Square Foot Garden

I'm quite taken with my little garden. Today, I picked my first crop - radishes! Not that I love radishes, but I know those who do. I first read about square foot gardening here, and read more here. James was kind enough to make me a box and the kiddies helped me plant my seeds (radishes, green onions, carrots, spinach, lettuce, squash, zucchini, and cucumber). I went all crafty (garden craftiness is a whole new level for me) and made these garden markers. Too bad they were no match for the Oregon monsoon season (just a little bitter). Now all I need to do is keep an eye out for those roaming neighborhood bunnies that ate my Styrofoam Easter egg decorations.

Picnic on Sauvie Island

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My parents were in town for the weekend and we spent a perfect afternoon on Sauvie Island, picnicking and getting very dirty. The kiddies treated my feet to a mud bath, all in celebration of Mother's Day. Thanks Jen, for making it all possible. Your turn next!

A few blissful moments at Seaside, right before we all ate sand. Far too windy.

My Two Year Old Baby

Sam turned 2 this week! And I'm still waiting for the terrible twos to set in, so far so good! Sam was a bit harder to please this year, all he wanted was a hotel. He has expensive taste in parties. We distracted him with a park, cake, ice cream, presents, and a sleepover (with his siblings - not ready for a friend sleepover).

A few interesting facts about Sam:

- Very, very mild - has been known to lay in our bed and play with a toy for over an hour

- Loves to throw things down the stairs. There is always a ball or two at the bottom of our stairs - always.

- Loves to play games, but will often ruin a good game of Yahtzee

- Hates fighting and reminds his siblings to be nice at least a few times a day

- Favorite toys: Cars and Legos

- First thing he does in the morning: asks for chocolate milk, just can't start the day without it

- A phone conversation with Sam always involves a peacock

This one's a keeper! Happy Birthday Sam!


* If you are wondering about the cupcake, it's supposed to be a monster.

Weekend Highlights

After spending all week at home with the kiddies for spring break, we thought spending the weekend with them in a hotel might be a good idea. And it actually was.


Chad in the top of Yaquina Lighthouse





Favorite Moments:
- Chad's overwhelming joy with kite flying, and his warning to all on the beach that seagulls were on the loose.
- Aubrey professing her love of sausage and her aspiration to live in a light house and turn the light on every night.
- Sam's demand on our trip home: "Bored, bored! Need a hotel!"

Not so favorite, but secretly funny:
- Aubrey spotting an elderly couple - leaning over their walkers, and then insisting that she walk like them as well.
- Chad falling in the waves, fully clothed.

I just want to go back. Anyone else? Seriously, just name the day.

Hope

We had a few rough days, but I think we are sticking with it! Training an almost two year old is quite different than working with a 3 year old. In one year, a child can become quite obstinate and manipulative. Or is that just my personal experience? Sadly, my carpet cleaner did not make it. I have to get me a new Little Green Machine, I love it so.

Misinformed?

I've been told the best age to potty train is 22 months. I believe I have been misinformed. Nontheless, I am committed to giving it 3 days. We are at 1030 hours on the second day, enjoying the latest issue of Car & Driver. Lets just hope my carpet cleaner can hold out.