Ducks vs. Beavers

Not being "from" Oregon, when the Civil War comes around you kind of feel like Poland, caught in the middle. All of the back and forth, why can't we all just get along? We were reminded of this ongoing battle the other night at the band concert. See for yourself...

Mornings

You all know that I am not exactly a morning person. I've been like that for as long as I can remember. My Mom used to bribe me to get out of bed with hot breakfasts made to order. I'd sit there in front of that wonderful breakfast and I would still be as grumpy and miserable as possible. Now that David gets picked up for school at dawn, I feel like I would be a terrible mother if I just stayed in bed. Even though he doesn't really need me to be up, I get up with him each morning at 5:50, but I still don't like it. I try not to be grumpy, but most days I just wish I were back in bed. But every once in a while, there's a tiny reward. A reward that only David and I get to share while the rest of the world sleeps. This morning was one of those days.

The creepy and the sweet.

halloween

Girl Effect

Introducing...

My new 3rd grader and 7th grader!!

Katie's Animal Safari

So with David away at camp, Katie and I spent a week doing what she likes best. For Katie, that's animals, animals & more animals...

First she tamed the horses at my Mom's house. These aren't the trained, socially adjusted horses that you might ride. These are the running wild, just nice to look at horses. Who amazingly, got closer to Katie than we have ever seen before. The youngest one actually lowered it's head and let Katie rub his ears.

Next she moved on to the calves. These babies have just been separated from their mothers and have never seen a person so small.

After a very long stand off and lots of patience, she finally got one to eat from her hand and was able to pet his nose. I really couldn't believe that it could be done. These little guys are so skittish.

Next, we were off to the Wildlife Safari in Winston. There were too many amazing animals to mention, but the highlight of the trip was Katie taking a ride on a camel. She is completely fearless when it comes to animals. I am positive that as much as I loved animals as a kid, I would have not taken a ride on a camel.

Of course no animal tour would be complete without a trip to the Oregon Zoo. We have been to the zoo many times, but it seems that we always have some new experience.

Katie is a huge fan of turtles and the Oregon Zoo has hatched a huge number of baby turtles in order to try to repopulate some areas.

We stayed for the wild bird show. My favorite was seeing the bald eagle fly over the audience. So beautiful. Katie donated her allowance to the zoo after the show by giving it to the Turkey Vulture who then put it in the box. The girl has no fear, even of giant, creepy red-headed birds.

Of course we had to visit the most popular baby at the zoo, Sam.

Finally, we did the Lorikeet adventure. Katie will stay all afternoon until one decides to stand on her arm.

Last, but not least, David returned home safely and we took a little camping trip to the river. There Katie spent the day catching fish, like only she has the patience to do.