parks and trails

Here's a few pictures from last week I've been meaning to post:
















On Saturday we went to Jackson Park and met up with a few of Brian's coworkers and their kids. Gerrit had fun pushing Amparo on the swing and I think she could've been pushed all day.






































Then later that day went to the Washington side of the river (which I keep calling Indiana) and explored a trail... an easy, paved 1 mile loop. We saw pretty flowers and a little waterfall.












































































Gerrit made it to the top!

Gerrit's 4th Birthday

He's been 4 for about 2 weeks, so I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you about his birthday. The Friday before Gerrit's 4th (!!) birthday we drove up to Seattle. Our first stop, the airplane museum... I could've spent hours there, and I think Gerrit could too. Unfortunately we showed up just 2 hours before closing. We'll definitely make a trip back sometime soon... On Saturday morning we checked out the Pike Place Market. There were so many things to look at there... pretty flowers, fish, jewelry... Gerrit and Amparo got a balloon animal, lasted about 20 minutes, but it's about the memories, right? They loved it. Then we checked out the Seattle Center (space needle, science museum, & fair rides). The kids got to hold their first, and hopefully their last, hissing cockroach @ the science museum. Amparo squished his rear a little and it ran up her arm, that was exciting, for me - I don't think she noticed. Gerrit's favorite part of the museum was playing with the big water feature outside. Amparo rode her first "roller coaster" right next to her big brother. And neither of them were impressed by the views from the Space Needle. We headed over to Gasworks park... so neat! Next time we're bringing a kite - love that hill. Beautiful views - we just had the best time playing/ walking around. And to top the day off, we went over one of the floating bridges. (The whole day we had beautiful views of Mt. Rainier.) On Sunday we checked out the zoo. It was a little chilly that day so we peeked at a few animals, but mainly played in their indoor play area.

sprains and humor

A lot has happened, I think.

On Saturday, Gerrit jumped off a platform @ the May St. playground. He limped/ piggybacked all the way home, but before the incident, he and I just had the best time... just the two of us. We played "soccer" and went down a few slides and swung on a few swings and of course I chased him a bit... he's getting fast (!)

When we got back home, Amparo was awake from her nap so Brian and I packed the kids in the stroller and walked into town. We went down to the beachy/ playground area... SO fun! Can't wait till it gets even warmer and we can stick our toes in the river.

Later that night, Gerrit couldn't put any weight on his left foot. We debated if we should go to the ER... decided to wait it out till morning... he could after all, wiggle his toes.

In the morning we decided we better go on and take him in. We opted for the immediate care center, only catch...it's in Portland, and it didn't open till 1pm. Since we were headed that way, we stopped by the zoo and looked at some monkeys, giraffes, and the like. Gerrit was now able to limp around a little...

Made it to the immediate care and turns out he had sprained his ankle. Doctor ordered Motrin and a foot rub... nice, huh? Gerrit thought so.

He's all better now...

Oh and on the way to Portland, we also stopped by the Vista House. What a beautiful view! I loved it because Brian hadn't been there before... so it was a first for all of us. The kids weren't too wow-ed so we moved on fairly quickly. (I can't wait till I can actually stop and read the signs at museums/historical spots/ anywhere with signs -- but I don't want to wish away now either)

A few other things that have been going on around here...

The kids pick up their toys before bed every night, helps keep me sane at the end of the day. But it's so cute because, as they're picking up, Amparo says, "good job guys". (And she's right)
She has also discovered potty humor. She held a cup to her face and it made a "brrrrrr" sound. She laughed so hard and kept replicating the sound and laughing, laughing, laughing. We got video.

A Good Day

So my last post was about a not so good day, today is about a really good day (and those, I like to remember). It started when the kids woke up... they were both in the best, sweetest moods. Amparo rubbed Gerrit's back till he woke up and then he hugged her. They giggled and cuddled and it was perfect. Then we met daddy for lunch at the taco place. After Amparo's nap, the three of us walked to the park and had a fun time playing. Amparo went down the slide on her bum with no help! She usually goes on her tummy (the safer route), but today she was a really big girl. And Gerrit helped me make dinner... pancakes and eggs, his favorite! Seriously, he'd eat that at every meal if he could. We read and prayed before bed... it was a good day.






























*Photos from this past weekend

Today was just one of those days... I think gremlins were inhabiting my babies. I won't go into details (and, to be honest, I'd rather not remember those anyways) but they were just different kids today. Let's hope they'll wake tomorrow with happy hearts. After dinner, Brian was kind enough to get them ready for bed as I happily cleaned the kitchen. I know, it's like, whoopty-do... cleaning a kitchen, but in peace and quite, it really is a blessing.
Earlier in the day we walked to the UPS store (got to use the new stroller!!) and on the walk home we stopped by the May Street School playground.

Spring is coming to the Hood

Almost 50 degrees today - and the sun is shining!! Hood River is a buzz about spring....meanwhile....

- the east coast is getting a pounding of snow.... 2+ feet ,and more is coming.....

Good times!

There's a new photographer in town

Last year for Gerrit's birthday, we got him a camera. He wasn't really very into it then and it had since gotten lost in the move. Well, I've been working my tail off downstairs -- organizing and beautifying -- and I found it(!!) Gerrit loves it and can actually operate it all on his own now. Sunday was such a sunny, warmish day so Brian and Gerrit decided to go on a photography hike. Here is what Gerrit saw.

@ Dog River coffee this morning

OMSI

We went to OMSI last Saturday and had a bunch of fun, but the big news -- Gerrit stayed 100% dry the whole day. He's been doing that for about a week or more, but this was our first real outing. I was pretty excited about it.

OK -- so a few things I have noticed here... people ask if you have any dogs, not kids (and quite honestly, I say no with a little guilt in my voice), and at the bank drive-thru, they have dog treats not lolly pops. Needless to say, Gerrit was very disappointed.















* A photo from Halloween. This one makes me giggle... Amparo and Bella are trying to eat through their wrappers to get at some candy and Emmy and Gerrit are obviously checking out their next score. (Thanks for taking one of all 6 of us Bri -- a rare occasion)

Night out and Baby-sitters

A week ago today -- I know, I've fallen off the blogging wagon -- we went to Summit's winter party. I like being able to put a face and personality with his co-workers now. And it was nice to be out on a sort-of date with my husband, but my stomach was in knots over leaving the kids with a baby-sitter. They've only been watched by family or close friends (a luxury we left in KY). I should've known, but they did GREAT! I don't even think they noticed when we walked out the sitter's door. When we picked them up, they told us all about the kitties (Ms. Shannon had two) and all the fun they had. I guess they aren't as attached to us as we thought...

*Taken while Nellie was on bedrest, pre-twins

Red Shirt Wednesdays

Gerrit talking to himself while playing with his Thomas trains

Please take my coat off

Playmates

First Trip to Portland

Full details coming - in the meantime check out some of the photos and videos:

Pretty Girl in the Closet

Somersaults

For the past couple weeks, Gerrit and Amparo have been learning how to do a somersault. Gerrit can only get about halfway and then needs a push from mommy or daddy. So what does Gerrit do when mommy and daddy aren't there? - he gives himself a push. Then Amparo (aka "me too!") decides to try.

Money Tree

These little plants are everywhere in Oregon. I'm not sure what they're called - but I remember my grandmother had one on her porch and she used to call it her "money tree" because it grows (seeds? leaves?) that look like big silver dollars. Anywho, they are pretty cool looking.

I did it!

I parallel parked! Picked Brian up from work... no one was around and so I took a crack at it. And if I say so myself, I did a great job.
Maybe one day I'll muster up the guts to do it when some else is around...

* Amparo helping pop in the yard on her birthday

Uh oh -- I forgot my socks!

So I was sitting at the computer and I heard the front door open. I looked to see Gerrit heading outside to get the mail... with no pants (or pull-ups) on. He comes back in and I ask him, "weren't you cold, you have no PANTS on?" He looks down (he had put shoes on before he went out) and says, "uh oh!! I forgot my socks!" That's the least of his worries...

*Amparo at her birthday party in KY

It Happened!!

Gerrit POOPED on the potty. He's been running around like a little nudie since Monday and today there it was! I literally jumped for joy... and then I cried. I just thought it would never happen. Gerrit looked at me like I had gone a bit mad. So for dinner we took him to Shelly's Pizza -- aka Andrew's Pizza. (We were there a few months ago and a girl named Shelly worked there... both kids took to her pretty instantly, now they ask to see Shelly constantly). We didn't see Shelly, but we did eat a yummy pizza and a delicious cookie.

* Gerrit and I before church last Sunday

Skiing?

Brian took a little time away from work yesterday and we headed to Mt. Hood Meadows. Gerrit was going to take a try at skiing. Well, we got there and it was PACKED. We decide to turn back and head for home. So instead we went on nature hike part 2. Gerrit was so excited about his skiing goggles, he didn't want to take them off...

The path

So there's a path that runs right behind our house and goes into town. Yesterday we decided to walk that path and go on a "nature hike". The Hood River runs right below the path and there are a couple of tiny waterfalls and lots of moss. And I couldn't believe it, but Amparo walked the whole path! It's pretty long, but she loved it. And so did Gerrit -- they happily greeted every dog we passed.

A few facts about HR, OR

Hood River is located on the Columbia River directly opposite White Salmon, Washington.

As of the census^[2] of 2000, there were 5,831 people, 2,429 households, and 1,442 families residing in the city.

Hood River's economy is based on three industries: agriculture, tourism, and sports recreation.

Hood River first experienced a boom in tourism after being discovered as a site for world-class windsurfing, and more recently kiteboarding.

Hood River County also has some of the best kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, and hiking areas in the United States.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.9 square miles (7.5 km²), of which 2.0 square miles (5.2 km²) is land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 km²) (28.97%) is water.

Hood River has 2 sister cities

Tsuruta, Japan

Colotlan, Mexico

*all info taken from wikipedia

*Gerrit making cookies with uncle Britton and aunt Kristin (a few days before Christmas)

Daily Happenings

Every time Amparo goes down for bed (nap or night time), she says, in her cutest little voice, "no crying big girl, OK big girl".

Gerrit picks out his clothes every morning.
It's cute to see what he comes up with...

*Gerrit and baby Claire at Christmas

Mt. Hood

Brian and Andrew went skiing on it yesterday. Brian came back with just a few battle marks... pretty good since he hasn't skied in years. It was WINDY and powdery up there, or so they said... I stayed warm and cozy at home, by the fire (which I might add, I'm getting pretty good at building ). Today we can see the mountain from our house and you know what that means... pretty, clear skys!

Speaking of Mount Hood, here's our family Christmas picture...
(ok... so not the best segue -- yep, that's how you spell it -- but here you go...)

*doesn't Gerrit look nice in a suit?

Uncle Andrew's here!

He came in last night...
This morning Andrew and Gerrit built a train track together (and I got to take a shower, in peace!!). They both had such a good time and it was super sweet to watch. Andrew showed Gerrit a bunch of cool new ways to put the tracks together... stuff I hadn't even thought of, and Gerrit LOVED helping and learning. If you need any choo choo train help, ask uncle Andrew...

We checked out story time at the library today. I told Gerrit and Amparo we were headed to Storytime and they asked if Emmy and Bella were going to be there. Then they were sad... and I really think for the first time since we've been in Oregon. They kept asking why and I tried to explain that we're in OR and they're in KY where we used to live. The still don't get it... maybe it is better that we moved while they're still small...
The Story time was great. I still try to look for things that I don't like about this town, but it's tough... really, really tough. The Story time lady was SUPERB. Totally not afraid of being silly... and afterward they had crafts and apple juice.
The kids didn't want to leave -- they now call it the "new story time".
But they're still waiting for Emmy and Bella to come...

Nighty Night

I was doing some wedding talk on the phone and when I finished, I checked on Gerrit and this is what I found...

Sleep sweet baby

Wineries & Swimming Pools

Last night was the 2nd Friday of the month which means Springhouse Cellar Winery opened their doors to kiddos (and their parents) with trikes and scooters. We picked Brian up from work and headed there... it's just one block over. Gerrit had a good time on his trike... ridding it in the big open spaces of the winery and Amparo had fun toddling around.

Before lunch today we went to the pool. I love the set up. The splash pool is completely enclosed -- no babies/ toddlers managing to make their way into the big pool --- which leads to a calmer mama. I can't find my swimsuit so I just photographed and waved. Brian took Gerrit and then Amparo in the 3ft pool for a bit. Amparo was ready to jump in all on her own - definitely didn't get that from me (!) Oh and then there's the locker room... a bit too much nudity.

My best...

told me she at least wanted to see one picture with every post... good idea, I thought, and since I haven't really taken any photos since we've been here this time, I'll pull from the archives. Since she suggested it, here's one of our kids together at the Cincinnati Children's Museum (we finally made it!)...

Back to Oregon... we haven't really done much here yet. We went to Safeway the other day and we checked out the gymnastics schedule, but that's pretty much it. We're just taking care of things at home and getting comfortable. Maybe we'll venture out next week. Oh and speaking of next week, we're so excited about our vistor coming on Tuesday... uncle Andrew! We've got his room all ready for him and Brian is even brushing up on his skiing (via the Wii). So please come and visit, because apparently, I LOVE visitors!!

We've Moved...

We've taken our Kentucky Tale to Oregon. And I can't think of a better time to resuscitate the blog.
I guess I'll start from right now...

I've always liked flying in airplanes, but flying with kids is a WHOLE other story. I'm constantly on edge... there is no relaxing. But we made it safe to Oregon with really no incident. And we came home to snow! It wasn't falling from the sky, but it is on the ground. The temperature almost feels like a tropical paradise compared to what we left back in KY.

Back to the flight... Gerrit and Amparo colored some and it was the first time I noticed Gerrit trying to stay in the lines.