School has started, but we are still pretending it's summer...

Last weekend we went to Oaks Park Amusement center with Maya and had tons of fun! You couldn't tell it from this picture of course. But I swear this train ride was full of smiles, waves, and Cheetos.

Very frightening shot of Ezra the dragon rider! He has however decided that the merry-go-round is boring. He is at the age when the 'little kid' rides are too boring but he's not quite brave enough for the next step up.

Maya, posing on Violet (that's what she named the kitty cat).

I don't like this ride so much. So Ezra is shooting from the front at the kid that's in front of him who's shooting back from his rocket, and Maya's shooting from the back at the kid that's behind who's also shooting back from his rocket. Children riding in circles shooting at each other. Not so much.

They loved this one! The speed boats go up and down and around and around. They'd get off, exit, and get right back in line to get on again. They rode on it at least ten times.

Ezra, the concerned driver and Maya, the oblivious navigator. Oh and I guess they're driving in England?

I did go on this ride with them (twice) which left me feeling ill. It's a hot air balloon and it goes up up up and the wheel in the center makes it go around around around.

So determined to make his mama sick.

Another day we went to Oswald West park on the coast with Nikkie. It was a lovely day, which is somewhat rare on the Oregon coast. Nikkie brought her kite and Ezra got to be quite the expert!

He also got very good at slicing cheese. He said, "I sliced enough to share with everyone."

This shaggy carpeting on the rocks (moss) is very slippery.

Love the sunset at the beach.

Nikkie took Ezra climbing and tide pooling, allowing me some time to relax, watch the sunset, and take pictures of myself.

On the way home we stopped at the DQ and finished off a fabulous day with some cheeseburgers, french fries and dilly bars.

Btw I know I really need to take some pictures of Ezra's new kindergarten class and write something about it. I missed the boat on the first day pictures, but Ezra was kind of nervous (so was I!) and he hates having his picture taken so I made the executive decision to forgo that tradition this year. But I will snap some shots soon I promise! I will just say that he is enjoying kindergarten very much, "It's lovely!" he says, and he's made some new friends, learned how to make bread and soup, and how to fold a blanket.

The Summer

One big highlight of the summer was going to Pickathon, a fun music festival just outside of Portland. There were a few horses there that we enjoyed being around.

Ezra got to hang with the ladies, who fought over his love and attention. Lady killer!

The menu said that a side of bacon was only 2 strips, but we got 6! Happy boy.

One friend was staying in this cool VW camper named Sylvia. Ez LOVED it. He has a soft spot for campers. He wants to live in one you know.

This kinda shows the kids area. Not as impressive as WFF, but something at least.

He prefers to be in the trees.

My dear friend Sue lead a lovely sing along in the woods. I remember singing Riders in the Sky, something by The Cure, and an Everly Brothers about love lost on the ferris wheel. 

Such toughness.

He fell asleep while Feist was playing at about 6 pm. I was a little bit worried because he had just fallen out of a tree right before. He didn't hit his head though, just scraped his back and landed on his butt. I didn't see it happen however, as I had gone to the bathroom. Luckily our friend Brye had just sat down under the tree, not knowing that Ezra was in it, moments before Ezra plopped out. He comforted him until I came back. Poor little dirty guy.

There were lost of hammocks strung up in the trees. Ez snagged this one to listen to an amazing storyteller.

I waited for one to become available.

He's so good at kiping electronics from unsuspecting children.

He did brave trees once again.

Another time we went to Sauvie Island.

With our friends Nikkie, Becca, and Mara.

Summer Trip to the Home Land

Ez is mostly putting on crazy/cranky faces for the camera lately, but he is all smiles at Sun and Fun in Hackensack with Grandma. Mint chocolate chip ice cream might help!

On a visit to the Science Center in Bemidji Ez was serious about holding the bunny.

Ez and V love the Berenstein Bears!

More books and smiles.

You can kinda see the gap tooth down there. He has since lost another tooth, and the first tooth that he lost is half way grown in! He reports that one of the top teeth is loose now. What the heck!?

He lived in this life jacket at Grandma's.

Grandma with happy feet in Pleasant Lake.

Ezra blasting me with the Aqua Zooka!

Heaven for the boy: swim in the lake, followed by naked cuddle in bed with Minecraft on Grandma's Ipad.

V in the top bunk!

Out on the boat.

Out by the camper that was bought and sold in the time we were there. Wish I could retire in this cute lil' Scamp!

Ez braving the cold at the headwaters of the Mississippi.

Lake Itasca.

It did take two towels and a lift from Grandpa after his chilly dip however.

Little fingers tickling the ivories.

Uncle Nate and Ez pondering a third summit of the fire tower at Itasca.

The Lake George Blueberry Festival boasted five bounce houses!

And a stump, hammer & nails.

Back on the boat trying to catch lunch.

Lovely Marla met Max & Tracy's darling son Teal and they pretty much fell in love.

Though Teal had an affair with the salt shaker.

Next up a canoe ride with Jayme through Minneapolis river channels.

Free Loaders.

The Captain.

Coolest shades. Ever.

Creepiest Paul Bunyan. Ever.

My Little Artist

Last night Ezra drew this picture of us. We have many arms, and very large belly buttons. I think he captured the likeness very well. Little sweetums.

He also decorated this Mickey Mouse pancake with cereal. It was a shame to cut and devour such a lovable face!

BTW: he's got another loose tooth!!