Sand Lake

We took off about 100 miles out of town on saturday morning and didn't look back.
I was so excited to get Ava on a quad. Like, seriously. I cannot wait to have one of our own.




We flew kites, ate sand, and just enjoyed the sunshine to the fullest before heading home Saturday afternoon.



I am really excited about the summer ahead. Judging by today's adventure, Nathan is going to do great for camping! Yippee!

to my sweet baby boy,

from the moment you laid on my warm chest, i knew that we would be ok. i knew that you and i, and ava too, would be safe and content. you have brought an immeasurable amount of love and happiness into our lives and i cannot wait to see what the future has in store.

your high pitched squeals can turn even the busiest room into a stage for you. your nibbles and gnaws are not to be laughed at. they sure can sting. your cuddles will warm the coldest of hearts, and you never can seem to get in close enough. you're a great kisser, though i will laugh when i tell your future wife about how you started off with tongue kisses on your mother. you are happy, oh so happy. and i am happy.

your sister loves you dearly. she is your protector and will be the first to step in and protect you. she has your back, and i love that. i cannot wait to see your relationship grow as you both grow up and into your own selves.

i cannot imagine my life without you. you are loved. you are wanted. you are perfect.

and now, you are one year old.

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/22828321]

http://vimeo.com/22828321

first dose of vitamin d this spring

it was the first perfect day of 2011, and Nathan and I spent it the best way we know how. living.
Multnomah Falls is but a 620 ft high waterfall here in the pacific northwest Columbia Gorge. the walk up is just 1 mile.. though it is definitely 1 good mile.. as the great outdoorsman i am would like to be, I strapped Nathan to my back and we headed up. I learned 2 great lessons on my walk. One- I am much more afraid of heights than I would like to think. Two- hiking up a steep mountain with a 1 year old on your back is not easy. at least, for me. He loved it, though.


this is about where it started to get ugly... with my sweat and Nathan's pee, we were kind of a mess. Yes, he peed through his clothes and down my back... but with no change of clothes with me- we made do. I just knew if I took him out of the ergo, he would not be happy going back in, so we suffered until we got down from the trail. Is that torture? meh.

did I mention he loved it? He really did.

The view from the top. I love the pacific northwest.




We had an amazing time. I cannot wait for more perfect weather. The rain is already on it's way back to us.

a hunting we will go...

for eggs, that is. the plastic variety.







happy Easter, y'all.

they say it's your birthday!

and just like that, my baby boy turns one...







[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/22536203]

http://www.vimeo.com/22536203

in case you thought i was exciting,

our weekend started with taking ava over to her dad's. then it was on to IKEA for a little browsing. i am going to get a bunk bed. eventually.


i get that this isn't recommended, but throw a blanket (or in our case faux fur rug) down; add pillows- and viola! we have a sweet ride for little man to play in. though, he enjoys standing up and pretending to surf, or skateboard, or whatever. don't worry- i am very careful.  and it allows for at least an additional 30 minutes of shopping. you can always throw some random things in the cart to distract him. favorite thing this trip? a plastic shoe horn and a green scrubby brush.



we then headed to target. why? because i wanted to push the limits.



also, because i wanted to go back and buy this sun dress. its still super cold here, but i hope to be able to wear it one day. hopefully sooner than later. (can you hear me mother nature?!?!!!!!)


not the most flattering photo, but what do you expect for a bathroommirrorlastminutedirtyhairnomakeup photo sesh?

also- nathan was quick to show who is boss.. and was not having the time of his life at target. my solution?



such a genius idea. nathan finished the darn thing in 1 min flat! he actually went through 2 during our time in the store AND a 6 oz bottle. he is a growing boy!
also? i got a couch! so i will finally have a place to put my butt.

to thank my good pal for helping me get it home, i took him to claim jumper. did you know they give you a plate of baby friendly food for FREE? neither did i, until our server gave it to nathan. score.



also, they have those sweet placemat thingees. since i am currently working on my jiggle, i am proud to say i skipped the pot pie and other delicious items, and opted for soup and salad. i even chose the heathiest options of both- a house salad (minus the bacon) with cilantro vinaigrette and chicken tortilla soup. see?



what do you know about a ten pound weightloss!!? go me.

a (not so) silent sunday

currently, this song is radiating in my soul.

i love this cover.

http://youtu.be/Rd3I_gGPUCs

here is the original. such a great band.

http://youtu.be/I_Od0PJp6GI


can you kneel before the king and say, "i'm clean?"

where was my fault in loving you with my whole heart?

DUDE! what the eff is a vlog???!

i made a vlog! meh.

http://vimeo.com/22012619

now listen to what i said! i wanna know who you are!