The Coast

We went to the Oregon Coast today!
We checked the weather before we left and it said 85 and sunny.
We didn't bring jackets, and regretted it. Ben had to wear a towel, but it wasn't like we were going to be using it for anything else on a day like today.
We visited the Cape Mears lighthouse, and a giant Sitka Spruce tree.
We headed to the Tillamook Cheese Factory for lunch. Eli was fascinated with the cheese assembly line, and of course who doesn't love German Chocolate Cake ice cream?
We had fun, just not the kind of fun we envisioned when we left the house. Maybe we'll use the pail and shovel next time.

Timothy Lake

We went camping again this weekend!
We stayed at Gone Creek Campground on Mount Hood, which is possibly the most beautiful place I've ever camped. The water was clear, the trees were green and the mountain was majestic. Our site felt private, our neighbors were quiet, and they have bathrooms.
What more could we ask for?
Eli slept better this time with the pack-and-play set up in the tent. I was impressed with how quickly he fell asleep, and he still slept 12 hours on both nights. That's right, we didn't have to come home early this time! It was pretty warm the first night, but last night was freezing.
Eli spent a good amount of time chasing chipmunks around our campsite. He kept holding out his hand and saying "nice"(which means he wants to pet it). The rest of the time he played at the edge of the river, what more could a little boy want than water and rocks?
We hiked a little bit around the lake, but Eli gets tired after a short distance and the umbrella stroller isn't all terrain. The Kelty Backpack won't fit in our tiny car with all the camping gear, I think we need a rooftop carrier for our next adventure.

Where's the dip?

Eli wants dip with everything he eats. Ketchup seems to be the favorite, but anything will do.

The other day he was saying "Num Num", so I stopped and picked up some chicken nuggets for him. I thought this would hold him over until we could get home, but it backfired. He held up his chicken nugget and cried the rest of the way home, apparently he was unable to eat it because I wouldn't give him dip in the car.

His greatest challenge to date has been "how to dip a drink", he worked hard and came up with a successful technique. Please watch the following demonstration including chocolate milk and ketchup.

First: Dip the spout of the sippy cup

Second: Soak to ensure saturation


Third: Sit back and enjoy

At the River with Grandma Rowe

While Daddy went on a three day backpacking trip, Eli and I went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Rowe in The Dalles. We drove during nap time and, with the help of Harry Potter on tape, the 2 hour drive seemed short. Eli loved playing with his Cousins (sorry no pics) and exploring Grandma and Grandpa's house. He could open all the doors (including the front door) so nothing was off limits, although the pantry seemed to be a favorite for obvious reasons. He slept great in the Pack and Play (this was the first time we've used it) so this gives us hope for our upcoming Tacoma trip. Thanks for a fun weekend Grandma and Grandpa Rowe!

The (little) Man I Love

Camping

We went on our first family camping trip!

We stayed at Lost Creek campground on Mt. Hood.
Eli thought camping was great, and sleeping in a tent was the most fun thing he's ever done. We got in bed at 9:00 and thought he was really tired. He ended up running laps around the tent and dancing until 11:15. He took a great nap on Saturday so we had high hopes for Sat. night, but Eli had other plans. He started with the dancing and gymnastics routine again, after about 45 min. I called it quits and we came home early.
There was a neat little nature trail in the campground, we walked it a couple of times. Eli loved throwing rocks in the creek, and of course we made smores.
Ben went on a "Bear Grylls" adventure during nap time, complete with a swim.
Overall it was a success and we're looking forward to going again in a couple of weeks.

Climber

The other day I was doing my hair and noticed the lights in the bedroom turning on and off. I peeked out and there was Eli on top of the dresser. I finally caught him on film the other day, usually he does it when I'm not looking. I just can't believe how strong he is!

Sprinkler Fun

Elmo

I found this Elmo at Goodwill today. It's a brand new Target "salvage" item, so no one has owned it before and it works perfectly. At first Eli only liked it when it was quiet, as soon as Elmo started dancing and singing ELMO to the tune of YMCA he got a little upset. He got over that pretty quick and was dancing around the kitchen with Elmo.

He wanted Ben to hold him and dance while Elmo sang to them.

Conversations with a 1 year old

Me: Eli where's Jesus?
Eli points to Jesus
Me: Can you say Jesus?
Eli: DaDa
Me: Say Jesus
Eli: Mama
Me: Jesus
Eli: Elmo!

4th of July Parade

Catch me if you can!

Zoo

Grandma Rowe went with us (sorry you didn't make it into a picture) and took us all on the train. Eli loved it and stayed interested through the 40 min train ride through Washington Park.

We borrowed the leash from the Churches, and it worked out great! Eli walked around the whole zoo, I don't think we used the stroller at all.

Surprise, surprise, Eli climbing on everything.

It's Summer Baby

Between the yard, park and zoo, we've been outside like 8 hours a day this week.
Grandma and Grandpa came to visit a couple of times.
Eli dropped his first bomb in the tub, then cried because it scared him.
Daddy killed the big spiders in the garage (thank you).
Ben's still fighting the cold we've passed all around the family.
That's our week!

Superman

Ben loves Superman, but I could never get into it.
Part of my problem is the outfit.
I just don't understand why he has to wear his underwear on the outside of his pants.
It reminds me of a story my Mom told me about her trip to Africa, when she gave bras to some of the Native Women.
They were so excited to be like "Western Women", so they put their bras on over their dresses so they could show them off.
So, I'm thinking maybe they didn't have underwear on Krypton, and when superman made his outfit he put the underwear on the outside to show them off.

Trouble

This is Eli's latest trick! He climbs up on the toilet, turns the water on, and brushes his teeth. The only problem is he can only turn it to hot.

Here's our new rubber band child safety device. It's one more obstacle to over come when visitors try to use the bathroom. We already have a toilet lock and a duck covering the faucet in the tub (making it impossible to turn on the shower).

This reminds me of the first time I put the toilet locks on, Ben had already gone to bed. He woke up in the morning and of course had to use the bathroom. He ran in and found a complex baby lock which requires two hands to use, pull a button out and push down a lever at the same time. He did manage to get it open in time, but admitted he almost had to use the sink!

Blankets and more

Eli is feeling better now. While he was sick he got really attached to his blankets. He especially loves the one with the satin trim. He wants is when he gets hurt, is tired, or just wants to snuggle. As you can see here blankets "make it all better".

He had just come in from playing in the sprinkler today and was pulling his giraffe around. I just thought he looked so cute with his rolled up pants and shoes.

No Excuses

I know I haven't been blogging as much as usual, in fact I've hardly been using the computer.
So, here's a little update with what's been going on around here.

We gave talks at church last week. Ben spoke on Recognizing the Promptings of the Holy Ghost and I spoke on Developing Spirituality. Both talks went well, and I wasn't as nervous as I usually am. Turns out with a baby to keep me busy, I didn't have time to think about it.

My Mom came to visit for a month. Ben and I were spoiled, we could go out anytime we wanted to. I could go shopping during nap. I don't think I did the dishes more than once. She even folded our laundry and picked up toys. Not to mention the fun Eli had playing with her. We were all sad to see her go.
We just had to make sure she didn't try to pack Eli in her suitcase, like someone did to this kid. Luckily with the new luggage restrictions airlines have enforced, she wasn't able to fit him. But believe me, that doesn't mean she didn't want to.

The Cub Scouts are getting ready for summer camp. We're learning skits, making flags and practicing yells. We've also gone on a hike, played dodge ball and made Native American drums. I had no idea there were so many meeting associated with Cub Scouts. After the initial training sessions we just have Den Meetings, Pack Meetings, Committee Meetings and Round table.

My Mom and I went to see a concert. It was a live recording for a radio program called:
"From the Top"
They showcase young talent from around the U.S. and we got to hear a great selection of music. The artists were incredible and made it look so easy. It was also fun to be at a live recording, I thought it was funny (but good) they handed out cough drops at the door.

Most of all I've been playing with Eli. This was his idea by the way, I was eating popcorn and when he saw it he ran to the kitchen, grunted and pointed at the spatula so Daddy would give it to him, then he handed it to me and opened his mouth. I have no idea where he came up with this. It was like he saw the popcorn and thought "Oh, I'll need my spatula".

Eli has a bad cold now, so I've been holding him non-stop for a couple of days, we've watched a whole lot of Sesame Street (thank you Tivo).

Go ahead, make yourself comfortable

Why do all kids feel the need to put their feet on the table? This can't be comfortable.

Sauvie Island

We hiked Virgina Lake on Sauvie Island on Saturday. I have to say Virginia Lake wasn't much more than a small marsh, but the hike was nice. It was 2.2 mile loop and all flat, great for kids. There is a picnic shelter at the beginning/end and a couple of glimpses of the river. There was a lot of lush vegetation and it made for a very pretty hike. The Williams, Tonks and most of the Church family joined us.

Eli's back in the pack

Most of the gang

Uncle Ben is scary

I want to do it myself

One of the big kids (almost)