Another Grad party and Drs appointment

Congratulations Class of 2011!

We got to help celebrate Katelin Z.'s graduation from Cleveland High School. I loved the exotic look of the food table. Also loved the photos that were displayed of Katie through the years.

Congrats Katelin!

Didn't get many pictures of guests.

I did get this nice photo of our friends Helen and Carl. They also attend Central Bible Church. So we are privileged to see them almost every week.
Isn't this a cute pic of of Molly Z? She is such a sweetie. Tom and Kim have 4 amazing daughters.

Tommy's transports

Both of these are new vehicles of Tom's. He bought the motorcycle as a work commute vehicle and the truck is to replace his old green one that was stolen. I think they are both pretty awesome!

Gar-bear's 1 year check-up

We didn't have time for a proper breakfast before we headed out to bring Wyatt to school but I did grab a banana and Garrett chowed down before we went in for his appointment.

Weight and Length

He is 22 lbs 15 oz which puts him in the 54th percentile for weight and he is 29.33 in which is only the 37th percentile. He is a pretty compact little guy.

Exploring the exam room

He has a wonderful pediatrician. I really like her bedside manner and how she takes the time to answer any and all questions.
He got 3 pokes! :o(

Cheerio cousins

Came home to have a Cheerios party with cousin Katie!

Baby STEVE!

You can't see in the photo on the right but Steve from Blues Clues fame wears khaki colored pants with his green and green striped polo. Garrett may not have the polo collar yet but I think he is going to grow up to look a lot like this guy. I like Blues Clues!

"Now it's time for so long But we'll sing just one more song Thanks for doing your part You sure are smart! You know, with me and you And our friend Blue We can do anything that we wanna do!"

End of school year = crunch time :P

Messing around

What better way to blow off end of school stress than with Har's new leaf blower attachment from his shop-vac. Makes for new hair styles for the guys.

Creating my oasis

Last year I bought a similar planter to this one. It was glorious all summer. I'm looking forward to enjoying this planter as well.

I found this unique looking fuchsia at Freddies. It was the only one like it. The pink and green variegated leaves are so pretty. I'm anxious to see what the flowers look like. Har is going to hang it for me on the archway of the porch closest to the driveway.

Sun loving petunias. I must admit I'm not super successful on keeping them blooming all summer. Is there a trick to it? I've seen some amazing color last all summer in planters around town. So there must be something I'm missing.

Another planter that I got super cheap at K-mart. It was on the porch briefly but I now have it where it can get the sun it loves. The sidewalk chalk is going to get more use real soon. We have only 4 more days of this school year.

Somebody else got a haircut!

After cutting the girls hair, it was so obvious that Wyatt hadn't had a trim in a long time. When he was home for the weekend he got his summer Marine regulation hair cut. It is so easy for the hot weather. It also feels cool when you run your hand over it backward.

Garrett's corner

These are the toys of Garrett's babyhood. In a few short days he's getting some new ones. Can you believe it? He is going to be one on Tuesday!

I'm sure I'll be snapping photos left and right.

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We are winding down the school year. I must say it has been the most challenging one in all our home schooling years. I love Connections Academy but it was difficult to keep my guys motivated. I must say that this cheerleading mom is going to enjoy the time off this summer.

We're finishing with just enough steam. PTL!

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Girlies day out

Krystle came home from church a couple of weeks ago with a flyer and permission slips for a Teddy Bear's Picnic that was happening at Village Baptist Church today.

The girls got up and dressed and grabbed a couple of bears and we were on our way.

Krystle got to hang out at the church while I shopped for a certain boy's 1st birthday that is coming up very quickly! I had a couple of hours so Garrett and I got quite a bit accomplished. The girls were so excited about all the crafts they did and it was obvious that they had a wonderful time!

Watch out!

I have no idea when the construction will be finished on the East Side Trolley line. There is no rhyme or reason to the order that they are working on it. One thing about having tracks imbedded into the road is that this area of town is not as bike friendly as it used to be.

Thus the sign.

I can't figure out if the cyclist lost his front wheel or if somehow the trolley track consumed it. I guess I'll have to camp out near the corner of Lloyd and Grand to watch and see if the depiction of this potential hazard is accurate.

Celebrate Good Times...come on!

High School Graduation Party

Portland Christian High School had their commencement on Saturday. Congratulations to all the graduates!

The Youngs celebrate

We attended Nathaniel's after-graduation party. His mom and dad have done something many other parents aren't able to do. Nathaniel began at a Christian school as a Kindergartener and Michael and Debbie made the necessary sacrifices to have him continue his education at a Christian school. That is an amazing accomplishment.

Nathaniel and Hayden.

It was a gorgeous day. We enjoyed their backyard, visiting with friends and the lovely barbecue.

"SUN"-day Drive

After church Har, the boys and I abandoned our van, put the top down on our car and went for a drive. It was the first time that we've done this since we've owned the LeBaron. Hayden and Cam were so excited.

Even with bright sun and wind in their faces they are happy with the adventure.

Our exotic destination

I didn't know that Taco Del Mar and Courtney were the same age!

I do know that Old Navy and Hayden are the same age.

I love the kick back and chill atmosphere of Taco Del Mar. We went to the one out at Cascade Station. Certain members of our expedition tried to get me over to a certain Scandinavian inspired furniture store but I refused to be moved in that direction.

I guess this is a problem in some areas. We took their advice and didn't even look for whales. Just hopped in our car and enjoyed the rest of our cruise.

Two guys

The Pirate and the Ninja

(not technically)

Happy Birthday Dave!

My brother, Dave, just celebrated his birthday. I wish we weren't 2/3 of a continent away so we could celebrate some of these milestones. He is a mere 18 months older than me. I look up to him in more ways than the obvious one and am proud to be related to such a cool guy.

I'm sure the swashbuckler stare that he's sporting in the above photo will do him well in fending off unwanted suitors, as he has two gorgeous daughters. I'm equally sure his US Marine Corp trained talents may help in that department as well.

Dave has taught me a lot. He is so much more disciplined than I am. He's learned a lot more about what is important. How to work, play and kick back. How to spend time with the critters. I hope to grow up to be more like him. He is a great brother. Hope his birthday was great too!

Happy Birthday Logan!

Logan is having a birthday this week as well. I wish we could be up there to celebrate with him and his family. I admire him so much. What a great example he is to our boys. The photos I hijacked from Alyssa depict his professional and domestic sides. He is most definitely multi-faceted.

This final one was taken awhile back but is a favorite and shows one of his best facets. His tenderness toward his children. I don't know what he is going to be doing after he is done serving our country but teaching is one of the things he does the best. He is always encouraging, instructing, and setting an example for others to follow.

Happy Birthday to my "pirate" brother and to my "ninja" son-in-law. I know it's been said that "Pirates and Ninja's don't get along" but I have a feeling you guys would get along just fine.

You are both amazing!

I sometimes take my Grands to Mickey Ds

Tuesday is Physical Therapy Day

I think Garrett called his physical therapist early Tuesday morning and told her to wear her blue shirt because he was wearing his new blue outfit. They were pretty coordinated in their wardrobes. He is doing just awesome in his therapy. He is up to age level in most things motor skills wise. She is thrilled and enjoys working with him. He is a pretty cool guy!

Mr Cool at McDonald's PlayPlace

The girls were up early enough to go along for the ride to bring Wyatt to school. Garrett goes 99% of the time so it was no big deal for him. Genevieve asked if we could stop for something to eat "in Beaverton or the United States or somewhere else". I opted for Beaverton :O)

This was the first time Garrett got out of his carseat and played.

He enjoyed walking the perimeter but I did get him on a couple of the things in the toddler area. It really is more of a toddler than pre-walker area. But he had fun on the slide. I helped him down once and the rest of the time he just tried to climb back up.

He liked the crawl through log but as soon as he headed back toward the tile floor, it was back in the carseat. But he was cool with that.

Great landscaping and flowers

The girls really wanted to go over to the fountain. It was splashing enough for them to catch some spray. Here is a comparison photo of these goofy girls from about a year ago. They are getting so big!

They have gorgeous urns full of flowering plants. So pretty! I was noticing that about various businesses around lately. They are having annual flowers planted in beds around their stores. Lloyd Center must have a substantial plant and flower budget. It is always so nice there.

We love Americana

For all the times people complain about how bad it is, I must admit that McDonalds is a part of Americana. McDonalds' apple pie will not replace Mom's apple pie but I like the place. The kids love the PlayPlace and they have free wifi!

So on this Thursday after Memorial Day I'd like to say:

God bless America! (and McDonalds)

I did deserve a break today ;o)