Heat WAVE!

Just when I thought that 105 degree temperatures THREE days in a row was about to do me and my big ol' belly in...I got the dreaded call from Hazel's daycare...she is SICK. :(

I hurried up the hill to fetch her from her kind caregivers, and found a very pathetic little girl awaiting her mommy. Broke my heart. Taking her home in the heat was not fun, nor was the continuous clean-up after she lost more and more of her "cookies."

My baby is finally asleep, I am on my way. Wish us well with the night ahead...looks like it could be a long, and HOT one. My house is currently 85 degrees at 10:45 pm. I wanted to finish this post with some pictures of our very successful attempt to escape the heat this past Sunday.

We headed over the coast range to Florence for a day of play on the beach. We were due to have very warm temps at home, so we looked forward to somewhat cooler temps at the beach. We sure got the cool...and then some! I look at these pictures now and long for that chill in the air. We all had a very nice time, even though it wasn't quite sunbathing temperatures at the beach. (Didn't stop Donald from trying to get a tan though!)

At the last minute I packed Hazel's hat and jacket - thank goodness! It was 63 degrees when we got to the coast at noon!

This really was a SANDwich. She loved it.

Can you see the boys (yes Beau is included in that) through the this coastal fog?

The boys had a lot more fun with Hazel's toys than she did. She was more concerned with the snacks I had packed!

The bubble wand was a hit, though Hazel was worried about spilling the "bubble juice."

The wind was so strong at the coast that she didn't have to blow the bubbles, mother nature did that for her with GUSTO!

I felt like this at times too...that wind just wouldn't let up!!

Happy Hazel

The Donald catching some rays? What an optimist!

A man on a mission with his daughter.

We then spent time in Old Town Florence, I love this one of Hazel hurrying to catch up with the guys.

Just one of Daddy's fingers is all she needs...She loves looking at her own shadow lately.

Our drive home was rather quiet. Sleeping Hazel...

Sleeping Matt...

Sleeping Donald!! :)

Blackberry Jam Festival

This weekend is the big festival that my tiny little town has every year. It is the Blackberry Jam! This morning we had our friends, Julie and Macey, come over to join us for the annual BJ parade. Matt and Beau were gone...but we didn't let that stop us! We headed over to the parade route, joined also by our next-door neighbors.

We live in such a tiny town, but it didn't stop just about every resident from turning out for the parade and festivities. Here are some pictures from our morning out on the town! :)

The pony rides were right next to our parade viewing spot, and Donald enjoyed pettying the pony.

Lauren, our neighbor, was SO excited to ride her first pony!

Hazel and Lauren gearing up for the parade in the wagon.

Macey viewed from the stroller

Here come the trucks!

Lauren's pretty hairdo

Yay for our local park hosts and the Oregon Beaver!

Hazel loved seeing the BUS!

The older girls ventured out of the wagon and stroller and got into the candy gathering action. Hazel was content to view the parade from her wagon. One passing vehicle, spied her and threw a handful of candy "for the wagon." So nice of them.

Donald took a brief break for getting candy to pose for a quick picture.

I had to get a picture of these cute little car. Not sure what it is, an early Mini Cooper? Whatever it was, sure was cute!

Post parade, Hazel and Macey take a break with their babies.

We all ventured into the pool later as it was HOT today! Here is Donald enjoying his first swim in the pool. Yay for being available Donald!!

Hooray - we have a POOL!!

A monumental occasion (and I am not exaggerating in the least) occurred this past Sunday!! My darling husband got our pool up! What a feat!!!

We were given this pool by friends, Sarah and Brad, who upgraded to the larger version this summer. They took pity on me with my ever expanding middle section and thought that I should have a place to relax and cool off. They also thought my family would like it as well...

Beau thought of the WORK that clearing the spot would involve and wasn't too keen on the idea. I pestered, I nagged, then pestered and nagged some more...and low and behold...we have a pool!!

Thank you BEAU!

Hazel loves the swimming pool. Matt tried it out today and enjoyed the cool water. Beau even ventured in this evening and I dare to say he was refreshed. Donald...well, he has yet to keep himself available for the privilege. He is having a rough time lately...Therefore, the whole family is having a rather frazzled time.

All the more reason to relax in the refreshing waters of our own POOL!! :)

Thank you BEAU!

Here are a few pictures I snapped yesterday and today...

Our little lady of leisure.

Trying out her floaty with Daddy.

She wouldn't go near the floaty yesterday, clung to me for the hour or so we were in the pool. Today, she gained more confidence and enjoyed her little "boat." Beau and I pushed her back and forth across the pool, her shouting "ready, set, go" with a big smile on her face.

Content in Daddy's arms.

Happy 2nd Birthday Ryan!

Hazel and I headed up the interstate today to Portland for a very special occasion!! Her friend RYAN turned the big #2 today!! What fun it was to get Hazel, Nathan and Ryan together again. All three really enjoyed the pool in Ryan's backyard. I was lucky to keep my camera out of the wild splashes from the raucous three munchkins!

Not only did we enjoy celebrating Ryan's birthday, but we REALLY enjoyed welcoming his daddy home officially!! Thanks for your service Jake, we admire you so much. It was great to see Jake, Angela and Ryan together again!! Yippee!

My mom and dad were able to meet up with us today as well. That was a great treat for me too in that Nana and Papa were on Hazel watch so I could catch up with friends. I don't think they minded. Here are some pictures from our adventure up to Portland for the afternoon...

Patti and Nathan, Angela and Ryan, Becky and Hazel

Such fun for these two boys!

Impossible to get a picture of all three facing the camera!

Splish SPLASH!

Can you hear the squeals?

Birthday boy!

Some serious splashing

Hazel was definitely the girl in the pool - much more dainty with her splashes - but she loved it just the same!

Nathan sure does love his silly daddy!

Happy Birthday Ryan!!

Hard to believe you are TWO!

Hazel and her Papa watching the sparkling candle.

The kiddos in action!

Hazel and her new favorite song, this time for RYAN!