Little Helpers

What a busy week! We are getting ready to leave tomorrow morning for our trip to Black Butte. We are so excited, but everyone knows that getting packed for a 10-day trip and getting the house cleaned/laundry finished (plus hosting a dinner party last night for some girlfriends) leads to a BUSY week! The kids were extremely good all week and helped me out a lot. Here are some pictures of them "helping."

Sunday afternoon

After naps on Sunday, we went to feed the ducks. Lauren loves feeding the ducks. She talks with them and tries to get as close to them as possible. Jack, also had a great time, but doesn't like getting as close to them.

After the ducks were full, it was off to ride bikes. Jack loves going as fast as he can on his bike.

Lastly, we collected "boats" to throw into the water. The kids liked watching their "boats" float down the creek.

In the woods, collecting sticks to throw in the water.
Jack with his "boats"
Throwing the boats in the water.

Friday

We met the Baker fam. at the Roadhouse for dinner on Fri. The kids loved running around playing in the grass and climbing trees. Here are a few pics from dinner.

Cute pic of Ethan, Jack and Lauren....we missed getting Amelia in there, though.

Silly picture
Jack and Ethan running around.

My kids LOVE the sunshine....

...enough said!

Family Crib/Golf Tourney

We had a family crib tourney and bbq in Clackamas on Sat. And, Sunday, we played in a family golf tournament. It was fun to catch up with the entire family...although, this was the first big get together since my uncle passed away, and he was really missed. Things like this just won't be the same without him here. Anyway, here are some pictures from the bbq. Even Jack and Lauren got in on the card playing fun.
Four-handed crib, anyone??

Cousins, Connor and Jack
Geoff and Jason are holding cousins, Elleri and Lauren
Jack was having so much fun, he cried when we left Andrea's house. I guess we better visit again soon!

Classic....Lauren striking a pose.
On Sunday....driving into the condo so my parents can watch the kids while Jason and I played golf in the family tournament. Lauren is so happy her uncle Jeff is sitting in the back with her.

Jeremy and Liz

Jeremy and Liz invited us down to Wilsonville for dinner on Friday. But, we had to decline because of the kids' crazy schedule this weekend.... =( Then, Jeremy had a GREAT idea (well, at least I thought so!) He told Jason that he would bring dinner to us in Hillsboro! Not only did Jeremy and Liz bring dinner, they made it as well. Wow, how did I get so lucky???? Thank you so much for making the drive AND dinner. It was delicious! The kids loved seeing their Uncle Jeremy and Liz. Needless to say, they are welcome to come to dinner anytime!

Everyone looks HAPPY!!

Welcome Maverick!

We are so excited to have Mav spend the night with us tonight. The kids love having him at our house, but Mav isn't so sure about them!

Jack hugging Mav.
Jack found a dog toy in Mav's bag....obviously Mav didn't want to play with it, so Jack decided to sit there and wait until he was ready. It was a LONG wait.

Then Lauren thought that Mav would like to play with Legos...but again, no interest.

Lauren crying, "Doggie, no play with it."

Still trying....yes, after about 30 min., Lauren puts her baby on Mav's back.

Jack is trying out Mav's bed... Jack told me that he thinks Mav should sleep on his bed tonight. Something tells me Mav won't like that idea. He doesn't seem into being around the kids.

Jack took a short nap today and when he woke up, he wanted to take Mav for a walk. I let him take Mav down our street ALL by himself. Jack thought he was such a big boy and Mav loved it too!
Mav looks bigger than Jack!

Let's Go Fishing!

Jane and John found a great stocked fishing pond in North Plains, so we headed out there today to check it out. Jack is a great fisherman! After about 10 seconds, he had already caught his first fish. Lauren was more interested in looking at all the animals and watching everyone fish. She did a good job of netting the fish when they came in. What a fun morning we had....as you will see from the millions of pictures I took. Can you see why Lauren was so interested in the animals??? Check out this cool peacock!

Grandma and Jack
Grandpa helping Jack catch his first fish.

Can you see the fish in John's hand? Jack caught it all by himself.

Grandma and Lauren
Lauren helped get this fish on the dock.

Lauren got a bit tired of watching everyone fish, so we went to look at the peacocks. Here she is looking at one in the background.
Daddy showing Jack how it is done...good thing, because when I tried to catch one, it took me five times as long as Jason or John. Actually, Jack caught one on his own faster than me.
Reeling in another fish! Way to go, Jack!
Grandma is helping Lauren net the fish.
Proud of his catch. Jack finally agreed to touch the fish with his finger.
Group shot

Lauren touched a fish too.

Looking like a real fisherman.
After the fishing, we headed to the park on the grounds.....
....well, most of us did, anyway. =)


We couldn't believe how quick Jack caught his first fish. I managed to get a video of it. Pretty cute how excited he was!