Long Overdue...

So Aubrey has been 6 for awhile now, and I am just getting around to taking her birthday pics.

I love having a six year old. She cooks, cares for Sam (reading to him whenever I wish for it), giggles at the least inopportune moments, and waves to me from the bus window. I think I shall keep her.

The Fine Arts

Aubrey and I ventured into Portland yesterday, to see Pinkalicious the musical at the Oregon Children's Theatre. Aubrey has been a big fan of the books for quite some time, and she had never seen a play (let alone a musical - James has tried to ban all musicals, denying our children the likes of The Sound of Music). So I thought it was about time. We went with some friends, and took the Max train (I secretly think that was her favorite part). When we arrived, it was like a sea of pink tutus! Lots of giggly girls. I love plays, but I did not expect much from this one. But I was pleasantly surprised - it was very well done! It was really fun, to get dressed up and spend girlie time with Aubrey. Perhaps some day we could go to the Nutcracker!

Here's a few photos taken via cheap cell phone camera:

Into the Woods

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach ..."

- Henry David Thoreau

We really didn't go there to live, just to visit. And still learned a lot - we saw a newt, learned about Methesda's Beard, and looked for beetle holes. It was a nice way to spass an afternoon.

1 airplane + 1 pilot + 1 Red Riding Hood = Almost a Theme

We almost had a halloween theme this year, just short a stewartess, or a wolf and grandma. We had a good time, anyway! We always have a wardrobe malfunction - this year Sam's airplane ran out of batteries twice and deflated. This misfortune did not keep them from loading up with lots of candy, Sam even won a prize at one of the houses - a big box of Booger candy. Every time he asked for it, it creeped me out a little.

I hope everyone had a wicked Halloween too!

Annual Pumpkin Patch Festivities

This is like our tenth visit to Lakeview Farms, we never tire of it. Apparently, it continues to surprise, as well (wait for it).

The kiddies love the train ride. I love taking pictures of the kiddies on the train. This is one I took while everyone had boarded. The kids were convinced the train would leave without me. Do you see the look of horror on their faces? This was not to be the only horrific moment, wait...

We picked out a few pumpkins. They all wanted small ones = cheap for us! Sam really wanted a green one. We picked one for him, and he hated the stem. He likes it now.

Next, came the boat ride. Now, remember we have been on this boat ride many, many times. I, of course, had my camera out, documenting every moment. I had it in video mode, so my terror was caught on tape. Enjoy.

I'm not entirely sure, but I think the screaming may have come from me. Why did I not remember the squirting shark? One can't be sure. I suppose it has something to do with the loss of all common sense in the name of art. Not to worry, after a few tense moments, I realized that the camera survived. If you happen to be on a log ride with me, could you please tell me to put my camera away? Thanks.

Ducks Denied Food

The kids have a few days off school, due to parent teacher conferences. I am trying to keep the little critters busy, but despite my best efforts, I still get asked many questions about our daily, hourly, minutely activities.

Today, we went to the library, checked out a few books, and headed for the door. We spread a blanket, hoping to read, view brilliant fall colors, and feed the ducks. But as you can see it is still very green here. This state is always green. Ducks were present, but we were intimidated by a sign requesting that we not feed the wildlife. Why will no one allow ducks to be fed anymore? We were forced to eat the bread ourselves.

Photo Lacking

I haven't picked up my camera in awhile. A few things have kept me away.

1. I think I may have signed up to volunteer a little too much. How exactly do you unvolunteer?
2. I'm lacking inspiration. I had planned on taking pics of my newly turned six year old, but she ran into the ironing board and gave herself a black eye. On school picture day, no less.
3. Home improvement project.

I have always hated our guest bathroom. When we first moved in (6 years ago), it was dark purple. With no windows. Very cave-like (sorry, no pics). We quickly ran a few coats of almost white paint over the walls, making it resemble a hospital bathroom. It stayed like that - until now.

I dreamed of bead board. And then I discovered wallpaper that resembled bead board. Good looks without all the work. I like it! James did not. James has something against wallpaper, perhaps it reminds him of the 80's? Anyway, he wanted to do it the hard way. And it was hard, we almost called in the professionals. A few times, when we really wanted to swear, I would remind James that I wanted to do wallpaper. I don't think he liked it. But now that it's done, I love it! For the record, James was right.

It's not quite done, still have to accessorize. But that could take months - so here's a sneak peek!