Fall is here

This summer we grew a pumpkin - as big as we could - so we could have the largest one on the block. Not sure that we accomplished that but we're damn proud of our little baby. Today feels like a good day to go pick apples. Happy Fall!

The wart looking things on the pumpkin are scars from when Oliver beat it with a screwdriver when it was just a wee thing. Battle wounds give it character I think.

And pick apples we did. Fujis galore in SE Washington!

Anthony showing off his juggling skills with edible fruit.

The big 3

He doesn't officially turn 3 until the 12th, but we threw him a party to celebrate this weekend. We have been teaching him numbers, so with his birthday coming up we have been asking him how old he was going to be a lot. 9 times out of 10 he would answer 6. Why? Who knows. He can say that his birthday is in October, but for some reason 3 is just not old enough. This could be telling for things to come when he's 16 and telling the guy at the beer counter he really is 21. Oh boy, that's jumping too far into the future for me. Let's stick to dinosaurs for now. Which brings me to the birthday cake. I tackled my first kid cake. And it turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. Oliver loved it! And we'll be pooping blue for a week.

Its a stegosaurus for you amateurs.

Using his new tools to fix the new kitchen. A true renaissance man.

Nothing like a man in the kitchen in only his skivvies.

That is a frog sticker on Oliver's forehead, not a tatoo. Relax.

Recent adventures

Oliver and I have been on the road A LOT lately. Enjoying some free time before I start working and Oliver goes to daycare. Flexibility will be greatly limited then. First we drove to Corvallis, OR for Kelly and Stefan's baby shower. We saw lots of kids and old friends. I tried to explain to Oliver that dad and I used to live there before he was a part of lives. I'm pretty sure he doesn't believe that such a time existed, because he pointed to a house and said "well I lived here too, in that house over there". Sometimes its best not to argue with an almost 3 year old.

Then we went with Anthony to Seattle for a couple of days so he could attend a conference. Oliver and I played in the big city while dad sat through boring lectures. We had a blast. Oliver loved the hotel room, the tall buildings and watching all the people. And I got a little dose of culture, good food and diversity. A much needed trip for every one.

And I'm pretty sure that Oliver is the best traveler ever. I couldn't ask for better company in the car from an almost 3 year old. If only he could drive for me and play all the music I want to hear.

Audrey (Cindy and Jon's little girl) with Oliver and frog

Outside of Darren and Charlotte's house with them, Stefan, Kelly, Brian, Grady and Heather.

Oliver, the jelly fish, at the Seattle Aquarium

Our hotel room was on the 26th floor. Oliver couldn't get enough of watching traffic from the window.

Nathan and Oliver in the hot tub at the hotel.

Camping at Mt. Rainier

Last weekend we camped near Mt. Rainier with the Serwold family from Seattle. They have two kids, Nathan and Sophia. Oliver likes them a lot and they all have a great time together. We went for an amazing hike called the Naches Trail Loop off of HWY 410 on Chinook Pass. Anthony and I agree that is one of the most beautiful mountain passes we have driven through. Washington is truly an amazing part of the country and there is so much more to explore! Next time we camp together we're going to the Olympics.

Rainier in the clouds over Anthony's shoulder and grumpy Oliver in my arms. He was thrilled to be trail running I swear, but as soon as the cameras came out so did the sourpuss face.

See, here is the trail runner leaving every one in his dust. He must have some of Auntie Monica's DNA.

Sophia getting her hands dirty on the White River.

The wildflowers up there were amazing. These were my favorite because they seemed so life like. Does any one know what they are?