Summer trip to Chicago

We really enjoyed summertime in Chicago, the kids were able to spend some quality time with the Grandparents and Great Grandparents on the Lemon side as well as a day trip to the Shedd Aquarium with Grandma Sassy and Grandpa Mike.  The impetus of the trip was my brother Matt's wedding, which was a beautiful, kid-free event. 

May fun

Charles and Charlie had a blast watching Bella drive construction equipment at Dozer days.

Sunday parkways in Portland again, this time with our neighbors, Ken and Katie

Isabella enjoyed taking her buddy Katie hiking along the lush Macleay trail in Portland.

Birthday celebration with Nana

We are so happy that Mom was able to make it out to celebrate Bella's 3rd birthday, it was truly a fun filled visit.  Nana also played a crucial role in helping out with a photo shoot for the kids.

Corbin's 3rd birthday

April is a month filled with birthdays and Bella had a blast celebrating with her friend Corbin and his baby brother, Griffin who also turned one.

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Auntie Bonnie in April

April was a beautiful month, we took advantage of the sunny days with Auntie Bonnie at the park and even some late season cross country skiing around Mount Hood.

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Easter

Laid back Easter festivities at home.

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Kellen's 3rd Birthday

Birthday parties, parks and Easter egg hunts, who could ask for more?

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Sledding on Mount Hood

Bella really enjoyed her first time sledding!

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Visit from Erica

We made the most of a few sunny moments in March with my good friend Erica.

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Suttle Lake getaway

Central Oregon provided some fun snow play as well a great family time for all of us.

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Cross country skiing

Two couples, four kids in the snow with skis, what could be more fun?  Elliot did really well for his first time out and Bella loved skiing behind the Chariot almost as much as snuggling next to her buddy Kellen in their snow carriage.

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Texas trip for Ma's Birthday

I took on the challenge of flying alone with the kids to surprise my Grandmother for her 80th birthday.  It was well worth the stress of travel!

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Kids 2011

Random shots from 2011

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Pa-Paw's shop at ADX

I'm not sure who has more fun at Pa-paw's shop, him or Bella...

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Fun times with Auntie Bonnie

Auntie Bonnie comes to visit and we take advantage of the crisp fall weather.

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Autumn events

We kept busy this fall forming new family traditions.

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Camping

Our inaugural run with the pop-up camper.

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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. 

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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