Fossil Dig

Could we have a budding paleontologist? It's no secret that Liam loves dinosaurs, digging, and finding cool old stuff. This morning he started a dig for fossils in the backyard. I was amazed that he knew what instruments were needed.

Liam Lovin' Life

Two familiar sites in one photo...Liam in the fridge looking for something yummy to eat, and "The Kid" on his blades.




This kid is lovin' life. He has been on the go...Last week he went to hockey camp and was on the ice for three hours each morning. After camp he hung-out at the pool and enjoyed playdates with friends. One would think that he would have been tired and ready to retire, but no he wanted to go to Karate every night.

This week he has already helped Daddy chop a tree down, gone to yoga with Mommy, toured the Museum of Natural History, played in Central Park, roller bladed six miles with Mommy, roller bladed some more with his friends, had an ice hockey lesson with his coach, had a couple playdates, rode his new bike (hand-me-down from neighbor) and his old bike, gotten his "best haircut ever," gone on a short hike with Mommy, gone to Karate, played golf in the back yard (to include digging holes for putting practice), hit balls at the driving range with Daddy, built an airplane (above photo), played his guitar, and played in the pool. To think...this was all done by Wednesday night!

Today is a completely blank slate. Tomorrow's plans include: a parent/child karate class in the a.m., a visit to the library, and an ice hockey playdate with two of Liam's friends and their parents (yes, the two Mommies, one Dad and kids will all skate together) in the afternoon.

Ah, to have the energy of a six-year-old boy. The big question...How will this child deal with having to sit at a desk all day?

Family Time In Oregon

We have finally recovered enough from our jet-lag and long nights of Olympic viewing to post a blog. Taking a few moments now to post while we watch the Women's Marathon.

This is a long post, so grab a snack and a drink ;)
Before heading to the beach Bob, the kids and I rode bikes to breakfast, while Kathleen and Resa went running, and Brock fixed his van for the trip. Tonia was lucky enough to get to try-out K's new ride.



Mom and Dad did a great job on the house front this year. It was the best crib yet!
Lots of fun was had in the water. For the first couple days the kids just splashed around. By the final two days Ellis and Liam were getting on the longboards, and by the last day all three had boogie boards. Must say it is amazing that the kids spent as much time in the water as they did -- they were only wearing shorties and didn't have boots, gloves or hoodies (like the adult surfers.)
Bob and Brock post surf.

Auntie K and Ellis (in Tonia's hoodie.)

The entire crew went for a hike at Cape LOOKOUT! Above photo is the bird watchers Bobby watching.

Both sets of kids posing inside a cool tree.

Post surf session enjoying a very fun, yummy meal at the local Mexican restaurant.

Aunt Marie, Auntie K, and Auntie Tonia.

Brock's "Daddy Van." The kids spent a lot of time with Uncle Brock taking walks on the beach and going for chow. If a choice was given, they wanted to ride in the "Daddy Van."

The Marias -- Resa and Marie.

Kiley running a beer to Uncle Brock. Very serious business!



Tim and Marie hatched a plan...a kayak/canoe trip on the Nestucca River. Bob and Marie kayaked, while Tim, Tonia and Kathleen canoed. We thought it was going to be a very restful, chill-ride. Turns out we timed it slightly wrong and had to paddle against the current for about 3/4 of the trip. No worries, much fun was had...and we ended up getting a little exercise.

Kathleen was in charge of taking photos and distributing beers and snacks.

The family photo session on top of the dune where the kids spent much of their time. This dune was across from the house, so we could easily keep an eye on them.

Liam mid-air as he jumped off a rock at the Pelican Pub.

On the trip back to Portland, Bob, Tonia, Marie and Liam stopped at the Tillamook Air Museum.

The last day of the trip the Noonans, Tyvands and Lowers took a three mile hike near Horseshoe Tail Falls. The kids did an amazing job.


Uncle Tim learned more than he probably ever wanted to know about Webkinz. Liam and Ellis shared interesting details with him for the entire hike.

Tonia holding up the rocks so that the others could pass behind the falls.

Uncle Tim, Auntie Resa and Liam.

Kiley's ride for some of the hike.

After the hike we meet up with Grandma and Grandpa at Edgefield (where K and Brock had their wedding) for our final meal as a group this trip.