September 27 weekend

There is something about busy weekends that makes them go by so fast...

On Friday night we went to my old friend's son's 10th birthday party. We were quite late because it started at the same time I get off work, then I still had to get the kids (and change Larissa's site, before the scheduled time), etc. By the time we got there, at was almost over. The good thing is that I finally got the see their kids that I haven't seen in eight years (!) and we stopped at Uwajimaya store on the way home and got some "marble" soda for the kids.

On Saturday we made the now regular trip to a Saturday Market and loaded up on local fruits and vegetables. There is one vendor that I especially like, they are from a Gales Creek farm (which is coincidentally the same area where Larisa went to a Diabetes Camp this past summer). Their produce is just as good as anyone else around them, but their prices are quite a bit lower.
After we got home We made a batch of mini cupcakes to decorate later, then we decided to head out and do something outside of the house. We took a vote and unanimously decided on OMSI.
There is a new exhibit at OMSI, all about puzzles. Once we got there, that's pretty much where we spent the rest of our day. There was just so much to do!

Sunday was the day of JDRF walk, and I knew something was up when Jon started to tell me that he has an ear infection (yes, not an earache, but an ear infection he insisted). We drove to Oak Park anyway, but as soon as we got there Jon laid down on the grass and fell asleep. (I took him to the Dr on Monday and turns out that Jon does have a terrible ear infection... in both ears!)

I decided against the actual 5K walk, since I didn't think I can carry him all that way, and instead, I just let Gabe and Larissa play in the sun.

Oh, we also got to see the Trailblazers' stunt group perform for us too!

Rain, Rain...

So, I guess the Fall is officially here. It announced itself by a generous portion of H2O falling from the skies.

Sadly, I got a terrible cold at the end of last week, so that pretty much limited my selections of fun things to do this weekend to "what movie should we watch next?" I really didn't feel like going anywhere. Jon, Larissa and I did managed going to a Saturday market and got some wonderful local fruits, vegetables, and honey. There are only a few more weeks left for the market, so skipping it this weekend was not an option for me.

I have to say, I think the local honey I got worked miracles! All Saturday I had cups and cups of hot tea with lemon and honey, and by noon on Sunday I felt like a new person. Back to normal!

Tim and Gabe spent most of the Saturday at the indoor skate park again. I am glad they are really enjoying it!

I tried a new recipe for cupcakes while waiting for the boys' return. It came out great! One thing I learned though... patience is a must if you want to ice your cupcakes! I didn't wait for the second batch to cool off, so what started as pretty pink flowers turned into a funny shaped pink smudge.

Sunday started off as a cool day, then the rain came. It was coming through in patches, rain, sun, rain, sun. Larissa got all geared up for biking, but when it started to rain, instead, she went to town in her rubber boots, jumping in the puddles.

Didn't take long before Jon joined her in the rain, and he finally got to use his umbrella too.

September 13 weekend

I think I heard on the News this morning that we have had "0" precipitation for the last month. A little unusual for Oregon, but I have no complaints. I am sure the Winter months will well make up for it...


THINGS I LEARNED THIS WEEKEND:

1. Decorating cupcakes (and cakes, I am sure) is so much fun! And I don't even like cupcakes all that much!
Mary and I took a class at the local crafts' store and learned some techniques. We decorated a few cupcakes in class, then I did the rest at home with kids (Note the one with a missing top... Jon "decorated" his and ate it before I got a picture"). I am now looking forward to a good occasion to make some more!

2. Despite loving anything pink and girly, I have a dare-devil daughter! We spent a Sunday afternoon at a skate park, and I couldn't get her to go home. No hesitation with trying new ramps. If she falls, she just gets up and keep going. Granted, she is not a skateboard-er, but a scoot-er, she was the only girl at the park (not sitting on a sidelines and checking out the boys... hee hee)!
3. Gabe gets frustrated if he can't do something just perfect the very first time he tries... and he has no patience for practice. He started off on a skateboard, but gave up, due to a lack of skills, and switched to a scooter. It took Larissa a few times though, going down a ramp, before he finally gave it a try too.

4. Jon wants to do everything his big brother and sister do... and he is good at it. I figured, he is three now, if he keeps it up, by the time he is Larissa's age, he should be pretty "darn good". If only he keeps practicing.

September 6th weekend

You know you had a slow weekend when a spider in your back yard gets it's own portrait session...
As soon as I got home on Friday, we had to head tight back out. It was an Ice cream Social at kids' school, sponsored by our PTA. Nothing fancy, just a "come in and get to know your PTA members" night. Lines moved quickly, selections were limited - vanilla or chocolate (which is actually a good thing for me, if you know Larissa...). After the ice cream we made a stop by the school playground to burn some sugar out of the system. Kids announced that they were sloths now:

Saturday was a beautiful warm sunny day. Gabe and Tim went to an indoors skateboarding facility, where Gabe took an introduction class, then they spend the rest of the morning practicing and checking out various outdoor skating parks. Gabe needs to work on his listening skills...
Meanwhile Jon, Larissa and I had breakfast at McDonald's on the way to the Saturday Market (for some fresh vegetables). Jon had a meltdown when he found out that they don't serve chicken nuggets and french fries for breakfast...

After he stopped crying, he asked "what toy did I get?". Sigh... "none"... "waaaa"...

On Sunday "big boys" watched the rest of "Heroes, Season 1", I cleaned and cooked, and Larissa and Jon played video games.

Our cat decided to go on a nature walk on Saturday night and didn't come back in till Sunday night. We were a little worried because he is an indoor cat (de-clawed), but all is well. Upon return, he was really hungry and looked a little spooked. The very first thing he did was use his litter box. What?! Don't you know how to go potty outside?..

School is back on!

...the Summer is gone... and our Dirt Babies have a full head of hair.

Always nice to have a long weekend before the school starts again, and so was the case this year. Three days off for Dad and then an extra day off for Mom, just to get kids all situated at school on their first day.

On Saturday we intended to get an early start, but fell behind the schedule... as we frequently do. Instead of going to the Saturday Market in the early morning, we basically drove through at lunch, on our way to OMSI.
This was the "reptiles and amphibians week" and we got to see a lot of interesting animals (and some very interesting animal keepers too...) Then, we stopped by the Chemistry lab and tried a few exciting experiments.
Jon didn't like the goggles (and who can blame him), but was told by a volunteer that he must have it on if he wanted to stay inside, so he complied.

on Sunday we went, one more time, over the school supplies, clothes, backpacks, medical forms, all in check!

Monday just slipped through the cracks. Was it even there?.. I don't recall...

Tuesday was the first day of school. New bus route, new school, new teachers. Really exciting! I had to stop by school a few times. Once to drop off medicines, once to take office staff through the lunch routine for Larissa.
Then, one more time, that was not on my schedule! Larissa managed to jam a paper staple deep into her finger and have it break off, only leaving a very end of it, a black dot visible. Apparently, office assistants are not allowed to pull it out, so I had to bring tweezers in and take care of it. It was pretty sizable too. I am shocked at how calmly Larissa reacted! That's the tough cookie that she is. I guess you would have to, with everything that she has to deal with.