dance party!

The house we stayed at in Utah had a juke box so every night the kids had a dance party, which Cole loved. We've kept that tradition going since we've been home. A good way to get out that last bit of energy before bed and to let Cole express his creative dance moves. Here's a series from last night - I believe this was to Prince's "Lets Go Crazy." The last Zoolander-like face cracks me up.

building blocks

A couple of weeks ago when our friends Mike and Gem were visiting, Mike taught Cole how to build a super high tower with his blocks. And to all of our surprise Cole really got into it versus getting joy out of knocking the tower over after at just 3 blocks high. It's fitting, really, that Mike would be the one to inspire the builder in Cole since Mike is a carpenter himself. Here's a recent picture of one of the highest we've built, with Cole looking so proud after adding the top one and having it stay standing. We even had to get him a step stool so that he could reach the top!

Bend softball tourney

This weekend we headed over to Bend for Cory's softball tournament. We had such a great time -- sunny, lots of time outside, our hotel had a pool, good food, good friends -- perfect! I seem to always be without my camera these days, but Eden got a couple good ones of us.

Dinner on Friday night at Ciao Mambo



Saturday morning at the Childrens Museum before heading to the ballpark.

Carb-loading -- I wonder if Cole is feeling deprived since we never have bread anymore? He filled his cart with as much bread and cereal as he could find!


Our little pizza chef.

oregon coast

This past weekend we headed to the coast to spend time with some of my most favorite people. Gem and Mike were visiting from NYC, Sarah came down from Seattle, Rachel from Lebanon, and Sarah & James from Corvallis. Gem and Mike's friend Ben hosted us all (20+ people) at his families condos at Inn at Otter Crest. It was a wonderful time and a nice reminder of how lucky I am to have such amazing friends who have been in my life for many years!

Cheers! Lets get this party started ...

Beach by our hotel

The girls! Love you guys.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Pedicab!

We enjoyed a pedicab ride thanks to Dan from Corvallis Pedicab last night at the Chris Nordyke State Farm First Monday BBQ. I'd highly recommend it! www.corvallispedicab.com