Ma and Pa

Harrison found these antique dolls and calls them "mama" and "dada." After eavesdropping their conversations, I must say "hi, hi, hi" and "be right back," quite a bit.

Whadcha Say?

Last week during a doctor's visit, Ryan was informed that he had 15% blockage in his right ear and he needed to get it out. After a week of trying almost everything under the sun (except for ear wax candles b/c we couldn't find them), it had gotten much worst. Since it was Sunday, not much was open except for a walk-in clinic. Two hours later and one toothbrush looking device, he can hear all of my under the breath comments.

Cossatot Camping, Part Two

Starting the day, bright and early. After last night, we decided one night will be just fine for this family. Getting a 2-year-old to sleep in a tent is mission impossible. He was SOOO excited, it took about two hours and one small car ride later to get some zzzzzzzz.

This was the view about 20 feet from where we camped. Breathtaking!

The water was the perfect temperature for a little dip.

Ryan is always on the quest for a just the right skipping stone.

Watch out for the spider web!

I wasn't paying attention when Ryan was grilling smores . . . check out the grill marks on the graham cracker!

Cossatot Camping

We headed south this weekend for Harrison's first camping trip. He did wonderful on the long drive to the Cossatot River, which is nationally known for its whitewater experience.

The visitor's center is very impressive (clean and educational). H was running around trying to "pet" all the animals. Pretty exciting to see a raccoon (actually a fox) up close.

Interactive buttons to learn about the way rain affects the landscape.

Ryan, on the other hand, was thrilled with the playground equipment. I told him we could get this giant swing in our backyard.

Small Town

You never know when that perfect photo opportunity will happen. I reached in my purse and grabbed my camera right before these guys drove flew by. Is this guy a little nervous about putting the bike on the ground? Those are some big training wheels.

Yard Phase Two

Now that the left side of the yard is almost complete, we're starting to concentrate on this side. As you can see, the nandina bushes have got to go. The tree will be trim to open the canopy for more light. I still hate the gray paint but am not crazy about the new color. Now I'm thinking a muted green for some contrast. It's always something . . .

Animal Personalities

Harrison is really into imagination play lately. He wakes us with a cockadoodle doo, chugs back and forth in the hallway, hangs and swings on door knobs, meows for more food, practices his donkey kicks on the bed, chomps on bread in the bathtub (pretend, no food in the tub) and flaps his wings as a blue jay (instead of jay bird) after his bath. Never a dull moment.