um...we've been kind of busy

this picture about sums it up. 

But let me just say that we are all moved into the new house, we did NOT get a moving truck so it was all done in small trips with help from my mom and brother.  Tomorrow I do a final walk through of the old house, take a few more raspberries, wax the floor and turn in the keys.  Once the kids and I kick this cold we got (again, I think a month of GO GO GO has caught up with us) and normalcy returns maybe, just maybe I will:

1. finish writing the thank you notes for Natalie's birthday
2. work regularly again
3. start sleep training Natalie so I don't get kicked in the face all night and she's not up until 1030 every night, seriously what kind of bad parent lets their 13 month old stay up until 1030??
4. plant the trees Roxanne brought us
5. sew something in my new craft room, yes I have a craft room (that I share with Loren's office and is becoming more and more office as I fail to claim my space, I need to go up and mark my territory)
6. read a book, maybe the one I just got... Our babies, Ourselves... I don't even know where it is...
7. wash the floor, haven't even done that yet!
8. knit.  I started a soaker, by the time I get it done it won't fit her
9. re-connect with lost friends... we miss you pre-school buddies!

and now I will go make dinner with a toddler on my back because separation anxiety has set in full force around here.

I haven't forgotten you all... I'm just running around like a chicken with my head cut off.

To A-town we Went!!

 This is Aiden up to no good last week in the yard.

 We went up to Astoria for an un-planned visit, and took the kids to the batteries and the column.  It was a lot of fun and I was re-inspired by my trusty old camera. 

 They had a lot more areas open for exploration.  It was really interesting for Aiden I think

 At the Column

 a brown eagle spotted in a tree from the top of the Column

 Grammie and Natalie, Grammie had foot surgery last week so it was nice to visit and try to help out, I think we hindered her more then we helped though.

 Everyone with their babies, Aiden fell in love wit this doll.

 At the big gun

 looking out

 Where are we off to Aiden?  Oh I don't know, camping, I think.

 Natalie and I driving

 Looking out for the enemy

 Looking at the big hole where the gun was

yep, that's where we are Aiden! 

So yeah, we had a great time, it's good to be home and I'm thinking of going over the edge and trying this.  I'll let you know how it goes in a few weeks. I think I'll save money and then I'll try this.  :)  I love Angry Chicken, and I love that she's from Portland!

Natalie has decided to celebrate Earth Day by... WALKING!!

Our little girl turns 1!!

Before we get into the BIG girl celebration, here's Loren signing papers on another house.  Third times a charm, right?  Yes he's in the house.  Want to see more?  here's a "tour"....

Now back to the celebration, the banner has been hung, and Natalie's 1 banner made

We put the kids to bed the night before then put out Natalie's kitchen

along with the birthday crown I made her and a picture of her and Daddy

She slept in and was a little out of it. She also got a kitty ballon (that's what she's looking at) and Aiden got a cars one for being a good brother for the last year

can you tell she's pleased?

Opening her leather chair, with a little help from Aiden

It wouldn't rotate, but look how cute she is

Playing plumber at the kitchen.

Hanging out with Nonnie, who came down for the night just to celebrate with her little Natalie

and SUPRIZE!  Uncle Ryan and Shanda even stopped by.  Ryan was looking for a new truck, and he found one and named it Natalie since he got it on Nat's birthday.

it was a beautiful day, mid 70's, just like the day she was born

We took mom out to see the new house, and LOOK, a sale pending sign!!  The whole family, even the dog.

well, there we are in front of the house

on our way back we stopped and investigated Fern Ridge wildlife area, all we saw was a killdeer in the parking lot, but it was still really nice

the boys

Natalie's birthday cobbler, made with berries gathered durring her first year!

I think she liked it.  I also made homemade vanilla custard ice cream.

Can you believe she's one?  We can't what a wonderful year it's been.  I love you little Nat-bug!  Happy Birthday dear daughter of mine.

Here the kids are painting together.  In their super cute aprons that Aunt Brooke made.

New corners!

I made some changes around here, with only 642 square feet, you have to be creative!

Here is how the kid's room used to look

Natalie moved in with us, it was time she moved out of the play n' pack

I think I had used every inch of wall space!

So with the crib out the kids gained a reading corner

and some much needed floor space

now all their books and toys are in one place

it looks so much better!!

and I opened up some prime space for a special birthday gift

for a special little girl... can you believe this little ham will be one!!

Aiden and Jane get married

Aiden and Jane got married on Easter.  I think it was Jane's idea, she even dressed Aiden in Grant's coat and tie, that she insisted went on the outside of the coat.  I love the deer in the headlights look on Aiden, (like many new grooms) he didn't have much to say, and kept looking to Jane for answers. There are many more pictures and I'll put more up when we get home.

Oh what a beautiful spring day!

We did art the other day, and included Natalie in the process.  I realize I need to get some good kids supplies from Stubby Pencil Studio ( I had it all in my cart but I just can't bring my self to pay 10 bucks for shipping when it's in Portland)  I think I'll just stop buy when I'm up for Easter.

Look how cute they are playing together

yep, I need some beeswax crayons

and non toxic markers

Standing on her own at pre-school, and not quite sure about it

She's growing so fast, she's not a baby anymore and it makes me sad.

I am going to miss this yard like crazy, I love it in the spring. 

clothes drying on the line under a blooming cherry, have you ever seen laundry look beautiful before?

Aiden rocking his bathrobe, can you believe it still fits?  I made it for him before he could walk!

This is his "No pictures please" shot. my little rockstar!

and this, this is what happens when NO ONE naps... this was at about 830 at night and the two of them were full of P and V.  By the time I got the camera in the right mode to record video they had stopped laughing hystericly but this is still funny.  Happy Thrusday to you all.