Pumpkin Patch

Our Monday School group got a great deal on a local pumpkin patch.  It was a first for all four of us!

We started off in the corn maze.  The farm had recently bought a collection of life-size animal statues.  Nadia was thrilled!  The only way we could get her to leave one display was to promise her more animals.  She kept trying to get the animals to come to her by waving and blowing kisses.

This way!

Isaiah was more interested in the dirt on his pants and chair than in having his picture taken.

And we made it out!  We refused to give up and we conquered the maze!  Isaiah was so thrilled that he quickly became distracted by the huge trucks bringing in pumpkins.

All 4 of us got to pick a small pumpkin, and Nadia took her job of pushing the cart extremely seriously.

Nobody was getting her pumpkins!

And I love how my kids are starting to pose themselves for pictures.  Too cute.

We also enjoyed a hay ride.  Nadia enjoyed it as long as she was not sitting on the hay.  She tried everything she could to get herself to levitate above the hay bale.

But definitely the hit of the day was the small carousel in the kids' pavilion!  Both of the kids had a blast on the little horses and were so sad to leave, but growling tummies prevailed.

I think I see pumpkin patch visits in our future!

Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum

On the way back from Scott and Vanessa's wedding in Wyoming I saw a sign for the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River.  Immediately, I knew that this museum had to be on the list of things to do when Gran and Grandpa are here!

[I apologize ahead of time for all the red eye, but I just don't feel like fixing it.]

We're ready to go have fun today!

 The museum had a great play section for the kids to get out some energy before going to look at all the cars and airplanes.  Right at the front was Doc Hudson!  Isaiah was thrilled and wanted so desperately to climb inside!

The kids even got to try out a helicopter.  Future pilots?

Or maybe farmers?

Or maybe a biker?

Gran even braved the submarine!

Isaiah found the perfect car to match his chair.

He also really like this remote control truck.  The boy operating it was so sweet to drive it around Isaiah several times.  Perhaps Isaiah's contagious laughter was just the encouragement that boy needed.

Nadia pretty much goes nuts when she sees an airplane flying, so she was excited to get to play in this airplane!

The museum was definitely a success.  The only thing missing was Daddy!

Multnomah Falls

Lots of activities when Grandpa - Here's another one!

We started this day off with some Bible stories...

Then we set off to enjoy some of God's beautiful creation.

At the observation area, taking a break from the rain

We had a few minutes without rain or even drizzle, but it didn't matter.  We were having fun and learning about being Oregonians!

A Blur

Life is starting to settle into a new normal for us.  After the week in NC and the trip to OR, my mom was able to stay a couple weeks to help with Nadia while Thomas and I took Isaiah to some initial doctor appointments.

Those first few weeks already seem like a long time ago, a bit of a blur, actually, but here's some of what we did in the midst of getting settled in our new place (which I will eventually share with my friends, I promise.):

A couple days before my half-marathon, we hiked at Multnomah Falls.  This is a fairly easy hike; most of the path is paved.  Unfortunately the top of the water fall was closed due to a landslide sometime earlier.  We had some great views though along the way.

Back near the bottom of the falls - just the girls

A couple days after my half-marathon we hiked part of Mount St Helens.  We made it to the snow before treeline.  It was a great hike, but the mosquitos were terrible!  I would do it again as long as I had bug spray!

No, I didn't carry both children, just one.

Mama conquered the butte!  The peak of Mount St Helens is in the background.

Yes, snow on the trail

Thomas and I took Isaiah to Shriner's on a Monday, and then Nadia and Gran got to go with Isaiah and me a couple days later as we got him started in their spina bifida clinic.

Nadia enjoyed playing in the waiting area while brother and I were in the room.

 A few days before Gran's departure we all headed out to Mt. Hood.  The drive up was beautiful!

We picnicked at Trillium Lake before hiking around the lake.

Their first self-posed picture!  

Almost all the way around Trillium Lake with Mt. Hood in the back left

Nadia wasn't too sure about the water...

...until she could be with Papa.

 After our picnic and hike, we visited Timberline Lodge, which was built during the 40's.  It's a beautiful lodge on the mountain.

For my UNC friends

 There was still plenty of snow.

As soon as Nadia and JJ (as Nadia insists on calling my mom) were off the snow, Nadia would immediately turn around and say "Up it!".  Do we have a future climber on our hands?

We were in safe hands for driving back down the mountain.

Having my mom with us for a few weeks was a big help in getting settled into our new home.  Unpacking and arranging was a lot of work, but without her it would have taken me months!  She was also able to help with the kids so that I could start the process of getting Isaiah in the Oregon system for healthcare.  I think the worst of that process is over, praise the Lord!