Preschool trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Here are some photos from Emily's class trip to the pumpkin patch last week! It was a ball, we had beautiful weather. The kids took a tractor ride out around the patch, picked out pumpkins, gourds, and pulled an ear of corn off the stalk. We even got a class picture out of the deal! See Em's teacher Shawna in the middle!

Mashed Potatoes

We recently discovered Mason's love of mashed potatoes. Emily wouldn't get within 10 feet of them at his age, so we never really made them. Last month, with our potato harvest in full swing, Ryan whipped some up. Mason loved them so much, he really could not get enough. Last night, they made an appearance again, and I had to get out the camera. Keep in mind, all of these pictures were taken before we even sat down at the table! As soon as he hears the kitchenaid, he comes running...."num nums! nums nums! Rrrrrrrrrrrr........." (as in the sound of the mixer...)! Love this age. And, notice, even big sis gives the taters a try.

Emily's First Day

Preschool started for Em on Tuesday, and of course, we had to take the important "first day of school" photos by a tree in the front yard! The before school pictures turned out darn cute, luckily....as the after school pictures, which do not exist, would not be quite as lovely. She seemed fine as I left her, all smiles, playing with new friends and play-doh. Upon return, it appeared that she'd had a rough first day. I know things will get better as we go, but it is hard. When I asked her last night what her favorite part of her day was, she said "School!" and that maybe next time, she'd like to have snack with the other kids...(she didn't feel like taking part in that event on day 1.) So, I have hope!!! Better days to come.....

Newport Trip....Labor Day Weekend...

We kidnapped my mom, and went to South Beach Campground for 2 nights over the busy Labor Day weekend. It was our first RV park experience with the trailer. We can see the benefits of a campground now, as Mason couldn't really go anywhere without mom or dad being 4 inches away from him, there were so many cars! It was a nice place, however, and the park had a nice playground for the kids. We went to the aquarium, which we all really enjoyed, the kids were in awe! We also made it down to the beach, the kiddos and Jack had a blast in the sand and fresh air. The trip may have been a little more enjoyable for me if I hadn't broken a toe the night before we left, but I was able to hobble around pretty well despite the "first-broken-bone-ever-in-my-life" condition. And, we were even more happy to have mom along to help with the adventure. We wore grammy out pretty good!

Em's First Dance Class

Em started her dance class today at Hosanna Dance Studio in Eugene. It went SO well, didn't need mom at all....I could hardly believe it! I was so proud of her. She pranced around in her ballet shoes and her little tap shoes like she knew just what to do. Here are a few pics from the morning.

Jack Creek

We spent a Wednesday through Saturday at Jack Creek Campground, near Camp Sherman/Sisters, with Ryan's parents this last week, and had an absolute ball. Our campsite was ideal, a huge one with tons of dirt, big rocks, little hills for Tonka trucks to roll down. The kids had a fabulous time, I just can't get enough of watching them play together, watching this little brother-big sister relationship grow.

We visited "Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery", the kids and my first experience with such a place. It was very cool! We fed the fish more "dog food" (as Em called it) than they could ever want, and watched them jump into the air to nibble it, so exciting.

We also made a hike to the head of Jack Creek, about a 2 mile round trip. The trek was a beautiful one, the weather was perfect. It's always fascinating to see the water come right out of the hill, or out from under the roots of a tree.

We also did a quick trip to a little pond so Emily could get her new "Cars" fishing pole into the water. Sadly, the little red pole would not see a fish, but Papa Spain was able to nab a little trout, to which Em grew very fond of! She was fascinated by the whole experience, watched dad "get the yucky out", carried the little bugger to the campfire, threw on some "Lowry's" and enjoyed the fruits of the labor. My little outdoorsgirl, I'm so proud.

We will definitely be returning to this place in the future. Thanks to Susan and Arley for showing us such a wonderful place, and for serving us such yummy meals in true Chef Susan style.

Maiden Voyage

We took our new trailer to Blue River for our first trip into nature in a looooooooooong time!!! Mason thoroughly enjoyed his first camping experience. I'm quite sure he never stopped moving, ever, the whole time we were there....earning mom a couple extra s'mores with all the chasing I was doing! Emily's favorite part of the trip was definitely the marshmallows, untoasted, no graham crackers or chocolate involved. It was too funny, she waited alllll day for the campfire, then ate 2 marshmallows from the bag, and was ready for bed. 3 year olds are hilarious. Everyone slept great in the new digs. Can't wait to get 'er out again!