Announcing . . .

Our newest addition was 10 weeks and 5 days, according to yesteday's ultrasound.

Shamrock Run '07

So . . . I participated in my first ever 5k run on March 11th with about 13,000 of Portland's finest. I had fun, especially because it didn't rain! And, I think I'll do another for Cinco de Mayo. The race photographers captured the following lovely photo at the very beginning of the run -- in fact I think we're barely moving. But, I thought I'd show you this one, instead of the three UGLY ones of me at the end. I'll spare you the details. Can you tell which one is me? :)

http://www.backprint.com/go.asp?18571115

Snow Days - WA Style!

Perhaps you've heard that WA is getting uncharacteristic weather lately. . . . . specifically SNOW. Weather forecasters and journalists have storm-team coverage 24/7. Meanwhile, at our house, we decided to venture out in the . . . 30 degree weather (yes, you heard right). Consider us brave.



A is being pulled in her red wagon down the middle of the street. We don't recommend this to the layman.





















J and A decided that the slide was safe if they went down together.
















From this pose, she almost reminds me of a celebrity baby, bossing her drivers around. No dad, turn left. LEFT! Actually, she seemed to enjoy the bumpy ride, with only minor complaints.
















I loved being out in the fresh air, after feeling cooped up in the house. I think A and J felt the same way.

















A and I decided to brave the slide too. It doesn't get much crazier than this!

First Snow

A didn't really know what to think of the white stuff. But, she didn't want to keep

her mittens on. I think she had to touch it for herself.
A and her cousins had fun during their first official snow day.

Stairs

Our house doesn't have stairs. So, when we spent a few days in a house with stairs, at first there was no temptation. After watching us for a few days, the intruigue began. And, on the day before we left she took the plunge and didn't look back. Well done A! Boy, are we ever glad we have a one story.

A little fun in the sun!

What would a pool party be without a little breaking of the rules? Number 5 specifically - no horseplaying, running or diving. Without a lifeguard present, we decided to take our chances. Seen here, I am attempting what we affectionately titled "the Double." By the way, I landed it! Also seen here is John in what appears to be an alpine skier pose. Wrong sport John. :)

Deer - need I say more?

Sunriver is full of deer. When we were there at Christmas time, I so desperately wanted my parents to get a good sighting. But, no. Apparently they aren't around in the winter. Fortunately, we had the privelage of seeing them on our recent trip. They even came up to our deck to eat the berries off a bush. We were prepared the next time they came close and handed, yes, you heard me right, handed them lettuce leaves. It was great!

Look, no hands!

The seasoned biking pro that she is, A showed her older cousin Sydney how to ride the two seater in Sunriver, OR. They both had a blast as we rode the miles of trails, and it proved to be a great place to catch some zzzs when taking a nap wasn't appealing in a new place. We're going to have to get one of these so we can ride at home.

What would summer be without a garage sale?

We did it. We attempted our first garage sale as a married couple. And, we actually had fun, got rid of of who knows what, and had a little green in our pockets when the two-day extravaganza was all said and done. The secret? We invited our friends Heather and Bruce, Anne and Jerry, Sherri, my in-laws Martha and Eric, and my sister-in-law Rebecca in on the fun. The hours flew by with so many people there to help and talk to. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Well, maybe in a few years.

Celebrity sighting at the beach!

We went to Long Beach, WA for our annual Lofgren family trip. This was A's first trip, of course. We strolled her right out to the ocean, and as we were coming back we overheard the following: Hey, she looks like a real celebrity!

Her first bicycle ride!

A and her friend Mara went for a bike ride in Mara's double seater. Mara was an experienced rider, so she sat up and loved the wind in her hair. And A? Well, about 100 feet from the driveway was good enough for her.

It's swim time!

I took A to the pool today, in the hopes that she would enjoy it more than the first time we tried it (scared, cried, clung to us the whole time). And she had a wonderful time! She splashed and laughed and was in there for over an hour. It's been over a 100 the last few days, which is atypical for our area, so this was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

Posing for the camera?

I thought these dresses adorable - thus, the camera came out again. I know A recognizes the camera sound when I turn it on, but I had to laugh when she did two poses for the camera. Does she know what she's doing? Who knows, but she's had plenty of practice!


















This dress just came in the mail from Grandma - and we had to try it on right then and there. I'm glad we did!

Happy Anniversary

J and I went to Lincoln City, OR to celebrate our 3rd anniversary. This was our first time there, and we enjoyed beautiful, clean beaches, the roar of the ocean, and lots of seafood. I did lots of shopping at the outlet mall, too!

Truthfully, we picked Lincoln City, because the Wheel of Fortune contestant bus was there. And, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try. Of course, neither could about 4800 other people. Needless to say, I didn't get to try out, but I'm glad I tried.

Happy 4th!

We went with J's family to the Ridgefield 4th of July parade (north of Vancouver a few miles). They know how to throw a great hometown parade! They threw a ton of candy, and we're looking forward to the day when A will be able to enjoy it!











This was A's second parade. In both parades she did well until the big fire trucks started honking their horns. I sat with A on my lap, after the loud fire trucks came through.













For most the parade, she just sat and watched all of the action.

A wagon ride

Today, we bought a new Mega Blocks wagon with blocks for A, and, on a whim, thought it might be fun to see if she would like to take a ride. She seemed to like it!

New dresses from Grandma!

Today, A got a fun package in the mail from Grandma; and it was just in time for the Fourth of July! This dress is Grandma's favorite. A loved playing with the hat.











A wore this dress for the rest of the day. We went to a church gathering for families with young children. A went on her first hay ride, and she spent most of the time watching the big kids ride the Thomas the Train, bounce in the inflatable castle, and run in the yard. It will be her turn soon.












I love the bow on this hat. A seemed to like it too. Thanks Grandma!

Camping in Southern OR

We camped at Diamond Lake, OR, which is about 5 hours from home. We had a picnic lunch one afternoon in the middle of a meadow. J said we looked liked a scene from Little House on the Prairie. :)






This was the view of the lake from our tent. Pretty nice!





The lake has two mountains for our viewing pleasure. J kept looking at this one, Mt. Thielsen, and saying, "When A is a little older . . ." We could have taken a Snowcat ride up the side of Mt. Bailey, the other mountain, but I chickened out. Maybe next time.


We rented a pontoon boat when J's mom, dad and sister joined us on our third day. Fishing was an absolute must, as well as putting our feet up and catching some rays.






This was A's first boat trip, and I'd say from her smiles that she's looking forward to having her own rod and reel some day. Mom and Dad are so proud!












We drove to Crater Lake, which was only 7 miles away, and I'm so glad we
did. It was the most gorgeous lake I've ever seen, and the picture doesn't do it justice -- especially since we're all blocking the view. This pic shows J's mom, dad, sister R, J, A and me enjoying the view.

Standing and Watching

A went in for her 9 month appointment today. She's a whopping 17 obs. 10 oz., and 27" long now. Just in the last few weeks, we have enjoyed watching her do the G.I. Jane scoot, crawl, and pull herself up into a wobbly stand.

This picture was fun for us, because we know she loves our cat Sam, but we are also hopeful that she, like her parents, is looking forward to fun-filled days of exploring the outdoors, right next to our cat.

Our Little Acrobat!

When A started to greet us in the morning by peaking over her bumper with a huge grin, we loved it.

Then, when she could pull herself up onto her feet, we couldn't resist getting excited to see what she could do next. Of course, now that I look at this picture, I feel like such an idiot. Naturally, she could, and did, flip herself over the crib rail to land, confused, on the nursery floor.

So, at 10 o'clock that night, J and I took apart the crib, lowered it, and felt pretty confident that she won't be trying any maneuvers over the crib rail any time soon. At least, we hope she won't!