24 August 2007
Kayla seems to have taken quite a step socially lately. She has been participating more at Lil kickers and story time, getting up for song singing, etc.. She’s right in all the action where ever we go these days and tries more and more to interact with other children. She still does her share of watching, but in a different way it seems. She is still copying most of what we say, and has pretty lengthy real or imaginary phone conversations. Her newest feat is getting her shirts on by herself too. Now we just need the socks…
22 August 2007
Julia started to do that thing where you make a sound and pat your hand (or wrist in her case) over your mouth to make silly noises. It’s pretty funny and cute. She also is waving now and banging objects more rather than just eating them. She has really begun rocking, not quite all the way on hands and knees, but pretty close. She wants to be mobile for sure. Especially when her sister keeps taking everything away from her. One day she will be able to get it back. Look out sister.
22 August 2007
well tim finally got me up to Hope Lodge, even though it wasn’t in the winter. We went up for a work party though I don’t think we were of too much use. Tim did help with the tequila drinking, but I mostly took care of Julia.
Kayla attached herself to Mimi or “amy” as Kayla called her. We think Kayla (and Julia) had quite a good time with all the kids and folks there. The stone work and wall building that was going on at the lodge was amazing. I look forward to seeing the place covered in snow if we are so lucky as to get there this winter, and glad I got to see what the place looks like in summer too.
10 August 2007
We had a nice, though short, visit with Shayna and Aidan at Joe and Korey’s house. Korey’s german friends were visiting along with their two daughters. I got a chance to prove just how rotten my german really is. I was as shy to use it as the girls were of us.
During the visit we all went to a nearby playground to show off our sliding skills. The Taft family fared quite well I’d say.
Kayla took the prize for the most static created, and gave anyone quite a shock that was willing to touch her after the slide. Julia laughed and laughed watching Kayla slide, and we laughed and laughed at the hair sticking straight up. I remember mine doing similar things…
7 August 2007
Seaside was a lot of fun as well. We got to go on another great hike and of course enjoyed exploring the beaches looking for shells, starfish and any other treasures. The kids came home with a bucket full each.
Some of us went to the old aquarium downtown. Owen and Ryan fed the seals which was fun for them, though they did get a bit wet I think. They all enjoyed the tide pool and actually being able to hold the starfish.
The highlight was the octopus. Such amazing creatures they are.
Everyone got to play some games and do lots of running around and seeing beautiful places. Julia first signed “milk” while there. Pretty impressive. I know my girls, as did I had a good fun vacation and visit with everyone.
The only downside to the trip was losing about 3 weeks worth of pictures (the best ones of course) because our memory card was damaged by an un-named 2 year old. We must take some blame of course for leaving it in her reach. You’ll just have to make do with the ones that remained. (I still don’t know where they disappeared to. Anyone have any ideas, please let me know.) So, sorry if you don’t like the pictures I put up or if you feel I’ve missed you.
1 August 2007
Brightwood was in a beautiful area near Mt. Hood, and the place we stayed was really neat as well. The cabin was by a river which offered no end of fun for the kids (little and big and bigger) to throw rocks into, and pick huckleberries by. There was even a fire one night complete with smores which Opa tried for the first time ever.
It was lovely to have time to go on a few hikes and enjoy the surroundings. Lakes, river, mountains to name a few. Kayla had a great time with her cousins and took each by the hand and led them here or there. She had them both screaming for fun by the end of the trip. A little present for Angela and Peter to remember her by.
This family photo was taken on our moonlight hike. The moon didn’t fully cooperate, as it came up somewhat on the later side. We had several tired cranky children by the end of it. Mt. hood glowing in the sunset and the sunset itself was gorgeous. Angela saw her first moon rise. We were driven most of the way up to the top being as the hike started so late. The road was quite bumpy, and I was a bit amused at Juila just passing out on the ride up. All those bumps must have soothed her.
Kayla was able to take her first chairlift ride. She rode once with Opa and again later with Oma. The boys (Tim included) all had their very first alpine slide rides. I think everyone enjoyed racing down the tracks.