Biking to the River

I took the kids for a ride in the bike trailer today to explore some of the trails by the Willamette River. We normally would have been at Moms of Grace, but Griffin seemed to be coming down with a cold so I didn't want to expose the other kids. He acted fine most of the day, so hopefully it will be short-lived and not too bothersome!

We found a place to stop where we could eat our lunch near the water. We saw several ducks and geese swim by (:

We hiked around a little and threw rocks into the river.

Ronan took this picture of me by the pretty flowers (:

Here's Griffin laughing at whatever Ronan was doing. He's very entertained by his big brother (:

Ronan looking for fish in the water.

Griffin trying out the cold water...he didn't go much further than that!

Mother's Day

We had a great day full of celebration on Mother's Day! We started off bright and early--Josh and the kids took me out to breakfast at the Glenwood before church! It was nice to have that special time with just our little family (:

After church we went to my parent's house to celebrate with my mom (and sisters & their families). As we were all arriving, Erik walked in the door and surprised us all! He decided at the last minute to drive down from Seattle to be with Mom (and us) for Mother's Day! It was so sweet and thoughtful of him! It was great having our whole family together!

I happened to have my camera in hand to capture the surprise (:
The guys made delicious homemade pizzas!

And us girls took pictures of each other with our kids...
Becca with Sadie (4 1/2), Cohen (2 1/2), and Tyler (8)
My Boys and I
Griffin (17 months) and Ronan (3 1/2)
Katrina and Finley (18 months)

Katrina, Erik, Mom, Me, Becca
All the Grandkids!
Josh and Erik

Before heading to celebrate with Josh's mom, we drove around so that our kids could get a little nap in the car. It's also an excuse for doing a little construction research--we looked at house colors and landscaping.

We had a fun time hanging out with Josh's family! We got Kowloon take out for dinner--it was really yummy--and had ice cream and cookies for dessert! The cousins always have a great time playing together...it's fun to watch (:

We got a group picture of all the moms and kids together:
Top: Ethan (18 mos.), Amy, Macey (18 mos.), Mom/Grammie, Ronan, Me, Griffin
Bottom: Grammie Lermo, Dylan (3), Lydia (5 1/2), Erin, Audrey (almost 9!)
Erin and Audrey

Amy with Macey, Ethan, and a baby girl in utero (:

Lydia playing so nicely with Griffin and Macey.
Audrey, Lydia, Griffin, and Ronan watching Annie together (:

Super Friday

We started off the day on Friday by going to River Play park. Ronan had been asking to go to this park for a few weeks, so we finally did it. I prefer to go when Josh and I can both be there since the playground is really spread out, but if we go early enough in the day we can beat the crowd...and it's much easier to keep track of my kids! We got there at 10:00 and stayed until noon. I came prepared with all of our swim/sand gear because I didn't know if the water would be on yet or not. It wasn't, so that was kinda nice. There will be plenty of time for that this summer! The kids had a great time playing in the sand and climbing the play structures. I didn't take many pictures because I was busy playing too. Here they are when we finally sat down to eat (:

We went home for naps and more outside play time, and then when Josh got home, we went to the Fuller's house for dinner. Eric and Jill have two boys, Micah (2nd grade) and Kyle (kindergarten), a dog named Odie, and a brand new puppy named Reggie! It was so great getting to spend time with them! We see each other every week at church, but we hardly ever get to talk and let the kids play together. So, we were really looking forward to going to their house!

Jill made hamburgers with all the fixin's: lettuce, tomatoes, onions, bacon, and guacamole! Yummy! We ate at a picnic table in their backyard, and watched the boys just be boys!

Here's Ronan all geared up to play baseball with Kyle.

Griffin found two bats and tried to join in (:

Griffin riding the cool tractor!

After dinner we walked to Micah and Kyle's school for the After School Club play and art show. Kyle sang two songs on stage with his class...it was pretty cute. They served cake at the end, which was the main reason we went. (: Just kidding! No really, Jill & I needed some chocolate! (:

Micah showed Ronan how to swing across the monkey bars. He was able to cross 3 or 4 bars by himself then we would help him the rest of the way. He's getting so strong!

Here's Eric bouncing the kids on this bouncy tube thing. (: It was funny to watch!

Thanks, Fullers, for such a fun evening!!

No Training Wheels!

Here he goes! Such a big boy!!
(The crying at the end is Griffin who couldn't stand being so close to Daddy without being held by him!)

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Ronan has been learning about Mexico in his preschool class these last few weeks, so today they had a Cinco de Mayo Party! Griffin and I picked up Josh at work and we joined Ronan for his party.

Here I am with Ronan and his friends standing in line for the pinatas. Each kid made their own pinata by decorating a paper bag and filling it with candy. Then they each took a turn trying to break open their own pinata. I thought it was a great idea for 3 year olds!

Griffin looks very serious in this picture, but he really loves being in Ronan's classroom! He warmed up quickly and started playing with toys. He even got to sit at the table with the kids and have a quesadilla and juice. (:

I love the colorful sombreros!

A close-up of Ronan. It's hard to believe he is almost done with his first year of school!

It was a beautiful, sunny day! When Josh got home from work he played outside with the kids while I made dinner (enchiladas & rice). I had to get a picture of this:

Our boys LOVE spending time with Daddy!

After dinner Josh helped Ronan ride a bike without training wheels!! He did an amazing job! We were so proud of him. I'll upload a video in my next post (:

A New Park

I took the kids for a ride in the bike trailer by myself for the first time today! Josh has always been the one to pull the trailer when we ride together, so I decided that I better get some practice so that we can switch off on longer bike rides. It was a lot of fun and a little easier than I expected it to be.

I recently heard about a park on Best Ln. that was built about a year ago, so we rode to it today. It's an awesome little park! There is a great play structure, a merry-go-round, and a sand area with water. (: Ronan loved the water & sand! He ended up completely drenching himself with water, then rolling around in the sand. Thankfully we stayed long enough for his clothes and hair to dry...the sand brushed off easily. Next time I'll remember swimsuits and baby powder (the best trick in getting wet sand off!).

Griffin- 17 months old

Ronan- 3 and 3/4 years old

Ladies Night at Chico's

Last night I was a model in a fashion show fund raiser at Chico's, a clothing store in the Oakway Mall. The women from our church were invited to come to the store for appetizers and shopping, and a percentage of the merchandise sales went to the women's ministry at Grace. I was a little nervous at first because I thought we were going to have to walk the runway, but it ended up being very casual and comfortable. We just walked around the store and mingled with the customers/guests and talked about what we were wearing. I really liked each of the outfits & accessories that were chosen for me to wear...especially the dress. I'll have to check back to see if it will go on sale (:

My Mom was one of the models, too (:

Jody and I

Mom and I modeling our black and white outfits.

Photos by Katrina Henry (: