Father's Day 2011

Father's Day kind of snuck up on me this year. I woke to make Jared and everyone a big breakfast before our early church. Rees said it was the highlight of his day, apparently cold cereal is not hacking it for that kid. Tagg had been sick and we were going back and forth whether to take him to church. Jared embracing Father's day to the fullest stayed home with him, since I had a new calling to tackle.

After a meal of requested lasagna and breadsticks the boys presented their activity they had been working on. We played a game show of "Guess Your Life." Jared was the chosen contestant and the boys acted out scenarios of moments that they remembered about Dad or things they appreciated that Dad did. It was pretty humorous, I wish I took some more pics but I was the host of the show. Some of the things they acted out were Father's & Sons camping, going to his work, going to the zoo, teaching them piano and science, making them good breakfasts, and playing football. They did a great job and Jared guessed them all. :)

At the end he got his prizes for winning the game...which were his gifts and all his cards. (Darin is holding my microphone).

Happy Father's Day to a great dad. He loves his boys and does so much for them and tries to give them the best opportunities and teaches them. Can't wait to see how he father's a girl! He is a little scared, as am I. It will be an adventure.

Portland Zoo

We have lived here in Oregon for almost 6 years and have never been to the zoo. We didn't make it last summer so we decided to just do it. Jared had the time off, we didn't have a newborn and the day was a discount day so we took the boys out of school and headed up. Am I crazy going to a totally crowded zoo with four kids while 8 months pregnant...probably but it was worth it. Jared's brother was able to meet us there and hang out with the boys so that was an extra bonus! Thanks T we had fun.

Bald eagle

There's Ty, part of Darin, Jared and Rees looking at a pool that had ducks and some beavers swimming in it. Rees made the remark, "It's the civil war - there's ducks and beavers" It's a reference to the big rival football game if you don't get.

This bear minutes later took off up a tree and climbed so stinking high it was crazy.

This is a rare animal that you don't always find in the zoo, but it was a hit.

So this was the main distraction or attraction for Tagg. Every time he heard the train he would stop cold and say "Train! I want to ride the train!" So for the rest of the day he was looking for the train.

This guy was so surreal to me, it looked so fake yet so humanlike, weird.

real monkeys

our monkeys

Is it ironic that we finally took a picture of me prego in front of the hippo exhibit? I think not.

That just looked painful the way they bend to eat, although I feel like that sometimes.

Do you like our 5 yr. old in the stroller? He got so tired and Tagg wasn't using it.

All the boys...aren't they handsome?

So after a whole day of train talk from Tagg we couldn't refuse him for a ride on the train. Here he is holding his ticket waiting in line.

That face was worth the whole train ride.

The train actually stopped and you could get off and check out some rose gardens and walk around then hop back on the next train. So we decided to do that.

Boys checking out a water fountain. All in all it was a fun long day. The boys had fun and it was good for our family to get out and do something before mom's a zombie ;) Bless Jared's heart after all that dropped me off at a RS meeting and took care of the boys. I'm so glad I didn't make that adventure without him.

Our New Addition

Nope not a baby. Our old hand me down TV finally burnt out and died. After two long weeks of no TV, lots of fights, messes and no Wii our new TV had come in. We took the plunge and bought a big flat screen, really what else is there right?

There it is in all it's glory. We now need to decide on a new E-center.

The boys all snuggled up to watch the big screen! They love it.

Daddy's Work

An impromptu Friday night we decided to take the kids and head to Eugene to Jared's work. The kids have never been because it's a commute. Jared had to do a few things and we all decided to go. Jared took us the scenic route there despite some moaning and groaning.

All the boys crammed into Jared's tiny office space that he shares with 2 other guys!!

Looking at rocks.

The boys had to take a pic with the beaver.

Rees showing off the starfish.

We had to try and entertain ourselves while Jared did a few things. The boys found some carols and I told them to pose as if they were studying. Of course Rees is sleeping, that's actually a very realistic future setting for them.

Tagg found his own spot.

Then they found that they could slide down the stairs. And they were off. We went and got a quick bite to eat and then we surprised them and picked up our very anticipated new addition...

Darin Preschool Graduation

Darin finished preschool!! He struggled at the beginning a little but made it through the whole year. He had lots of fun, learned many fun songs, did lots of cool crafts and is off to kindergarten!

Darin ready to go to his last day of preschool.

Getting hooded with his graduation outfit. It's a preschool at OSU so it's appropriate that the colors are orange and black.

Darin at the top of the stairs getting his diploma - we are so proud!

The kids headed outside for some playtime and ice cream. Zipping around on the tire swing.

Jared was able to come so that means Tagg got to come as well. :)

My little graduate!

He looks thrilled doesn't he? We can't believe he will be in kindergarten next year, he is so excited to go to Rees and Luke's school.