Monday

This morning the boys and I went out off of Helvetia Road to pick strawberries. Sam was quite the little picker. He was determined to fill his bucket to the very top and he did! It looks like the end of the season as the berries were small but so sweet.

Ben picked 3 berries - yep that's it! He carried his bucket up and down the rows talking my ear off.

They want go again next week - maybe raspberries!

More soccer!

Westview Track

I took the kids over to the Westview HS track the other day... they rode their bikes over a mile and a half in about 20 min! Ben's little legs were going like crazy!

Sam rode in lane 5 and wanted me to run and try and catch him - good workout!

They loved the big soccer field!

Geez!

I don't think any dog sheds as much as Reilly. I got a new brush this week called THE FURMINATOR... and this is what came off of him after 10 minutes... Same thing happened the next day and he is STILL shedding!

Tball Camp

Sam had tball camp this week at the rec center. I picked him up Tuesday and he was hanging on the fence, digging a hole, throwing rocks in the dirt... He had a good time but doesn't like standing around waiting to hit the ball! They are all too cute.

Taylor

Kristi had her baby last Wednesday - Taylor Marie Peterson weighed in at 7 lbs 11 oz and is absolutely darling... She is a great sleeper and loved by her big sister and brother. Kelsey and I got to snuggle with her at the hospital before Kristi and Bryce took her home last week.

Farmers Market

I took the boys to the Beaverton Farmers Market Wednesday night -- we got some sweet, Oregon strawberries and played in the fountain. They were a little hesitant at first... but ended up completely soaked!

Pirate Park

We met some friends at the Pirate Park today... Our kids love it there - they have 2 play structures, swings, sandpit and bike paths.

Sam played in the sand/water, ran around, swung and followed a girl around that caught a snake in the grass... Pretty exciting!

Ben stayed in the swing for 1 1/2 hours! GEEZ!

Sppoookkkyyy

Ben loves his spooky spider tattoo. He has been interested in going potty the last several days and wearing underwear - pretty exciting! Not sure if this is the real thing or just a phase. So we have been handing out stickers and tattoos for rewards. Last night we went to Baskin Robbins and he even asked to go potty in their bathroom! Today has been off and on as far as his interest goes so we will see!

Just hanging out in the tub...

The kids love taking baths... they rarely want to get out and we usually end up bribing them after about 45 minutes. I love this picture - Sam is just chillin'... and brushing his teeth -- with MY new toothbrush!

Bingo

We had Grandpa Erv, Aunt Dee and the Vanderwals over for brunch on Sunday. The kids had a great time! Before everyone left they all played an exciting game of Thomas Bingo...

Garden

Dad came over yesterday to help the kids put in their vegetable garden.

We still have a blueberry bush and some strawberries from last year...

Sam helped plant pumpkins, zucchini, peppers, carrots, green beans and tomatoes...

Ben went through 3 changes of clothes -- partly because we were working on potty training and partly because he loves to play in the water!

Monkeying Around...

Monday

We had lunch with Jessica today at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse. They have outside seating with all kinds of flowers, trails etc.... of course I couldn't get them both to cooperate for a photo.

One clean dog...

Mac got groomed on Wednesday. The boys went with me that afternoon to pick him up and Sam was so excited to "help" with the leash. He has been walking him around the house and yard the last few days. This is the first time they have cut his hair really short - finally! I always tell them to go short and to cut the feathers on his tail - and in 7 years this is the first time any groomer has done it! Ben is so funny - he keeps asking if we can put Mac's tail back on! Reilly gets a bath at home this weekend - dang that dog is a shedding machine!

Zoo Train

Growing up...

Sam moved from the convertible carseat to a booster seat yesterday! He finally hit 40 lbs - the Oregon requirement to move to a booster. He has been asking for weeks if we could go find him a new seat. Last night he asked a few times if he could go out in the garage and check it out.... and he had Brian out there at 7am showing him how he could do the seat belt etc. The kid is growing up!

Grads

Sam had his end of the year preschool program and graduation last night. They sang a few songs and the kids moving on to kindergarten received diplomas - too cute! Here he is with his buddy Kaitlynn.