Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Weathering the heat


This week has seen record high temperatures in our area, with several consecutive days with 100 plus temperatures. We north-westerners aren't cut out for that kind of heat. We kind of melt. This week it has been a challenge to keep the boys and I happy, cool and entertained. Luckily we have window air conditioners in our bedrooms so at least we have slept comfortably. Unfortunately the boys start acting like caged animals when we all spend too much time in the same room. In our efforts to keep cool this week we've gone to the library, slowly paced the aisles at Walmart and Safeway, eaten lots of ice cream and popsicles, gone bowling and eaten many picnic style meals in the master bedroom. But I think the boys' favorite stay cool activity was going to the park to play in the creek.

The water looked pretty muddy and murky to me, but they loved it.



And said it felt refreshing.

I'm really hoping that a serious cooling trend is on the way, because I've had about all the heat I can take.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Prescott Beach


On Tuesday we decided to deal with the heat by heading to the river. It was a perfect day to be there. We could feel the warmth of the sun, but there was a great breeze to keep us cool.

The boys had a great time running and jumping off the top of the hill.

They must have run up and down that sandy hill at least a dozen times. A perfect recipe for a good night sleep.

The water felt refreshing and cool.


They also did a lot of digging in the sand.


They initially wanted to make a hole big enough for all of them to sit in.


But in the end decided it would be the perfect size for burying Fuller.

I think Grayson may have been considering some sort of "brotherly payback" while Fuller was incapacitated.

Then Fuller entertained us all with his David Hasselhoff impersonation.

Cub Scout Day Camp


Last week Grayson and I had the opportunity to attend Cub Scout Day Camp. The boys got to learn archery, how to shoot a bb gun and did lots of western themed crafts. The theme for camp was "Scouting the West" so they did activities like make Native American medicine bags, decorate cowboy handkerchiefs and make styro-foam tombstones.

Each group of scouts had a different name for the week, ours was Red Fox. The groups made flags that they took turns carrying as we moved around the camp. Grayson got to draw the red fox on the flag, which he was very proud of.

The boys also had some opportunities to get some energy out playing kickball and impromptu games of tag and "shove each other off the ledge".

By the end of the week it got pretty hot and everyone seemed a bit tired, so camp ended with more of a fizzle than a bang. Grayson said he liked camp, but that he really just wanted to shoot the bb guns and do archery.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

4th of July


We had a quiet 4th of July at home this year. I made fried chicken for the first time in my life, yum-o! Then we had fun with our own little pack of fireworks and greatly enjoyed the big illegal ones that all of our neighbors were setting off.










Teamwork


One day the boys decided to give Buster a bath, all by themselves. Everyone had a job. Fuller was in charge of the water. Rowan was in charge of soap. And Grayson was the designated "dog holder".Never mind the fact that Buster outweighs him by quite a bit. It went ok for about the first 3 minutes. Then Buster had had enough and bolted in my direction, ready to shake. (There are no pictures after that since I had to duck and cover to protect the camera). Buster then proceeded to drag Grayson around the yard as Rowan chased them with the soap and Fuller sprayed water in their direction. Buster then proceeded to roll around in the grass. In the end he was not much cleaner, but had at least gotten a workout.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Berry Picking at Kruger's Farm


On a lovely gray, overcast day we headed out to Sauvie Island for some berry picking. A good time was had by all.
Being the goofballs that they are the boys couldn't be content with just picking. They were challenging each other to eat the sour green unripe berries and laughing at each others expressions.


Grayson was not a big fan of staying on one place and picking, he was always in search of "the mother lode".


In search of more berries.


"One for me, one in the bucket, one for me, one for me, one for me........"


We had a group of chickens that kept us company much of the time that we were picking. The kids liked having them around, but when the roosters started getting a little too frisky with the hens I shooed them away.


I'm not sure if he was checking our progress, or looking for an easier way to get a snack.


So nice to see them working together.

When Rowan got tired of picking he just plopped down and sat in his bucket. Luckily it was empty since he had eaten pretty much every berry he picked.


In the end we made quite a good haul. Plus we bought some amazing plums and local fresh corn at the farm market.


You gotta love workers who are happy to be paid in ice cream treats!

Then home to make blueberry muffins.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Technical difficulties

Our computer decided that it was sick and tired of being a slave to our every whim. It went on strike. So we sent it on a little vacation, to a place all computers love to go, the shop. Where it got tons of rest and relaxation as it sat for 4 days waiting for the computer guy to look at at it. Then it got a couple of spa treatments- a little massaging of the hard drive, and now it's good as new. As soon as we reload all of our programs and are able to download pictures again I've got lots of blogging to catch up on.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Objets d'art


This week while my niece and nephew were here we tried to keep busy, and did a couple of art projects. Making yarn bowls was by far my favorite, even though clean up was kind of a pain. To make a yarn bowl you simply blow up a balloon and put it in a bowl or something to steady it. Then you have to get a little dirty.

You soak cut pieces of yarn in white glue, remove the excess glue, and place them on the balloon. The great thing is, it doesn't really make a difference where you put them.


Pulling out the glue soaked yarn without getting it tangled or making a huge mess is a big challenge.


Did I mention that this is a REALLY messy and sticky project?


The finished products. After letting them dry overnight the yarn should be stiff and hold it's form. Then you just have to pop the balloon and pull it out.

Rowan thought his would make a good hat. Grayson was disappointed that he hadn't used enough yarn for his to keep a good form, so he didn't want to be in the picture.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Backyard campout

Last night we let the kids have a little backyard campout. We grilled hot dogs, had a fire, and made s'mores. Then we let them sleep in the tent.

I really hope my neighbors will forgive me for the noise that lasted late into the night.

And for the noise that started back up early this morning.

Elsie was the smart one, she came in and slept on the couch.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Still the best money we ever spent



Two years ago we bought this big swimming pool, and decided to give up about a third of our yard each summer. One of the best decisions we ever made. It has provided us with hours and hours of fun.



It lets us burn off lots of vacation energy.




And keeps us cool and comfortable on hot summer days.



Plus, it gives us a chance to try out some new hair styles!