Oregon Zoo Weekend

We all loaded into a mini van this weekend and headed for Vancouver. We decided a few months ago that we wanted to take the kids to the Oregon Zoo this weekend, and figured we'd spend the weekend visiting family in Vancouver too. The weekend was a lot of fun. Carson struggled a little bit with the change in his sleep schedule, but he did pretty well.

Ellie had so many cool toys!

Tayler was the main photographer at the zoo....and she got some really great shots! I think she might have an eye for the abstract! It was so cute to see her aim and shoot at everything from a monkey's exposed "behind", to sculptures of elephants along the path to the elephant area. Brian and I took a few pictures too......of course, I wish we'd taken more...but I always am disappointed with the number of pictures we take while doing something memorable. But, I suppose it means we're having too much fun to remember the camera!

Carson was very excited about the elephants. He pointed and screeched to his little hearts content. But, at the polar bear exhibit, he seemed to be more interested in the big blue ball in their cage than he was with them. When we were watching the sea lions, and his stroller was able to be right up at the glass so we could see their enormity up close, Carson far preferred to gaze at a strange and colorful hat a fellow zoo visitor was wearing. Also, when we went to see the orangutans, and Brian took Carson up to the glass for a closer look, he preferred to pull at the bamboo that was growing near the exhibit. We had lunch on the big lawn where they do the bird shows, and Carson was EXCITED about the birds. They were flying from the stage, into the crowd to another trainer. This caused Carson to shriek "Burh! Burh!" and point like it was going out of style. It was very cute. I think he will enjoy the zoo more in years to come, but for a first time trip, I think he had a good time.

This is Carson very QUICKLY losing his sense of humor



AND finally, this is what a day at the zoo does to a rascally little boy!

My cousin David and his wife Khristina were excellent hosts, as usual. It was so nice to see them, and their adorable daughter, Ellie. She and Carson played a lot together, although Carson can be a little rough at times. But she was great, and I think she understood he was just trying to make sure she knew how much he liked her! I really became aware of how much of a BOY Carson is while we were there. Ellie is so gentle, and quiet. Carson is loud, and...um, not gentle I guess is the best description! I was so fun to see them together. I love that Carson has cousins his age!

On the way home, we stopped at Pietro's Pizza in Hood River and Carson got to ride on some cool toys!

Awesome pizza and a nice break from the drive home!

Our Resident Wood Chuck

The other day Brian noticed a little something while getting Carson up from a nap. At first, Brian thought maybe Carson had taken a block into bed with him, and scratched it along the side of his crib. But, upon further inspection, it's been determined that Carson has been using his new teeth for more than just Cheerios. In fact, he's taken the finish off of his crib, and dug little grooves into the wood. We're currently discussing his punishment.........perhaps lawn mowing to pay for repairs. =)

11 Months

One year ago today, I was miserable! My cousin David and his wife had just had their baby, and girlfriend of mine had just delivered. It was just me left pregnant....so anxious to meet our little guy. I was hot, huge, and uncomfortable. But as I look back on it, it was a small price to pay for the happiness I've experienced since C was born. He's almost a year old, which is bittersweet for me. I love that every day he learns new things, and is so fun to interact with. But, I'm sad that he's becoming less and less of a baby every day!

Carson now has THREE teeth! I just noticed the third one coming in the other day. It's finally a top one...so he's got something to work with the two bottom ones while eating. He waves "bye-bye" if anyone even gets near the front door, he points at everything, and is talking in his own little language nearly constantly. He will say "da-da" and "ma-ma". He pulls himself up on things, and walks along holding onto the wall, couch, or anything he can reach. No steps yet, but we're getting close! He continues to be fascinated with ANYTHING Tayler has, and our dogs. And all have been oh, so patient with him. He can be a bit much with his affection at times. =)

If Brian is out in the back yard working, Carson will go to the back door and "knock" on it with his open hand, saying "DAD!" until Brian comes and gets him. He doesn't like to be left out of anything!

Dad! Come get me! I can help!

This boy LOVES his Daddy

Isn't she beautiful!?

The summer has been going well so far. Tayler has been in swim lessons for a week now, and she is doing great. She's our little fishy and has a great time. She's been riding her bike, and swimming in our back yard as well. And, there's been a few much needed trips to the park where she's been able to burn off some energy. She continues to be a wonderful big sister. I'm seriously blown away with how wonderful she is with Carson. So patient, and sweet. And is such a help to me and her dad. We are so very lucky she's our little sweetie.

And, lastly, I just had to post a photo of the pride of our yard (in my opinion!) Our hydrangeas are really doing well this year, and it brings me such joy to see these beautiful blooms in our yard!

Summer Days

We had a few friends over last night for a Schienbein Family BBQ. And, I'd planned to take tons of really neat pictures to post here on our blog...but alas, as I began snapping the first shot, my battery light began to flash. I put it on the charger, fully intending to get back to it in a few minutes to continue capturing the excitement of the evening....but, as you'll notice...I have ONLY ONE picture. Yes, ONE. Such a bummer, I know. Luckily it's a cute one. Carson had a really great time playing with a "big boy" during the BBQ. My friend's son is 4 years old, and really (in Carson's eyes) could NOT be any cooler. Carson thought playing with him was pretty exciting. It was so sweet to see them interacting. I promise there were several other "Kodak moments", such as Tayler sitting her little plate of BBQ goodness down on the grass, only to have our dog Cooper sweep in and help himself to some of her pasta salad. Pretty funny. Oh, and Tayler's little face after she finished eating the chocolate covered strawberries I made, covered in chocolate, and the two left over, half eaten strawberries on her plate. Evidently, the chocolate was her favorite part of that treat!Carson & Colby

Aren't these gorgeous? I found them yesterday and thought they'd be great for the BBQ

Today was a pretty great too. I went to a movie with two of my girlfriends. We saw "My Sisters Keeper". It was a real tear-jerker. I'd already read the book and loved it, so I was really excited to see it. I teared up probably 20 times during the movie, and although one part was changed that I did not like, most of the movie was really good. Afterward, we took a family trip to Home Depot. The purpose of the trip was to get some stuff that Brian needed to replace some sprinklers. But of course, we decided to browse the garden department a little bit and came home with some treasures! First of all, a lilac bush. I have wanted a lilac bush for quite some time, but wasn't really sure where we would put it. But, Brian has been doing a little bit of "yard construction" lately and created the perfect spot! I can't wait for it's blooms. I love the way lilacs smell. Unfortunately, I think we'll probably have to wait until next year. We also picked up three box wood bushes (if you've been to our house, you'll know we love these) that I think are really beautiful. I apologize for the quality of these photos. I didn't get a chance to snap the pictures until the kids were in bed asleep and some things were done around the house, so they're nighttime pics. I can't wait to get these beauties into the ground!

The soon to be lovely lilac bush

Pretty little box wood!

Happy Dad's Day

The only thing better than knowing I get you for a husband, is knowing my kids get you for a dad. I love you baby.
Brian got quite a few very special gifts this year. Tayler got him a new coffee maker, and Carson got him special rack to hold all of his hats. I got him some sandals he's been wanting to replace the ones Cooper ate. Carson also got himself a shirt to show Brian how much he loves him.

One of Brian's Father's Day gifts. Mighty handsome I must say.
Carson wearing another Father's Day gift for Brian.

"Dad's my Superhero!" His poor nose won't quit running...and he was so tired when I took this.

But, we had to showcase the new shirt!

Here are a few shots of pool fun we've been having this summer in our yard. Gosh, I love summer!

Like Father, Like Son

Brian is a HUGE Guns 'N Roses fan. And evidently, Carson is too!

10 months

Carson is an astounding 10 months old today. I've said it a million times before....but I'm going to say it again. I can not believe it! It seems like he just came to our family! But he's not a little baby anymore. He's crawling around, taking steps while holding our hands, climbing up on EVERYTHING, waving bye-bye, clapping like crazy, and I swear he said "bye-dad" the other day. He babbles all the time, telling us his opinions on things he sees. It's really awesome.

Recently, I've started signing with him using ASL. So far, he hasn't started using any of the signs himself, but it's still really new for us. I've read that you should start with about 12 signs to begin with, but since I'm learning right along with him, we're currently at about 4. But, we're working on it. I've read a lot about how sign language with babies helps them express things better, tell you what they need more clearly and can help them start talking sooner. I thought we'd give it a shot!

Tayler finished kindergarden yesterday!!! She is very excited to be on her way to first grade, and is also excited about the summer. We have some fun things planned....and she'll be playing soccer (Brian's coaching again!) and attending swim lessons. All stuff that she really enjoys. Plus, there's already a little blow up pool in the back yard that she's been frequently enjoying.

Not much else is new with the fam. Brian is sick as can be of school, but is still working very hard and doing well. I'm so proud of him. I'm still working, working and working some more. I've been doing quite a few trades at work so that I can have some time off later this year with out having to use my vacation time, so that's had me busy. Plus, hours here and there of overtime to help us feel a little more comfortable.

We spent a little time in the pool at Aunt Ashlee's house. Carson took to the water like a pro! And of course, Tayler was a little gold fish, swimming all over! Here's a couple of shots of Ashlee and Baby C!