{zoo lights}

Even though it was a record 8 degrees last night, we hit the Zoo Lights, just to "get it over with". This year we felt very prepared in our layers (especially Chad in his thermal long johns, 2 pairs of fleece pants, and jeans) and we were just thankful it wasn't raining. The Pea cock is always my fave.
This was Ryley's expression upon arrival, and even though his looks says it all, "Are you guys crazy!" he loved it, particularly the "toot toot" (since he's into trains).
The train ride.
And last but not least, the four of us.

{thanksgiving}

This year we spent Thanksgiving with my family in Eugene. We had a nice relaxing couple days and we always leave missing everyone even more, despite the fact we just spent time with them. The only down side was that easy-going Ryley proved to be a horrible sleeper while we were away. The lack of sleep, coupled with my uncontrollable sneezing led to our decision to come home a night earlier than planned.

While we visited we also had family visit from the Seattle area. It was so nice to see my great aunt, second cousin, and her daughter and husband. Maisey was ecstatic and had an ear to ear smile the entire time she spent with her cousins.

The girls met up at the hotel and went for a swim.

I love seeing family together and I can't wait to see EVERYONE again.

{ready}

With all the major Christmas shopping done (all that remains are the nieces and nephews), we are ready for Christmas. The house is decorated and we've been plugging away at reading, watching, and listening to all the excessive Christmas media we own. It is all so fun (with the exception of Ryley's grabby hands which he remains to keep off the tree)... I think we only broke 4 ornaments while trimming the artificial piece of art.

My little elf is as ready as I am.

{holiday festival}

Last weekend we went to The German American School and attended their holiday festival. We were on the prowl for German Christmas gifts for the in-laws and we were successful. I've decided people who are over 50 are impossible to buy for! We also tasted some warm Kinder Punch (the kiddie version of gluhweine) and we picked some up for the fast approaching Guenther Christmas celebration. Oh, how I love this time of year!

{tis the season}

In this house we are doing everything in our power not to think about Christmas... Although we've been able to resist putting up the tree (until Thanksgiving night anyway), we haven't been able to resist listening to Christmas music and watching an occasional Christmas flick.We've also been enjoying hot cocoa,

Painting Christmas ornaments, and wrapping presents (less the bows that fall off prematurely).

Better earlier than later, right?

{girl scout service}

This past week Maisey made blankets for children in need at the annual Linus Project. She was so proud of herself last year and this year was no different. I was extremely excited to see her joy since I myself love to serve others. I constantly think about my children and the ways they will choose to express gratitude for all of their blessings, hoping that someday they will learn by example. I just have to say I'm grateful for Girl Scouts because it really parallels our teachings as members of the church.

At another activity this past week Maisey also made hygiene kits for the needy and she was given one to bring home to disburse on her own accordance. On Saturday morning we stuffed some treats into the sack along with some money and set out to find just the "right" beggar on the corner. She was so happy to give her bag to someone in need and we decided we will make several more for this holiday season, and hopefully throughout the rest of the year.

This was the fleece Maisey chose- against my persuasion of course!

* The fabric stores really do make some cute fleece!

One troop down, many more to go!

Last years project.

{Guenther Octoberfest}

This past weekend was the 6th Annual Guenther Octoberfest. This year brought in about 250 people, which was less than expected, most likely because of the illusion of rain. That's right, illusion because it never rained, contrary to the city weather here in Portland!
Chad and Ryley taking a break from the fun.
Maisey posing so I'll leave her alone.The German band.My brother and sister in-law Tod and Jill (Chad's oldest brother).Their youngest daughter Ruby will dog Wallie- also wearing his German attire.Eliot- Tod and Jill's grandson in his cool duds!

The four of us- a picture I'm not fond of! My German speaking brother and sister who came up from Eugene- Erin (16) and Chase (19).

As always, it was a great festival. We also enjoyed time with family and friends on Sunday before heading home. We are so glad the rain didn't follow us to Hood River and we can't wait until next year to dress up again!

{Too Fun}

After a busy Saturday morning we were able to go out with our good friends and enjoyed their new ski boat! Let me say now, it was such a blast and we are thankful for their endless hospitality and friendship!

Here is a shot of the kids and me- because I couldn't crop me off! I will appear again (Melissa) even though I'm "camera shy!"
Here is Ciara tubing with the girls. She was such a sport since she's 5 months pregnant and couldn't do a whole lot this summer with the boat.
She was the best driver ever- but that comes from growing up as a boat owner since childhood.Along with tubing the kids enjoyed jumping off the swim deck to Chad.

And the guys, mainly Chad who was the "water hog"
of the day, enjoyed tubing, knee boarding (kind-of), and wake boarding (Ok, only Herb was able to enjoy that because Chad never made it up)!

Here is Herb with the wake board.
Ryley and I (I know, I must have been having the time of my life if I'm going as far as to post pictures of me- especially in a swim suit)!

Ryley and Daddy at the end of a long day and after a good little nap. Ryley passed out when I was tubing and he slept on the boat floor for a bit!

The perfect way to end summer and we're already excited for next year!

Thanks again!

{Lions}

Today was the 1st day of the new Lion exhibit at the Zoo. It was pretty cool- even though this picture says otherwise!I really liked the Cheetah's the best- they were fierce and almost scary!
Ryley on the other hand- well, he liked the statues of the Lions.
The baby.

The cutest part of the morning, was watching him get so excited over the Sea Lions- and the other little kids who were just as excited as he was!

{hide}

Where is Ryley?There he is!
He will definitely get his sister with this new one when she gets home today!

{September 8}

Tomorrow is a BIG day. There are so many BIG changes happening in our home right now. However, at this moment I will only focus on one BIG thing- Maisey beginning 1st grade!

Since she was born just over six years ago, she has been securely attached to my every move. She loves to be with me and I love her company as well. It is going to be an adjustment now that she will leave my side for much of the day, especially since I am enjoying her company more and more. She is still strong willed, stubborn and decisive, but I know we will always be close. She tells me everyday that she's glad I'm her mother and it makes me feel so joyous- I hope she always feels that way!

Most people sweat over Kindergarten, but for me, it was purely exciting. On the other hand, those feelings I thought I was missing, were just dormant until now. I have to say, this day is a little sad. It makes me realize more than ever how quickly children grow and how you can never get time back.

I am so thankful I have been able to be with her and keep her out of day care during the span of her life. I think she also knows how lucky she is to have her parents around to play with her all the time, take her to and from every lesson and activity possible, and love her like "crazy cakes!"

I know Maisey is going to have a great year. She tested 3 levels ahead in reading at the end of Kindergarten and she has been reading to us everyday throughout the summer. She still loves to learn and she's still the funnest girl in her class (so the boys say- she was the only girl at so many boy-only parties last year)! Her personality is fun and she knows when to be serious. I am so proud to be her mother and so blessed to have her for a daughter!

To another great year full of growth Maisey!

{getting there}

This girl may scream and freak out over a fly, but she certainly is beginning to take after her dad when it comes to having a curiosity over all other types of pets. At the start of summer she wouldn't touch anything that wasn't human, and now she is busting out of her 'shell!'
Pretty darn surprising... Now I just have to warn her, like I have her dad for the last 9 years, that we are not going to be a pet family!

These pictures were taken by Chad at the recent Reptile and Amphibian featured exhibit at Omsi.

{New Love}

I love this food blog http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/ that Jamie showed me. Everything I've made has tasted and looked so good! You should try it too!

The first thing I made was the Chicken Parmigiana.It wasn't much fun peeling these tomatoes, but it was well worth the hassle. However, next time I will be leaving the peel on.

I also made Chips and Salsa Chicken, with their Guacamole recipe, but I didn't get a picture. And the latest, BBQ Chicken pizza- Yum!

{Back-to-School Pool Party}

Before the weather changed in to this (rain), we had to have an "official" Back-to-School party! Since it was too warm for cool summer treats, I had to improvise and replicate ice-cream.

Note: If you EVER make these cupcakes, do not plan on transporting them elsewhere. This pictures was taken before they fell together.

Jamie and Wendy in the hot tub... Are you kidding me, it was like 104 degrees in that water!

Sage exercising her muscles and holding Herbie.
Wendy and Bryce- he looks so relaxed.Kristy and Jazlyn- so photogenic. Mallory and Courtney kickin' it on the noodles.
Ciara- oh so small at 5 months pregnant- and believe me, this is with her showing!