Over the river...

...and through the woods to Grandma Marilyn's house we go!
Back in December we took a trip to Grandma Marilyn and Grandpa Jack's for dinner. Ash and Natty always always always enjoy playing at Grandma Marilyn's, we just don't get there often enough.

When Ash was 2 she learned where the toy closet is at Grandma Marilyn's and she's never forgotten 

It's alright, you can say it. Keely looks like a freakish little midget in this shot.

Natty found the toy closet, too

If there are dishes to be done, Natty is always close by

Building towers with Grandma Marilyn and cousin WyWy

You almost fit, Buddy!

Taking a break in the same chair Grandma Kathy used to rock in

Wyatt looks more confused that comfortable 

Ash wanted a go, too

Itty bitty Keely

Love my matching girls!

Grandma snuggles

We love you, Grandma Marilyn!

Ashley the Great

Check out our beautiful and smart Midget reading her 8 flashcards (click here). I'm so proud of her as she begins reading. Being her teacher is frustrating to say the least (I'm not sure how many times I can say I'm NOT a teacher), but when she whizzes through the cards without stumbling, watching how proud she is of herself makes all my frustrations disappear. Living vicariously through Ashley is the greatest feeling in the entire world.

Flower and power!

First off Keely must have super powers because after she pulled herself to standing she LET GO of the coffee table and stood upright for 2-3 seconds.

These are the things that most people celebrate. I, however, am just fine with immobile children.

Must be the wacky after-bath hair that gives her such power. Maybe we should call her Samson?

And second weeeeeee've got flowers! Calla lilies to be exact. 2 of them. Bright and yellow and beautiful (and that says a lot coming from someone who doesn't even like them!). 

Today is full of flowers and powers. Can't really complain much, can I?

Check out that beaut!

OMSI fun

Even though it seems like just a few weeks ago, in all actuality it was over 6 months ago.

Holy Hannah. 2013 is 1/2 way over. 

Jeeeeeeeeeeeeze.

Anyhow....back on track.

Back in January we helped Dad celebrate his 61st birthday, the birthday of champions. What 61 year old doesn't want to spend the day celebrating at OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)?

Hey, just cause it was his birthday doesn't mean we all can't have fun!

Beforehand we met and had lunch in Wilsonville where Mom made an incredible peanut butter and chocolate cake. Seriously scrumptious! Dad also had the chance to open his gifts. Well actually he had the chance to fight Ashley and Natalie to open his gifts. Those girls still haven't figured out that not all presents belong to them.

Yes Ashley is eating Keely's ear. No I don't know why.

This is what happens when you make the birthday boy wait to take a picture

Such a cutie that Natty Kat is

Of course Dad's birthday cake comes complete with pink flamingos

Papa giving Natty a lesson at OMSI

Looks like Uncle Creeper figured out the wooden puzzle

That's one mighty happy Auntie A

You can't tell but this whole display is a giant ear that shows the canal, ear drum, eustachian tube, etc. etc. I was explaining to Natty just where her tubes were at and how they worked to help keep her healthy.

Electronic jump-rope challenge

Getting a chance to play with a cockroach 

Natty ain't afraid of nothing. Even a giant, slithery, icky snake.

Peek-a-boo!

Of course there's a display on creating energy using a stationary bike. This is Oregon after all.

Science girls

Ash taking a turn at one of those static thingys that makes your hair stand on end

The ever-popular wind turbine 

Natty working hard on her cone-flyer 

Ash designed hers to fly extra-super-high

While Jake was busy explaining to Ash how it all worked, Natty impressed herself with a spinning cone flyer

Natty carried her cone-flyer around with her the rest of the OMSI visit

Keely was pretty much over the science fun

Taking a shimmy and shake in the simulated earthquake house. First time I was ever in that house I was Ashley's age.

Making souvenir pennies with Nana and Papa

Thanks for a fun birthday celebration, Papa!

Our last year as singles

Happy anniversary to my favorite guy! 

As we celebrate our last year in the single-digits it's fun to think about where we've been, what we've gone through and to imagine what's waiting for us.

At the risk of getting too cliche, I love you so much and find reasons to be thankful for you everyday (okay, *nearly* everyday)!

Great friend. Sexy husband. Loving father. 

And he's ALL MINE!

Love you, Jake. Happy 9 year anniversary!

I can still close my eyes and remember the look on your face (and the tears in your eyes!) as we said our vows

I remember giggling with you as we attempted the hooked-arm-drinking-thingy. And we did it without spilling a single drop!

Your groomsmen all made me feel so special and loved - another plus to marrying you was getting all of them!

 Your baby face surrounded by such beauty

Without a doubt we had the craziest and best looking bridal party around

You  make me so genuinely happy 

 Love

So handsome

Always safe in your arms

Push her down!!

I turn around for 3 seconds only to find THIS (click here for a video to watch the magic as it happens):