They put the "grand" in grandparents

We had such a fun day with Papa and Grandma a few Sundays back. The weather was gorgeous, the kids were in fabulous moods and we just really enjoyed our time together. They arrived after naps and we headed out to Lacamas Lake for a fun walk before dinner. Carter decided that he liked "hikes" without snow much better! It also helped that Papa carried him on his shoulders for the last 1/2 mile. It was so fun watching Carter and Grandma race up the trail and Carter was still talking about it days later. Both Carter and Kennedy love them dearly and Kyle and I are ever grateful for their generous spirits. It was nice to fix them dinner for a change, although Diane still made her famous apple pie (my absolute favorite dessert!) for us. It was a wonderful way to spend our Sunday.

Carter was all about racing up the trail. He loves his time outdoors and was enjoying touching the trees, learning about fallen logs and picking flowers with Grandma and Papa.

There is a wonderful walking trail along the southern side of the lake. It was nice to have 1/4 mile markers along the way and it was fun to show Ken and Diane some of the nice places near our home.

One of Carter's favorite things - I think he must have asked "one more time" about 100 times or so. Don't you just love grandparents? He certainly does!

Diggers, Dozers and Dumpers - oh my!

What three year old boy doesn't love a day to play in the dirt, drive bulldozers and play with all types of heavy machinery? Let's just say that Carter was in heaven during Dozer Day 2009. I do believe that the entire Portland/Metropolitan population was also enjoying this event, but despite the long lines it really was a blast. The weather was perfect and seeing the joy and desire light up Carter's face was the type of thing that I live for. It was wonderful!

We managed to find two short lines right off the bat. Carter chose to ride the *BIG* excavator first. He looks so serious in most of these shots, but I promise he was having fun!

There was a giant conveyor thingy (I think it usually moves rocks?) that shot out tons and tons of candy every ten minutes or so. Suffice it to say, it wasn't the healthiest of days. Carter loves candy!

Kennedy chilled in the backpack most of the time and, as usual, was a trooper. I think she enjoyed watching all of the chaos.

In addition to all the big equipment that kids get to drive with an "official" construction worker, there were loads of other diggers and things that they could climb and play with - it really was a fantastic event.

Mother's Day Weekend

What a wonderful weekend we had celebrating Mother's Day and enjoying lots of family time. Kyle and I have been talking about hiking around Mount St. Helens for years now and we finally made that happen. The weather was perfect and the views amazing. Carter didn't love the "hiking" part and we decided that we'd have to go again sometime sans 3 year old. It really was beautiful and we'd even love to try to climb up the mountain.

Daddy and the kiddos. Kennedy did great in her first long ride in the backpack. I think it was a nice change of scenery for her.

The start of our "hike"...I use the term loosely because it was more like a little walk. Unfortunately there was still a great deal of snow covering the trails and little roads, so that made if tough for Carter to walk in.

Carter and I enjoying our picnic lunch. We dined on the tailgate of the truck, which Carter thought was the coolest. He got to have a juice box with his lunch and I think that was probably the highlight of his day!

This was the spot where we stopped for our picnic lunch. It was an old logging trail with a spectacular view. We walked around a bit here and enjoyed some more time outside.

We met a nice couple who were up camping and hiking for the weekend. They were kind enough to take a picture of the four of us.

Sunday began in the best way possible. Kyle let me sleep in until 7:00 (!!!) and then he and the kids delivered a latte in bed. How sweet is that? We headed out to Hillsboro to spend the afternoon with Grandma, Papa, Auntie Val & Mark and Great Papa. It was another nice day, so we were able to enjoy time outdoors. We had a great dinner, fabulous dessert and good company. It was a very special day and I felt extremely loved and spoiled.

The two most wonderful reasons to enjoy Mother's Day!

Kennedy's 1st Mother's Day - She was fantastic all day, which was the best gift I could ask for.

Auntie Val and our little monkey. Kennedy so badly wants to get down and move! I know she's just itching to start walking.

Papa schooling Carter in the proper techniques of baseball.

Happy Mother's Day Grandma!

swimming like a fish

Carter started swimming lessons on Tuesday at our neighborhood athletic club. We'd been playing it up something fierce, so he was thoroughly excited to finally get to go on his own. He had informed us that he had to be three before he could put his face in the water, so we waited until after his birthday to sign him up. It helps that the two neighbor boys are in lessons at the same time and Carter loves to do anything that they do! He was a little nervous on Tuesday but caught on quickly and really loved it. He goes twice a week and has already shown some improvement. It's been so fun watching him do this independently...kind of his first thing done completely on his own.

Before his 1st class - he was a little nervous, but SO excited!

We were playing with the neighbors before lessons on Thursday. I let Carter know it was time to go home and get ready for swimming lessons - he proceeded to strip down at Brock and John's house (I made him put his underwear and shoes back on for the walk across the street!).

The only action shot I could snap - we aren't allowed in the pool area until the last class, so this was through a window from far away.