Two little monkeys

The Rosarios came to Portland last weekend, mostly to cheer on their friend Shannon at the track & field Olympic Trials in Eugene, but also to get in some Hoybook time.  Jen and I had a fun day hanging out together, watching Kate and Addison get to know each other.  Seems our little girls are insta-friends as well.

Two little monkeys jumping in the crib...

(Addison went up to K's room with me when she woke up from her nap and Little K was a bit overjoyed to have someone else in the crib with her.) 

We ended the day with dinner with our boys and a sweet photo in downtown Lake O. If only Flagstaff was just down the road.  Miss you Jen!

Welcome to Oregon

Today is officially the third day of summer.  It is raining and 53 degrees. So, in honor of that, I bring you a Top Ten List.

The Top Ten Things I Miss about Summer in Nebraska
10. Wearing shorts and tank tops. Not wearing socks.
9. Summer sunsets.
8. Sweet corn.
7. Swimming in a pool.
6. Swimming in a lake.
5. Swimming in a river.
4. Thunderstorms.
3. Fireflies.
2. Sand volleyball league.
1. Days warmer than 53 degrees.

A day for Daddy

Last weekend was a double whammy of sorts--Father's Day and B's birthday fell on the same Sunday (very similar to the day B was born) and for some reason, we had a lot of trouble getting motivated to celebrate.  Maybe it was the iffy weather or my stuffy nose, but we mulled over our options all morning. Finally, after a textbook Hoybook Alpine Start, we headed off bound for a hike on Silver Star Mountain.  But, as we left Portland, we realized Silver Star was in the clouds so that plan was aborted quick. Instead, we kept driving into the Gorge and ended up at the trailhead for one of our favorite waterfall hikes, Triple Falls.

 Sunday was still all about Daddy though so he got some prime baby-haulin', photo-takin' time with his girl.

 Three falls for a family of three.

Berry Jam

The best part about summers in Oregon?  The berries.  Strawberries in June, blueberries in July and blackberries in August.  Yum.

We started the Father's Day/B's birthday weekend off right with some strawberry picking on Sauvie Island last Saturday night.

When Mom's away

One of the things I love about my job is that I get to spend a ridiculous amount of time getting paid to work outside.  Today was one of those awesome days and I spent it on the sandy shores of Vancouver Lake at REI Paddle Demo Day.  Check out the photos here, I seriously have the best job ever.

So, while I "worked" today, B was the scheduled Kate care-giver and those two decided to head to the Gorge for a hike up Angel's Rest.  Hmmm, he might have the best job ever.

Kate wonders what that shiny, warm thing is.  Oh, and why the heck the sky is that crazy color.

 "Let me show you daddy, you hold this end and then this sharp end here?  See, you wave that in the air and put it in your mouth.  I can't believe you didn't know how trekking poles worked. You're such a rookie."

The Big #2

Kate's twin BBFs, Eden and Haley, turned two this week and we were lucky enough to be invited to the festivities.  Here's a shot toward the end of the present opening extravaganza. Lots of little ones!

Kate says, "Who needs toys?  I'll just take this bookmark and this ribbon and sit over here.  Carry on."

More photo cuteness here.

Kate Movie Saturday

Organizing the rocks at the Cape Horn overlook.

A little help please?

It has become more and more difficult for us to take our signature self-portrait these days.  A wiggly baby tends to complicate things just a wee bit.

Family Time

A Memorial Day hike on the Cape Horn trail.

 Someone is starting to like the view from her backpack. Or maybe, it's the free ride that's so appealing. Either way, she's a happy girl.