Eleanor & Oscar's Adventures

My Helpers

2012-01-22T01:12:00.000-08:00

Swedish Pancakes for Breakfast.

This was Eleanor's first solo attempt, she did great!Oscar making "waffles" on peanut butter cookies, our first batch.

He's my Cookie Monster: I think he ate more batter & sugar than actual cookies!

And here is the proof!

Martin Luther King Weekend

2012-01-21T22:59:00.000-08:00

Deer Mountain as seen from the Tongass dock.M/V COLUMBIA moored at the Ketchikan cruise ship dock for the winter.Eleanor in the "breathing hole" of the Snow Fort.Mikayla & Eleanor did a great job digging out the Snow Fort & even made a "bedroom!"

Big enough for Momma Bear to fit!Snow much fun!Cold winter sunrise

Oscar moving snow with his dumptruck.

Jasmine attempting to get in on the sledding action.

Winter Wonderland

2012-01-21T22:49:00.000-08:00

Snowy Afternoon facing southwest from our driveway.Jasmine loves the snow! She could sit & sniff for hours.Oscar playing on the front deck.

Dance Recital

2012-01-21T22:37:00.000-08:00

All smiles after her first StudioMax Recital!Grandma Judi & the girls Mom, can we please stop with the paparazzi already?The 2nd & 3rd grade group did a wonderful job dancing to Take me to Rio. Their costumes had feathers & they made flying motions with their arms.

Madisen & Eleanor are both in the 2nd row, 2nd & 3rd from the left respectively.

Eleanor's Bling

2012-01-21T22:32:00.000-08:00

Eleanor asked for a feather in her hair all fall & I decided it would be a good Christmas present & reward for swim lesson willingness & attitude.

Snowfall

2012-01-21T22:24:00.000-08:00

The 110' Coast Guard Cutter NAUSHON passes in front of the house on the morn of a freshly fallen snow.Jasmine out on the deck to greet the sun.

Swim Lessons

2012-01-21T22:08:00.000-08:00

Both children took swim lessons over Christmas Break.

It was an intense daily 45-minute lesson for two weeks. Initially Eleanor was quite upset that I had signed her up but did come around to the idea that taking lessons to refresh ones memory was a good iead. Especially living on an island & knowing that boating will occur this summer.

They both did well & progressed to the next level. Eleanor is swimming & diving independently & learning strokes. Oscar is doing well jumping in by himself & can go underwater. One of his favorite games learned at lessons was swimming through ("blasting off!") a hula hoop on its side partially submerged in the water. He also was a pokey little puppy in the locker room, always the last child in the shower & hiding in the lockers.

Oscar is seen here with his instructor. Yes, those are pink goggles. I was so proud of him as we misplaced his green ones and couldn't find them in time for lessons. He borrowed an extra pair from big sister & didn't put up a fuss that they were pink! Eleanor can be seen in the upper right hand corner, second from the right, her instructor has a black swim shirt on.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

2011-12-28T23:18:00.000-08:00

The children sang Happy Birthday Jesus on Christmas morning.

They did a great job & it was very touching. They also lit the Advent Candle & read scripture. Eleanor is the middle angel, second from the left, and Oscar is a sheep, second from the lower right. I thought the lighting was neat in this photo from the blue on the music screen.Mikayla (Mary), Eleanor (Angel) & Grandma Judi.Oscar in his sheep costume.

Probably the only time he'll wear a headband in public. Although this one has ears!

Christmas Morning

2011-12-28T22:59:00.000-08:00

Rain Boots for Eleanor's American Girl Dolls are a must in Southeast Alaska!Oscar was thrilled to find that Santa brought him what he had asked for. Eleanor playing her new guitar from Santa.

She really wanted a kitten but Daddy said No. She is very happy with the guitar, saying that she didn't ask Santa for it b/c she didn't know whether or not he would actually bring it if she asked. We'll have to get her signed up for lessons!

Both children are taking swim lessons over Christmas Break and have improved much over the last week & a half. Oscar is diving underwater after rings and Eleanor is doing the front crawl & backstroke along the wall unassisted! Today I watched her jump off the diving board into the deep end, something she has done during school swims but I hadn't seen her do. I'm impressed, I know I could do it but wouldn't choose to do so for fun. So thankful that they are enjoying the lessons, Eleanor originally balked at going. Being a good swimmer is a must especially living on an island. Santa didn't forget Jasmine!
She got a new squeaky toy & special treats with glucosamine for her hips.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-28T00:33:00.000-08:00

Kristian couldn't wait. He gave me a .44 Magnum Smith & Wesson pistol for Christmas! Welcome back to Alaska! Not that I would take it running with me, but I did see a bear this fall. I will be taking a class to become familiar with it as with this gift comes a huge responsibility, especially with children in the house. Summer hikes & berry picking will be its primary use. Now to find the perfect holster!

We celebrated Christmas Eve with family over for a ham dinner. Mark had only a few hours to spend with us before heading out to work on the ferry so we were thankful for his presence. We had a wonderful relaxed evening & everyone ate way too much. I am wearing an Eleanor original necklace. She made it for me using three pink stones that I chose from her collection and taping them to a chain. Poppa Ronnie & Grandma JudiThe children were very excited for Santa to visit them in Alaska.

Madisen & Eleanor checked the NORAD Santa Tracker all evening & even spent time outside on the deck with flashlights searching the sky for Santa Sightings!

Shortly after this photo was taken Daddy read The Night Before Christmas.

Snow Deck Trucker

2011-12-28T00:27:00.000-08:00

Oscar had his Road Crew out on the deck for snow removal one afternoon after coming home from school. Boy played out there for over an hour driving his trucks back & forth!

(Disclaimer: true the deck has no rails, but the drop-off isn't what it looks to be. About 4 steps down and you are on gravel. It is safe & actually better without rails to obsturuct the view!)

Oscar's Gingerbread House

2011-12-28T00:20:00.000-08:00

Oscar's preschool class had a Gingerbread House making party.

Grandma Judi was able to attend & help him decorate. He was very excited about the red gumdrop atop the chimney as it represented flames. Also the two children jumproping with red licorice like sister. Naturally he had eaten the entire creation within a day! Boy has a sweet tooth! OH, which reminds me of another story I don't want to ever forget. I told him he had a sweet tooth and being Mr. Curious he asked Which tooth was the sweet tooth? He seriously thought there was one tooth in particular that was HIS sweet tooth! Love that boy!

Breakfast with Santa

2011-12-28T00:15:00.000-08:00

Santa arrived in style to the Coast Guard Base to visit with the children.Along with a pancake breakfast, there were plenty of sweet treats to enjoy. These heart-shaped cookies turned Santa were my personal favorite.

Christmas Card Attempt

2011-12-28T00:06:00.000-08:00

This is one of our attempts at capturing a family Christmas card photo. Eleanor's outfit included her cloche & Oscar was insistent on wearing a hat too. He chose his Tri-corn & HAD to have his tie on the outside as well. Very much the trend-setter!

Update

2011-12-11T00:59:00.000-08:00

Phew, I think we are finally up to date! Eleanor encouraged me to post photos from our move from DC to Ketchikan. I was feeling overwhelmed as we took our time setting up the home computer and didn't have access to our hard-drive and thus the photos. How spoiled we've become with our iPhone & netbook!

We are settling in quite nicely and enjoying living near family again after six years in Virginia. Though we miss our friends dearly, we don't miss the traffic! At our new home, we have different traffic, on the water in the form of cruise ships, barges, boats, ferries & float planes. And the airport is across the Tongass Narrows so we see the Alaska Airline jets coming and going throughout the day. We also see eagles & deer every other day, if not daily. I've been trying to keep up with exercising, and have a friend that I run with at least once a week. We had a black bear encounter that got our hearts racing, but thankfully her dog chased the bear back up into the woods so all we saw was bear buns!

The children are enjoying school & even though Oscar is in preschool it is located in the same building as Eleanor's so they get to see each other periodically. He gets to ride the short bus as there is door-to-door service for Preschoolers! I am working two mornings a week and really enjoy using my dental hygiene skills, meeting new people, seeing old acquaintances & my co-workers. Kristian is enjoying his new job as well. The pace of life seems to have slowed down a notch in a good way. That being said we are still on our toes!

We had a scare in October with my Mom going in the hospital for a week with a partial bowel blockage. The radiation treatment she had three years ago after her tumor removal damaged her intestine. She went to Seattle for surgery but her Dr felt she would be doing more harm than good so Mom is back home on a soft food diet. She had an incidence after Thanksgiving but otherwise is doing well. I think it is hard for her with regards to her diet, especially this time of year as there are so many wonderful things to eat. She was told she could slowly reintroduce but the green beans on Thanksgiving are proof that she must remain cautious. I am thankful to be here, close by her, should she need me.

The Nutcracker

2011-12-11T00:48:00.000-08:00

We had a Girls Night Out and went for a nice dinner at Cape Fox and then to our local Nutcracker performance.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-11T00:43:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or does it look like she is ready to go off to college? Maybe the cloche is aging her before my very eyes. Regardless, she is beautiful inside & out!

Gingerbread Girls & Boys

2011-12-11T00:41:00.000-08:00

Auntie Bekah's adorable Gingerbread Girl.

Keeping our tradition with Auntie Bekah we decorated something gingerbread!

Visitor

2011-12-11T00:34:00.000-08:00

We have a buck that comes by to visit in the morning.

The arbor vitae between our house & the neighbors is quite tasty you know.

Here's Jasmine attempting to stalk him!

It's Melting!

2011-12-11T00:17:00.000-08:00

Warmer weather proved to be our snow fort's demise.

Annual Christmas Tree Hunt

2011-12-10T23:59:00.000-08:00

We drove to the end (yes, the END of the road on the island!) of the road out south of town and attempted to hike into the USFS designated christmas tree cutting area near Silvis Lake.

The snow was very deep but we were determined.
The cold got the better of one of us.

We made the decision to head back down empty handed.

And drove to the north end of the island to my parents house where my Dad proceeded to cut down a tree for us. In his backyard!

It was a 30-foot bull pine, we used the top 10-feet.

Dad needed an excuse to get some firewood & we got a nice tree!

The Thanksgiving Sky

2011-12-10T23:45:00.000-08:00

Snowy Thanksgiving Morning

2011-12-10T23:30:00.000-08:00

We had fresh snow on Thanksgiving morning.

Aunt Bekah was visiting from California. We built a snow fort!

It was heavy wet snow.

Needless to say Kristian bought a snowblower!

Now it probably won't snow for the remainder of winter!

Jasmine diggin' the snow

Awe, sweet siblings!

Lost Boy

2011-12-10T23:25:00.000-08:00

Oscar made his blue feathered Indian headress for Thanksgiving at school.

He has been into crafts more than ever before.

November Snow Day

2011-12-10T23:13:00.000-08:00

Oscar got off the bus from school & didn't even want to go inside!

Our house

Beautiful pink sunrise the next morning!

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-12-10T22:58:00.000-08:00

Captain America

40's Sailor Girl

They designed their own pumpkins.

Note Oscar's flashlight shining out of his "skull" design.

Grandma Judi was able to attend Oscar's class party.

Trick or Treating with our cousins.

Settlers Cove

2011-12-10T22:29:00.001-08:00

Went on a hike at Settler's Cove & found this fun tree spanning a little stream!
Cousins!

Big Boy Toys

2011-12-10T22:27:00.000-08:00

Poppa Ronnie took Oscar to the local "Big Boy Toy Store!"

Well Children

2011-12-10T22:19:00.000-08:00

Their first experience donning hospital gowns for a well child visit.

Refuge Cove

2011-12-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

We had a fun evening at the Refuge Cove beach flipping rocks & looking at sealife at low tide. Here Eleanor found a limpit or China Man's Hat.

We also found lots of crabs, starfish, clams & sea anenomes.

Challah

2011-12-10T17:18:00.000-08:00

My first attempt at baking Challah, it was a hit!

Ward Lake

2011-12-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to run a few times a week. Ward Lake is my trail of choice, although when the salmon spawn the smell is very overwhelming! I found a running buddy and am thankful for both her companionship and her dog, Winchester, as he chased a black bear back up into the woods before we got too close!

Oysters

2011-12-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

Kristian bought six dozen oysters from a guy at work...YUM!

We grilled them & found another seafood both children love!

Fishing

2011-12-10T17:06:00.000-08:00

Oscar's First Day of Preschool

2011-12-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

He gets to ride the short bus & loves it!

Selling Salmon

2011-12-10T16:47:00.000-08:00

Oscar & I got to tag along with Poppa when he sold his catch of king salmon.
Oscar asked to go down in the hold (it's cold down there, see the ice!) while Poppa loaded the bucket.
He stayed down there the whole time!

Helping to melt the ice.

Oscar wants to be a Fireman when he grows up, so he's getting good practice running a hose here on the boat!

Oscar loves Clams!

2011-12-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

We went out for dinner & Oscar requested mussels.

They only had clams so he tried them & loves them!

Totem Bight Tourists

2011-12-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

Poppa's Caribou

2011-12-10T16:34:00.000-08:00

Poppa had a successful caribou hunt!

He had two flat tires on the 4-wheeler trailer though, so getting out of the woods was slow going but didn't dampen his spirits.

Eleanor's First Day of School

2011-12-10T16:32:00.000-08:00

Second Grade

Moving In

2011-12-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

Oscar got to check out the cab of the semi that delivered our 40-foot household good container.
We had two glorious days of sun to unload the container, on the third day after we had everything inside it started to rain. Phew!

A doe with her two fawns feeding in our neighbors yard the day we received the keys from the realtor!

The view from the front of our house.

Lots of action both on the water & at the airport on Gravina Island across the Narrows.

Cousins

2011-12-10T16:16:00.000-08:00

Madisen & Eleanor picked berries & had a Lemonade Stand.
Oscar & Carter playing trucks

Fun on the Ferry

2011-12-10T15:48:00.000-08:00

Jasmine waiting patiently to board the ferry.

She had to stay below on the car deck from Friday afternoon (leaving Bellingham, WA) until we arrived early Monday morning (into Ketchikan, Alaska). She was comfy in the van, but wouldn't leave to use the make-shift potty we brought of sod in a plastic washmachine tray.

Eleanor & Oscar ran sprints to get out energy from our five day cross-country journey.
Boarding the M/V KENNICOTT

On the bridge with Uncle Mark

Bunkbeds!

Yes, they each got their own top bunk & loved it.

Welcome Home!

Go West Young Man

2011-12-10T15:36:00.001-08:00

Oscar playing at a rest stop. He made a birthday cake!
Sunset in Montana

Atop the Continental Divide

Oscar's magnetic Robot.

Did I mention how proud I am of my children? They never once asked "Are we there yet?"

We dubbed Oscar's Pillow Pet "Paco"

Happy Travelers

Spaghetti dinner in Bellingham.

Hello Pacific Ocean!

Mount Rushmore

2011-12-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

Awesome view!

You could see the chiseled out stairs the workers made.

Close-up after hiking to a viewing platform right underneath.

Of course we had to wait in a long line to take this photo & got the utmost in cooperation! Ha!

Westward Bound

2011-12-05T21:47:00.000-08:00

We saw many wind farms throughout Indiana & Iowa.
Oscar loved the green dinosaurs at the Sinclair Gas Stations.

We had to stop at the Mitchell Corn Palace in South Dakota.

They change the designs EVERY YEAR and it is made out of CORN! Amazing!

It was a very hot day and we were happy for the break from the car.

But our ice cream was melting before we could even get to it!

I loved the many fields of sunflowers.

So neat how they turn their heads toward the sun.

Have YOU been to Wall Drug?

Eleanor chose a little doll, now named Emily, with a straw hat & red braids.

Oscar chose a pop-gun. Good times!

Good Times

2011-12-05T21:43:00.000-08:00

Argh, Oscar the Pirate Boy!

Nana got face paints and Daddy helped Oscar with his request of becoming a Pirate.

The stripes have it!

Nana & Eleanor sport their red, white and blue stripes.

Our Friend Bob

2011-12-05T21:38:00.000-08:00

Bob was our neighbor when we lived in Ohio. He is very creative and made this marble run that the children play with for hours when we visit!
He is also an excellent gardener!
He set us up with fresh tomatoes that Nana put in a salad.
We look forward to our visits with Bob every trip we make to Ohio.

Columbus Zoo

2011-12-05T21:19:00.000-08:00

Oscar petting a Chilean Flamingo.
Watching one of the polar bears swim at the awesome new exhibit.

My babies watching Bodhi the elephant that was born the same year as Eleanor!

He has sawdust on his head from playing.

Eleanor wanted this picture of a stingray for her 2nd cousin Hannah!

Enjoying the manatees as she has since an infant!

Oscar had fun "driving" this boat, Cowabunga!

Sitting with Colo (or a statue of him!)

Oscar is really into sharks right now.

The perfect ending to a wonderful day at the zoo with Nana.

We were watching an animal show and this was Oscar's expression when they brought out a kangaroo. Priceless as it was the first time I'd seen him this excited.

Auntie's Playhouse

2011-12-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at Nana's playing in Auntie Bekah's old playhouse in the backyard. It was a lot of fun!
Oscar being silly flying a motorized airplane.

Road Trip

2011-12-05T21:06:00.000-08:00

Here we are all smiles heading from DC to Columbus, Ohio after packing & cleaning the house. What an adventure we are on!

(Misty the rocking horse came along so we could pass her along to our new cousin that will be arriving in December!)

Saying Goodbye to Friends

2011-12-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

It is hard to say goodbye to friends, but we know we'll get to see you again soon, whether in DC or Alaska!

Daddy

2011-08-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

We were invited to attend an award ceremony for Daddy at his work today. It was his last day at Headquarters. Oscar started out shy with all the nice people we were meeting, but gradually warmed up enough to shake hands. When we met the Admiral he crushed him! They also enjoyed choosing candy at the store on the first floor...gummy lifesavers anyone?

Oscar loves his Daddy!

He often asks if Daddy has to go to work today and has even commented that when we move to Ketchikan that it will be Mommy's turn to work & Daddy gets to stay home! We always watch him walk down the road from the front door and wave, several times!

Swordfight!

2011-08-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Oscar & his buddy Caleb having fun with their sandwich swords from lunch!

Mount Vernon

2011-08-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

Relaxing on George & Martha's front porch with a beautiful view of the Potomac River.

Preparing flax to make linen by removing the seed pods.

Drew & Eleanor as George & Martha

Oscar hamming it up but never quite holding still long enough for me to capture him!

The whole family!

As Drew was about to leave, Oscar requested I take a photo of he & Drew in their

tri-cornered hats!

It is always so good to see friends, we hope you are able to visit us in Alaska!

The White House

2011-08-12T20:32:00.001-07:00

What it really looks like outside the White House front lawn...tired sweaty children that are tired of walking!

Nothing a Red, White & Blue popsicle can't fix!

Bureau of Printing & Engraving

2011-08-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

SO...are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Drew & Oscar contemplating before our tour of how they make our money.
I KNEW they were worth a lot to someone else besides just us!

You aren't allowed to take photos on the tour, but one of the many neat things we saw that stood out was all the green viscous ink the money is printed with.

Jefferson Memorial

2011-08-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Our friend Drew & his family came to visit us from Norfolk.

We spent the day in the District & were able to take in many sights.

Here we are at the Jefferson Memorial.

Yes, Norah was there too!

Cannonball!

2011-08-02T19:23:00.001-07:00

Oscar has learned how to swim!!!

Here he is in the deep end showing Daddy his newest trick, "Cannonball!"

His breakthrough came with his "snorkler" mask. I think being able to see underwater & having his nose covered helped him. He also had a little positive peer pressure last week with another 4 year old boy as they both started out with lifejackets on & then were bragging each other up by going without it and seeing how far away from the ladder they could go. Before I knew it he was going out and back 3 feet by himself without the lifejacket! Awesome!

Eleanor is my diver.

She loves diving down after her diving rings & retreiving them, no matter the depth. Not even the 11 foot deep end!?! I can't even do that! Amazing!

Not to be outdone, Oscar begged Daddy to let him ride on his back and go down to touch the bottom (or "floor" as he calls it). He loves it and says he wants to use a breathing tank some day! My future scuba divers...

Here he is adjusting his mask.

The strap pushes his ears down & it looks so uncomfortable but he could care less! Shrek?

Geronimo!

I am so thankful to report that my children love the water & are comfortable in it!

Final Swing

2011-08-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed with a wonderful neighbor, Marthalee, who loves us and more importantly, our children. She calls herself a "GIT" Grandmother In Training. She comes for coffee every morning and always pushes the children on the swings after breakfast & checking her email.

With the advent of our upcoming move, we have been downsizing and recently passed along the swingset. I am sad because it has been such a part of our lives since acquiring it in Norfolk when Eleanor was two. We have had countless hours of fun and now we have outgrown it. I know we can buy (or build?) a new advanced swingset, but know that we will never find a neighbor as wonderful as Marthalee.

News Flash!

2011-08-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

We are moving to Alaska! Kristian got orders to transfer there...still sinking in but we are all very excited at the opportunity. The children & I were to have flown there on Tuesday to visit for a month but now we are all going together and for three years! With my Mom having just retired, she is thrilled to announce our moving there as her best retirement gift.

Now comes the organizing, packing out, moving cross-country and getting settled all before school starts on August 31! Please keep us in your prayers for a smooth transition. We will miss all our lovely friends in Virginia, our home for the last six years.

Baby Bird

2011-07-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Eleanor & Oscar attempted to help a baby bird back into the wild.

He spent three nights at our outdoor animal hospital and even received flying lessons. The first night he got trapped in our gutter downspout and Daddy had to carefully extract him. After that he had special accomodations in a shoebox with tissue paper and softed dog kibble. Even with excellent care, he didn't make it. The children took it very well and have him cryogenically preserved for the time being until their cousins return southbound and give him a proper burial as they helped with him as well.

Yesterday a proper burial service was performed for Baby Bird.

The guests had hand-written invitations to the service, their seats had name-labels. We had a viewing followed by eulogies and a moment of silence. The cousins paid a wonderful tribute to a feathered friend that they tried to hard to reacclimate to the wild.

A Day in the District

2011-07-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

Our cousins from Florida came to visit and we had a great time sightseeing. This photo was taken right before we went up in the Washington Monument.
At the American History Museum, we saw the First Ladies Inaugeral Dresses exhibit.
This is Michelle Obama's dress.

The girls had fun looking at the doll house & all the miniature collectibles.

Ta-da! The Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

I was thrilled to find artwork by Ketchikan's very own Ray Troll at the Natural History Museum! (photo credit: Eleanor)

The Hope Diamond in its new setting (as of 11/10) "Embracing Hope."

We went to see the Lincoln Memorial at 9pm, it was still 90 degrees and a mob scene!

The President's Seat

2011-07-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

We had custard at The Dairy Godmother...again!

Course it helps that they have a flavor of the day so it's always something cold & delish.It's been so hot & humid here, triple digits, ugh. Not fun for this Alaskan girl! Oscar had too much fun sitting in the President's Seat & choosing songs to play on the jukebox.

Irish Dance Camp

2011-07-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

Eleanor attended Irish Dance Camp last week.

I enjoyed watching their Camp Song (pictured here, she is in the middle left) as well as their group performances. She was on the Yellow Team, dubbed the "Sunny Smiling Leprechauns." Each team made T-shirts as well. Eleanor led her team on stage for their recital dance, you know I was a proud Momma that morning!

Forever Friends

2011-07-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful evening get together with friends.

Eleanor met Brooklyn, Emma & Cambria when she was only 9 months old...they weren't even walking yet...and they are still friends! It is always wonderful to catch up, I love how easy it is to pick up right where things left off. And I love when my children's friends have wonderful parents for me to befriend too!

Bathing Beauties

2011-07-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

Cambria & Eleanor created a "sand chair" during our fun afternoon at the 76th Street (Virginia) Beach. It was a windy day so they were using the umbrella as a wind barrier. We also had fun in the waves with our kickboards. Oscar & I jumped the waves and then screamed "retreat" as we ran for the shore.

Virginia Zoo

2011-07-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

While attending "Pandamania" VBS in Norfolk we appropriately went to the Virginia Zoo with our friend Drew & his sister Norah. It was a super hot day so we only braved the newest portion of the zoo, the Asian Trail of the Tiger. The zoo has grown so much since we first became members in 2005. Very pleased to see this great new exhibit!
Oscar & Drew being orangutangs.
Drew & the male orangutang. He was amazing...so beautiful to watch.
When we first got there he was playing with a frozen pizza box. Then his mate crawled in a blue T-shirt and was hiding, finally peeking her head out the neck hole.

Oscar on the look-out for animals.

Oscar the zoo's red panda.

Here he is taking a break from his napping, he's got the life!

Oscar & Drew posing by the River Otters.

They too were sleeping on the shore of their exhibit. With the intense heat I'm surprised they weren't swimming to stay cool.

The Tiger on the prowl.

Sweet Norah's red cheeks say it all...we got ice cream at Doumar's on our way home!

Fun in the Sun

2011-07-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Oscar had fun digging a trench for his dead "pet crab" that he found.

(I spared you photos of the aforementioned pet.)
Using their new "snorklers" as Oscar calls them.

Happy swimmers at East Beach.

Gwen & I catching up and getting some sun.

The Office.

Breakfast anyone? Kristian is loving his "Baconator!"

2011-07-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

Birthday Girl

2011-07-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

Eleanor turned SEVEN this year! My baby girl is getting so big!
She really wanted this Irish Dance Dress for her doll, we let her open one gift first thing in the morning & she was thrilled! It came with a matching headband, crinolen, bloomers & ghillies.

Mother & Daughter self-portrait before guests arrive for her party.
We went to the newly opened American Girl store in Tyson's Corner. Everyone had an opportunity to pose with Kahnini, the new Hawaiian doll of the year.
During our luncheon party, a surprise gift arrived for Eleanor. A Felicity doll!
She is out of the vault at the store for the grand openening. Eleanor studied her this spring in her American Girl Literarture Club. Felicity is from the Colonial Williamsburg era, which we have been able to visit living in Virginia.

CAKE!

Thank you Grandma & Poppa!

Eleanor chose steak, twice baked potatoes & green beans for her birthday dinner.

AND Boston Cream Pie for her birthday dessert!

Eleanor's new haircut

2011-07-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

She had 5 inches cut off! Perfect for summer!

Happy Indenpendence Day!

2011-07-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

Oscar's Butterfly

2011-07-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

We went to lunch at Legal Seafoods and Oscar realized that his mussel shell looked like butterfly.

Fruit Kabobs

2011-07-03T20:40:00.001-07:00

Oscar had requested a pineapple and after I sliced it up we decided to make fruit kabobs.
They took their artistic patterning seriously.

Pineapple chunks, green grapes, tangerine slices, blueberries & strawberries.

You CAN teach an old dog a new trick!

2011-07-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor Marthalee has a new puppy, Quantum.

He's five months old now, the same age Jasmine was when she came to live with us.

Marthalee was having Eleanor & Oscar help teach Quantum how to "Give High Five!" when Jasmine got smart and realized there were treats involved. She knows how to "Shake" but quickly learned that "High Five" was the same trick would still earn her a treat!

Quantum & Jasmine

(Quantum is a short-haired collie & still has his ears taped so they will permanently stay tipped down, hence the white headband look.)

Green Thumb

2011-07-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

Eleanor & her friend enjoyed eating "organic green beans" that she grew all by herself.

Eleanor earned character bucks at school & chose the seeds this spring at the character bucks store.

Soccer Camp

2011-07-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

Oscar attended a week long soccer camp & had a great time learning how to better dribble & turn the ball.

One of his favorite games they played was called "Mud Monster."

Giving Coach Jay a high five at the

closing ceremony after demonstrating his newly learned turn.

Oscar & his buddy Caleb attended the camp together.

Coach Jay signing Oscar's shirt.

Buckeye Lake

2011-06-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Uncle Ben & Aunt Muireann surprised us all by renting a boat for an afternoon on Buckeye Lake!

Uncle Ben was the first to jump overboard & the children followed suit.

Kristian at the helm.

Ben & Muireann

Rhonda & Kristian

Ben & Oscar at the helm. "Go Fast! Go Fast!"

Backyard BBQ

2011-06-29T10:24:00.001-07:00

We had a relaxing backyard bbq complete with hot dogs, marshmallows & sparklers.

Kristian tending the fire & channeling his inner pyro.

Oscar had fun filling his crocs with rocks.

Poppa Brian & Nana

Sparklers!

Goin' Fishin'

2011-06-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

Kristian took the children fishing at Antrim early one morning. I ran around the lake two times in an effort to get in shape!

Oscar's Haircut

2011-06-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

It has become tradition for Oscar to have his haircut at Poppa's BarberShop in Old Town Worthington when we are in town. This is where he had his very first haircut!

Catching Up

2011-06-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Bethany and I were thankful to catch up & have our youngest children meet one another.

We have been friends since High School in Alaska and now enjoy spending time together in Ohio! It had been so long that Oscar, Willa & Rheys were all newcomers to the scene since our last visit.
Our boys being silly after delicious Katzinger deli sandwiches.

Fun times at the Cosi Children's Science Museum.

Willa, Simon, Rheys & Neko

Our sweet girls Eleanor & Willa.

Willa broke my heart by crying when it was time to head home, wish we lived closer so we could get together more often!

Bethany & I

(Eleanor gets photo credit!)

Piano

2011-06-28T20:14:00.001-07:00

Nana gave Eleanor impromptu piano lessons.

Eleanor is anxiously awaiting the arrival of a learners book Nana ordered her. We have a keyboard at home for her to practice on...for now.I love how she has her toes tucked up under her bum!

Jasmine in Ohio

2011-06-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

Jasmine had a great vacation to Nana & Poppa's as well.

She got along well with her canine "cousin" Sophie, sharing attention and rawhide bones.

We also took her swimming at Antrim Lake with her canine friend Scioto. The girls had a blast swimming together and were so cute when they first saw each other again, touching noses.

Crazy Hair Day

2011-06-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

Eleanor attended her Aunt's Irish Dance Camp in Columbus.

She had a fabulous time and enjoyed learning new steps, especially her first attempt at hardshoe. Every day had a theme, crazy hair day being one of them!

Friendly Swim

2011-06-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

Eleanor & her friend Hadley swimming.

(The girls were destined to be friends as her Mom & I were running partners and then were both pregnant at about the same time.)

Oscar Enjoying a Summertime Swing

2011-06-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

Father's Day Luncheon

2011-06-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

We had lunch at Schmidt's in German Village;

nothing beats a good brat and bahama mama with kraut!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

We toured the Santa Maria (replica) in downtown Columbus, Ohio on Father's Day.

The tour was great, the guide was very child-oriented and included them in every way.

The children had an opportunity to move the tiller and see the rudder move.

They learned how to fire a cannon and how is was also used to signal a meeting with the other ships travelling in the group.

Climbing up to the Captain's Cabin.

The boys pumping the bilge.

Gone Fishin'

2011-06-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

Kristian giving Oscar casting lessons at Antrim Lake in Ohio.

(The point Jasmine used to swim from is in the background behind the Canada Geese.)
Eleanor & Poppa Brian fishing off the dock.

Eleanor is not squeamy in the least!

Flowergirls Nana & Eleanor

Haircut

2011-06-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

I made a quick bold decision at the hair salon and went short for summer!

Kickin' Back

2011-06-16T19:31:00.000-07:00

Oscar & "Blue Bear" relax in the big blue chair and watch a movie on Netflix.

(Not sure where "Mr. Bear" is...usually he has two bears and his "Blue Blankie" in tow.)
Look at how cute he is crossing his big toes...my baby boy is getting too big too fast! He must be going through a growth spurt...amongst his regular meals & snacks he ate THREE peanut butter & jelly sandwiches the other day. Boy is going to eat us out of house & home when he is a teenager!?!
Today was his last day of Summer Camp, so he is officially done with school until the fall. We have been so pleased with his Preschool and all he has learned & gained socially this past year. I am also happy to have him in a christian school, he learns valuable lessons in chapel weekly, as well as memory verses! I am SO impressed! He loves making people laugh and is even trying his hand at art projects. He is also very athletic: a fast runner like his Dad and very agile on the playground. He can ride his scooter 1.4 miles when we bring Eleanor to school and then continue on to a 4 hour school day followed by a half hour on the playground before picking up his sister. His favorite bedtime lullaby is Jimmy Buffet's "Mother Mother Ocean" as he calls it. He knows most of the words by heart and enjoys saluting for some reason when you sing "Yes I am a Pirate!" Oh to be a four year old boy!

Future Fisherman

2011-06-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

Yep, the fishing bug has really hit our family. Oscar was out climbing trees in the backyard at 7 in the morning to see if he could catch something!

(Please don't tell him it's a Barbie fishing pole...he already knows it's pink and his sisters, but he's ok with that...for now!)

Sunday on the Potomac

2011-06-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

The boys angling for a catfish along the Potomac River.
Eleanor is really into fishing right now, which I attribute to her cousins numerous landings in the recent Ketchikan King Salmon Derby!
Hope to get some fishing in with Poppa Ronnie in Alaskan waters this summer and actually catch something edible!

Jasmine got to swim too, I was having too much fun capturing my fishermen and throwing her stick to keep her busy...no wonder we didn't catch anything!?!

Even though we didn't catch anything we had fun trying on our "first reel attempt!"

Just locating nightcrawlers in DC was huge!

And it was so fun to see Eleanor bait up...oh the great plans He has in store for you...hopefully putting your iron stomach to good use!

Lemonade?

2011-06-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

Eleanor & her enterprising friends ran a lemonade, coffee and popsicle stand at a neighbors garage sale on Saturday. They split the proceeds & couldn't have had a better morning!

O-Boy

2011-06-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Oscar playing in the back yard.

He is wearing one of his favorite "Cool Guy shirts!"

Bridging Ceremony

2011-06-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

Eleanor's Daisy Troop had it's bridging ceremony to Brownies.

It was a special ceremony. Here she is reading about one of the Girl Scout Laws, Friendly & Helpful, as the girls make a paper daisy before crossing over to Brownies.

She has made many lasting memories with her friends, old and new!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-06-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our 11th Anniversary on June 10th.

Kristian surprised me by taking the day off from work, making eggs benedict for breakfast and a dozen red roses. Our neighbor was kind enough to watch Oscar for us so we could go out for a lunchdate at our favorite mediterranean grill.

Jasmine's Sunday Swim

2011-06-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

We found a "beach" for Jasmine to swim in the Potomac River on a Sunday Drive down the George Washington Parkway.
Oscar had fun throwing a big stick for Jas.

Happy Girrrl!

The children got excited about fishing when they found some old line, sinkers and a "shiny hook!" They made a fishing pole and had a good ol' time. Eleanor even took to a nearby fisherman and told him he was reeling in too fast!?!

Just one more throw, please?