First Annual Adams Camping Extravaganza

Monday we drove down to South Beach (near Newport) for a few days of camping with Brian's family. We met down on the beach and the weather was perfect!

We couldn't check into our yurts until 4pm... and Sam was checking the time. He was so excited to see what the yurts were all about.

We finally checked in... this is a YURT!

The boys wanted to sleep together but that lasted all of about two minutes... then Ben climbed back onto the futon.

Sam found two FUZZY caterpillars and was so excited.

Helping Brian...
Buddies
Our site was right next to the playground. We spent A LOT of time there!
Brian and Char hanging out at the beach...
Heather and Maddox

Caden LOVED the beach!

Sam and Maddox making "soup"...
Ben was quite the little camper... and entertainer.

Lots of bike riding...

Lacey and Craig

Hatfield Marine Science Center
Touch tank at the Science Center... it was also feeding time for the octopus - the kids thought that was pretty cool.

Ben spent most of day on his bike - hence the helmet...

Sam didn't want his picture taken...

The first two days there was NO wind. Brian had to run Sam down the beach to keep his kite in the air!

Ben hanging out.

If you look closely you can see Sam's kite WAY up in the air. It was perfect weather for flying kites today. We had it up about 300 feet... and used a shovel and stick to anchor it in the sand while we built sand castles... the wind got a hold of it and off it went down the beach. I took off after it but wasn't fast enough! Ben talked about it the whole way home... how the wind "broke" the kite.

Brian had to teach today so he headed back to Portland last night around 5pm. The boys and I stayed to play and got home this afternoon - they were wiped out and in bed EARLY. I thought for sure they would sleep on the drive home...NOPE! We had a great time and the boys did really well. Looking forward to next year!

We're taking off...

We are heading out of town today... meeting Brian's side of the family in South Beach, OR for a couple of days of camping. The kids are so excited. The last time we camped Sam was 2 1/2 and we spent a few days at Lost Lake. This time we are staying in yurts - a first for us. South Beach is about 3 hours from Portland - and I am really hoping they sleep in the car as we are leaving right after lunch during their nap time...

Working together...

The kids had big after dinner plans... they started by helping Brian mow the lawn.

Then we collected a few more bugs. Sam is into worms right now and it shocks me that he picks them right up out of the ground. He usually won't touch frogs, bugs etc... apparently worms are ok.

While Brian and Ben finished up some lawn clean-up - Sam took a bike ride around the neighborhood while I tried to keep up on foot...

Refilling the bird feeders...

After everything was done Sam watered the lawn... then bathtime, snack and finally BEDtime... they wore me out too!

Bug Hunt

The boys and I set out on a bug hunt after lunch. It took me 20 minutes to find anything... There seems to be plenty of bugs around when I am not searching for them! Ben was happy with his potato bug... although I am pretty sure it was dead - and Sam helped me catch a very feisty beetle!

Spent a couple of days at the coast last weekend...

with about 15 other women planning for MOPS 2009-10. We had a great time and the weather was perfect!

Feeling groovy

Last weekend Ben came down with a fever and rash that we decided to have checked out on Wednesday. The fever was gone but the rash wasn't going away and turns out was a concern to the doctor as well. They ended up doing blood work which was NOT fun. He actually did really well - just laid on the table and watched - and when they started drawing the blood he cried one sad wail and was done. And then ... "Where's my lollipop?" Turns out he just had a virus and is back to his usual happy self.

We had another busy weekend...

Aunt Susie and Uncle Denny arrived from Bend yesterday. Grandma is also here from Boise this weekend... so to celebrate Mother's Day and Mom's 60th Birthday all of the ladies (and Sam) went out for tea. Lizzie and Sam were too cute all dressed up and had a ball wandering around the shop and playing together. Poor Ben woke up with a fever so he stayed home with Brian.

Last night we had a BBQ at Ellen's to celebrate Brian, Mom and Sam's birthday's. The kids had a great time playing outside...blowing bubbles, chasing each other etc. It was perfect weather... Ben was feeling better and spent a lot of time on the swings.

We opened a few presents...

Sang Happy Birthday a few times - our family tradition...

Now who doesn't need a "pocket" volcano? Aunt Susie gave this to Sam and he was up at 7:30 this morning, ready to find out what happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar...

We got calls this morning that Ellen and Mom both have the stomach flu. Today is mom's special day - not only Mother's Day but her birthday! Grandma, the Fees, Dad, Colin and the kids all came over for brunch. We had a great time but missed my mom and sis. Happy Mother's Day to all of my friends and family out there with little ones!

Celebration

Last night we had Sam's party - 6 of his little friends along with their younger siblings and parents... joined us for pizza and play time at Papa's Pizza.

The kids played and ate and played some more... There were a few tears when it was time go home. I am happy to report that for the first time in 3 years - Sam didn't cry at his birthday party! He had an absolute blast!

It is such a great feeling to see your child having so much fun! What a little man - 5 years old already - wow!

Busy day for the birthday boy...

Last night we had Kindergarten round-up. Sam got to check out the classrooms, meet the teachers, play on the playground and take a bus ride. He looked so little getting off of that big bus!

So serious...

He came home from preschool with a a birthday crown... Had to take this photo because this kid hates having his clothes off! A rare moment here...

My baby is 5!

It seems like yesterday that Sam was born. Five weeks early he weighed in at 5 lbs 1 oz - tiny but healthy! I can't believe my baby is five today - just crazy how fast the time goes. I never thought he would be running, climbing, swimming, reading and so curious about the world.

Tonight we have his kindergarten orientation - meet the teachers, take a bus ride etc. Tomorrow night we are celebrating with a few of his friends and family. Every day I am amazed at the questions he asks, the new things he learns, and at what a sweet boy and great big brother he is. Happy Birthday Sam!

The boys missed their dad this weekend...

He was at the beach with his friends... playing golf and poker, drinking beer, building bonfires and just hanging out doing whatever it is guys do. We kept busy here...the boys played with their cousins, helped Caden celebrate his 1st birthday, had swimming lessons and played outside. We had a huge storm Saturday - lightening, wind, rain...trees were down, power was out etc. Yesterday Brian got home and spent the afternoon at the UP graduation. Both of my softball games were rained out - ARG! I had our end of year MOPS steering dinner and the boys went to the park, rode bikes and played in the water table. Another busy week this week - Sam, Brian and Mom all have birthdays! Sam is counting down the days...