Swamped!

I know it's been ages since I've posted anything, but school just started, and truly, a LOT has happened in my life in the last three weeks, so...I will be back soon. :)

I just thought I'd post Essie's stats from her Kindergarten doctor check-ups:

Weight: 48 pounds (90th percentile)

Height: 44 inches (30th percentile)

Portland Children's Museum Part I

This place is sooooo great for kids.  I can't even tell you all the fun attractions they provide, and all for $9 a person.  Not bad, considering Disney's entry fee is, oh, merely a couple arms and legs these days.  

 This is the water-feature area, and let me tell ya, the kids love it, Caleb especially.

What is it with kids and water?

 Can't seem to straighten out the order on these pictures, and not all of them uploaded.  Blogger is a piece of work these days.

This area is the grocery store, and it's probably the kids' favorite.

 Need some serious groceries!

Actually, this is what our shopping cart looks like when we go to Winco. :)

 This is called the Butterfly Bistro, where the kids love to serve us all kinds of yummy plastic. :)

You don't mind if I slap your sandwich together on top of the cash register, do ya? :)

 I love Caleb in his little apron.  Such a little man.

Contruction Zone

Even had a mini rock-climbing wall.

Yeah, this picture doesn't go here.  Blogger.  Grrr.

Riding the Max

 Fun ride on the Max, except for the weird guy sitting behind the girls in the photo above (note how he is covering his face as I shoot the picture).  The entire time he had a toy pistol in his hand, and he kept shooting it off, constantly (one shot after another), even aiming at people.  It was like he was a terrorist in training.  Creeeeeepy.

Other than that, the kids loved the ride, as they always do.

 My handsome guy

"Look, Mom, I can reach it this time!!"

Waiting for the Max

 We set out to go to the Portland Children's Museum, which is a favorite thing to do now every year when we visit Eric's family, and sometimes we drive, sometimes take the Max.

This time we took the Max, and here are some shots of the kiddos waiting with great anticipation for it to arrive.

 Abby and cousin Riley

 My silly six (almost seven)-year-old

 I'm taking a picture of the Max, and Eric is taking one of me. :)

 Aunt Kimmy and Riley Bug

 Here our train comes!

 Total excitement!!!

Mellow Days

Some days visiting the grandparents were filled with busy and go, go, go, but most days were more mellow...

These were the days the munchkins scrambled behind Grandma's great big raspberry bushes and came away with red-tinged lips, days where they played in Grandma's backyard fountain and broke her glass figurine (sorry, Grandma!!), days of cousin bubble wars, puzzle fests, and dollhouse play, or days like these, strolling around the neighborhood on anything that rolls.  And this mama was very thankful for these kinda days. :)