First Day of School

The 2015-2016 school year has begun!  Charlie was excited!!  We did our annual photo shoot this morning...

Growing up too fast!

Not sure where the fire fighter idea came from...

maybe it's because daddy is on a fire working right now, 

or the new fire hat from an auntie?

This is what he'll really be like in the classroom - I pray for the teachers every day!!

 All about Charlie (in his words)

Here is a link to last year's picture and info page: 1st day 2014

Hit Machine

We made it to TWO concerts in the park this summer...go me!  Tonight's final band "Hit Machine" was awesome and Charlie's inner dancing machine came out.  We'll definitely have this event on our radar next summer.

  Silly glasses night 

Party Time

Another birthday party this week - woop woop!!  That means more cake for Charlie and Lukas.  This party was at a skate park so Charlie had the opportunity to at least burn off some of the sugar by riding his bike.

One of Lukas' favorite things to do at the park is swing.  He still insists on these seats so he can go "higher mommy!"

The other favorite past time of Lukas' (especially at parties since there are so many yummy treats) is to eat.  He had Doritos stained lips and cheeks for a few hours afterward...

Lukasism

I think I am going to start calling the funny/sweet/interesting/weird/silly...things that Lukas does a "Lukasism".  For some reason this kid cracks me up.  His sense of humor seems so subtle and he does this crazy thing with his expressions that I don't think I'll ever be able to capture on camera.  

Birthday bash

At this birthday bash there was a bit of bubbly...

the kind for kids!!

Concert in the Park

When we first moved to Hood River and went to concerts in the park (2006 & 2007 time frame), it was loaded with families and Paul and I couldn't wait until we had our own little nuggets to bring along.  Fast forward 7+ years -- the kids came...and...we never went to the concert in the park as we vowed we would.

So, tonight I made it happen!  Unfortunately we were missing daddy so it didn't feel complete, but we still had a fun evening.  The music was a Beatles cover band so lots of tunes to sing along with.

Charlie actually surprised me by hanging out by the stage the entire time the music was playing (see the green shorts).  He used his Frisbee as a tambourine - so sweet!.  He was also found hanging on the stage just to the side of the speakers (note to self -- bring earplugs for him next time) 

Lukas was pretty silly and kept trying to wrestle with me on the blanket 

(sorry kiddos, momma can't wrestle like daddy does...)

John Mellencamp

The boys and I (sans Paul) got to see an amazing concert at a cool venue.  It's not everyday that you get to see John Mellencamp perform in someone's backyard.  This was an event to raise money for Diabetes Research.

Panorama of the venue (can you spot the guy with the missing leg...oops!)

Yummy Snow Cones - Charlie got more on his shirt than in his belly.

The event had plenty to do for the kiddos too.  It took us 45 minutes when we arrived to make it past the bounce houses to mingle.  This was Lukas' favorite spot to jump (the entry ramp); he refused to go in and jump.  Anyways, he was having fun and was being so silly in his own comfort zone.

Then his world opened up when I finally got him inside one of them.  It only took a few times of me having to go in with him until he was good to go on his own.  We could barely tear him out of them when the evening was over.

 

This is how...

...we spend most of our afternoons these days.  Chillaxin' at the pool!  It's been a great summer.

Rock N Roll

Nothing completes the 80's style beats on a keyboard better than a bandanna...

Even Lukas got in on the act. 

House Exterior - Before and After

It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to make something feel fresh and clean.  We love the new look...

Before:

After: