Rose City Fair

We were excited to be able to take the girls to the fair down at the waterfront last night. We were given wristbands which got us in and allowed us unlimited rides (which we didn't need but were nice to have just in case!) Gracie actually decided to be brave and go on a little roller coaster with Tim. This is about the limit for us as far as carnival rides go :)

She was so brave and we were very proud of her! 

They also had a neat butterfly exhibit in which they gave you a Qtip to dip in nectar and then you could use that to hold the butterflies. It was extra special because Gracie was just telling me last week she had never seen a real butterfly. 

They had other exhibits such as Alaska Airlines where there were seats to sit in and everything. We just walked around and looked at everything.

Doing some arts and crafts in the KidZone

Then we headed to the "Rozone" to listen to music while we waited for the Opening Night Fireworks.

They were getting very sleepy...and Gracie's little hand around Charlotte was so sweet.

We were so glad we did this with the girls. Keeping them out until nearly 10:30 wasn't ideal but they had both taken good naps and it was a different experience altogether from anything we have ever seen. Tim and I have both gone to the State Fair in CA several times. In fact last year it's where his company party was with Niello. It was also well over 100 degrees and although a lot of fun, the mixture of black concrete and extreme heat was difficult. This was a grassy, tree filled area right next to the river and it was maybe 70 degrees. We all needed our sweaters by the end of the night. It was probably one of my favorite things we have ever done as a family. 

A Little Baking

Gracie woke up sneezing and congested today so we had to cancel our play date with baby Jude...boo. I'm a big believer in keeping our germs to ourselves whenever possible...especially when it comes to a baby! So this morning I am getting caught up on some baking. We rarely buy muffins anymore because we usually have them in the freezer but I have gotten behind. While Gracie rests with movies, Charlotte is "helping" 

Oh and with the look of those bananas it looks like Banana Bread will be soon!

I saw a recipe on Pinterest awhile back for some "muffins" with Bisquick, egg, cheese, and bacon. I think this will be the perfect breakfast on the go for Tim on his way to work or before church. I am excited to see how they turn out. I'm also trying a new recipe for French Toast muffins...and then will add a couple batches of Triple Berry muffins which are our favorite! 

I'm glad it's not hot yet in Oregon because using my oven all morning and then again for dinner tonight (Creamy Enchilada Casserole...yummy!) can make a warm house but at least it will smell delicious! Oh and a shout out for my amazing husband who left me this next to the couch this morning...he must have been at Starbucks when they opened! 

Medford Trip

On Thursday after swimming lessons we drive down to Medford to see my grandparents.  My grandfather turned 85 and we were able to celebrate with him which was nice.  He was also having more computer trouble so I was happy to be able to help with that!  We got to the hotel in the afternoon and then met them for dinner at his favorite place, the Tin Tin Buffet (Chinese buffet).  The girls had so much fun watching and feeding the Koi.  After dinner we went back to his house for cake and gifts.  The next morning we met them to have pictures taken.  They don't have many pictures together and I wanted to also give them the gift of a nice picture with the girls as well.  We just went to JC Penny and did a quick session.  The girls were so well behaved...which shocked me since they didn't go to sleep until after 10pm and Charlotte was awake at 3 and 6 am!  We said our goodbyes and then drove north to Grants Pass to go on the Rogue River Jet Boat.  My grandfather had reservations last summer for us to go and then broke his hip so we postponed.  This year he just got us the tickets and sent us.  We had the greatest time!  Both girls were loving going fast and getting wet.  It helped that is was about 80 degrees out.  They were the youngest on the boat and definitely having the most fun!  We got home around 9:30 to a happy doggy and welcome note from Sara who was so sweet to stay at our house to take care of Lacie while we were gone!  It was a long 36 hours but worth it.

Happy little traveler

Their first Dutch Bros!

Taking a break at a rest stop...Gracie looked at this later and said "I was being a grump"  Yes, you were

Checking out the Koi

Helping Grandad with his cards

Cake!

Birthday hugs

I had to sneak a picture ;)

I told Gracie she didn't need her life jacket on yet...she disagreed

"I got really wet Mommy! Let's do it again!"

Wet and happy!

Charlotte fell asleep with food in her hand! This was unfortunately a short nap...but it's what we all felt like at this point!

Swimming Lessons

Session two of swimming lessons began a couple weeks ago and we are having so much fun.  Charlotte is in toddler-and-me and is so happy to be able to be in the pool like Gracie.  They both look forward to every lesson! I am so glad they are developing a love for swimming like I have always had.

Mother's Day

We were so glad my mom could be with us for Mother's Day!  We began the day with getting ready for church and doing gifts.  The girls were so sweet and excited to give me their gifts they made.  Tim had taken them to the ceramics painting place awhile back and painted a platter and a cross.  He even put their hand prints on it.  This was my favorite part because years from now I can look back on how little their hands were.  Tim had also picked out a shepherds hook for me (he's a great listener!) I have been wanting one to hang our hummingbird feeder out front.  I also received new shirts from my mom which I was able to pick out when we went shopping just the two of us on Friday (which was a gift in itself!) She also gave me a neat wooden box for in the house.  My sweet mother in law sent a couple tops as well as some candles which smell so great!

We went to church and then Tim headed to work and we went to McMenamins in Troutdale for brunch with my dad and Debbie.  We enjoyed a very nice brunch and walking around the grounds of McMenamins.

When Tim got home from work my mom and I were able to go see a movie together.  We were so thrilled when we got there to find they sell Starbucks!  Laughing with my mom was the perfect way to end the day.