Randoms

I finally remembered to take my camera out with me today as the kiddos and I went to Oaks Park with the Tyackes. Everyone had so much fun...even Lauren who is usually scared of rides. While I was uploading those pics, I found some random ones that were left on my camera.Mommy doing Lauren's stage make-up before her recital. Lauren LOVED getting her make-up done and told me she would sit very still.

Look whose driving the Gator! Jack and Lauren have spent hours driving the gator around this summer. They love it and I love to hear all the laughter and squeals while playing.

Another summer time favorite...ice cream cones. Do you think they look happy???
Life is great...laid back eating ice cream on a nice evening.
Lauren on a ride at Oaks Park today.

Hailey and Jack

Jack and Caden went on a roller coaster today. The first loop around both boys had the most frightened look on their faces. I guess during the ride Caden told Jack that he was scared. Jack's response to Caden was "Me too, but Caden, we just have to tough it out!" Too funny, because Jack isn't one to tough much out! Thankfully, by the end of the ride, both boys decided they liked the roller coaster after all. I wonder if it was because the ride was over. =)

Motorcycle riders

I thought this one was so cute...

Lauren's Recital

My cute little ballerina on her performance day! I am so proud of her. She did great and had so much support from family. For those of you who came to watch Lauren, thank you!! She loved having you there.

Lauren's ballet dress rehearsal

I am so excited for Lauren's recital tomorrow. Look how cute she is in her costume. I am so proud of her. She did a great job today practicing. So cute!!!

A video of Lauren's solo...

Black Butte in June

We went to Black Butte over the weekend. The weather was perfect and we had a great time. I feel so lucky that we are going over there several times this year. There is so much for the kiddos to do.Rough life!
Riding bikes

Jason took the kids to hit range balls and to the park all by himself one morning.

The fish hatchery had "kids" day. You should have seen all the people. It was crazy. Jack and Lauren liked Smokey the Bear.
At the fish hatchery. Below is a video of Jack catching a fish. Lauren wasn't interested in it, so Jack was the only fisherman in the group.

Lauren had so much fun with her Papa that when he went to take a shower, she laid in front of the door until he came out.
We had tickets to the Sisters' Rodeo which actually was a lot of fun. Wow, is living way out in Hillsboro starting to rub off on me??? I never thought I would like the rodeo!!! Anyway, everyone wore their cowboy gear...boots, shirts, jeans and cowboy hats.

At the rodeo

Auntie Amy bought Lauren this cute pink cowboy hat which was a hit!!!

The newlyweds

You wouldn't believe how into it the kids were. It got late and Nana and Papa took them home for bed before the rodeo was over. The next day, Jack asked if he could stay the entire time next time.
The next morning, we went to feed and pet the horses.

After we saw the horses, we went to feed the chipmunks.

Jack sat SO still and fed so many chipmunks.

Lauren had to learn to hold still and not talk, but once she got that down, the chipmunks came and ate out of her hand.

Thumbs up after feeding her first chipmunk.

A trip to the zoo

Jack, Lauren and I went to the zoo on Monday. It was SO crowded...too crowded for my liking, but the kiddos had a great time.

Lauren asking me,"Mommy, where are the giraffes? Why aren't they in their home?"

I have no clue what happened to the giraffes at the zoo, and the last few times Lauren has been disappointed that they weren't there.

When I told Lauren had I no clue where the giraffes went, Jack said he would "read the sign and figure it out for us."
Here are Lauren and Jack "reading" the sign to solve the giraffe question. Good problem solving!

Later that day, Jack's friend, Sam came over for dinner. They loved dressing up and playing superheroes.