Yaquina Bay State Park

Posted by Trina Rae Monday, May 28, 2012 0 comments

For Cole's birthday, we stayed at a condo right on Yaquina Bay.  It was wonderful to wake up to the beautiful view of the bay, and the kids loved staying right on the marina and seeing all the boats docked.  After spending the morning there, we moved on to Yaquina Bay State Park.  Unfortunately, the lighthouse was closed, but the kids had a great time on the beach and running down the dunes and crashing into the sand.  They could have stayed there all day!









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Oregon Coast Aquarium

Posted by Trina Rae 0 comments


We wanted to do a special excursion trip for Cole's birthday, like we did for Franny when we took her to the American Girl store.  Cole's choice was to go to the aquarium in Newport, and then to OSU for bowling.  We set aside one day to make the trip and see the aquarium.  He had a great time, although I'm not sure how much of the aquarium he actually saw.  But, he thought it was great because it was his special birthday trip, and even more so when he found out that Grandma and Grandpa were joining us!  For Cole, it was the best way to spend his first day as a five year old!





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Biker kids

Posted by Trina Rae Sunday, May 27, 2012 0 comments

New bike!

 'New' old bike!

 Three kids on bikes--first time ever!

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Happy birthday, Cole!

Posted by Trina Rae 0 comments

Happy birthday to Cole, who turned five years old today!  We spent the day in Newport, at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, followed by dinner the Rogue Brewing Company.  He was very pleased about his birthday excursion, and even more so when we were joined by Grandma and Grandpa!  

Although we skipped a second round of birthday cake, I think this was a more than acceptable substitute...


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Off to the theater

Posted by Trina Rae Saturday, May 26, 2012 0 comments

Rick takes the kids on lots of weekend adventures, and they all love them.  My time with the kids--and especially during the school year--is more about routine and taking care of what needs to be done, as there is no shortage of what needs to be done!   I wouldn't say that they always love it--homework, shuttling to classes, and the like really can't compete with bowling, trips to the zoo, and the Children's Museum.  And, encouraging healthy meals and snacks, limiting media, and teaching them to clean up after themselves don't win me any popularity points, either. But, I'm okay with that--I feel so fortunate to be able stay home with the kids, and it's a job I take seriously.  Raising good, healthy kids is hard work, but I do find it incredibly rewarding and wouldn't have it any other way.

Every once in a while, however, they do have a 'Mom adventure' that is fun and doesn't involve any of those must-do's.  Today, I took the kids to the Oregon Children Theater's production of If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.  All three kids love this silly series of books, and I knew they'd get a kick out of going to see the play.  And, they did--they all loved it and laughed from beginning to end.  Because the adaptation didn't use the same style of writing that is characteristic of the books, Delaney didn't quite understand it was the same story, but she still enjoyed it.  All in all, a very fun afternoon adventure.

And, I finally got to be the 'fun' mom!





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In the cool of the pool

Posted by Trina Rae Friday, May 25, 2012 0 comments

This week, Rick brought home a new, inflatable pool for the kids.  They had been asking for one, and given they have more or less outgrown the wading pool and water table, it made sense.  Although it was barely 70 degrees today, the kids still insisted on an inaugural dip in the pool.  It was a huge hit--they did somersaults, cartwheels, handstands, and cannonballs, and didn't get out until their teeth were chattering!  The kids love their down days at the house, so I know this pool is going to get a lot of use in the upcoming months.  





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Grandpa and Cole

Posted by Trina Rae Thursday, May 24, 2012 0 comments

There is nothing more wonderful than seeing two of the people I love most in the world feel the same way about each other.  I love these pictures.




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Track season ends

Posted by Trina Rae 0 comments

Franny had her second and final track meet, yesterday.  She was carefree and just went out and had fun. As she did at the last meet, she participated in all the events except the 800 meter race.  She brought home 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and participant ribbons.  I think she represents everything competition she be--joy, effort, and sportsmanship.  She smiled the entire time, cheered for her teammates, and didn't focus on winning or losing--just going out and having fun.  If I was to ask her what the highlight of the season was for her, I would bet it was the ice cream bar they gave out after their final practice.  That's just the way she is, and I love it!  I hope she does it again next year, as I think it was a wonderful experience for her.   



 200m race

 Long jump--she took 3rd place!

Franny's competitive spirit--I wouldn't have it any other way!

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Beautiful weekend

Posted by Trina Rae Monday, May 21, 2012 0 comments

After Cole's party, the kids spent the afternoon relaxing in the yard with their usual activities.  Since it was warm, they broke out the mini pool and water table.  A new addition, however, was these two water shooters that Cole received for one of his birthday gifts.  They are the new favorite.  And, while they weren't completely happy that they weren't allowed to shoot each other, they had no problem finding other targets in the yard.  So fun!



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Pump It Up

Posted by Trina Rae Sunday, May 20, 2012 0 comments

Every parent who has a five year old has been to Pump It Up more times than they can count.  And, if that five year old is a second child, you almost start to dread opening party invitations.  But, kids never tire of this place, and they love it.  Although Cole initially wanted to have his birthday party at home, with the number of kids he wanted to invite, I encouraged him to choose a destination, and he finally agreed.  And, he was was so excited about his big day--he counted down the days every day for the last week!  It turned out to be a really great party--I wouldn't change a thing, and I'm sure Cole wouldn't either!

The birthday boy 

The one place where crashing is a good thing 

 Finally, a good use for those Melissa and Doug blocks...the brown take
out boxes were the party favors

A great group of kids 

Blowing out the candles

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Angry birds!

Posted by Trina Rae 0 comments

There was only one theme that would do for Cole's birthday party this year:  Angry Birds!  Although his party was at Pump It Up, there was no way that we weren't going to do everything possible to make it as much about Angry Birds as we could.  Auntie Noelle came through with one of her amazing cakes--it was nothing less than incredible!  The kids really look forward to their birthday cakes, as they know they are very special.   Auntie outdid herself this year, and Pump It Up chose it for their Cake Wall of Fame on Facebook!   Although I do think Angry Birds is a silly game, Cole loves it, and this cake was super fun!






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Sunny daze

Posted by Trina Rae Thursday, May 17, 2012 0 comments

The kids (actually all of us!) have been enjoying this warm, sunny stretch of weather.  We have been outside as much as possible, enjoying daily adventures, and kids have even been to a number of fountains!  It's all been very un-May-like.  Not that we're complaining!  It almost makes me want to fast-forward to summer, but there are so many fun events coming up between now and the end of school, we are just focusing on enjoying everything each day brings us.  And, if those include more sunny weather, all the better!

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All heart

Posted by Trina Rae Wednesday, May 9, 2012 0 comments

 Franny had her first track meet today.  I couldn't have been more proud of her, as she competed with complete joy.  Even during her events, she never stopped smiling.  She was not the fastest in her events (not that she was slow--she wasn't) but she just went out and had fun.  And, in first grade, that's all I really wanted for her.  She participated in the javelin throw, the long jump, as well as the 400m, 200m, 100m, and the 400m relay.  I was also very happy that they had ribbons for all the participants, as it gives the kids something to represent their accomplishment and effort, not to mention that they love getting them.  Franny brought home six ribbons for her events-- a first, four thirds, and a participant.  I am so proud of her--she was amazing!



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A morning with Delaney

Posted by Trina Rae Tuesday, May 8, 2012 0 comments

With Franny and Cole in school, Delaney and I took the entire morning to just spend some time together.  When we stopped going to music, I was tempted to enroll in her in a dance class, but I'm glad we held off.    I really enjoy these days with no commitments.  After dropping Cole off we stopped at Starbucks for a snack and a very nice chat, then on to Whole Foods for some necessities, and then we drove down to NW 23rd for a fun walk, as well as a stop at Moonstruck Chocolates for Delaney, and Greenleaf Juice Co. for me.  We had a great time!  I can't wait until we can do it all again!



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Easy as 1, 2, 3...

Posted by Trina Rae Monday, May 7, 2012 0 comments

Cole is very proud of his numbers, as he should be!  He recently started adding 11-20, and picked it up in just a couple of days.  He is also able to write his full name after practicing it just two times, and adds to his sight words on a daily basis.  His development over the last year has been so amazing, and we are so proud of him!


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Star Wars day

Posted by Trina Rae Saturday, May 5, 2012 0 comments

Cole wants to like Star Wars.  He doesn't know very much about it, but he recognizes pictures of some of the characters and is very intrigued with light sabers.  He also knows that Darth Vader is a bad guy and Luke Skywalker is a good guy.  A lot of the other kids at school have already seen the movies and they make up Star Wars games to play.  Cole is fascinated with all of it.

They celebrated National Star Wars Day at school yesterday  They made storm trooper masks and colored Star Wars pictures.  All the teachers were dressed up, as well as some of the kids.  Everyone loved it.  Cole was very excited and proud to wear his new Star Wars light-up shoes (it was just a coincidence that he chose these shoes the day before) as well as his new shirt.

After school, the school had arranged for four of the Star Wars characters to pay a visit to the school.  Cole wanted to go, but was nervous about it.  He knew they weren't real, but he was definitely scared and wanted to go as soon as they came through the door.  I don't blame him--they are scary!

On the way home, he decided he wasn't ready for Star Wars, yet.  He settled on a book and is now looking forward to it's arrival next week.  And, it's all just as well--I wouldn't have let him watch the movie, anyway!  Books, shirts, and shoes are one thing, but the whole package would have been too much for this little guy.  It's all very cool, but we'll save that one for later.





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Driveway relay race

Posted by Trina Rae Wednesday, May 2, 2012 0 comments

The kids get along really well...most of the time.   But, they do have their moments.  Today, the kids started some silly bickering over who would play with Delaney's toy horse.  Apparently being outside with bikes, scooters, balls, and frisbees just wasn't enough for them.  

Every once in awhile, however, I can find some mama skills that can save the day.  Or, afternoon as it was.  

Although, it was probably just luck.

After watching Franny speed around the track in a relay race this afternoon at track practice, I came up with the idea of them to use the horse as a baton and have a relay race in our driveway.  Amazingly, this idea worked!  They raced up and down the driveway, passing the baton until they were out of breath--close to 30 minutes.  At that point, they got the idea to set up scooters, trucks, and an umbrella as hurdles, and ran some more!

And, there was peace.  Not, to mention a whole lot of fun!







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