Big Truck Day

The Parks and Rec department in Beaverton makes every toddler's dream come true once a year. They gather dozens of big trucks, buses and even a helicopter in a big parking lot and let the kids climb all over, sit at the wheel, honk the horn and push all the buttons. A&Z were not so interested in monster trucks or semis, but they were thrilled to "drive" a city bus,  a school bus, climb in the back of an ambulance and sit in a helicopter. We were very cramped on the school bus - they seemed so spacious as a little kid!

Spinning and Talking

MVI 1535 from Natalie on Vimeo.

Arianna's Wedding

We spent a hot evening in Yakima at Arianna's wedding last month. She was a gorgeous bride and it was a beautiful garden location. I was only able to catch bits of the ceremony. The rest of the time was spent (unsuccessfully) trying to get my kids to be quiet. They don't know how to use a quiet voice and were asking for the music to start again, looking for sunglasses, spilling goldfish, etc. At least they were not crying or screaming?

We all had a blast spending time with old friends and family. Zara danced all night long and did not want to leave when the party was over (at midnight).

Rockaway Beach Trip

We went to the beach for four days at the end of June and... I forgot my camera! There is so much to pack and think of, I couldn't believe I forgot the darn camera. Thankfully it was all ok because our vacation partners brought theirs. Thank you Emily and Mukunda for inviting us to vacation at the beach with you (and for taking so many great pictures). We stayed in little beachfront cabins in Rockaway. Perfect kid vacation because we actually were able to relax and everyone had a great time. Ok, on with the pictures.

Ring around the rosie

The water faucet was the fave toy

Riding the train from Garibaldi

The three stooges (A,K,Z)

Celebrating K's 2nd birthday. Serious business. 

Unwrapping presents is a group event

A&Z LOVE Lucy

We visited a little petting farm

Tried out a tractor

Visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory

Lexi wanted to swim in the ocean

Scarlett Remodel - Floors are Done

We have lots of progress here now. The floors are all done. We had new hardwoods (natural red oak) installed in the dining and formal living rooms, refinished the existing hardwoods in the kitchen, eating nook and entry way and replaced all the carpet. We paid a little extra for the waterproof topper on the carpet pad. Somehow I think this will payoff easily with toddlers in the house.

 Its so exciting to see some of our vision coming to life.  The roof is done too, but I don't have a new exterior picture yet.

New raw wood on floors (before sanding and finish)

finished

all furniture moved off of carpet for removal/replacement

waterproof topper on the pad

The rest of our list (in priority order):

• replacement/repair of several windows 
• painting kitchen cabinets white
• finish removing wallpaper in dining room
• painting exterior
• painting interior walls
• furniture/light fixtures/decor (finally getting to the fun stuff!)
• build backyard garden and extend patio - might be 2013
• master bath remodel - 2013
• guest bath and girls bathroom floors - 2013

We put them to work young weeding and harvesting blueberries.