Meyer Family Times

Brice Creek Falls

2012-02-25T00:27:00.001-08:00

As it turns out, it rains a lot in Oregon. And since we are blessed with but one day every other week to spend together as a family, we do not have the luxury of being fair-weather adventurers! So once again we found ourselves happily damp among the mosses and ferns of the enchanting underbrush as we set out on Brice Creek Trail to get up close and personal with the Upper Brice Creek Falls, a long time favorite. We were treated to an amazing spectacle when we turned the corner to find the falls, usually dropping peacefully over the cliffs with the pressure of a pleasant shower, positively pounding thousands of extra gallons of winter water into the pool below. Norah was truly terrified... and rightfully so... it was, let's just say, intense. Amazing. Breathtaking. And I was holding on to her just as tight as she was holding on to me! Needless to say, another successful family adventure!

Classic Oregon Moment.

A Girl and her Dog.

Having a mid-trail picnic by the tiny waterfall!

Norah is saying 'Cheese'... just not really feeling it!

I am gathering quite the collection of these photos,

and honestly, I can not get enough!

FLASHBACK:

Norah and I enjoying the peaceful proximity last October.

FLASHBACK 2: Greg taking in the falls

Flash Forward to present:

So that's where all the rain goes!!!

Up Close and Personal!

Awe-inspiring.

Exhilarating.

Amazing.

Captivating.

Rejuvenating.

A Trip to Heceta Hill

2012-02-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

The weather forecast, while a bit misleading, inspired us to venture west to the coast. We opted for the cover of the shore pines to the wide open exposure of the beach, and it proved quite a treat.

"Into the tree tunnel!" says Norah

Into the misty forest

Snack break

This princess wears hiking boots!

My loves

Norah and her sidekick!

Heceta Head was currently out of commission for a little face lift, but still holds that undeniable lighthouse romance.

Beautiful in any weather!

The beaches were white with foam!

Puddle jumper

We couldn't resist the beaches completely!

Another successful family adventure day!

Winter Adventuring!

2012-01-31T00:30:00.001-08:00

The only thing that our winter has been lacking thus far has been... not surprisingly... SNOW! So we set out to find some and found ourselves at a familiar favorite destination. Sahalie and Koosah Falls were just beautiful in their snow glow. The water was glacier blue and the spray from the falls made sweet little rainbows when the sun peaked out. The crisp mountain air, the crunch of the snow beneath our feet and the pounding roar of the wild McKenzie River invigorated our spirits and chased away any trace of the winter blues!

Sayin "Hi!" from the top of Koosah Falls

My little snow bunny! Norah did really great!

This was a tough hike for someone with such little legs!

Fun family shot!

This one may end up on the mantle!

Sahalie Falls in her winter wonder state!

Norah and Sahalie

Snow bunnies!

The McKenzie was just raging!

Love this!

The head of Koosah Falls... a long way down!

Someone is starting to smile for pictures!

Koosah Falls. Beautiful. Just beautiful.

Norah flirts with a slippery slope!

Magical Mystery Land!

Carmen Reservoir, where the adventure began and ended!

Norah got a kick out of the geese walking on the ice

Feeling so really nice after a healthy dose of fresh air!

Norah's First Day of School

2012-01-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

Norah has been growing in leaps and bounds lately! It's so exciting to watch! She is so interested in the world around her and is positively fearless and fascinated at any opportunity to interact with the world at large. She loves meeting new people and trying new things. Whether we are swimming, bouncing, hiking or eating out, she is drawn like a moth to a flame to other kids, walking right up and handing them one of the toys she invariably is toting around. So we figured it's time to put those skills and interests to good use and ship her off to school. So for three hours a day, two days a week Norah spends her time singing old songs I had nearly forgotten, practicing her number and letters and crafting up art projects that I have not been brave enough to attempt at home. She calls her classmates "my kids", and the only time she ever gets upset is when we come to pick her up! She has gotten good reports from her teachers in regard to listening and attention span.

I can't believe how much our little girl is growing up!

And we couldn't be more proud!

Norah all geared up for her big day!

Kentucky Falls

2012-01-09T00:57:00.000-08:00

These days we get a full family day / date night once every two weeks so we try to make the most of it and have an adventure, mini as it may be. We started off the year with a trip to Kentucky Falls on a surprisingly dry day.

Norah caught a ride on Daddy's shoulders

Trail Princess

Upper Kentucky Falls

Takin it in

Just so lovely

Yeah. We're pretty awesome together.

Can't wait to add one more to the mix!

Love hikin with my sweet girl!

My loves

Happy Hikers

Go Wisco!

2012-01-06T20:24:00.000-08:00

We were all decked out for the Rose Bowl after a Christmas visit from Bucky the Badger

The Cheer Squad

Bummer of a way to end the season Wisco...

but there's always next year!

Who wants a treat!?

Norah Rings In Another Wonderful Year!

2011-12-31T11:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas with Gaga was just the beginning of our happy holidays! Norah's birthday and New Years still held many merry memories to enjoy! Gaga worked hard to refurnish our house while she was here... needless to say, she left her mark! Norah scored with a brand new big girl desk and a sweet storage shelf (to help make room for another little one... and get the toys out of the living room!!) It was a wonderfully mellow and memorable week! Norah had a wonderful birthday (in spite of catching a bit of a respiratory bug!) And Mom and I finished off the year with a performance of Carmen, our first proper opera experience!

Norah was a good helper at building her new bedroom furniture

Norah and Gaga play peek-a-boo on her new upside-down desk!

My girl.

We got out for a little hike in Oregon's liquid environment!!

Norah got a new organizing shelf for her birthday...

can you spy the little birthday girl peeking out?!

Norah started her birthday off at her favorite place in the world... Bounce!

With her good friend Mia!

Norah loves to catch some air!

Bouncing beauties!

Norah and Mia were a great team at opening presents!

Norah catches a ride in her baby's stroller!

Gaga was there with the assist to blow out three big girl candles!

Norah ate her cupcake like a good little puppy!

SUGAR!!!!

Silly girls

Home for the Holidays!

2011-12-28T00:05:00.000-08:00

We got the best gift ever this Christmas... a visit from Gaga! There's nobody who better embodies the holiday spirit than Gaga and we were so blessed that she came all the way out here to share it with us this year! It was a warm and rainy holiday, the kind that makes you say "I can't believe it's Christmas... it doesn't feel like Christmas!" But with Gaga in the house it felt like a true holiday!

Sean and Kelsey came over to help us trim our tree and indulge in a traditional Tofurky Christmas dinner. The Packers came through with yet another win... making it even more of a holiday for Greg! It was mellow and far from showy, but full of the genuine moments that you share best with those you love. I love a low stress, mellow holiday. Food, family and egg nog... what more could you ask for!?

Gaga and Norah found the perfect tree on Christmas Eve, right after Gaga got into town!

Uncle Sean and Auntie Kelsey came over to help us trim the tree. Norah and Kelsey made a lovely garland to grace the tree.

Santa Came!

Just missing the cookies... we'll have to remeber that next year!

Norah dives in to her first present on Christmas morning...

a family, complete with a Gaga, for her new dollhouse!

Can anybody guess Greg's Christmas wish?!

Uncle Sean and Auntie Kelsey made sure that Bishop got a well deserved treat!

Norah made gingerbread houses with Gaga and Auntie Kelsey. It was only a matter of time before their inevitable demise!

Architecture at it's tastiest!

It was such a special treat to have Gaga here for Christmas!

Way better than snow!

Next year we'll have another little star for our Christmas photo!

What an exciting gift!

Chicago Christmas

2011-12-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

We got in the holiday spirit early this year with a visit to Papa and Dede's new home outside of Chicago! This is Norah's first Christmas with Papa and Dede, and the first time I have spent Christmas with Dad in over ten years! I'd say we did a good job of making up for lost time! Norah had lots of firsts on this trip and felt right at home at Papa and Dede's house. The McGregor family made it over to celebrate too! We missed Greg alot on this trip, still hoping our schedules will change soon! It was a wonderful holiday and just goes to show that the best part about the holiday is gathering with family and ones you love... the date is just a minor detail!

The first order of business was to get the tree trimmed up and looking good!

Norah's ready to put the star on

Papa gave Norah a boost to top the tree

Papa helps with the fine tuning

Dede and Norah get the ornaments ready!

Time to get the ornaments on!

Tree trimmed and ready for action!

The best present anyone could put under a tree!

Papa and Dede with their girl on Navy Pier looking back on the beautiful Chicago skyline.

Quite a Christmas tree!

Norah catches a ride through Toyland

Norah's first Merry-go-round ride!

She loved it and went on it again and again!

Norah and I took a train ride around Toyland together

Norah was a little animal on this inflatable slide! She was just shy of the height requirement and so I went down with her the first time... and it was mildly terrifying! Fortunately they let the height thing 'slide' and she went crazy!

Norah had her first visit with Santa. She was a little shy, but she did tell him what she wanted for Christmas!

Becca and Scott and the lovely Miss Rozlyn came up to celebrate the holiday, making it feel like a proper Christmas. The girls were dressed to impress in their tutus!

Norah showed Roz all of her zoo buddies

Getting some big sister practice in

Bath time for little girls

Norah got her first ever haircut after this bath.

Goofy Girl

Mama and her girl... so sweet!

Our upside-down girl

Two peas in a pod!

Rozlyn stood up on her own for the first time!

She'll be walkin before we know it!

Rozlyn gets cozy with Papa

Somebody got what she wanted for Christmas!

Papa and his dancing Santa hat!

We went to the Brookfield Zoo to look at the lights and see some wild life!

The weather was just perfect for the polar bears!

Christmas card quality!

We all got a special treat and got to see the dolphin show!

It was a great way to end a great holiday!

Feeling Festive

2011-12-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

We kicked off the holiday spirit this year with a trip up to Portland to visit the Daby clan. Liz and Neil came to town and Brett and Daynia hosted a wonderful family dinner. Christmas trees and twinkle lights were everywhere and Norah just loved looking at them! We also treated ourselves to a dip in the warm pool at the McMineman's Kennedy School where Norah got to show off her fearless swimming skills! It was a great visit and put us solidly into the holiday spirit. We are just so excited for the rest of the holiday season to get in full swing!

Norah snacks out with Uncle Brett

I love gathering around the holidays!

Story Time

The kids watched A Christmas Story

Jon and Wilson dress up their tree

Norah plays a game with Wilson and Liz

Bishop the pink nosed reindeer!

Oh Bishop... your such a good dog...

maybe you'll get a treat from Santa after all!

Silly reindeer!

It's a Baby!

2011-12-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

We got a sneak peak at the little one due this March 28th! We are happy to report that it has ten fingers, ten toes and there is only one!! Everything looks to be as it should! We are keeping it a mystery as to whether this little one will wear pink or blue! So start your baby pools! Only fifteen weeks to go!

Blowing bubbles!

This one is getting ready to come out feet first... just like his or her sister!

Oh Baby!

Sneak peak!

This little one looks a lot like Norah did at her ultrasound!

"Hi!"

Breath of Fresh Air!

2011-12-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

As fall turns to winter and the sun seems to set before I can finish my morning cup of coffee getting outside for an adventure is a special treat. Norah is at her best (and so are Greg and I) when we get a healthy dose of fresh air. Here are some highlights from a couple of our winter adventures around town.

Armatige Park is a great place for a quick fresh air fix. Its super close, right along the Willamette River, it's never populated and the trees are beautiful!

Norah hunts for table mushrooms on these picnic tables that have been taken over by moss and mushrooms over the decades of rain they have endured.

Norah takes a break from throwing rocks into the river

A family of table mushies!

The Oregon Tree Monkey!

I just love these trees! It may be winter, but they are still so green and lively!

Sweet girl

Misty fall day... so lovely!

Fabulous fall color

Another one of our favorite places to go is Spencer's Butte. Greg and Norah have had quite a few hikes up to the top, this was my first this season! It was such a treat to have a family hike, they are all to rare these days!

Soaking up some rare rays of sunshine!

Norah is never without her sparkle skirt these days!

Bishop catches a sunbeam!

Trailblazers

BIG mushroom!

Positively enchanting

Did I mention that this forest is enchanted?!

Daddy's girl

Norah pulls Daddy up the scramble to the top

Now who's pullin who!?

Queen of the Mountain!

Mountain top snack time

So happy together!

Such a perfect winter day!

Though I could use a little dusting of snow!

Giving Thanks

2011-11-25T01:12:00.000-08:00

This year we had a wonderful thanksgiving with wonderful friends. There was plenty to be thankful for this year! One of our most exciting blessings is that we are, for those of you who may not know, expecting a new addition this spring! And everything is looking good! It was a treat to share this day with so many friends who we count as blessings!

Norah snuggles up with her Auntie Catherine

We got the day started early with the Packers vs the Lions!

Eric and Catherine were representing the Lions!

Sorry guys...

Ta DA!!!

Ellyn and I created a feast for quite a crew!

The tell tale sign of a successful Thanksgiving feast!

A Walk on the Wild Side

2011-11-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

We recently got to spend one of our few days off as a family up in Portland. We took a trip to the Portland Zoo, which was great! The rain kept the crowds at bay, so we practically had the place to ourselves! Norah just loved looking at all the animals, the elephants were by far her favorite. And word is that there is going to be a new baby elephant due around the new year! We'll have to make another trip up for that!

We were greeted by mountain goats

Norah measures up in wild spirit...

but not quite as close in inches!

Norah got to meet a couple of her distant cousins!

They have so much in common!

"Dumbo! Look Mama! It's Dumbo!!"

Mama elephant and her one year old baby

After our adventures at the zoo we warmed up in the luxury of a king suite at the McMineman's Kennedey School! Norah loved jumpin on the bed and swimming in the outdoor warm pool!

Norah got to hang out and swim with her cousin, Wilson... so much silliness!

Katie and John's Big Day!

2011-11-21T22:04:00.000-08:00

The coming of fall brought on the much anticipated union of Katie to her John. I love my Katie as a sister and could not be happier for her and her Lou as they welcome a most amazing man into their lives. It was a beautiful day to celebrate a beautiful love!

Congratulations and Blessings my Loves!

Beautiful Bridie!

And the Lovely Lou!

Norah gets geared up for the big show!

Any bets on how long she stayed all white?!

(The answer may surprise you!)

Happy Family

Katie and her Ladies!

(Norah could not be torn away from Lou's side... it was precious!)

Norah did so well walking down the isle with Lou...

and even sitting through the ceremony!

Doesn't Lou look like such a little lady!

Making a sandwich for Daddy

Norah made sure that everyone was fed before the big ceremony!

You better hydrate Auntie Kellee... it's gonna be a long night!

Ding! Ding! Ding! Goes the trolley!

Naturally our first trolley stop was...

So sweet!

Most of the maids after a post trolley touch-up!

Norah takes a power nap to gear up for all the dancing you know she's gonna do!

I love that I'm married to this man!!

The Johnston Ladies

Norah and Lou cut many a rug that night!

My Girl.

B n' E

The maids being a little less honorable!

Gettin goofy with Uncle Eric and Auntie B!

The Johnston ladies let loose!

Silly family fun!

Minneapolis Times

2011-11-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

On the second leg of our trip we settled down in Minneapolis. We got to have some great of family time (though it's never really enough). Gaga and Becca and I took the girls to Minnetonka Orchards where we had the place to ourselves and a few goats and chickens!

Auntie Becca and Uncle Scott with the girls

Norah and Rozlyn had lots of fun playing with all of their Mama's old toys that Gaga saved for just this reason!

Kids and kids... so sweet!

Rozlyn is very interested in the chickens

Norah checks out the foul of the farm

Gammy and Rozlyn

Gaga with her grandies!

Even puppy gets his own swing!

Norah takes her puppy for a ride down the slide!

Classy caboose!

It was so wonderful to have all the Minneapolis family at one table!

Photographer swap out!

Bella and Norah spent the better part of the evening sliding down the stairs and laughing up a storm!

Lil Nico is ready to join in the fun!

After 20 minutes of sliding down the stairs together Bella and Norah were best buds!

We hit up French Park on an especially sunny fall day. Norah just loved the maze of nets... lil monkey she is!

Back in the Field

2011-11-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

We headed back home for yet another whirlwind tour of the Midwest... I'm beginning to believe that the whirlwind effect is nearly impossible to avoid! We celebrated Halloween in Marshfield with the Meyer clan. It was great to have everyone together again!

These two are just like sisters!

They pick up right where they left off every time!

We went for a walk out at the Mead, an incredible preserve where Steve spent time volunteering, building a boardwalk. Sue is arranging a lovely memorial bench along the boardwalk. A place to sit and reflect on the quiet beauty that surrounds us, just as Steve would have us do.

Such a little buddy!

The Mead has an even more special place in our hearts. Going there is a way we will always be able to tap into Gimpa's peaceful spirit.

Riding in style!

This girl loves to be upside-down!

The Meyers at the Mead

Our little energizer bunny (the glasses and shades were very short lived!)

Don't you get any ideas about taking this bunny's candy!

Sugar glazed daze

These two win best costume!

Jungle Gym Queens! Norah got to the top with me... without any help! Such a monkey!

Sweet swingin times

Norah and Nana make such a great team

Feeding the swans at the zoo

Lynx watching

Aurelia made a wild little friend!

Sweet silly cousins

So happy together!

Lone Pine Farms

2011-10-19T00:12:00.000-07:00

My favorite fall tradition has been going to Lone Pine Farms. They have a sweet little petting zoo, horse-drawn hay rides to the pumpkin patch, a huge playground, a corn maze and of course, lots of fun fall treats to indulge in! Norah loves going there and seeing all the animals!

Norah loved feeding the goats! They had a pulley system so you could feed the goats on the ramps and they would just come runnin when they heard that little cup clinkin its way to the top!

The baby goats were Norah's favorite... naturally!

She was very sweet and gentle with them...

once she got used to them!

Feeding goats can be an overwhelming job!

After we made sure the goats all had fully bellies we took a horse-drawn hay ride out to the pumpkin patch. Norah got front row seats!

So many to choose from!

A classic ride to a fun fall tradition!

This year we opted for apples over pumpkins!

So delicious!

The Nature of Norah

2011-09-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

As the season's turn we are trying to take advantage of every dry day and splash of sunshine we can get! Norah loves to get outside and is a great inspiration to me on the not so nice days!

Our little beach bum!

We are never short of friends to join in our adventures!

Norah is quite the hiker... she ran much of the Brice Creek trail... three and a half miles!

The upper falls at Brice Creek!

Who doesn't love a waterfall you can go behind?!

This lizard was catching an end-of-the-season sun bath... as were we!

Hunting for tiny mushrooms!

Enjoying a break in the rain

A stick for Bishop... or for Norah doggie?!

Hiking the North Alpine trail with Mama

The Slug Princess... and her trusty pink pig!

Norah found a 'family' of tiny mushrooms

This one's for you Nana Sue!

Sneaking an apple snack on the bank

I love my little explorer!

The Silver Lining: Part Two

2011-08-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

In coming back for Steve's memorial we were also able to sneak some quality time in with the Johnston side! Mom, Becca, Scott and even baby Rozlyn all came to Marshfield to help out and spend time with family. It was great to have all the support and the kiddos did a great job of lightening the mood.

Rozlyn is growing up so fast! Look at those bright eyes!

I couldn't help myself... I just love this shot... I think this is how Norah is gonna feel when she becomes a big sister (in March!!!)

Norah loves Chloe the Kitty and Gaga taught her how to be sweet and gentle so that the kitty won't run away!

The Johnston ladies with their little ladies

Gammy's girl

The McGregors

One for the family picture wall

I just love this shot! So precious!

Still not too old to fall asleep in Gaga's arms. She was so tired after running around the playground at Gimpa's memorial.

Norah is perhaps past the age appropriate window for the Johny-Jump-Up, but that's not stopping her!

Also a great workout for mama!

Norah got a special treat and was even able to sneak in a visit with Auntie Kaite and her Lou (ever since Hawaii Norah has called Lou "My Lou"... she loves her so much!)

Ring around the rosey!

General goofiness and rough-housing!

So good to be all together!!!

The Silver Lining

2011-08-24T23:55:00.000-07:00

The silver lining of any great loss is that it brings together those who are left in it's wake. After we got home from our adventure with Steve, we turned right around and flew out to Wisconsin. And while there was an obvious void in the company, the memories were still warm and full of the kind of love that gets you through the toughest of times.

Mama and her boy... this one just grows like a little weed!!

Norah and Aureila didn't waste any time having the most fun they possibly could!

I got to be with my girl and my two favorite nieces... at the same time!

That's a frisbee.. not a hat... or is it...??

Nelson took his first steps while we were all at Nana Sue's house. His Gimpa would be so proud!

Fresh corn on the cob... is there anything better?!

"Nap" time... yeah right!

Who's drivin this thing anyway!?

A preview of the slideshow for Steve's memorial. So many good memories... to the tune of harmonica music... naturally!

Greg with Pete and Margaret and Mary and Gary

The Meyer Sisters: Mary, Judy, Kay and Jane

Greg's extended family

The Fox Family

Connor and Lilly, so sweet!

Gina grabs Nelson for a snuggle.

The Meyer Family

Sue had such an amazing show of support from her truly amazing friends.

We spent an afternoon out on Eddie's farm to visit Aurelia's pony (yes, Aurelia has a pony!), Millie. At first Norah just wanted to hold the pony's 'leash'.

But after a while she warmed up to the idea of riding with Aurelia.

We headed to Sturgeon Bay for a quick weekend Ben and Lori and Aurelia and Nelson. One of our favorite destinations was visiting The Farm. You could get a bottle to feed the baby goats... Norah just loved it!

Nelson was a fan too!

There were barn cats a plenty!

Some of them weren't quick enough to escape Norah's grasp!

The girls in a classic ride.

Aurelia, the baby chick whisperer!

Doin some push ups!

Grandma Fox sponsored an epic carbo load for the Meyer brothers before they did the 'Race around the Lake" (Winnegabo) in honor of Steve. Greg rode Steve's bike and smoked a cigarette across the finish line... Steve would be so proud!

Grandma Fox scores some story time with Aurelia

Grandma Fox and her Fox-Meyer Great-Grandies!

Norah sneaks a snuggle

Take good notes Norah, next time you're cookin!

Norah gives Nana Sue a hand in the garden.

We couldn't leave without sampling some of Nana's fresh picked corn! Simply amazing!

2011-08-17T23:42:00.000-07:00

We are all so very blessed to have had the time that we did with Steve. When someone so precious is so suddenly taken away from us it is impossible not to dwell on all that you have lost. But at the same time we can be thankful for all of the truly amazing moments that we were able to share him. If we look at every memory with Steve, with Gimpa, as the gift that it is, the brilliant abundance makes it hard to feel loss. Thank you, Steve, for the wealth of love and laughter you have given us. Your legacy lives on in the many lives you touched.

Stephen Charles Meyer

November 29th, 1949 - August 9th, 2011

Gimpa's Last Adventure

2011-08-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

There are times in life when we don't realize the precious weight of those simple everyday moments we take for granted. Our Idaho camping trip with Steve was one of those times. This trip was the last trip we would ever take with our beloved Gimpa. There are no words for the depth of this loss. These memories are more precious than ever... and if there is one thing that Steve gave us all plenty of, it's wonderful memories.

Feeding the ducks at Alton Baker Park in Eugene.

Grilled Cheese is good for ducks... right?!

Gimpa and Norah settle in for our first night of camping at Hell's Gate State Park in Lewiston, Idaho. It was a long drive... but we made it in time for a wonderful sunset!

We went in search of petroglyphs and I lead the crew up a cactus-riddled slope having sworn that I saw them... only to discover that it was just very creatively splattered bird poop. Oops!

Steve still took the opportunity to take in the scenery... which was quite lovely overlooking the Snake River.

One cool cat!

Gimpa and Norah built quite the fortress of sand castles!

So many sand castles... under a full moon... and on a sunny day?!

Here are the real petroglyphs... I'd like to see a bird pull that off mid flight!!

Norah was amazed at Gimpa's juggling! He really knew how to put on a show!

Gimpa taught Norah a thing or two about hand-eye coordination. His genuine patience, interest and love in his children and grandchildren was one of Steve's most beautiful legacies.

The top of the Spiral Highway, overlooking Idaho, Washington and Oregon

Love this shot so much it hurts.

Born to be wild

I stole a spin with Steve on our last day together in Farragut State Park...

he went 35 miles per hour (tops!) and I was holding on for dear life! It was exhilerating! Steve said he loved feeling like he was right in the middle of things on his bike. A part of the landscape. Like seeing the world in surround sound. (And speaking of surround sound... Steve didn't wear headphones or blast the radio when he was riding... he jammed out to song koodies. I imagine a lot of Skinamarinky Dinky Dink :)

Thanks for the good times Steve!

You will be sorely missed.

Our last night at Hells Gate State Park we built a camp fire, which Steve was really looking forward to because he had so many 'deep thoughts to share' with us. We talked a lot about family history and his parents and what they did and how they lived. A conversation that I will always treasure. He would peek into his binoculars every now and then and spy on the lighted windows of the ritzy houses across the river. "They don't know what they're missing", he said dropping his binoculars and looking up at the star-riddled sky. "They're too busy being busy to see what's around them. People don't know how to slow down anymore. I don't understand how someone could ever be bored. People just don't know how to be still. Me? I could just sit in a chair and stare at the dust in the corner, for... ever. Watch a moth in a fire, a bee on a flower. Whatever. I can do nothing for hours and never be bored." I took this picture the day he left. Excited to share with him just how philosophically deep and affecting his thoughts truly were. His gentle wisdom will be sorely missed.

After we said 'Good-bye' to Gimpa we spend the rest of the day exploring the park and taking it easy. Norah found a great swinging spot, her favorite thing in the world is to swing. Shouting "Higher! Higher!"

Greg's all natural lake spa

Beach Nappin

Park nappin. Norah actually fell asleep for a good hour and a half... as did everyone else!

Family photo op

You may see this one on your Christmas cards...

Our little tree monkey! So happy!

Beautiful Lake Pend d'Oreille

Taking in the view at Lake Coeur d'Alene

Goofy Girls.

This was pretty much the extent of the wildlife we saw!

Sarah's Third Decade

2011-08-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

As August came, my twenties went. I rang in the coming of a new decade with a fantastic backyard bash featuring pizza and pinatas. It was a wonderful party. Our guest of honor, Gimpa, came all the way from Wisconsin to share the adventure that Greg and I had planned for the time between our birthdays. Having him here was the best birthday gift of all.

Norah was a little hesitant to tack a whack at the toucan pinata... but she liked to spectate!

Our neighbor Logan was happy to take Norah's turn!

Diane got in her batter's stance and ended the game with a bang!

It was a fond farewell to a fabulous decade!

Classmates to co-workers! We all graduated together and are now happily employed on the cardiac unit!

Enjoying the new patio

We caught bluegrass night at Sam Bond's and had a great round of Jenga... on a wobbly table!

Northwest String Summit

2011-07-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

As a last hoorah before I turn 30 next week, we took the family to the Northwest String Summit, one of the biggest bluegrass festivals in the Northwest. Five thousand people pitch their tents at the beautiful Horning Hideout for three days of banjo pickin' good times. There was music from nine in the morning till three in the morning, amazing food and craft vendors, and peacocks roaming amongst the crowd!

We tried to pack light... alas...

Our little neighborhood amongst the vast village of tents.

We camped with Jon and a few of his Portland parent pals, it was a nice mellow scene... and it was great to have others who left the show early to put kids to bed!

We took Norah for a paddle boat ride to beat the heat!

We rescued a butterfly (after Greg shot it down with the water gun!)

Norah loved having it crawl all over her as its wings dried off.

Jon and Wilson hit the water to cool off in the pond.

Hornings Hideout stock the pond with rainbow trout and you can see them jumping all over! They have fishing there, but the five osprey and three bald eagles give good competition!

10th Anniversary of the Northwest String Summit... it sold out for the first time!

The acoustic stage, a smaller more intimate scene among the trees.

Wilson catches a nap in Daynia's arms... so sweet!

Norah and Wilson entertain their caterpillar friend

The mellow mid-day party scene over in Brett and Daynia's camp, the shade was a nice reprieve from the blazing sun of our family camp!

Our precious peacock!

Did I mention that there were about forty peacocks wandering the grounds? Norah was positively enchanted by them!

Coolin off any way we can!

Mid-afternoon at the main stage. The hula-hoopers were amazing... these two are actually passing a beer while hooping... impressive!!

We played this game alot... can you find Norah?!

The only nap of the whole weekend!

Norah loved playing with the hula-hoops...

she was excited to find one just her size!

Our version of hula-hooping was a little different

Festie Family

There were lots of little ones there and Norah had no problem making herself at home!

Dancing and spinning in the hula-hoop!

The main stage in its mid-day glow!

Hee-cock! (As Norah calls them ;)

Norah and Wilson dueling light sabors... NOT swords!

Jon and Wilson and Norah settling in to catch Railroad Earth's amazing set!

The call of these peacocks would put a rooster to shame!

It's quite a way to wake up in the morning!

Norah and Wilson had a great weekend together!

They were good buddies by the time we said good-bye!

Norah loved it when the released a bunch of pink balloons during the last Yonder Mountain set on Sunday! The guy in the fuzzy hat was Conrad, they had quite the game of 'keep the balloon off the ground'!

Feeling the groove!

This cockatiel was amazing! It gave kisses and danced with its tye-dyed master like a pro! He would swing the bird upside-down and all around and it would just hang on!

The peacocks gave us a fine fanned farewell!

I took it as an omen that we should return next year!

Abbie in Oregon

2011-07-16T23:16:00.000-07:00

As our summer adventures continue to unravel, our next honored guest was Abbie, who came all the way from Osseo, Wisconsin for a five day visit in July. We packed an amazing amount of action into those five days! Even I was surprised at how much she was able to see of Oregon in such a short time.

Nautrally we started off by setting up camp at the coast...

Norah, as usual, hit the ground running!

The weather was perfect!

It was actually HOT!

Auntie Kelsey came along to make it a proper ladies camping adventure.

Norah can never get enough of her Auntie Kelsey!

Beach Bum.

This is the view from our campsite... spying on Kelsey and Abbie who billy-goated up the cliff to get back to camp!

Primo Real Estate!

My little happy camper!

Norah just LOVES to camp!

(And I love that she loves it so much!)

We had a lovely local dinner in Yachats and still made it back in time to catch the setting sun.

Such a great campsite! It was like having a balcony overlooking the ocean!

(This was the trip where Norah learned how to climb out of her pack-n-play... as you can plainly see!)

Strikin' a pose (this never happens!)

Beachcoming booty!

Next we journeyed up the the Aquarium in Newport, Oregon.

Norah had so much fun watching the seals... they put on quite a show!

She love the shark tank too! The Leopard sharks were her favorite (mine too!)

Norah took to Abbie right away. It was so fun to see!

Girls just having fun!

Abbie took Norah into a 'people bubble' in a fish tank... look at those big smiles!

The Jelly Fish, as always, are such a highlight!

They just dance!

The safest way to touch a jelly fish...

Norah got to touch a few things for real... though for the most part she was pretty hesitant.

Our last stop at the coast was at Seal Rock, my new favorite beach in Oregon.

The tide pooling was great!

And all the rocks broke the waves so it was a great place for Norah to play in the water without having to worry about sneaker waves carrying her off!

So beautiful!

Deia was a good lookout!

Norah made quite a splash in the little pools

I could have stayed there all day!

The necessary photo op of Heceta Head lighthouse

After we dried out from the coast, we headed into the woods of the foothills, along the McKenzie River for my favorite day hike ever... Sahalie and Koosah Falls

Abbie and Koosah Falls

Abbie gets a crazy close look at Sahalie Falls...

only the dogs dared follow her!

Token self-taken shot!

On of the most exhilarating river crosses you can do without a harness!

On Abbie's last day in Oregon we headed to Portland and checked out the Narnia exhibit and the planetarium OMSI, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. (Norah was so scared of the planetarium... can't really blame her... we'll have to try it again in a couple years!)

The Ice Wall in the Narnia exhibit

Abbie still looks sweet... but lethal.. with her steel weapon drawn

I have no idea who that is... but for the record... she did NOT get lice!

Norah and Greg checkin out the snakes in the live lab. They had the biggest frogs I have ever seen there... and we got to watch them eat crickets!

Thanks for such a great visit Abbie!

Hope to have you back soon!

Marshfield Takes On Oregon

2011-06-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

I knew our summer was going to fly by when one cool spring day I sat down and realized that I had every weekend planned out until the middle of September. Workin hard and playin hard... its the only way to go!

So begins the retro-blogging...

Our summer seemed to officially begin this June, when we were treated to an amazing adventure with Sue and Steve and their dear friends Barb and Terry Gillespie. They had planned out a wonderful tour de la Oregon and our little family got to go along for the ride! It was hard to tell who was hosting who! Which was a quite a treat! We had been anticipating this visit for what seems like forever and it's hard to believe it's already an amazing memory!

We spent the first evening doing a little bit of hard labor to make sure we were all deserving of this vacation (note the lovely shrubs in front of the patio!) Then we got to relax with quality company and enjoy our hard work.

The next morning we set out for Crater Lake and stopped at Watson Falls for a primo picnic spot

We stretched our legs with a hike to the falls... Norah just trucks right along, leading the pack the whole way!

Norah and Greg check out the falls

Norah sports Daddy's hat

We got to Crater Lake and checked into the amazing lodge. It was such a treat to be able to stay at such an incredible place. So much history... it was one of Teddy Roosevelt's favorite places!

Goofy girls

Tribe of Elders... so much wisdom!

Nana got the laughs rollin out of Norah with her horse impressions! So cute!

We caught a beautiful sunset...

and I kinda geeked out with the photos...

Greg, Norah and Gimpa making their way back to the lodge.

The tour de force

Crater Lake had gotten five times their normal amount of snow, which unfortunately meant that the road was closed beyond the first view point. We walked a little bit and were impressed by the towering snow drifts.

Norah passed out on our little walk... so figured it was time to pack it up and head to California (which worked out really well for me, as I only brought sandles and was having a hard time getting excited about snowshoeing in sandles... but I was ready to!)

We took a rest stop at a nature hike that was full of Darlintonia, the Oregon carnivorous pitcher plant.

Look out!! They're coming to get you!

It was fun to explore nature with the experts!

We did a quick drive through the Jedediah Smith Redwoods on our way to Crescent City. Our whistles were whet immediately.

Norah loved the view from the front seat

We got a great place in Crescent City that was right on the ocean, Norah was ready to hit the beach and get the sand between her toes!

Just look at the sun shining through those locks!

Pretend like you like each other!

Cheek to cheek!

The next morning we headed to the woods and hit the trail... Norah was all smiles!

Norah's favorite thing to do in the redwoods is to monkey around! The world truly is her playground!

The Many Meyers!

Norah made friends with a tree frog... though I think the poor thing had a concussion by the end of their little game!

Not quite the Boy Scout Tree, but very very close!

This is perhaps my favorite trail of all time... we hiked it last June with my mom... I hope we are so lucky next year!

Snack time.

My name is Tree Top and I'm higher than you'll ever be. I'm married to my roots here. Still I feel that I am free!

~ Widespread Panic ~

Feeling small beneath such majesty!

Norah was dreaming of tree frogs by the end

The view from our hotel room. Steve and Terry are on their way to collect firewood for our big beach fire later that night!

Did I say BIG beach fire!

Possibly the most hilarious group photo ever... I hit the button, grabbed Norah and ran into the plastic patio chair... which was not prepared for the momentum... the result... hilarious!!

My little ray of sunshine!

Notice the chair is unoccupied!

Gimpa treated us to some homemade tune-age. Norah was dancing away (couldn't get the picture to load :(

Such a perfect fire-on-the-beach night!

Look at the size of that trunk next to the Prius!

Greg and Norah and I found a sweet little spot on the river, Norah was nudie right away!

I remember thinking "I wish I could just tap into this moment at will" when I was taking this photo. Pure perfection!

Norah on one of the majestic beauties in the Stout Grove.

A sweet little gnome home

This puts the jungle in 'jungle gym'! She was over

under and through the trees in the grove

One for the mantle

Peek-a-BOO!

We left the Redwoods and headed to Medford for an evening of sophisticated fun with the American Band College performance, featuring Barb and Terry's daughter, Amy, on the flute.

Our little family stopped at Bridgeview Winery, where Norah was able to feed the fish, ducks and even a swan! It was also the only winery that we've been to that sold boxed wine... now you're talkin!

As we headed back north to Eugene we stopped by Whistler's Bend for a river dip while the boys played disc golf... naturally!

Norah found a little froggy that she kept in her little cup... it was hard to peel her away from her new little friend.

When we were back in Eugene we did a good amount of relaxing. We took a trip to Dorris Ranch, the first commercial hazelnut farm in the United States, that is now a county park. It's one of our favorite places to go.

Norah just loves to ride the tractor! Gimpa's showin her how to gear it up! Nana Sue said that she used to drive one just like this when she was a little girl! Pretty cool!

All these hazelnut trees are so romantic!

I love having these quiet places right in town! Perfect for a quick way to feel far far away!

We followed the crew up to the Columbia Gorge as they made their way back home.

The Observatory was a great place to stop and soak in the beautiful scenery.

A special place inside and out!

Even Bishop got to stretch his legs on the lawn!

We couldn't miss Multnomah Falls

Our little family unit

Norah had her first ice cream cone at the falls!

Priceless!

We closed the day with a nice hike to Ponytail Falls, can you see Barb and Terry hiding behind the falls!? I just love a waterfall you can sneak behind!

It was a spectacular visit, topped off with a wonderful Italian dinner in Old Town Troutdale. We couldn't have asked for better times with better company! These are the kind of memories that bless you for years to come!

Thanks for the good times Sue and Steve and Barb and Terry!

Can't wait to see you again!

Scout Lake

2011-06-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

Greg and I both work over Father's Day this year, so we are celebrating on the weekends before and after. Last weekend we took our first camping trip of the year to Scout Lake. There was a relaxed disc golf tournament at an amazing temporary course that Greg and Uncle Bob played in. We borrowed our friend's canoe (thanks Josh!) and explored the many mountain and spring fed lakes in the area. It was Norah's first time ever in a boat of any kind and she did great! She loved going from side to side and dipping her fingers in the water (though it made steering a bit of an adventure!) We actually tried having Bishop in the boat with us... he didn't do so well with the motor boats and jet skies and was promptly demoted to swimming along side the boat.

Suttle Lake, the biggest lake in the area. This was where our first attempt was and it got a bit choppy at times, but we all kept our heads above the water!

Getting ready to put the boat in... for rather obvious reasons I don't have pictures of us in the boat in this trip. Just imagine the biggest smile shining through those ginger curls.

When we got back from our big lake adventure Norah was asking to lie down, so we popped up her little bed and she took a two hour nap under a mountain maple tree in the setting sunlight. So sweet.

Greg, Bob and Tom getting worked up for a great game of rocky bacci ball.

Twilight canoe on Scout Lake (where there are no jet skies!)

And we're off!

Norah got a kick out of Bishop chasing the boat in the water

Bishop got an amazing work out swimming after us... we even came in a few times to give him a break

We went out later for a moonlight canoe ride. It was pristine!

We had delicious coffee around the campfire in the morning

The course was just beautiful!

Norah loves playing with her Uncle Bobbers! She's such a little thrill seeker!

Norah, Bishop and I hiked up high to get a view of what's around us, and were treated to a peek of Mount Jefferson

Classic.

Norah and Mama on the hilltop

Norah has no problem going "pee-pee on the ground!"

Scout Lake

Little girl in the big trees!

Huge Mushrooms!

Happy Father's Day!

Our little camping queen. Norah did so well and we all had so much fun that we spent the drive home planning mor camping adventures for this summer!

Wildflower Festival

2011-05-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

We took Norah to the Wildflower Festival at Mount Pisgah Arboretum to properly ring in spring. There was a native plant sale, craft and food vendors, a display of all the native species of plants that can be found within the arboretum and wonderful live music! It was a beautiful day and the wild camass covered the ground in a lavender blanket! We went with Auntie Kelsey, who had been volunteering earlier in the day. Kelsey knows all the ins and outs of Mount Pisgah, not to mention the names of all the plants... common and Latin!

Norah is never without her umbrella these days...

she's catching on to this Oregon weather!

My little blue belle in a sea of wild camass!

Ladybug on the arm!

These two have so much fun!

Norah makin her own shade as she takes in the great bluegrass music!

It was a great scene! We can't wait for the Mushroom Festival this fall!

Rozlyn's West Coast Debut!

2011-05-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

We were so blessed to have Becca and the beautiful Baby Rozlyn come for a visit. Jon and Wilson came down from Portland to meet and greet the girls. It was really great to see Jon and Wilson, it had been since the wedding! Wilson was a wonderful example of sharing and being calm and gentle around the baby. He's quite grown up for three!

Wilson was so excited to meet Baby Rozlyn.

She captivated everybody from the get go!

Mmmmm! An armful of babies!!! So yummy!

One for the fridge!

The weather was showing off for these Midwestern Missies, we spent a lazy afternoon at sweet cheeks with a simple picnic, basking in the sun and sipping wine. Norah was all over the place and everyone knew her by the end of our afternoon!

Who could resist that face?!?

Rozlyn was happy to be under her brilliant blue parasol!

Norah made friends with these two sisters... guess what the redhead's name is... Nora! Too funny!

Rozlyn was the most mellow baby ever! She loved the fresh air and the little slices of sunshine!

This one... not so mellow... but so so so much fun!

Norah liked having tea parties with Rozlyn...

perhaps a little more than Rozlyn liked having tea parties with her!!

Norah loved rocking baby Rozlyn

Greg won huge points by taking both baby girls for the afternoon so Becca and I could sneak away and sip champagne cocktails and catch up without interruption! Thanks Greg, you are a brave man!

Proud Auntie and Uncle!

Norah was never far from baby Rozlyn.

There's that brave Uncle Greg!

We cought a beautiful day at the Fall Creek, the original plan was to do a little hike, but we couldn't peel Norah away from the water and the sunshine... and we were all happy to stay and soak up the sun!

Stick Flingin 101

Girls Club

Thanks for such a great visit Becca and Rozlyn!

We can't wait to see you again!

Spring Discin'

2011-04-28T18:25:00.001-07:00

We took a family trip to the new disc golf course in Cottage Grove. Norah and Greg go there a lot when I am sleeping during the day, so I was excited to get to play! Norah and I had fun looking at all the spring flowers that are blooming everywhere!

Norah found a little Ivy fort, there was a bench inside and everything!

You know it's spring when the Trillium are in bloom!

Norah helped me pick some flowering sweet gum branches for the patio.

Discin' in the spring, nothin better!

Go Green!

Bishop's disc golf buddies, Deia and Finn

A rustic rest stop

Love!

Norah got so comfortable playing in the mud puddle, she thought she'd just take a seat!

This is what you do with sticks... right?!?

Watching the bumble bees buzz

Pretty girl, pretty flowers.

The nudie drive home after her mud puddle escapades!

Play Dates!

2011-04-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Norah is growing up so fast! She has found some good friends that she just loves to play with. Here are a few highlights of our spring playdates.

Mia is one of Norah's bestest buddies.

Talk about double trouble!

Norah and Mia clean up after a big day of playin!

Table for Two!

One of Norah's favorite snuggle buddies

At top speed... at all times!

In an attempt to have more regular play dates, every Wednesday we get together with Ellyn and her son Will and Diane and her daughter Jackie. Will and Jackie are both about nine months younger than Norah and they all play very well together! Norah likes to go on hikes with Jackie and Will, and on rainy days we all hit the pool!

There will be more hikes as spring continues to burst out in bloom!

Jackie and Will catch a ride

I captured a wild animal!!! And I think I'll keep her!

Simply as good as it gets!

Hawaii 5-0!

2011-03-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

We had the great fortune and blessing of visiting Auntie Becky and Uncle Eric in their beautiful Hawaiian home in Kona on the Big Island! Auntie Katie, Uncle John and Lou were there too, making it the first time that all of us had gotten together, just us! If only we could do this all the time!

In her very own seat on the airplane (and worth every penny!!). She did great!

Such a big girl! Norah toted her suitcase all over the airport like it was her job and she'd been doing it forever! She turned a lot of heads!

Sleepin on the lava rocks at the Kona Airport after a long journey.

Hapuna, an ancient place of refuge and our first Hawaiian beach! Great snorkeling!

Norah picked up right where she left off with her Auntie B!

It really is amazing that we were able to steer this crazy crew to all the amazing places we went!

Little ocean dwellers!

The sweetest fishies in the sea!

Baking 101 with Auntie B in preparation for Lou's big day!

Lou and Norah were naturally in charge of the frosting!

This little princess turned SEVEN years old!!

Love it! Norah at the beach, in the shade with a bag of potato chips... she is her father's daughter!

What a dream family vacation!

Norah became so attached to her suitcase that it ended up doubling as our beach bag!

Windblown baby in the Jeep!

Greg rented himself a sweet ride and pedaled himself to the top of the island!

Norah checks out the cool volcanic lava flows at Volcanoes National Park

Since this is technically our honeymoon...

The Thurston Lava tube! Norah loved making echo noises!

Dude Crush

Norah spots the sea turtle taking a nap on the beach!

A colorful blanket snuggle with Auntie B at the black sand beach.

Hangin loose at ladies night!

Beach 69, full of shady respite and crazy waves!

Lou was a brave boogie boarder in this crazy surf!

Norah got up close and personal with some pretty big waves!

Look behind you!

Beach 69 was our favorite!

Slathered in sun and SPF!

What do you want to do after swimming in the ocean all day.... swim in the pool... NATURALLY!!!!

The only group shot that we got!

Ohana.

Girls club! (I can't believe I caught that smile in a self taken!)

M.F.E.O.

These girls never missed a beat!

Catching our last rays of Hawaiian Gold before heading back to the rainy grey of Oregonian spring.

Aloha Hawaii, we can't wait to visit you again!

Go Go Gaga Times!

2011-02-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

Gaga was able to come for a special visit for a long weekend. It was quite an action packed four days... Day One: Greg and I got to run away for some adult fun at McMinemin's Grand Lodge for a night while Norah and Gaga had fun back home. Day Two: We had lots of fellow Packers fans over to whoop and holler as the Packers took the Super Bowl. Video to come! Day Three: Mom and I put our project hats on and remodeled our bathroom, bye-bye shower doors, hello spacious bathtub and stylin shower curtain! Day Four: (my favorite) Norah, Gaga and I enjoyed some good old fashioned Oregonian recreation. We hiked to Sweet Creek Falls and visited the coast and watched the sun sink into the Pacific. It was such a great visit, I wish we would do it all over again right now!

Thanks for the good times Gaga!

We, of course, had to make a stop at the Hideaway to enjoy the best breakfast in town and the most happening sand box around!

Norah can't get enough! Finger lickin' good!

On Gaga's last day we decided to make the most of the wonderful Oregon scenery and weather! We headed out to Sweet Creek for a sweet hike to a sweet falls. It was a great hike, and Norah hiked the whole thing all by herself! She is getting so big and just loves to run around outside.

Ready or not Gaga... here I go!

On the boardwalk, we'll be havin a ball

Norah loved having her Gaga around!

Fresh face to the world!

It was a great day for a walk in the woods!

Three generations of wild women!

Girl on the GO!

Bishop can't wait to jump in!

We made it, Norah hiked all the way to Sweet Creek Falls, and all the way back... that's two miles!

Norah checks out the waterfall up close

Taking it all in...

Gaga and her girl!

Hold on Gaga, here we go!

We stumbled upon a herd of elk who were enjoying the sunshine after the rain. The buck in the back was clearly in charge and they were watching us very closely!

Norah spots the rainbow and tells us all the colors she sees.

Norah tried to climb to the top of the dune, saying 'Sane bots' the whole way up. For cute!

Norah found her lucky charm at the end of the rainbow... it's Gaga!

Beach Bummin with Gaga

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy!

A perfect day to end a perfect visit!

The Universe Provides

2011-02-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Noah, for making this wish come true!

This is even better than I had ever imagined!

It's a Jungle Out There!

2011-01-25T15:22:00.000-08:00

We took Norah to the Wildlife Safari in Roseburg to get an up close and personal look at some of her favorite animals. It's a drive through zoo where the animals co-mingle over sprawling acreage that allows them ample freedom. The lions and tigers and bears all have separate habitats, but they are equally spacious, and they have one of the best cheetah breeding programs in captivity (we didn't get to see the baby cheetahs though... maybe next time!) Norah just loved getting up close and personal with the animals. She also loved sitting in the front seat and pushing buttons, locking and unlocking the doors and rolling the windows up and down. It was a great day!

I really wanted to crop Greg's face into the zebra...

alas I am not that computer savvy... or patient,

so just use your imagination!

Some Wildlife Highlights

The Giraffes were Norah's favorite

After the zoo we played a round at Whistler's Bend.

It was beautiful as always!

Beach Bummin

2011-01-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

Norah and I took a day and escaped to the coast to get a dose of the fresh ocean air! It was a perfect day and a much needed escape!

The Hobit Trail is just the right size!

It's nice to be in the wide open spaces!

A Happy little Beach Bum

She's Walkin on Sunshine!

A great place to make a splash!

Bishop Doggie

Top Speed... at all times!

To the Top!

Wait a minute... these aren't rain boots?!?

Too late now!

Oseen!

Look at that mess of redness!

Norah is good at self taken photos... somehow it's the only time she sits still and looks at the camera!

So we had to take two!

A bountiful beachcomber!

It was a good day to learn about our shadows!

Norah's Terrific Two's!

2010-12-31T15:36:00.000-08:00

Once again, Norah gave special meaning to the close of another year by celebrating her second birthday! I was worried that her birthday would look much like Christmas to her, but this was simply not the case! We woke up singing 'Happy Birthday!' and didn't stop all day! She picked out a special breakfast and then went disc golfing with Daddy and Uncle Sean while Mama caught a few hours of sleep. When she got home it was party time. The first doorbell ring brought a package all the way from Hawaii from Norah's Auntie Becky, which was followed by a few favorite faces. Norah's friend Malachai and his baby brother Nadavi were here to celebrate with her. Malachai helped Norah open her presents and break them in immediately. They chased bubbles, pushed the shopping cart, had tea parties, cut up wooden fruit, put coins in a bank and read lots of neat new books!

By the time the Birthday Cake came around Norah could hardly wait! We all sang Happy Birthday with Norah and she did a great job of blowing out her candles (see the video below!)

There were many that were missed in person but felt in spirit! Thank you all for being such a special part of Norah's life and making these two years the best years of our lives!

We are looking forward to this next year as Norah continues to discover and share even more of her amazing little self!

Norah wanted to wear all of her Christmas fleece at the same time...

It's your Birthday, I say!! Go for it!

A real shopping cart!

(There were plenty of can collecting bag lady jokes...

so far it's mostly Baby and Elephant that are getting a ride!)

A real baby in the real shopping cart!

Poor Nadavi doesn't know if he got bigger or the carts got smaller!

Tea Party time with her new Scotty Dog Tea Set!

Thanks Aunite B!

Wonder Woman is serious about savings!

Daddy's Cake!?!?

Two whole year!

How time flies!

Finger-lickin' good!

BIG Bubble!

Happy Birthday Norah!

Looking forward to many many more!

Deck the Halls

2010-12-29T00:33:00.000-08:00

Our very first Christmas in our new home was nothing short of a success. We had our very first tree which we had just rescued from the chipper the day before Christmas Eve, decked out with ornaments that have not seen the light of day in over a decade! Norah wakes up every morning and says 'Keeah Tee!!" And she loves undecorating the laden boughs! Sean and Kelsey came over and brought all their presents to open, which made the day even more special. We cooked a simple breakfast and then all settled in for a long winter's nap as Greg biked off to work.

The next day we had what I think was our most successful party yet, a Brown Bag White Elephant Party. It was a blast! I made three Tofurky's (a delicacy which gained many new followers after this debut!) and festive mulled wine, among many other delicious holiday dishes and drinks! The white elephant gift exchange was just hilarious, featuring such gifts as an Obama head Chia pet, palm tree twinkle lights and a genuine Ducks pom pom baton. It was promptly decided that we will be doing this every year from here on out!

I hope that everyone's holiday was filled with as much joy and love and laughter as ours! Already looking forward to next year (literally, we already have a time-table!)

Happy Holidays!

Norah was opening presents before she even got dressed!

Our very first very own Christmas Tree.

Bishop is trying to figure out the noises from Norah's new animal sounds book.

Norah sits among her bountiful holiday booty

Tearing in!

We were able to Skype with Papa and Didi, and Gaga, Scott and Becca AND the whole Meyer clan in Fond du Lac. It was great to share the holiday fun with those from afar.

Uncle Sean and Kelsey came over Christmas morning for mimosas and presents,

giving it that Oregon family holiday feel!

Norah takes a peek at what Santa stuffed in the stockings (handmade by Nana Sue!)

The scene of the festivities

Happy Holiday family all dressed up in our new digs. Greg and I each got each other blue Patagonia jackets (great minds;), and I am sporting a great homemade apron (which I have hardly taken off!) from my girl, Becky! Norah is in her elf-ware, adorable as usual!

Stay tuned for New Years / Norah's Second Birthday!