Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!!!  It was a fun day.  We had intentions of going to Julia Davis Park to eat breakfast, but of course it didn't happen (like it hasn't happened in years).  Instead I spent the morning at doc-in-the-box dealing with a bad case of swimmer's ear/perforated ear drum.  Once that was taken care of Katie and I rode bikes down to Ann Morrison to check out the scene.  People were already setting up camp for the fireworks.  We played at the park, walked down to the river, and had corn dogs.  Then came the long walk up Americana Blvd (niether of us were strong enough to ride bikes uphill) and back home.  By that point we were all very aware how hot Alex was and how much he wanted to be home.  Natalie was content playing with my ipod.

We spent the afternoon playing in the big room.  Grandma/Grandpa and Mortensen's came to swim and have dinner.  Natalie really enjoyed the older girls.  Alex lasted as long as he could, and then had to crash after too much fun on the 4th (at least that way he would be fresh for fireworks).

The kids ended up staying late for fireworks.  Alex had been looking forward to sparklers.  Natalie didn't disapoint and squealed with delight at the fireworks.  During the city fireworks display she kept creeping up to join where the Mortensen kids were sitting; it was cute.  I think I finally bought the right amount of fireworks this year (we weren't up super late trying to hurry and go through them)  Happy 4th of July - remember to have Alex sing you the Star Spangled Banner sometime :)

Yes Days

We decided to let each of the kids have a Yes Day - they got to pick what we did for that day (within limits of course).  We might have more Yes Days in the somewhat near future, but the stipulation will be choosing activities that don't cost any money. 

Natalie got her Yes Day on Monday, July 2nd.  Kristi needed a last minute sitter so we had last minute guests for Nat's Yes Day. Owen ended up spending the whole day with us. Her main thing she wanted to do that day was pick out a new baby, because she thinks she doesn't have enough babies around the house.  We ended up with twin babies and a toy diaper bag complete with "grown up" toy ipod and cell phone.  While the boys swam and drove power wheels (thanks for sharing) Nat and I took care of babies.  Then we all drug downtown to see Brave.  (you'll have to gear Spencer up for major bear action). 

Alex had his Yes Day on Tuesday, July 3rd.  He has been desperate for that Dinosaur Hot Wheels track and wanted to go to Target to pick it out.  His other main thing he wanted to do was go to Roaring Spring's water Park.  Natalie hung with Grandma while I took Alex.  He had a blast and played hard non-stop.  He especially liked the wave pool.  After that, he wanted to spend the rest of the day doing his new favorite thing - playing with Mom in the big room.  He was worn out by the end of the day.

 

New Fish

Alex changed his mind about not wanting a new fish right away.  He is very happy about his new pet, and so is Natalie.  He picked a blue Betta, it's a notch lighter than most.  He named it Blue.  Natalie picked out a purplish colored one and it's name is Ponyo Pearl. (the picture quality is not great, they actually look quite a bit different in real life)

fishing

Spencer loves fishing in the pond that's in the apartment complex fish #1 fish #2 fish #3 fish #4 more fishing misc pictures: the boys and a lion at the zoo the boys playing in dad's truck Spencer's new aquarium, with 2 swimming frogs. And yes, you are looking at the extent of our furniture...we have that, a tv, a few beach chairs, and 2 air mattresses.

swamp tour

Captain Jack's Swamp Tour, out of Patterson Louisiana I can't get over how funny Parker looks in this picture (it's hilarious blown up) Most of the pictures I took were of the Atchafalaya River. We had to go atleast 20-30 minutes down the river before we got to the swamp. water lilies

Beach House

Here are some views of the Beach House.

Even More Oregon Coast

We had a great time at the beach house.  The weather cooperated, we played at the beach.  The views were spectacular.  Everyone had their own room :)  Andrus Family Reunion tradition dictated that the kids must have a fishing pond and fish for prizes.  There was also a talent show.  Alex won the talent show with his two puppet shows (The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Fraggle, and Brer Fraggle).  He won a cow puppet from the Tillamook cheese factory.  Alex was very sad when it was time to go - we all had a great time and would have liked another day or two.  Another year perhaps.