Flying to California!

If you are from Portland and do any sort of flying, you will understand this picture. Its the popular Portland Airport carpet picture. Norah gets to sit on the famous carpet for her first flight on an airplane!

Poppies in the midst of rows of grape vines

This second trip to California was to wine country, Healdsburg. We went down with Brian's family for his grandmother's 90th birthday.

Our second day we went kayaking down the Russian River. Brian and Norah stayed behind on this trip. I don't trust Norah's swimming skills yet. 

Aran and I were in the same kayak for the stretch of 8.5 miles. It was a very relaxing, slow moving river. Definitely got my arm work out. 

Sarah and Andy shared a kayak and you can see who did most of the work. 

Brian and Norah after a long day of naps. Norah even kept her sunglasses on for a picture!

Little Feet and Captain Hook

Norah survived three busy days during our first trip to California. The first day I took her back to our house for a nap, second: a nap in Aunt Becky's arms, the last day, she napped in the stroller for a whole hour. 

Aren't these cute little feet?

Jeremiah, Noah, Gwyn and the Mad Hatter!

We were walking to another ride and we happened upon Captain Hook and Peter Pan. Hook was very happy to see Jeremiah and Noah wearing pirate medallions. He took the time to focus on each kid. Lucky them!

Overall, it was a good trip to Disneyland. I hope all the kids enjoyed themselves because we did!

Toon Town and Minnie Mouse's house

The second day in Disneyland was also quite enjoyable. We started on the Nemo Submarine, down under the depths of the ocean. Norah even liked this ride, see her on Isaac's lap.

Toon town!

We waited to see Minnie Mouse and during the wait we wandered through her house. 

Jeremiah figured he could sit and relax on Minnie's favorite chair.

Noah, Ike and Becky ready for some tea.

Can you believe Minnie just has a bunch of cheese in her fridge?

Isaac was awesome and wanted to be in the picture with Norah and Minnie. I will cherish this picture for a long time!

Day Two-Disneyland Park!

Our second day in California, was spent at Disneyland. 

Gwyn bought a pair of Minnie ears; lucky for Norah, because she got to wear them. 

Its a good awkward family photo. Castle behind, Jeremiah hiding and looking down, Isaac not even in the picture. Ben is just serious as can be.

Being the first time in Disneyland with kiddos, I actually got to enjoy the park itself, not just the rides. This means we got to meet some fun characters. Here we are with Tigger. Norah was more fascinated by the orange I think than anything else. 

And Pooh Bear.

Gwyndolyn and Noah about to walk through the castle. 

California Adventure!

We had a long drive south, all the way from Salem to Anaheim. A vacation to celebrate my sister's graduation! First day: California Adventure.

Here are Ben, Jeremiah and Sadie all ready for a fun day.

Brian and Norah, also ready to play.

This ride was a favorite! Especially on a hot day it was super fun.

Abe and Becky

Becky, Gwyn and I

We spent the whole day enjoying the park, our second day (pictures on next post) was spent in Disneyland!

Happy Graduation Becky!

A week ago, my sister completed her long journey and graduated with her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling.

Here she is with our dad. He is pretty happy for her too!

Way to go Becky! Quite a feat with five kids, balancing a household, working part time and who know what else. I am proud of her, proud she stayed with it when she was so sick of school. 

Becky with her youngest, Gwyndolyn.

Now, she moves onward to other challenges. She is engaged to be married in late September, she will move with her kids down to Medford, Oregon. About a 3 1/2 hour drive from here and they will begin again! I will be sad to see them all move away, but I'm sure we'll see them often.

But first....a road trip to Disneyland. Begins: tonight. :)

Yes, all of us, 2 cars, 6 kids, 4 adults, 1 baby.

More to come about that.

ABC Quilt

Norah's quilt is complete! Her first one! I saw this quilt over a year ago at a fabric store and decided my mom needed to make it. Unfortunately I don't know how to quilt. But, my mom does!!

It is one of the best! Each letter has a fun, colorful and unique animal to go with it. See the pictures below for some close ups.

There is no way to determine my favorite letter creature. I'm sure Norah will love it when she grows up. Thanks Mom. You are the best! I appreciate all your hard work on this quilt.