth. The end of September we had some wonderful days of sunshine to enjoy family time with my Mom and sister, Bonnie. From wineries to playgrounds, both the adults and the kids had a blast and Bella did fantastic during her very first haircut. 

(click on the photo for more pictures)

Coast camping in style

Having driven from Tampa to Portland in his RV, it would have been a shame to let Charles' Uncle Jim leave without traversing the extra few miles to enjoy a few nights of camping on the Oregon coast. In addition to spending some quality time with Uncle Jim, a weekend in the "house on wheels" (as we explained his RV to Bella) was a rather enticing prospect for lowly tent campers like ourselves. We set out for Cape Lookout state park where we spent our time playing on the beach, roasting marshmallows and enjoying a nearby brewpub. Everyone had a wonderful time. A special thanks to Uncle Jim for making the long drive out to the West coast, and for being generous enough to sleep in a chilly tent while Charles, the kids & I slept snugly in his RV!

2011-09 Coast RV Camping

Evergreen Aviation Museum

We had a wonderful visit from Bella's great Uncle Jim from Florida. The boys brought Bella to the Evergreen Aviation Museum, the home of the famous Spruce Goose. She had a blast playing around the big airplanes while Elliot and I rested at home.

2011-09 Evergreen Aviation Museum

Elliot's first concert

Elliot's first concert turned out to be Ray LaMontagne at the Edgefield. It a is a small, outside venue which was perfect for an unpredictable 2 month old newborn (too late for Bella to join us). As it turns out, he loved the loud music and ambient noise and therefore Charles had a great birthday!

2011-09 Ray Lamontagne Concert

Visit from the Miller family

Isabella had a wonderful time playing with her cousin Sebastian over the Labor Day holiday. From hammocks to brewpubs, the weekend was full of excitement. Bella especially enjoyed the spontaneous dip in the Columbia River, it was a great way to celebrate our 5th year of marriage.

2011-09 Josh & Heather to Oregon

Sunday Parkways

We enjoyed our first outing as a family of four riding bikes during Portland's Sunday Parkways. The city closes down neighborhood streets for cycling, walking, etc. to promote non-motorized transportation. We finished with a Waffle Window treat to celebrate this beautiful summer day.

2011-09 Sunday Parkways

Birthday party

Elliot attended his first party in celebration of Julianna's first birthday on the rooftop deck of Pete and Andrea's condo. Bella was most impressed with the cupcakes!

2011-08 Pete & Andrea Party

Good times with Ma and Grandad

We recruited my grandparents from Texas to help out as well. Bella couldn't be happier to have so many guests come visit her and Ma and Grandad got some quality time with both of their great grandchildren.

2011-08 Ma & Grandad to Oregon

Visit from Auntie Amy

We were lucky to have my sister Amy out to help during the first week of Elliot's life. Bella enjoyed the individual attention and limitless fun while Auntie Amy enjoyed spoiling her rotten :) What fun!

2011-07 Amy to Oregon

Going home

Here are a few more pics of Elliot as we transition back home as family of four.

2011-Going home