Oregon Zoo

Last Sunday it was absolutely gorgeous so Ezra and I ventured to the Oregon Zoo here in Portland.

Let's just say he had fun.

He really enjoyed watching the elephants. For me it's always a little sad to see animals cooped up, but at least the babies were with the mamas. They were all huddled around the building because apparently it was almost feeding time.

This sea lion was lounging on this big rock when we first came upon him. He then started yawning and making these strange growling noises. Then he tipped back and made a big splash dipping into the water.

We watched him gracefully swim around his tank.

He swam in circles, coming up to the glass each time. It was amazing to see him so close up, but I once again felt sad because I know when they're swimming in circles it means that they want to swim much, much farther. Sorry sea lion, but thanks for the show.

This might have been Ezra's favorite part. He spent a good half hour climbing across these dangling lily pads.

We took a break on the grass and got some sun.

Ezra showing off his chin scrape. He has been falling down a lot lately, but is proud of his wounds.

Can you find Ezra in this picture?

Spring has sprung!

This giraffe looked sad. Do they always look sad? He didn't have any giraffe friends and I think that was why he looked extra sad to me. What with all the merry making activities going on around him (he shared a pen with the frisky ones in the above shot).

Last but not least, the fruit bats! Eating all kinds of fruits and vegetables, quite ravenously I might add.

Creepy little creatures.

What a fun day in the sun day!

Audubon Society Double Date

Maya, Ruby & Ezra visited the Audubon Society in Forest Park last Sunday. It was a beautiful sunny day and the three tromped around in mud and old growth trees along Woodpecker Trail.

They were more interested in each other than the nature.

Nose kisses and beautiful boy.

Back at the Audubon we met Ruby the Turkey Vulture.

She is grotesquely beautiful. Ruby's mom was warning Ezra, Ruby and Maya to keep their distance from the Turkey Vulture because, "Turkey Vultures eat children!" So then when Ezra went up to meet Ruby the Turkey Vulture he told her handler that the bird was going to eat the children!

Happy Easter!

This year we decided to make Cascarones for Easter. First I hollowed out the eggs, then we painted them and then I stuffed them full of confetti!

After that we hid the eggs around the yard and the boys delighted in finding them.

They took a short break for ice cream on the front porch. A short video of this scene can be found here.

The Easter Dudes.

Breaking the cascarones! The tradition is to break them over people's heads but the boys preferred to stomp, squeeze, throw, and crumble them with their bear hands.

It was a sad moment when the eggs were all broken.

We hope you all enjoyed a beautiful day with family and friends!

Settling In

It has sometimes been hard to adjust to our new life here in Portland, as it has been rainy and cold most days. But there have been many bright spots to ease the transition luckily. A mini chocolate cupcake always helps.

Also having a buddy is a wonderful thing. Above is Usiah, a friend Ezra has had off and on again for many years. Most of the time they get along well, although there is a fair amount of squabbling. This photo was taken on a beautiful warm sunny day near a duck pond. When they're outside, they squabble less!

We met our other friend Meg near the duck pond, and she brought along her cute little son Mace.

The boys were running around having such fun.

Cute lil' pals.

I am happier outside too me thinks. The cherry blossoms here are amazing, beautiful and smell wonderful.

Later in the day we went to the park that's close to the house where we're staying. They rode the trike,

Played pictionary with some chalk (Ezra drew exclusively tarantulas peeing on someone, long story),

and squinted in the lovely sunshine.

Here's another one of Ezra's buddies from before, Maya. She is a sweet little princess and a nice calm presence to take the edge off the crazy boys.

I apologize for the random nature of this collection. Here we were at the farmer's market getting some fantastic balloon creations from the classy balloon artist. Both boys opted for some form of weaponry. Typical.

With Usiah he engages in fierce battles,

With Maya he puts on pink underwear and jumps on the bed. I must say that shade of pink really brings out his tan.

Yesterday it was rainy and cold so we headed to an indoor play place. This shot is of the extra rad mini golf course (and the blur of Ezra) but there were also bouncy castles, an arcade, and a three story jungle gym. I do prefer warm days and being outside, but this was the place to be. Got some serious ya ya's out.

Thanks for your patience! More soon, I go back to school on Tuesday so wish me luck!