Happy October

Chickens

This weekend we are taking care of our friends chickens! Nothing like fresh eggs!

Yeah, No Workers Tomorrow

I am so excited that the workers (for our house) do not work Fridays (but I am dreading their return next Monday). I am ready to be home and stay home. I was gone today from 8:30 am until 7:30 pm, it is too long with two kids. I kind of feel like I have been living out of my car. Regardless of my complaining, I captured this adorable picture of Ike this morning before heading out on todays adventures (grocery shopping, play date at park, driving the city for 1.5 hours (for naps), chilling on Mississippi Ave, eating ice cream, walking random NE neighborhoods, Music Together class, Mississippi action again, etc). Goodnight-may Ike (and Solari) please please, pretty please sleep tonight.

Oregon Gardens, Silverton Oregon

The Hobbits house


We have these trees in our neighborhood and they smell amazing. I learned though they are called Peanut Butter Trees, because if you rub the leaves they smell like peanut butter.
A mutant something kind of tree that only grows leaves and no branches.

Todays adventure was to The Oregon Gardens in Silverton Oregon (about an hour from Portland). It was a crisp and sunny fall day, and the place was gorgeous. The grounds were beautiful, quiet and relaxing (going mid week when school is in session made for few people-a bonus for me since I hate crowds). They had a children's garden which is where the tree house, sand box, etc. were. The only down side to the day was minutes after arriving Solari got stung by a bee, just under her eye. She was a trooper though, and whenever I looked at it or asked how she was she would cheerfully state "its getting all better."

Orchard Fun in Hood River

We have kind of been kicked out of our house (or I chose to escape the dust and banging). We are having work done (sealing, insulation, etc) so it will be more efficient (and comfortable during colder months). So, this has led us to do day long journeys, which are fun but a little exhausting. Yesterday the adventure was to the orchards in Hood River.

Hot Springs

The lodge (in the background) where all the vegetarian meals were served. We camped but, but ate at the lodge. Having 3 meals a day x 2 days served to us was HEAVEN.




They have various lodging options, from bunk houses in the lodge, to cabins to tents. We chose to camp of course.
Solari LOVED the hot pools. They ranged from 98 to 107 degrees.
There were more natural ones than photographed above, built right into the landscape.

It was a very very relaxing weekend. I want to make it at least an annual trip. Would love to see it in the winter too, as I guess there is some good nordic skiing.

Happy 5th Month

And hello teething. We had our first night of teething last night.

Ike Scooting

My camera battery kept dying, so I did not get a good video of him really moving, but you get the idea!

Just taking her alligator for a walk at the zoo!

Chapman Swifts

Finally after 10 years of living in Portland, we got to see the Chapman Swifts. 10,000-20,000 migrating birds funnel into the chimney at the Chapman School to roost. They are on their way to Central America. It was a great viewing activity for all, Solari and Ike included. The neatest part was watching the hawk and swallows play a chase game, and right before the swallows fly in to the chimney the vulture swoops by the chimney and snatches one up. I guess not too nice, but rare you get to see such a predator/prey interaction.

Ike Laughing

Envious

I have not talked to my parents in nearly two weeks-odd. I can not wait to talk with them next week upon their return to the states :)