Portland

We took a quick trip down to Portland over the weekend, since Anya's Aunt Danielle and her beau Clifton are visiting Uncle Bob and Aunt Amy from way far away South Dakota. Way too short of a trip for my liking, but it was great to see my step-bro and sis (and Amy and Cliff of course).

Anya was taken with Danielle for sure. Those two bonded over makeup and cheerleading and general girliness (I'm actually not joking). Chris was taken with Clifton and they bonded over....stuff...I don't know, I wasn't listening. But we all agree that he should hurry up and propose to Danielle and join the family (no pressure there, buddy! :-) ).

a little mom-toddler snuggle time at the hotel before bed

no trip to Portland is complete without early morning Rock Band time

Anya rockin' the mic

Aunt Dani-ho painting Anya's nails

Clifton, Danielle, and A.

Birthday Party

We celebrated Anya's 2nd birthday on Saturday at The Little Gym. It was a fairly small affair and the kids had the run of the place. Lots of fun was had by all, especially the (almost) birthday girl. As a bonus, my dad and stepmom, Angie, came to town, along with Bob & Amy. All to celebrate with Anya. Lucky her! (and lucky us!)

testing out the equipment before everyone else arrived

basket hang!

Grangie, Grandma Lodwig, and Great-Grandma Scheuer

Noah and Alexa pause for a picture

Flynn rockin' the uneven bars

Max on the balance beam

please do not photograph the princess. She is not amused.

Riley and Kalea

Dad, Bob, Amy (and Dave & Alexa in the back) hanging out and watching the kids run amok on the big, unflatable bouncing mat thing

blowing out her birthday candle

the kids down their cupcakes while Anya savors her pure, straight-from-a-box and not watered down juice (probably what she considers the highlight of the party)

Baby Ramoma, fresh from the oven (with dad, HP).

Juice has been consumed. Now on to the cupcake.

opening her loot at home

Anya attempts to wear some of her new clothes at once

Sidewalks of New York

My dad and stepmom ("Don-don and Grangie") are in town visiting. Chris's parents ("grandma and grandpa") joined us for dinner. For an after dinner treat, Anya serenaded us all with her rendition of the 1890's classic song, "Sidewalks of New York". I was too lazy to move out of my chair while filming, so you all get a back-of-the-head view of the grand performace.

Mom and Bruce visit

My mom (otherwise known as "Grandma B" or "Grandma Ellen") and step-father Bruce ("Grandpa B" "Grandpa Bruce" or "Grandpa Goo") came for a nice visit and just went back to North Carolina a few days ago. It was a mellow visit, and there was much in the way of bonding with the kidlet for them (and uninterrupted showers and errand-running for me, woohoo!!). It was great seeing them both and we all miss them already. Once a year is just darn infrequent. :-( Love you, mom!

early morning reading with Grandma Ellen

Grandpa Bruce and Anya in the rowboat at the zoo

"driving" a tractor

checking out the bunny rabbits

Portland

We headed down to Portland for a slightly extended weekend to visit family and friends. The visiting part was great. We stayed with Bob & Amy (Anya's aunt and uncle), and met up with friend Carlie, and Marc & Shannon, as well as cousins David & Heather and their new son, Jackson. Trips seeing people you like are always too short, and this one was no exception. We reminded ourselves that we need to visit those folks more often. A good time.

The drive back, however, wasn't so much fun. We hit heavy traffic around Chehalis through Federal Way and it added an extra hour and a half to the drive. Anya made sure to let us know she wasn't happy about it....over and over....and over. But we sang lots of songs ("Old Macdonald" with Anya choosing the animals was a hit), played some simple I Spy, fed her lots of peas, and all eventually made it home in one piece.

Anya, Uncle Bob, and Aunt Amy

gratuitous photo of Laika.

Uncle Bob demonstrates his Cesar Milan moves. Anya is appropriately calm-submissive.

Chris tosses Anya off the top of the stairs. Good catch, Uncle Bob!

cousin David and new cousin, Jackson. Is he cute or what?

Jackson meets Laika

Anya kicking back in her chauffeured car on the way home

Yesterday was a beautiful weather day and there were several barbecues to attend around the city -- perfect. The only one Chris took pictures at was Sara's graduation party.

Hanging with great-grandma Scheuer. I just noticed in the picture she let Anya have a potato chip. Bad grandma!

Anya and Kalea vying for a spot on great-grandma's lap.

Sara cuts her graduation cake

Kelsey trying to hold a squirmy toddler

Seabrook

We got back earlier today from a slightly extended weekend at Seabrook in Pacific Beach. My dad and Angie flew in, and they, along with Bobby and Amy, and Grandpa and Grandma Lodwig met up with us there. We had a good time, and, as always, the visit was way too short.

Anya enjoyed playing on the beach. Mainly because she was free to wander and explore to her heart's content. Out of anyone, though, the dogs had the best time by far, running to the point of exhaustion. I'm kind of bummed to be back home already. I hope we go there another time for a few days longer, do a little hiking and go on other excursions. Next year, right guys?

Don-don, Uncle Bob and Anya having a beer break behind the cottage.

Don-don showing Anya different types of shells

playing in the dune grass

bubbles!

Aunt Amy showing Anya how to make good footprints in the sand

worn out and taking a rest on Grandma Lodwig's shoulder