Mama's Day

We kept it simple. We kept it real. We wore orange.

It seems that all a mom wants for mother's day is to be left alone and/or taken out for a nice meal. We did a little of both. We went to Jacksonville to mill around the stores and eat at Bella Union. Their wisteria tree is legend and so nice to sit under as you eat lovely meals prepared by someone else.

Alden really is a great reason to be a mom. He makes it easy (most of the time) and I am proud of have a special day that honors that commitment.

Year 11

Today is our 11 year anniversary and I couldn't be more proud. Like turning 30, it's really about turning 31 that counts. It means that you've not just made it to the milestone but that you've surpassed it and made it your own. Dustin and I are proud of where we've been and where we are going. Through growing up and striving forward we are still best friends. Or a better description is real friends. We tell the truth. We push the other for better. We try to steer clear of worse.

Thank you to all that have helped and supported along the way. You are as much to blame for this as we are!

BFF Fo' Eva

This little says, "Mmmm, phosphates from Grants Pass Pharmacy are a delicious treat!"

This little says, "I heart Jackson. Like a lot. Forever. I hope he likes me as much as I like him. He's just so cool. And he has fun toys. And his hair is all mohawk-y. And his older brothers are rad. And my parents like his parents. I love this day."

Fishing with Pops

In the 4 times that I've lived here in Grants Pass, including my entire youth, I cannot recall ever going to Lake Selmac. Just thirty minutes outside of town, it is so pretty, rather large, and perfect for taking your son fishing on for the first time.

Alden likes the lures and calls Power Bait "fish candy". He's got the right idea!

Dustin played it cool but I'm pretty sure he's been dreaming of this moment since we found out we had delivered a boy!

Cinco De Mayo

I don't know about you but when I think of Mexico's Independence Day, I think of pony rides.

Meet Ms. Annie and Cowboy Bob and Molly the pony. Alden hadn't ridden a pony since he was 6 months old. This time it really sunk in.

Art Class(es)

At the beginning of the warm months our community center offered art classes for toddlers. We went a few times to check out the progressive art that the great teachers patiently walked the kids through. They read books about colors and featured a historic artist of the week. I think that Alden was really there for the free period at the end where they could run around in circles in a toddler frenzy.

Finger painting becomes...

... elbow painting becomes...

... whole arm painting!

BFF Jackson and Alden made father's day cards one morning.

Rain, Rain, GO AWAY!

To the bone, I am a fall person. I like rain. I like chilly. After this past wet winter, I haven't been so happy to see the sun in ages. The notorious leak that has plagued Alden's room for over 3 years now is baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-ack. And it has brought a little friend.

This is Dustin getting the syphon going to drain the water from the pool/roof. It is a sad, thankless job. One that causes angry outbursts followed by long moments of silence broken by stifled sobs. From all of us. It's like trying to potty train a dog. Just. Go. Where. I. Am. Telling. You. To. Go. No, not on the roof. No. NO!

Not to be outdone, the leak has now spread to the other side of Alden's room wall into our hallway.

Before you comment about how this post seems oddly timed as we've just experienced a week of 100 plus degrees a day, note that I am trying to catch up after having been drug under the bus of summer.