Go West

Amid the record setting heat of this week, creativity in cooling has become a priority. I've never had to deal with such successive days of scorching heat with little ones. One or two days in the 90s, sure. But multiple days breaking into the 100s and no real cooling at night? As a native Oregonian this is sort of like Bizzaro world. So, seeing the forecast and contemplating two cranky toddlers (and, to be honest , mommy too) I decided to get serious and make a plan.

Tuesday morning we ventured out early to Peninsula Park (in North Portland) and the kids had a great time playing on the multiple play structures in the brief hours of cool, then after a picnic lunch they splashed and ran and laughed in the watery portion of the playground. We headed home just in time for naps and the thermometer reaching 90, and spent the hottest portion of the day indoors.

But, I know myself. Two days and two nights with no real cool down is apparently my limit. I needed reprieve, albeit temporary, so I asked Hayes to play hooky from skate camp on Wednesday and come to the beach for the day. I can't think of the last idea I had that was this good. Despite a bit of a rocky start (my kids are not really good car travelers sometimes), once we got to the coast I knew it would be gloriously refreshing. We ran, we played in the sand, we got our feet wet, we flew a kite, we forgot to put sunscreen on Noah's ears (oops!) and Hayes' legs (oops again!) but even a mild sunburn was worth the relief I think. We made it home just in time for a bubble bath and bed. We knew our limit and heeded the call West-- our own little manifest destiny.

It's not me, it's Vous

After a walk around the paddocks to see all 15 horses and meet the two colts, Bethany brought her horse, Vous, into the barn so the kids could get up close and personal. After a little hesitation, Hannah and Noah pet and brushed Vous. And, Hannah started to feed her a carrot, but got a little spooked once the big horsey mouth got close to her tiny hand so she let Beth finish feeding her the snack. Hopefully, we'll visit again and the two will be bold enough to sit on her, maybe go for a walk in the arena. Either way, it was fun for the kids to glimpse a working barn. Thanks, Bethany!

Just plain sweet.

I love how often my kids sing. I try to capture bits of it sometimes when they aren't paying attention, but inevitably they catch me with the camera and stop, or start being extra silly about it. Finally, they are getting to the age when they let me record them but only because they want to see the video as soon as they are done. In fact, almost all of my recent videos end with one or both of the kids yelling "let me see it" and lunging toward the camera, or like in this one-- Noah wouldn't even finish the whole song before wanting to check it out. I guess that's okay, considering they let me capture cuteness like this. (You may have to turn the volume up a little for Hannah's rendition; she sort of whispers the middle portion.)

Our day in couch action photos...

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Another amazing trait they inherited from their father...

I can admit it. I'm kind of a food separator. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those semi-extremists who can never have any food co-mingling, or the ultra-extremists who require separate plates for each individual item. I can deal with gravy on my meat, potatoes and cooked vegetables. However, if I had some salad or fruit on the plate, they would need to remain gravy free for my enjoyment. And, frankly, I firmly believe that syrup was only intended for pancakes, waffles, french toast and the like, not meat products-- ever.

My husband, on the other hand, is much more laid back and adventurous by nature. And this fully extends into the realm of his plate. It has been obvious for some time that our children are much more like their dad in this respect. Of this, I am glad. I hope they refrain from many of my more fussy tendencies. They may stumble upon amazing flavors and adventures that would never occur to me. In fact, just last week Hannah seemed to sincerely be enjoying her Granny Smith apple dipped into mustard. And Noah, too, will dip any food into ranch dressing.

I was just reminded of this wonderful trait again at lunch today. The kiddos were happily slurping their tomato soup, fishing for goldfish crackers amidst the thickish red goodness. Then, just as Hannah picked up her last slippery slice of kiwi it slipped through her sweet little fingers and plopped directly into her soup bowl. That would have been the end of it for me. I would probably not have finished the kiwi or the soup at that point. But, without a thought or a grimace, she reached in, grabbed the kiwi coated in tomato and cheddar goldfish crumbs and downed it. Then, she turned and asked for some more. What a champ. Just like her dad.

More pool clips...

Noah's attempt at running and jumping in isn't a dramatic as Hannah's, but his dance moves make up for it. And, as you can see, Hannah has some serious balancing skills and no fear-- this must come from her daddy.

Kiddie Pool Fun!

Here are a few clips from our afternoon. They definitely like to ham it up for the camera.