summer solstice

We decided it would be fun to spend the longest day of the year at a lake. We also thought it would be fun to go explore a new little corner of our state. So... this weekend: camping at Detroit Lake! 

 Winnie, Jez and Julie floating on the lake with the snow-capped Mount Jefferson in the distance 

(it looked a lot closer in person--beautiful!). 

 And, the eternal highlight of any camping trip we ever take...(we could probably save ourselves a lot of gas and schlepping by building a bonfire in the backyard and getting some marshmallows). :)

It was a great way to officially welcome summer, even if we did wake up to raindrops on our tent fly this morning... Ah, Oregon. 

FOUR! (Yeah. It means "WATCH OUT! when it you spell it this way, too).

I'm four. I am sassy and incredibly loving. I am deeply sensitive (I will cry, long and hard if I see a dead bug) and I have a belly laugh that will make anyone smile (Winona brings it out most often). I am very giving (I got three packs of gum for my birthday--Winnie got one as a consolation-sorry-it's-not-your-birthday-gift. Winona was fine with this, but I did the math, then gave her one of my packs, saying, "Now we both have two.") When I kiss you, I grab the back of your head, push it hard against mine and hold our lips in a locked position until one of us can no longer breathe. Do not ever underestimate me. I know what you're saying. Always. (Unless it's that thing about cleaning up. What are you TALKING about?)

I can stick out my lower lip, bunch up my fists, punch down my arms and stomp away with Academy Award winning style. I will tell you, in no uncertain terms EXACTLY what's on my mind and although I do not know or use cuss words, my tone alone can give you the very definite impression that I do. (The look on Mom and Dad's faces in these moments is priceless. They still aren't quite sure what to do with me sometimes. I love those times.)  I cry hard and furiously... and then I'm over it. If someone offers an alternative or a solution, I'm all over it. 

I'm determined. Funny. Forgiving. spunky and suprising. I'm bold and boisterous--as my name says I will be. AND! I'm FOUR!!! 

 I am also the luckiest four year old on the planet, because I have the best 7 year old sister. Here's the card she made me for my birthday.

 Bday picnic! Mom's camera ran out of batteries, but we're overlooking one of the most gorgeous stretches on the OR coast. 

 Before leaving town, I got presents-- boy, did I ever: 

 This is a batman movie. (Winona is less thrilled).

 Awesome funky animal building blocks!

Watch out, world. FOUR!! 

 

Uncles, Dunes and Rainy Days

Hello again! Time to catch you all up on the goings on in the Pacific Northwest!

We went to go see sesame street LIVE! 

Uncle Todd came to visit! We did a lot of this...

 

Jezebel taught Uncle Todd his ABCs in sign language...

And he has the funniest voice recording and play back game on his phone! 

This Memorial Day Weekend, the sun is shining off and on, so we headed out for a day at the coast. We found boat rental, a little beach, and some dunes and had a great day!

 (Ok, so maybe mom and dad were right-- it's a little too cold to swim; but we had to find out for ourselves)

Next day, some Putt Putt...

 ...and today, the rains are here again, so it's superhero puzzles

                                                 

...and book reports.

                                                 

Now, we turn our attentions to the end of school year events and winding up for summer camp, camping and summer adventure!! 

                                             

Love to everyone! 

City Mice, Country Mice

A couple of weekends ago, we headed up to Portland to see some dear friends and check out the Children's Museum. Good thing we did, or this skunk and doxen might not have made it. 

 Winnie joined me for a Rotary night at Food For Lane County. We bagged a LOT of cereal. 

 Saturday Market is Open For Business! 

 We visited some friends "in the country" and ran through their stunning gardens pretending to be fairies, playing hide and go seek and enjoying the gorgeous weather.

 Today, we headed out to find a perfect picnic spot. Found it!

 "I know I caught a fish. Where IS it?"

Spring. Sprung.

It's here: that glorious time of year when we leave the house in wool sweaters, strip down to tank tops by mid day and carry a raincoat always... aka: Spring. Here are a random assortment of moments in our lives of late:

 A change of seasons is as good of a reason as any to get crazy with the outfits. 

 A rainy afternoon shot of Winnie at her desk, doing what she does a lot of these days: writing poems/ songs/ lyrics that make me question which radio station is playing in the Y Van after school. All innocent enough, but are we really talking "heartbreaks" and "If you leave me now..." already?

And, in the other room... 

Mike's yoga studio has an annual celebration that includes a talent show. He played a few songs and Jezebel, unasked and most certainly unrehearsed, joined him with an "interpretive dance" that pretty much brought down the house. Sorry, Mikey G.-- I think you got upstaged on this one. (Although the songs he played were also very well received... :)

 Spring means WORMS which means I, Jezebel, am SUPER happy. 

 Sometimes, we commit hygiene, although apparently it's rare enough to warrant photo documentation. (I'll use this shot when Child Services comes around asking about why our youngest has worn the same Spiderman, er, pajamas to school two (or three) times this week. "Well, you see, she's rather strong-willed, sir/ma'am, and I am rather prone to disliking conflict--or even much conversation-- at 7am, so I pay little attention to what they wear and just make sure they bathe. Look! I have a picture!"

 Bodhi and Lucy are getting into their golden years-- although their enthusiasm about the mailman has not seemed to wane any; nor, as you can see here in Lucy, their beauty. 

 The Black and White and Red All Overs played to a crowd of 5,000+ on Easter Saturday-- tearing up John Jacob Jinglehimer Schmidt and Skidamarinkadinkydink like no other. Jezebel doesn't actually play the guitar, yet; but it added cuteness to the promo picture. :)

 In case you were worried that at age 45 he'd lost his rock 'n roll edge--- nope: still got it. 

 I could do this for hours. I DO do this for hours. Or until I spill the bubbles, whichever comes first. 

Before: 

 During.

 After!

 We love our spring wear mexicana--and all our new springwear--thank you, GrandParents all around! 

A nearly daily sighting this time of year in these parts...

HAPPY SPRING!