Passing the Time

Ezra really went to town on his very own canvas, complete with dinosaur and dolphin stickers.

We are loving the sun sets here on Pleasant Lake!

Cool beverages are a must. (Clothes are not.)

It's 90 degrees and humid

So we went ahead and got some ice cream. Then we washed off in the lake in our gum soups.

Thanks to everyone who helped out with my flood fundraiser! It has been more successful than I expected, and Cristian will be getting the money in the next few days and has reported that it will go towards a buying a stove and kitchen supplies (pots, pans, plates, cups, etc.). If there's anything left over, a table and chairs is next on the list. I also want to note here that I am very impressed with the website I used to set up the fundraiser, ourwishingwell.com. They have outstanding customer service (they called me on a Saturday to answer my question!) and they offer a really great service with minimal fees.

Thanks again! More soon...

On a lighter note: Puppets!

I am taking a class about art in the elementary school and this week's project was to make a puppet of a children's character. I am an over achiever so I made two. Well, originally I was just going to make Kermie, but then he looked so lonesome, so I had to make the missus. Ezra's is the second photo, which he named "Tiger Puppet" and wanted to talk to all afternoon.

Something else that's cute that I want to mention are some of Ezra's current pronunciations. The absolute cutest is how he says "swim suit" as "gum soup". The other one lately is instead of "truck" he says "KAWuck" really annunciating the first part.

He's also really into the surveying stage, asking every one various questions such as "Do you like bread?" or his most favorite "Do you like tunnels?". He is also getting to be very aware of gender and wants to know whose got a penis and who doesn't. We're working on the terms man and woman, boy and girl. He can also say testicles at this point. Am I telling him too much? I just can't stomach "pee pee" and "balls" or something. Seems wrong. What will I do with Santa? I predict right now that I will spill the beans early.

Help Flood Victims in Chiquimula, Guatemala

For those who didn't know, I lived in Chiquimula, Guatemala not so long ago. I have just heard today that last night a flood ravaged a neighborhood where my friend lives. All of his possessions were stripped from the house by the swollen river, and this morning he and his family are left with nothing but a muddy, empty house. Their livestock was killed, their beds, clothing, kitchen appliances, and any other personal items were taken to the sea.

Many other people in the neighborhood fared far worse, not only losing their possessions but their homes as well. These people are left with nothing but the clothes on their back.

I am collecting money to send to Chiquimula to help rebuild the lives of these people. I have created a donation website that can be found here. Please help out in any way that you can, and we can all be thankful for what we have.

If you want to send something directly, such as clothes or other household items, here is the address:

Cristian Morataya
Moto Mecanica
15 av. 3-81 Zona 5
Chiquimula
Guatemala

(Paradise) Lost Lake: A Photographic Journey

Bonus relaxation shot:

Bonus tiny tee shots:

(All of a sudden Ezra's shirts were all dirty, with this 0-3 months onsey as the only option.)

Short, Sweet

We made a cake at Grandma's last week. Ezra helped to clean up the beaters.

Sorry this video is sideways:

More soon! I'm just bogged down with school work (still).

Happy Mother's Day Mom(s)!

Yes, it was a good day. Ezra gave me the invaluable gift a taking a long nap. Thanks sweetie! It's exactly what I wanted. I thought I would take this opportunity to compile pictures of Ezra and I together, as most of the time pictures don't include yours truly, here's a double dose.

Oh Motherhood.

That's a little better.

Much better.

This was a common style for us.

As was this. I'm pretty sure this was Easter, 2008.

Spending the day in the Conservatory. We were there to witness the blossoming of the Corpse Flower, which blooms very rarely. It was a special, foul smelling treat.

Fast forward to the pontoon and a great hat!

At three months Ezra visited the Big Apple for the first time, and slept on screeching subway cars.

On the shores of Lake Itasca, look at those pasty legs (and bronzed to perfection arms!).

First time blueberry picking on Sauvie's Island, Oregon.

Ty and Paige's wedding in Washington state.

Peninsula Park, Oregon, the day we met Dovie and Yola for a picnic.

Fast forward to Christmas, hanging out with the Christmas rats at Kristine's house.

Ready for the snow at Grandma's house.

He still likes to suck on my nose. And others' noses. Anyone's really.

Back in milder temperatures in Oregon, Marla snapped this while we soaked in the Kennedy School tub during her lovely visit.

Ezra's First Birthday!

After Ezra's birthday Grandma took us to Manzanita on the Oregon coast where we slept in a yurt! Yay for yurts!

Ezra's first trip to Guatemala.

Up in Seattle visiting Melly, making a mess of a cupcake.

Hanging out at a motorcycle repair shop, taking Father's Day pictures for Papa.

Ready to ride in the Portland sunshine!

Strawberry picking on Sauvie's Island, delicious.

I know we're all "sick" of this one, but come on! Showing some affection at the Winnipeg Folk Festival.

Nikkie's birthday dinner at the local Portland taqueria "Por Que No?" (Why not?). Indeed.


Our second trip to Guatemala, taken in Antigua overlooking the volcano and the city.

Back in Minnesota in the best place to be.

Second best place.

Back at the conservatory, sharing important information no doubt.

Fast forward to Christmas! Sledding on Lost Lake while collecting for wreath making fun.

OMSI in Portland, saying hello to the t-rex.

Being supermodels.

Ezra's Second Birthday! South Beach, Oregon.

We slept in a yurt, again! Yay yurts!

On the couch.

In Santa Barbara, enjoying the sunshine.

Back in Minnesota, back on the boat, new addition: popsicles.

Cheeeese!

Mother's Day, after eating a lovely brunch we pose by the cow.