And Then We Went to Oregon

After driving by for so many years we were actually relatively early this time (does it actually get easier to pack as the kids get older? someone pinch me!) and on a whim stopped at Multnomah Falls.

The kids were happy to get out and stretch their legs.  It was a little cool.  And in a couple more years maybe we will be able to hike to the very top.  I was there once as a kid!

This time we just went up to the first bridge and checked it all out.

First morning at Grandma and Grandpa's house... a tea party with cousin Cassia and our friend Isha.

There are always plenty of takers if anyone will read a story.

Time for snuggling on Grandpa's new couches!  (which seems to have almost entirely cured my allergies in their house, hallelujah!)

Don't forget swimming in Grandpa's pool!

Cousin Cassia floating all around and Uncle Brian trying to teach cousin William how to kick!

This is the crew, six cousins from 2 to 9, all in the pool!

And that was just the first weekend!

Girl Quotes

All the kids will sometimes ask to be tickled.  Brian likes to say he's going to "count their ribs".  So tonight Hope asks, "Daddy, will you count my ribbons?"

Joy: Hey mom, are we in a planet?
Yes, planet earth.
When are we going to another planet?
Geography by 3 year olds is hard when all your favorite cartoon characters go into space all the time! (Yes, I've been saving these for awhile)

The girls call the deep end of the pool the "deepness".

They have decided they will name their future babies Rosie Rose (Joy) and Sparkles (Hope).

Always when it's time for bed they want to "tell you a question" just one more time or say "I just remembered that...".  It's their, cute, yet annoying way of stalling.