Sunset Fire on Seaside Beach
We hauled some chairs and wood down to the beach for a fire one evening. Kennedy kept warm under Mema's jacket. Oliver stayed warm in the ergo carrier with Susan.
David got a nice fire going. It was a beautiful fire and a raucous group with lots of laughter and singing. Seen here are Gayle, Alex, Robin, Ryan T. and Stacey.
The djembe also made its way around. Here's Stacey beating a rhythm.
Labels: Sanford Family
Big Big Sister Stacey and Cousin Robin
It sure was nice having both Stacey and Robin visit. Here is Stacey with Oliver.
And here is Robin with Oliver.
Since Kennedy is also a "big sister" she calls Stacey her "Big Big Sister." Stacey made a special pancake plate for Kennedy.
Labels: Beans, Sanford Family, Stacey
Doo Rag, Carousel, Butterfly and Oliver's 4 month Check-Up
We couldn't find the beanie bag so Oliver got to wear a
doo rag to cover his head. This is Aunt Shelly holding Oliver.
We loaded up the kids in the burley and took off in search of the famous seaside carousel. We found it but it wasn't our favorite carousel experience. It was small and fast.
Stacey and some of the others went shopping in Cannon Beach and Stacey brought back this butterfly puzzle for Kennedy.
This is Oliver in the beginning position of an attempt to roll over. He went for his 4 month visit yesterday. He is about 14 1/2 pounds (50% range) and 25 inches (75% range)! Our Pediatrician, Dr. Pritchard, said people will think he is a 7 month old.
Labels: Beans, Sanford Family
Windy Cold Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach was windy and cold on our visit, so we put up a shade tarp for a wind barrier. Here's Mema warming up under a blanket.
The Texas contingency were pretty cold. The area was warm for Oliver even though, as fate would have it, he wasted no time in having a huge poopy blow-out. Seen here are Susan with Oliver, Stacey and Mema.
Kennedy coaxed Aunt Gayle into sand play.
The two Ryans began their hole digging modus operandi here.
They were motivated by the rock they found while digging this hole.
Some of the group, including Oliver sleeping in the sling, took the walk to Hay Stack Rock.
Later we got out of the cold wind and had clam chowder at Mo's. Kennedy stuck with her favorite, macaroni and cheese.
Labels: Sanford Family
Crescent Beach, Ecola State Park
Before I dive into Crescent Beach photos, I have a Kennedy story. Picture Kennedy with green coloring all over her mouth and chin.
S: Kennedy, what are you doing?
K: I'm eating my green m&m.
S: Why are you eating it like that?
K: Because I don't like the seeds.
I think this is a direct result of our recent experience of learning to eat around cherry seeds. Ha!
The boardwalk (really made of cement) at Seaside made for fun walking and biking away from traffic. We made our way up and down several times. Here's another photo of Stacey biking Kennedy in the trailer.
The beach house also had a hot tub which was a big hit, especially after long hikes. Here are the two Ryans in front and Stacey and Gayle in the back.
We drove to Ecola State Park, about 7 miles from our beach house, to take the hike to Crescent beach. Here's Robin, Shelly and Stacey at the view point overlooking the walk-in beach.
Here are Gayle and mom (MeMa).
Though the beach looks close from the look out area, the hike to it is much longer at 1.5 miles each way with about a 600 foot elevation. The trail wasn't a good one for an almost 4 year old. It was at times steep, wet and narrow. So, we took turns carrying Kennedy in her pack. Stacey did the lions share of the work. Here's she is carrying Kennedy.
Once we got there, the beach was awesome. Quiet, secluded, not too windy.
Kennedy of course took off her shoes and ran right for the water.
We stayed on the beach for a bit playing and snacking and then hiked back out. Kennedy again started off with Stacey. Those are jelly bellies Kennedy is carrying. She was very protective of her jelly bellies. She would hand them out to people one or two at a time.
Oliver went in the ergo pack with Alex who sang beat box sounds and
George of the Jungle to him all the way back to keep him happy.
Labels: Beans, Sanford Family
Seaside
We loaded up the family and spent a week on the Oregon Coast. We rented a beach house in Seaside. Here's Stacey taking Kennedy for a ride in the bike trailer.
We took a few walks on the Seaside boardwalk and the beach. In this photo you see Mema, David, Gayle, Ryan W. and Stacey heading down a beach path.
Kennedy immediately wanted to play in the sand.
It wasn't long before she moved to the water and coaxed others (Gayle and MeMa in this picture) into walking her in to the water and waves.
Little Oliver slept on Shelly in the Ergo carrier. Ryan is seen on the bike.
We have many more photos to post of our coast vacation adventures. Stay tuned.
Labels: Beans, Sanford Family
And They All Rolled Over...
A quick post from the midst of vacation on the coast... Oliver Del delighted us all yesterday with his newfound trick of rolling over from his back to his belly. He's so proud of this new skill that he's been showing it off frequently. Much to our amusement (and his frustration) he hasn't figured out how to get back and winds up wiggling around trying to get back over.
Blogging today from my phone. we'll try photos later.
Meeting Oliver
Oliver on the cot with the red sleeping bag. We have a lot of cots and beds set up around the house for our family guests. Woohoo!
Here's Mema with Oliver.
And Robin with Oliver.
And Ryan and Ryan inspecting kumquats. They didn't like them.
And Gayle and Oliver.
We took out for a bike ride today and went along the Springwater Trail. Here's mom on her bike. It had been years since she had riden and she had a blast.
Labels: Oliver Del; Sanford Family
Beating the Heat in the Shade
Our friend Mo got to the zoo concert early and scored a rare spot in the shade for us at the zoo concert. Kennedy and Lucy had a good time playing together.
Oliver enjoys being outdoors, but most of all he likes people watching.
Labels: Beans
More Bike abouts
Earlier this week I met friends Becky and Shaun on the eastbank esplanade and we biked off down the Springwater trail. Here's a photo of the city looking north from OMSI.
Kennedy and I took a brief ride this morning. She's like my little tour guide pointing out things along the way that she knows and as if she had never seen them before. When we got home she said "Are we turning around and going back now?"
Labels: Bean, Bike abouts
Katie and Oliver and an Engagement
We didn't get many photos of Oliver this past weekend. We're ever conscious of the second-child-minimal-photos phenomena so I went back in and found this one of Katie and Oliver at the 4th of July bbq.
On the engagement front, Stacey and Carl got engaged! She called this weekend to give us the good news. Stacey is flying in this weekend so we'll get to hear more of the details.
Labels: Oliver Del; Stacey
Will there be Crafty People on Venus?
Laural stopped by for a visit this past weekend. Here's Kennedy showing her the planet she wants to live on when she grows up -- Venus.
Laural turned us on to www.etsy.com, the crafty version of ebay. Sweet. We are seeking ways to be more crafy with the tactiley inclined Kennedy and think that "craft" is a good way forward. She made the 4th of July hat she was wearing at school.
Labels: Bean
Our July 4th Show
We bought some Oregon fireworks (read: one step up from sparklers)and coaxed a few friends into coming to see the show. Uncle C.K. helped Kennedy learn how to stop a tricycle from rolling down the driveway into the street.
The real "show" though was not fireworks, but Uncle C.K. on the tricycle.
And Kennedy put on her ballet outfit and performed moves in rhythm with the explosion of fireworks, such as they were.
Labels: Bean, C.K.
About Town
Yay - all hail to the bike trailer! We're super jazzed to have the opportunity to get out and about with both kids. Now that Oliver is a bit bigger we invested in a
Burley bike trailer and love having the freedom to pile both kids in the back and take off for long journeys. (yeah, right - really we're talking about 10 blocks to Starbucks but hey, it's a start!)
Oliver certainly wasn't excited about the new helmet but he adjusted after a few minutes and was ready to go.
While we were getting ready, Kennedy was busy picking me a 'flower' from our weed garden - sweet girl. Here are both kiddos ready to hit the road.
Labels: Kennedy, Oliver Del, Our Family
Zoo Concerts and Independence Days of Differing Varieties
The kids do love the zoo concerts. They embody summer for us. This week's concert was a particularly fun one as it came at the end of my independence from working at the County. After nearly 11 years of employment there I am cutting the ties in order to pursue other adventures. The Brandenburg side of me said
Don't Do It! A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. But the Sanford side won out again saying
Life is either a great adventure or nothing! (Helen Keller) and so here I am, celebrating my own variety of independece day. And it feels great.
Part of pursuing great adventures in life include having as much fun as possible with Oliver Del and Kennedy this summer. Here's Oliver stretching out on our blanket at the concert.
Kennedy and Halle had fun playing together. Halle celebrates a different variety of Independence Day too in that her birthday is on July 4th.
Labels: Beans
Oliver Makes the Rounds
Oliver Del is the only boy in our little dinner group. This was his third gathering with us and now that he's nearly four months old, he is starting to make the rounds. Here he sits with Becky.
And here he sits with April.
We went to
Bay Leaf, a vegetarian restaurant on SE Division street. The presentation of the food was spectacular but the seasoning was on the bland side.
Labels: Beans
Gifts!
Our friend Laura and her family sent some gifts for Oliver and Kennedy. Kennedy enjoyed opening Oliver's book,
On the Night You Were Born, as much as she did opening hers,
Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep.. Sweet books. We will read them many times over. Susan was most excited about seeing the new wrapping paper which apparently has sticky sides ala post-it note style.
Labels: Beans
Dance Performance
Saturday we attended the first of what we are sure will be many dance performance recitals. Here's Kennedy with her trophy and certificate.
Uncle C.K. brought Kennedy a gift, a Dora themed Chutes and Ladders. They had a lot of fun playing the game.
Labels: Bean, C.K.
Photos
One morning Kennedy put a doll in Oliver's arms, went and got the camera and took this picture. She then asked if someone would put this picture on the blog for everyone to see. !
We took this picture yesterday morning. Oliver is nearly 4 months old and Kennedy is just 4 months shy of 4 years old.
Labels: Beans, Kennedy Photos
Zoo Concert
On Wed. the family headed out to the Oregon Zoo to kick off our zoo concert season. Sinced we missed the first concert last week we weren't ready for new rules and restrictions introduced this year. One bummer involved waiting in line while we waited for 5 o'clock to roll around before the zoo opened the gates. Oliver, however, was a good sport about hanging out while we waited.
Once settled in our 'base camp' Kennedy was quick to convince Sheryl to buy her a snow cone (actually, she'd been talking about snow cones for the previous two days). Much to our chagrin Kennedy ended up wearing half of her snow cone. Lucky for us the smart makers of the sugary syrups used washable dyes and her dress emerged from the wash without a hint of this particular abuse.
Labels: Kennedy, Oliver Del, Our Family
This 'n that
Wow - can't believe it's been over a week since our last update. I tried to come up with a plausible excuse explaining why the silence on this end but the truth is we've just been busy enjoying life.
A few milestones worth mentioning... Oliver is starting to laugh on a regular basis and we're just sure rolling over is going to happen any day now. On a personal front, today is my official last day off before returning to work full time. This month I've straddled the mom / professional identities while working part time and it has been a bit disconcerting undulating between different responsibilities.
Last weekend we celebrated a belated Father's Day with my dad. Kennedy 'assisted' with the gift opening.
Kennedy and Sheryl planted some seeds a couple of weekends ago and it's been fun watching the small shoots emerge from the soil. Here's Kennedy inspecting the progress. We'll probably plant them outside this weekend.
Labels: Kennedy, Our Family
Cake Decorating, Flowers and Visitors
On the table are the beautiful flowers that Mimi sent Susan for her birthday. You can also see Kennedy decorating the birthday cake--Susan's favorite, cherry-chip cake with cherry icing.
Last month we had several visitors. Cousin Suzette came in for an evening. Kennedy warmed right up to her. While taking her evening bath she announced to Susan and me that only Suzette was allowed to come in the room!
Megan and Gina also came to meet Oliver.
Labels: Beans
Happy Birthday Susan!
If you look close you can see the "Mom" that Kennedy wrote on the front of the card she made for Susan. Sweet!
S: What makes Mommy Susan so special to you?
K: Little Ducks.
S: How does that make her special?
K: Because that will make Mommy Susan laugh.
We had a small gathering to celebrate Susan's birthday.
Kennedy, as usual, found a book she wanted read to her. She had strep throat recently and had to stay home from pre-school for a few days. Kennedy, with big droopy tired eyes, walked up to us with a book and said "Will you read to me while I'm not feeling well?" Who could turn that request down? Here's Heidi and Cassiou and Kennedy reading together at the party.
Here's a picture our little photographer Kennedy took of Uncle C.K.
Labels: Beans, Mommies
Smiles and Getting Outside
Oliver is giving up a lot of good smiles these days. He has the best smiles for Kennedy, though. He smiles even when he hears her voice.
He's been enjoying the weather change and getting outside. He particularly likes watching the movement of leaves on trees. This is a picture from a recent park visit. Oliver had his first assisted ride on the slide. Reviews were mixed. He liked riding down on his back but didn't know how to keep his head down. Riding down backwards was a definite
Not Fun.
Labels: Bean
Two Amazing Kiddos
It's been such a joy to watch the love affair developing between Oliver and Kennedy. She hugs and loves on Oliver every chance she gets (even when he is sleeping - which is particularly frustrating if it wakes him up - ha!). In return, Oliver's face lights up anytime he sees Kennedy.
This morning, Oliver actually squealed with delight when he saw Kennedy - a first time hearing that particular emotion coming from his little mouth.
Needless to say, these two mothers couldn't be more proud of the relationship that is developing between these two.
Labels: Kennedy, Oliver Del, Our Family
Artsy Sunday
Over the weekend Sheryl and Kennedy busted out the art supplies for an afternoon of creativity and fun. Sheryl worked with some new media we found for her for Mother's Day and Kennedy worked with her markers. Me, I mastered the art of folding - not paper - but the laundry sort.
Labels: Our Family
Rose Festival
Last Saturday my dad joined the family for a trip down to the Portland waterfront to visit the
Rose Festival (Renee had to work). We went to the Waterfront Village which is basically a huge carnival with booths, rides, music, etc. In other words - a place for you any your money to part. We busted out the Baby Bjorn for the occassion and Oliver was happy to have a place to sleep.
Initially Kennedy didn't want to have anything to do with the rides - particularly not the Ferris Wheel. However, when she saw the Carousel she was sold.
After an afternoon of wandering about and questioning our sanity about the choice of entertainment for the day, we headed to a local restaurant for dinner and got a kick out of watching dad make silly faces at Oliver. He's a sucker for the little guy.
Labels: Grandparents, Kennedy, Oliver Del, Our Family
June Came Too Soon...
It's with a heavy heart that I return back to work part time for the month of June. Oliver will go to daycare 3 days per week while I ease back into old routines. Tomorrow, in fact, is my first business trip in some time - at least going solo (Oliver and I went to Seattle a few weeks back for a couple of meetings). I have a freezer full of breast milk for Oliver, but I'm still not convinced it is enough so I'm trying to figure out how to overnight a batch home just in case.
Oliver seems happy at the daycare for the few times he's gone for practice sessions. Mostly he just sleeps, eats and hangs out before sleeping again. He's really starting to develop a personality - here's his silly side:
Oliver is starting to get stronger too; here he is proving that point with Uncle CK.
Labels: Mommies, Oliver Del
Oregon Camping
Last weekend, for Memorial Day, we loaded up the truck and headed south to
Black Canyon Campground with Grandma and Grandpa to kickoff this year's camping season. In what seems to be our camping luck these days, it rained a little and was pretty cool. However, we managed to have a fantastic time enjoying one another and the beautiful nature around us. See for yourself the amazing splendor that the Oregon forest offers...
This was Oliver's first camping trip and the whole experience seemed to agree with him.
We busted out the Baby Bjorn and Oliver really enjoyed hanging out (literally) and keeping an eye on the comings and goings.
Grandpa and Grandma had a great time hanging out with the kids. Kennedy particularly enjoyed cornering whichever grandparent was available for reading time. Here's Grandpa Joe taking his grandparenting responsibilities seriously.
Grandma Renee was a huge help in corralling the kiddos and we were particularly grateful for her help in keeping Oliver happy while we set up camp and many of the other ongoing tasks.
To keep Kennedy occupied while we took care of camp (dishwashing, cooking, etc.) we set up Kennedy her own special tent for the bare necessities (books, toys, potty...)
A big hit while biding the time was Kennedy's blocks; Sheryl and Kennedy erected several large castles and towers.
When we weren't hanging out at camp, it was time to go 'exploring' across the campground. These adventures were accompanied by the requisite elephant flashlight, which we think is influenced by the recent introduction of Dora the Explorer into some of our hometime activities.
I enjoyed the small opportunities for science lessons during our walks. Here's the talk about ferns.
Later in our explorations, Kennedy continued to examine the ferns with the flashlight.
We also enjoyed playing with Lucky and Toby (the dogs). Kennedy mastered the art of the tennis ball thrower when it was all said and done.
The campground was situated on the middle fork of the Willamette River - which is the same river that runs through Portland. The water is running so fast now that we kept a healthy distance.
Labels: Anderson Family, Our Family
Smiles and Hugs
I managed to finally capture Oliver's captivating smile while riding in the backseat with him last weekend. It melts our heart every time.
Oliver has enjoyed inheriting Kennedy's toys. This one - a gift from our friend Cheryl in Seattle - is lovingly named 'wormy'.
Labels: Oliver Del
Spoon Man
There's nothing more fun than inviting Uncle CK over for dinner and partaking in some of his antics and unending humor. Last week he had Kennedy in hysterics over his spoon-upon-the-nose balancing tricks.
Oliver, however, wasn't quite sure what to make of it all.
Labels: C.K., Kennedy, Oliver Del
Everything's Fine
K: I'm thirsty.
S: I'm Mommy Sheryl, nice to meet you Thirsty.
K: I'm hungry.
S: I'm Mommy Sheryl, nice to meet you Hungry.
K: I'm Kennedy, and I'm hungry. I'm Kennedy, and I'm hungry and I'm thirsty.
Thus ensued a modified version of Tracy Bonham's
Mother Mother:
I'm hungry, I'm thirsty
Everything's FINE...
Labels: Kennedy
Two amazing girls
A final picture from last weekend when Kennedy and Zoe were enjoying each other's company. We anticipate a good future of friendship between these two girls - particularly since Kennedy will be joining Zoe in learning Chinese in the fall. Although the girls will be at different schools, their shared 'secret language' is sure to be a something we, as parents, look upon with excitement and, perhaps when they start scheming, regret.
Labels: Kennedy
Uncle CK Saves the Day
Last weekend, as the mercury climbed above 90 degrees, CK and Kennedy went to the waterfront to hang out. We teased CK that he's using Kennedy as chick-bait but know deep down he adores the kiddos. Tonight, in fact, CK was commenting that he can't wait for Oliver to get old enough to get out and about with them too. This is Kennedy showing off the art of demolishing an ice cream bar; note the sweat-infused hair plastered to her head.
Later on Saturday, CK joined Kennedy in the kiddie pool and together they showed off their best poses for the camera.
Later on Saturday we hosted a BBQ (at 96+ degrees, what were we thinking?!?). Thankfully, the cherry limeade kept the kiddos cooled off; the adult margarita version was heavenly as well. Of course, the kids couldn't resist cornering CK for some reading.
Labels: C.K., Kennedy
Beating the Heat
This past weekend Portland enjoyed (?!?) a huge rise in the thermometer as we reached highs in the upper 80s and 90s. Now, for those of you in hot parts of the country reading from your air conditioned splendor, you're probably saying 'yeah, so - and then what?'... However, what you have to understand is that Portlanders don't really have air conditioners given that we only climb above the 80 degree mark a couple of times a year. So... here we are frantically opening the house at night and closing it up after the morning temps start to climb in an attempt to stay cool. We managed to stay relatively comfortable with this approach and promptly pulled out the kiddie pool on Friday afternoon.
Later in the evening we ran across the street to hang out with Zoe who also had an impromptu swimming pool made from an inflatable raft.
Kennedy showing off her SpongeBob hat and fancy hula hoop at Zoe's.
Of course, both kids found their ways to try and beat the heat. It was too hot for Oliver to be worn in the sling or to be swaddled for naps so we brought the swing outside and made do. Hey, whatever works, right?!?
Labels: Kennedy, Oliver Del, Our Family
Daily Exercises
We love to play with Oliver during the few moments that he is awake. One common thing that we love to do is play 'Stand Up'. Here's the photo essay describing this particular regimen...
Step 1: Lay baby prone on lap and grab hands:
Step 2: Begin to gently lift baby and marvel at the strong head and neck control:
Step 3: Continue lifting making sure baby's feet are ready to plant:
Step 4: Stand baby up and marvel at the accomplishment:
Step 5: Smile back at the accomplishment:
Labels: Oliver Del
Green Thumb Kennedy
A couple of weeks ago in Kennedy's class they studied gardening and how things grow. While we knew this was on the curriculum, it was a pleasant surprise to see that the sweet peas they planted in class were gifts for Mother's Day. This evening Kennedy was adamant about watering her plant which is a good thing given that highs today were in the 80's and we're entering into an uncharacteristic heat wave. Go figure...
In the background you'll note Portland's new recycling containers. In the past we've had to painfully sort the recycling and haul it out to the curb in separate bins. Last week the city implemented new trucks and machinery that let's us dump all recyclables into one single bin (except for glass). We're all celebrating how much easier this makes it for us.
Labels: Kennedy
Sushi Night
Tonight we grabbed CK and went out to dinner for sushi - one of CK's and Sheryl's favorites. We went to Ichidai restaurant on Powell and indulged in yummy sushi, edamame (Kennedy's favorite), miso soup and one of my absolute favorites - squid salad - yum!
CK and Sheryl took care of ordering up the sushi and here is a portion of it. The yellow gelatenous goo in the middle is sea urchin which CK likes to order for the shock factor. I personally think that the caterpillar roll is beautiful.
Labels: C.K.
Happy Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a big day in the Anderson household - particularly since there are two of us. Sheryl and I attempt to sneak around all week with Kennedy to purchase and make gifts for the other mommy with mixed levels of success. Poor Sheryl was on the receiving end of a failed attempt at getting things pulled together for her yesterday. Alas - my over-exaggerated assumptions about what all can get done on a Saturday afternoon left me with only half of her gift prepared. Nothing a little groveling won't cure (right honey?). Ha!
Kennedy, Oliver and I started our afternoon yesterday with lunch with Grandpa (an extra set of hands should have allowed the aggressive agenda to progress with ease, yes?). Afternoon temperaments (mine? Kennedy's?) said otherwise after trekking to the store with screaming baby in tow (why, oh why, do our kids hate the car seats so?). Then, after we found out that poor clerk-packing of the picture frames ended in destroyed goods, I just about lost it. Good thing Grandma and Grandpa were there to take both kiddos so I could run back to the store to remedy the situation as best as possible. Anyhow, we ended with two framed prints for Sheryl and a few others for our moms.
Kennedy has shown increasing aptitude for letters and mazes. She enjoys spelling phrases of her choosing while we dish out each letter one at a time. Here she is showing off her gaming skills with Grandpa at lunch.
Today we started our Mother's Day off with a game-filled morning with Kennedy; we enjoyed rounds of Candy Land, Trouble, and Connect Four. Then Oliver graced us with his Mother's Day present - that of his very first blow out. Nice.
After church we headed over to Granny Kay's to join the family for lunch and hanging out. Grandpa and Oliver wasted no time in smiling at each other and cooing.
For Mother's Day we gave Grandma a collection of African-inspired percussion instruments. She is always drawn to the drums and shakers we have so we were relieved to see her face light up when she saw what we had picked out.
My Aunt Tami and cousin Katrina were in house too and we all enjoyed watching Katrina and Kennedy play hard. I'm not sure which one had more fun - but I know that Kennedy enjoyed rough-housing a bit with someone more her speed...
Labels: Anderson Family, Beans, Grandparents, Kennedy, Mommies, Oliver Del, Our Family
2 Months - Anything but average
Today marks Oliver's 2nd month birthday and to mark the occasion we trekked down to the pediatrician for good advice and (lovely...) vaccinations. Oliver took his shots like a champ and was quickly rewarded with some snuggling and mommy's milk.
Oliver weighs about 11-1/2 pounds and is 22-1/2 inches long. Each of these measurements puts Oliver squarely in the 50th percentile. While we're pleased with the numbers, the uppity side of me wants to make sure to point out that little Oliver is anything but average - ha!
Today we also dug out the swing. I was a bit apprehensive given how much Kennedy hated the contraption - but was pleasantly surprised when Oliver actually enjoyed the experience.
Labels: Oliver Del
