Beach Babes

 We had a wonderful break from life this week.  We headed to Beachside State Park to sleep in the Yurts, play in the sand and go crabbing in the bay.  I was concerned about the weather before we left.  It was supposed to be WET.  I even ordered Stella a new coat for the trip (which I completely forgot to pack!) to be sure that we could still have fun even if it rained.  We were pleasantly surprised...Dry weather everyday, Sunshine, light wind...totally pleasant.  The rain stayed away except during the night.  The girls played and dug.  Stella loved watching the "Sea Eagles" as she called them.  Charlotte loved being walked by Grandma's Dog.

 Uncle Jack going Dune Diving!  Determined that his rain fly from his tent would make a good parachute.  I think he needed a bigger cliff!

Let's Be Candid

My dear friend Charlee took some great pictures of our family.  Since the girls love their "aunties" so very much, we thought they'd treasure having pictures with them.

Our life right now is lived very candidly.  That's why I love the picture that I put as our new blog header.  Adrianne dancing, Stella marching, Charlotte trying to get away.  What a good life we have.  What a happy family.  We are blessed beyond measure.

marathonrunnerdad

This past Saturday on 10/10/10, Jonah ran and finished his first marathon!  It has been a long 16 weeks of training, but he did it without complaining.  We got up early on Sunday and walked from our hotel to the start line.  It was dark, raining like crazy and windy.  10,000 runners joined him running the 26.2 mile course around Portland.  The rain didn't let up the whole time.  

It was a very proud moment for me to watch him round the corner at the 26 mile mark.  Having done my own marathon this past May, I know the cost: the work, the time and commitment.  I was so glad for him to have the feeling of accomplishment and victory that I have.  

Yay Jonah!  26.2 miles in 3 hours and 58 minutes!

Do you need fashion help?

I have a fashionista for hire!

Stella  has always marched to the beat of her own drummer when it comes to getting dressed.  Starting around 2, she began to dress herself and has always come up with the most interesting combinations.  I describe her style as gypsy meets Palm Springs, FL.  The above picture is her Sunday morning outfit of choice and yes, I did let her wear it to church.

 Charlotte has a shoe obsession.  She loves to try on any shoes that are lying around.  Here she is with some of Sister's cowboy boots on.  What a doll!  I've been known to bring down a basket of shoes just to entertain her.

 And lastly, a bonus shot of my lovely Adrianne.  Isn't she looking so grown up?  She's very concerned this year about "matching" and not in the "this is pink and so is this and so is this" way that she was when she was three.

Sometimes the world looks better this way...

Charlotte is the first of my kids that thinks looking between their legs is super funny.  She sets her self upside down and then laughs and laughs at us.  It is so sweet.  On another note, She has become a "Daddy's Girl".  I love to watch her hold Jonah and stroke his neck.  I melts my heart (his too) to have her love her daddy so.

I see you shine in your way. go on. go on. go on.

Jonah and I headed up to Troutdale last week to catch a concert on the lawn at McMenamin's.  We saw Vampire Weekend (which if you are unfamiliar with them is not a band about vampires) and had a thoroughly wonderful time despite the fact that it poured down rain for the 5 hours that we stood outside.  

The company was good.  The food was good.  Even the beer was good (Ruby is about the only beer I like).   And nothing beats a night in a hotel with the man you love and sleeping until you want to wake up.

Don't let your kids learn anything!

Me:  Okay girls, I'm going to lay down for 5 minutes.

After a few minutes...

Adrianne:  Mom, I think it's been 5 minutes.

Me (with eyes closed):  No it hasn't.

Adrianne:  Yes!  It's been 5 minutes.  I counted to 60 five times!