Moving Day

We have finally found a new house and have moved everything in. The house that we were renting had been on the market since June, and it finally sold. Given the fact that we received our 30 day notice in the last month of Fall Term, right before Christmas, I was not too excited about this new adventure. Luckily, Pieter found a nice new house that is very close to our old one. This location will make it easy for me to take classes at the Rock Creek PCC Campus, which is just up the road. We are still getting settled in, but things are calming down. I will post pictures of our new place once we finish unpacking. Until then, here is a video of Oliver, Olivia, and Kara.

Olivia and Kara thought I was taking a picture, so they are posing for the camera. They are so silly.

Thanksgiving

The three camo boys

We spent Thanksgiving with some of Pieter's family in Portland. Oliver loved seeing his cousins, E.C. and Kees. He also liked seeing the dog and cat that were at the house. After having a delicious meal, we took a walk up to Mount Tabor Park. It was quite a walk, especially because we had to carry Oliver without the backpack (1/2 mile, mostly uphill). This was a particularly cold day, so we did not stay at the park for very long. When we were finished, I took Oliver over to Cassadi's house to visit with my family for a little while. There, Oliver got to see two more cousins, making the day a big event for him.

"Oh no, I've been caught red handed."

Children's Museum

To Celebrate Kara's 2nd birthday, Oliver and I went to the Children's Museum with Cassadi, Frank, Olivia and Kara. Oliver needed a little time to warm up, but once he got the hang of it he loved exploring all of the play areas. He especially enjoyed pushing a shopping cart in the grocery store. He also loved just walking around and breaking in his new shoes (his first real pair). We can't wait to come back.

Oliver vs. the duck

Staring Contest

On Friday, Oliver and I took the Max out to Ikea. He was very excited when we got off the train because the store is right next to the Portland Airport. He loved to see the huge planes above us and said, "Woo", every time one went by. We went to Ikea so that I could get Oliver a small table and chair set. We also found some real kitchen items for him to play with (he really enjoys "mixing" with an empty bowl and spoon). He is getting a kick out of the table and chairs, even though the chairs are still a bit too big for him. (Somehow, I think the duck won their staring contest...)

Happy Halloween

EC and Kees pay Ollie a visit

Yesterday Oliver was visited by his two cousins Emery Crispin and Kees! They came all the way from Sheridan and had a great time playing with each other and running around the house.

Trying to walk

Oliver has decided that it is time to graduate from walking on his knees, to walking on his feet. He was very determined to get it right, but as you can see it was exhausting. He still prefers his knees, but I can see him running in the near future.

Taking a Ride

A few days ago Oliver thought it would be a good idea to empty out a drawer and use it as a means of personal transportation. Unfortunately the high price of pretend-gas prevented him from getting very far.

Asleep on the job

Sorry there haven't been many posts lately. We have been very busy - taking naps! I blame the heat, of course, but it probably has a lot more to do with laziness. As you can see, Oliver is no slouch, he's been hitting the books hard. So hard he knocked himself out.

Cassadi and Frank's Wedding

Cassadi and Frank's wedding was on Saturday and it was a wonderful day! Cassadi looked beautiful and it was exciting to see them very much in love. Joseph was also very handsome as the ring bearer (his suit from India came in handy). The event was at my aunt Lea's house and the delicious wedding cake was made by my cousin Carrie. The pictures that we took can be seen here. I hope to get more from other people soon.

What a big boy!

Oliver's one year check-up was yesterday. It's amazing to see how much he has grown. He now weighs 21 lbs., 11 oz and is 31 inches tall. He has come a long way in the past year.

Oliver's First Birthday Party

We had Oliver's first birthday party yesterday and it was a wonderful day! Pieter's brother Andrew and sister in law Katherine Jane came by with their two sons, EC and Kees. They live about 50 miles from us and we do not get to see them very often. (Unfortunately, we did not get pictures before they left...) We had lots of good food: homemade hummus (lots of garlic and kalamata olives) with garlic naan, layered bean dip with blue corn and sesame tortilla chips, banana cakes and brownies. Kara even tried to feed Oliver some bean dip. Joseph and Olivia were a big help: entertaining Oliver and Kara, helping Oliver open presents, putting together new toys. It was wonder to have so many people that I love in the same room. (This is kind of an opening act for next weekend's event, Cassadi and Frank's wedding). You can see all of the pictures from the day here.

Oliver's cake was really cute, but he did not really care for the blueberry cream cheese frosting that I put on it. After he had a fresh banana (and calmed down), he devoured a plain banana cake.

The cakes were in the shape of a star. This made them really easy for his little hands to handle.

Choo, Choo!

Kara helped Oliver try out his new toys.

Kristyn's Graduation

My youngest sister, Kristyn, just finished completing her GED classes and exams. Her graduation was on Thursday, so Oliver and I headed out to Mount Hood Community College to attend the ceremony. It was wonderful to see her hard work pay off. She is planning entering the Accounting/Business Administration Program at Everest College in Portland, along with one of my other sister's, Cassadi. I am incredibly proud of Kristyn!

Happy First Birthday, Sweetie!

NaNa

Oliver's favorite food right now is a banana. When he wants one, or sees one, he will ask for it by name: NaNa. It is so freakin' cute. Watch as he makes this one disappear.

Olzilla, Baby-Lord of the Baby-Wasteland

The mighty Olzilla looks on benignly as his attendant Teletubby minions offer praise.

Hard-Drinkin' Baby

The funny thing is, when you try to pull it out of his mouth he won't let go. He's got a jaw like a pit bull and he isn't afraid to use it. I have bite marks all over to attest to that.

Oliver the Diaper Head

The other day I thought to myself "Gosh, you know what would be hilarious? Putting a diaper on Oliver's head!"

I was right, it was hilarious.

At first he didn't mind having a G Diaper on his head, but then he started to get annoyed with it. Or maybe he noticed I kept laughing at him and taking photographs.

Handsome Young Men

This is an outfit that I found in in India. It fits Joseph perfectly. He is so handsome.

Oliver is wearing a Kufi, which I picked up outside Haji Ali Dargah.

Joseph is busy reading a comic book.

Mealtimes are fun when Joseph is holding the spoon!

Funny Monkey

Joseph received a package from Haley, Isabelle and Sophia while I was in India. Inside were some cute Korean stickers and pencils, two Korean coins, a letter from Haley and this wonderful mask. Masks like this are a very necessary item in South Korea because of the pollution and yellow dust. We will be sure to pack it when we visit!

The weather has taken a turn for the nice here in Portland over the past few days, so today I decided to let Oliver play outside for a bit.

He really enjoys digging through the grass to find dead leaves. Of course he tries to eat them. But I haven't found any in his diapers. Not yet.

Gathering at Leah's house

On Saturday, we went to a barbecue at Leah's house. It was a beautiful day and everyone had a wonderful time. The highlights of the day were: Seeing Ellie and Oliver together. Pretty soon they will be running around and getting each other in trouble. Seeing Joseph play with a dog. The Parkers got a dog recently and Joseph has been hesitant to visit because of it. It was great to see him playing catch with Cody. Joseph even rubbed him on the back to say goodbye when we were leaving.

Oliver and Ellie (with Danica and Judah)

Joseph playing catch with Cody.

Kyle and his friend Plank.

Oliver, you better lay off the grass.

April's photos

I have uploaded photos from April to my Picasa Web Album. Click here to see them!

Check out this website

Click here to see a familiar face.

Saturday ~ the 14th ~ Market

Joseph, Oliver and I took the Max downtown yesterday for a little adventure. We met up with Denise and Josh (Jr.) at the PSU Farmer's Market. We stayed there long enough to buy some cheese, then we made our way down to Pioneer Courthouse Square to catch a Max to Saturday Market. We came across R2-D2 on our way there.

R2-D2 is now a mail box in disguise

When we got down to Skidmore Fountain, we met up with my Dad, Cassadi, Frank, Olivia, and Kara. It was a beautiful day and we made our way through the many vendors and without spending any money. With an adult to kid ratio of 1:1, it was a challenge to maneuver through the crowd at times as it seemed like everyone was downtown.

A busy day at Saturday Market

Joseph, Oliver and I stayed downtown for a while after everyone else decided to head home. Joseph was enjoying taking pictures and videos of everything while we were shopping in Pioneer Place. At times it was hard to keep up with him (especially because Oliver was on my back). I can't understand where he gets all of his energy from.

A quick snack

I got a little break while nursing Oliver outside one of Joseph's favorite stores, The Fossil Cartel. The woman that runs the store was very nice to friendly. She even took some pictures of Joseph and asked him to e-mail one to her so she can put it online.

Inside a cave (in the store)

Posing with amethyst

Of all the pictures that Joseph took yesterday, this one is by far my favorite. After a couple of takes, he was able to shoot this great photo of himself.

The Legendary Joseph