Binki Anyone?

Grace in her element on the couch today....

That's 9 binkis, that's right 9, and chocolate milk watching Dora. What could be better? A little slice of Grace Heaven.

Included the token picture of myself.....

These are pictures that Grace took while waiting at Jake and Avery's dentist Apt. Yes, that's right I let my toddler play with my camera just to entertain her. There were movies, color crayons, pet shops and numerous other toys. What did she prefer to do? Yes, take pictures. The dental hygienists probably thought I was crazy, or just a mother of three who has given up the fight. Anyway thought I would include them.

PS - Jake and Avery both had two cavities......Guess they got the Anderson genes.

Voodoo

As in Voodoo Donuts.

I do love this little town of mine. I love the small feeling, the close knit neighbors, the great schools, the library, the boat ramp and all the parks. But there are moments that I feel a little closed in. There are days when I only drive a total of five blocks, to and from the elementary school. These are the days that I yearn for something more than a chain restaurant, or a grocery store.

This past Saturday was one of those days.

When my sister Kiran was visiting a few weeks ago, her and Hill visited this donut store in downtown Portland after a lunch we had together. I wasn't able to go because I had to get back to the small town to get kids from school and ever since their adventure I have wanted to experience it myself.

It did not disappoint ..... (well it did disappoint Brian a little, Brian's only observation: "The lady in back is dipping donuts with her bare hands and her two foot long dreadlocks are not covered")

On the Menu:

The famous maple bar with bacon. Could there be a more appropriate donut for a cop?

Fruit loop donut and the Oreo Cookie Donuts also:



The furnishings were to die for. Remember these big ratan chairs from the 70's?

Grace's donut had blue and pink sprinkles.....but was difficult to hold.

Avery's favorite, the Captain Crunch.

Seating at Voodoo Donuts..... a coffin. How appropriate.

Grace soon tired of getting her hands messy and opted for just using her mouth.

Some of the video games.

There's that great chair!

While downtown with the sugared up children (they each had 2 whole donuts!) we decided to go for a little 'hike' around Pittock Mansion. The grounds are just beautiful and the Mansion is stunning.

Some of the details:

A view from further away.

Brian and the kids:

A view of Downtown Portland from the lawn of the Mansion:

Up the hill a little way we then hit the Rose Garden Children's Park just down from the Zoo.

I love Grace's face:

This little day adventure was just what I needed. The kids had a blast, and what's not to love about donuts and parks on a Saturday out of a small town??

OMSI with 2nd Graders

The second graders at Jake's school took their annual field trip to OMSI in downtown Portland.

The T-Rex. Quite an impressive exhibit. His name was Samson.

A close up of the head.

All the veins and arteries in the human body.

The infra-red light. Notice Jake shooting his gun. I will note that I did not think this imaging flattering for me....

Jake and best bud Kelvin eating outside. They are next to the river, almost under the I-5 bridge.

Doing Chemistry experiments:

Pulleys and measures exhibit. This one kept him entertained for a good 25 min.

It is quite an impressive place to learn.

The BEST part: taking a picture of Jake loading on the bus home. Notice I am outside the bus, yes, I had the forethought to ask the teacher if I could take my own car. I avoided two hours in a bus full of noisy, smelly second graders. I think I'm pretty smart even without all the intellectual exhibits.

Coasties

Brian enlisted in the Coast Guard after high school. He served on a Cutter (living on the boat, imagine!?!?!?) from 1993-1995. And then was stationed at Grays Harbor from 1995-1997. He was in the Coast Guard when we were set up on a Blind Date by another Coastie Derrick Jackson.

He made some great friends during his service. Friends he still keeps in contact with, friends that still care about our family, friends that we still care about.


Brian on the CGC Resolute.

Brian became a 44 Motor Life Boat Driver.

One of those friends is Mike Fratusco. He's known Brian as long as I have. He has always been such a positive friend. Both He and his wife are in Law Enforcement now too. They live in Idaho, but make it up to Oregon to see friends a couple of times a year. I swear, their kids must be the best car travelers. Our kids have a hard time driving to their Grandparents an hour a way....

This last Saturday we met Mike and his family in Seaside. Despite having a gaggle of children to keep track of.....we had a great time.

Mike and Brian

The Gaggle of children: Jake (7), Avery (6), Peyton (9), Grace (2), Reagan (5), and Reese (2)

Is it me, or am I just always amazed how quickly children can make friends? This picture is about 5 minutes after meeting one another! What would it be like if adults could act like this?

A cloudy day on the Coast, but only a little drizzle.

The kids at the round-about in Seaside with Lewis and Clark.

Waiting outside the fudge shop. For some reason, the Coast really does have the best Fudge and Salt Water Taffy. We ate soooo much junk.

At the Aquarium the kids got to feed the seals DEAD fish.

Real Seals. They would flap their fins and splash the kids. Bet that water was sanitary!

I just liked this picture of Jake, because it shows his kind side.

And it was all topped off with a Carousel Ride.

Jake and Peyton

Fast Friends.