Fun Day With Grandma

 I got the kids last night for a sleep-over.  Kristin left today for a business trip to Germany and Casey was helping a friend move.  Carson was in need of a haircut, so with his mom's approval, we went to a barber shop in beautiful-downtown-TROUTDALE.  What a quaint little street right along the river with lots of fun shops, restaurants and other things to capture our attention.  This was an old-time Barber shop, complete with very old chairs and cash register.  (and a few old dudes waiting for a cut!) 

 These cute old guys were cheering Carson on -- and giving him lots of fun compliments.  They were even envious of the tootsie pop he got when he was done! 

 When it came to the final touches, he wasn't sitting still enough, so her colleague helped hold his head still! 

Then we walked around downtown. 

"No Ruby, you can't ride the elk!" 

From a short distance off I could see "BOB".  My mouth started to salivate and I was in heaven to think there really really was a BOB'S BIG BOY hamburger place right there in Troutdale. 

Imagine my utter disappointment when I realized it was only an antique shop selling Bob.
 (Is my favorite childhood restaurant icon an antique???) 

Then as we kept walking through town we came across a very small farmer's market and train museum.  This old Union Pacific caboose was the only train on site and we were given a private tour by Hailey -- who was 7.  I think her grandma ran the museum.  It was rather small inside, with these lockers and below a refrigerator and sink. 

 

This was the stove that kept the caboose man warm in winter.  I'm not sure Carson and Ruby were as impressed as I was to be in this old caboose! 

Then we continued on our adventure to Glenn Otto Community Park, right next to Sandy River. 

Love this guy's new haircut.  (actually I just love this guy to pieces!)

Miss Ru was determined to follow her brother UP the slide -- but after 3 attempts she didn't make it.  He, on the other hand, made it up the first try  (such a difference between this boy and this girl!)  If you click on the picture of Ruby's attempt to go up the slide you will see such determination on her little face! 

We found the trail that led down to the river and sandy beach, complete with lifeguards that gave out free life jackets to kids playing in the water.  She told us that there have been so many people get into trouble because of the current of the river, that people don't realize till they are caught up in it.  I was surprised that this small patch of river had two lifeguards on duty. (They had on full wet suits because of how cold the water is and if they have to rescue someone, they don't want to get hypothermia themselves while rescuing) We were not prepared to find a beach, so I told the kids we would come back another day with bathing suits, shovels and pails.  They played for about 15 min. and were OK with leaving. 

My conversation with Ruby as we started walking down the trail ...

 "Grandma Julee, I'm scared!" 

"What are you scared of Ruby Grace?"

"I'm scared of the tall grass!"

"What scares you about the tall grass?"

"I don't know!"

Needless to say, she held my hand tight for a while, then big brother started pointing out fun things to see and I got away from her grip to take the photo.  She is so lucky to have Carson as her brother -- I'm sure in years to come he will continue to look out for her.     

The kids can talk about all kinds of "rescue vehicles" and tell you what they are used for.  We even heard and saw 3 of them going by on the bridge as we were on this beach.    But this is the first time they saw a "rescue kayak!" that belonged to the lifeguards.   

We will be back someday soon!  The lifeguard said the water is very cold because it is run-off from the Sandy Glacier on Mt. Hood. 

One more shot of the cute hair cut that I took at home, wearing his Super-C cape.  Such a cute little man he is growing up to be!  Love you Buddy-Boo

4th of July With the Family

 Finally some nice weather to enjoy the 4th of July.  The kids LOVED the corn on the cob and ate every kernal of it! 

Below they are singing "Happy Birthday to YOU, America" before they ate their red, white and blue dessert (that they had been talking about ALLLLLLLL day.)   It was yummy pound cake with vanilla ice cream, raspberries and blueberries -- very colorful and delicious! 

God Bless America -- land that I LOVE! 

A Walk/Run In The Park

 Rachael and I took the kids to a close by park (not with play equipment) to feed the ducks.  Well, there wasn't one duck available to eat our food.  We think they were hiding because it was the 4th of July!!!  So we decided to run Carson around the park to get out some energy -- which he gladly did.  Ruby isn't quite the runner as her big brother -- we say she is a mosier (she likes to mosie!)  Carson ran the entire perimeter of the park and ran right into Nanny Rach's open, waiting arms. 

 That small red dot is Carson! 

 Ruby takes time to smell the flowers! 

Come on Lil Ru......



Painting Rocks With Nanny Rach

 Rachael drove down for the 4th of July.  The kids were delighted to see her again.  She has been such a significant part of their lives -- and we joke about them calling her "Nanny Rach" for the rest of their lives! 

On our walk this morning we picked up some fun rocks that we wanted to paint. It was a super fun project they enjoyed. We later used the painted rocks as our table decorations for our July 4th bar-b-que. 

 It wasn't enough for Ruby to paint with one brush! 

4th of July

 We had taken a walk -- Carson rode his hot-wheel.  We paused to look at Fairview Lake.  Just then a police car drove by and the kids waved to him.  He stopped and said "would you like a sticker?"  Wow, who wouldn't???  He stopped his squad car on the bridge, put on his lights and came over to give the kids stickers.  That was such a huge treat for them.  (such a thoughtful policeman -- who is probably a Daddy). 

 Carson immediately put the stickers on his hot-wheel, and said "Grandma Julee, my bike is now a police car!" 

Thank you Fairview Police for being so kind to children!