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

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