Trio

We knew that this summer we would be spending a lot of time at home.  With Delaney just weeks old, there is only so much we felt comfortable subjecting her to.  Franny and Cole, however, so far have really enjoyed the additional time time spent at home, and at times have even preferred it.  They have created a number of games they play together;  one of their favorites is going on a ‘hike’ around the perimeter of the yard.  They circle around the back and traipse up and down the slopes and behind the large shrubs, trees, and plants that border the yard.  There are a few areas where we can’t see them from the deck, but their ongoing conversation and giggling gives away their location every time.  We were initially a little concerned about keeping the kids at home more, since they were accustomed to being continuously on the go, but it seems that as long as they are together that they are very happy in their own little world, so to speak. 

It’s not always easy finding ways to do fun activities with a four-year-old, two-year-old, and seven week old, but we are slowly figuring it out and doing our best. Today, we headed out to the Eastbank Esplanade for a family bike ride. That would be Franny on her bike, Rick pulling Cole, and me pushing Delaney in the stroller. It was slow, but a lot of fun for everyone (Miss D slept through the ride).

It was particularly fun to watch Franny ride her bike. She has had it for a year now, but it has barely made it out of the driveway. She did great, riding up and down small inclines with complete ease and confidence and having a really good time! When we turned around to head back, she wanted to go further, but it was just too late. She is already asking for when we can go again. Hopefully, soon!

Sweet Cole seems to really love his little sister. It’s hard that she is so young that he can’t visibly see her respond to his gestures, and she frequently cries when he gives her a wet, sloppy kiss or gets too close to her. But, he always has a cheerful Hi Miss D! for her and continuously tries to connect with her. I cant wait until he gets his first big smile from her…

Same time and place. What a difference a week makes!

Last week, close to 100 degrees             This week, a beautiful 75 degrees

Franny and Cole, like all kids, love playing at the park. Fortunately, we have a number of parks close to us that they can frequent. One of their favorites is Wallace Park in NW. It’s a perfect park for everyone, as we can stop during one of our neighborhood walks, or go before a dinner out just a couple of blocks up. And, it’s predominately shady, so it is good even in the hot weather we had last week. Tonight, with Rick on vacation, we all enjoyed an evening out as we kicked off what is sure to be a series of fun adventures.

First we couldn’t get the hat off, now we can’t get the shoes off. What’s next, I can’t imagine.

Yesterday, Franny got her first lesson in reigning a horse. She made a few good attempts and then actually managed to get Gator to turn—not bad for such a pint-size rider. Grandpa just may make an accomplished rider out of her, yet!

It’s hard to believe that a smile preceded this look by just a few mere seconds. Hopefully, I’ll catch that gorgeous grin soon…

Franny and Delaney had a little 'sister time' together tonight. After supervising some tummy time, Franny got Miss D's pajamas on and helped with a diaper change--sounds like small stuff, but it was a big deal for this big sister!

Portland summers are unparalleled—the humidity is low and temperatures are moderate; there is so much to do, that the city’s mentality shifts to outdoor activities and living.  This week, however, has been uncharacteristically and unbearably hot.  While I am sure it must have occurred in the past, I do not recall one, much less back-to-back, 107 degree days.  It has been so hot, Franny has retreated to the cool indoors much sooner she ever would have otherwise; Cole’s fair cheeks have turned a flushed red after just minutes outside; and, poor Delaney has enjoyed minimal time in the fresh air all week.  I think we are all looking forward to a return to the beautiful Portland summers that we love, and now, also appreciate just a little bit more than we did a couple of weeks ago. 

Cole has little interest in eating anything for dinner, including any kind of dessert. He will frequently request dessert (following Franny’s lead), but then, won’t eat it. Yesterday, however, he ate two whole bowls of ice cream. Initially, I thought he was eating because all his cousins were eating. But soon, he was alone at the table, continued to finish his first bowl, and then, asked for and finished a second. He also asked for a third, but he didn’t finish that one. Maybe he really likes Butter Pecan, but I think he just likes to keep us guessing!