Multnomah Falls

The kids had a couple days off school this month for a teachers conference. So, we packed up our bags and headed to Oregon/Washington to visit Lowe's sister, Jenna, and her family. Jenna's youngest two are girls who are 10 months older and 10 months younger than Chloe. She always loves to visit them. Number one on Emerson's to do list was to play with their Wii. Number one on my list was to do some good hiking in a place that actually had greenery. Jenna lives in Washington, but just across the Columbia River is Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge, and several awesome waterfall hikes.



I remembered a great waterfall hike just about 45 mins away. Actually, it was just across the river, but the closest bridge was twenty minutes away. There are two waterfalls close to each other. The first was Wakeenah Falls, pictured at left. The road runs right by the bottom of the falls, where we took that picture. We parked the car and hiked half a mile to Multnomah Falls.



Don't quote me on this, but I believe that Multnomah Falls is the third tallest waterfall in the US. I don't remember if that is the whole US or just the continental US. We found a space to eat our picnic lunch, provided and packed by Jenna. (You are awesome Jen!) It started to drizzle a little, but we could barely feel it. The welcome center actually has "loaner" umbrellas. Of course the kids tried to talk me into using them, but we just braved it.



We met a docent who A) was obviously a Grandpa and B) hadn't had a captive audience in a while. He answered the kids' questions, gave them stickers and maps, showed them Salmon roe, a rattlesnake skin, a bobcat hide and taught them the difference between horns and antlers. The kids would have stayed their all day, but I was anxious to get to the hike.

We hiked to the bridge at the bottom of the falls in about 10 mins. The kids hammed it up for the camera and then we moved on to the top of the falls. So I took two kids, a toddler, a backpack full of leftover lunch, snacks, diapers, and 4 waterbottles and our video camera on a 1 mile hike that ascended 620 feet. What was I thinking?! (Flashback to the time that I decided to walk to the San Diego airport from the waterfront with a 4 year-old and a 1 year-old. I can see it from here-how far can it be?)



Actually the kids were troopers and in good spirits the whole way. I gave them several chances to go back, but they wanted to get to the top. Emerson found walking sticks for everyone, including Maia. Another treasure was the giant maple leaves they found. A few even made it all the way back to Utah, although one met an untimely end at the security checkpoint of PDX airport. We also found an awesome spiderweb about 2 feet in diameter, complete with resident spider. We tried so hard to get a picture, but the web was so delicate, it wouldn't show on the camera.An hour and a half and about seven rest stops later, we made it to the top. The kids were so proud of themselves, they danced a little "we did it dance." It was fun to watch. We made it back down in 20 mins. We picked up the pace on the way down to accommodate two young bladders, but we did stop to admire the spider web one more time. I was sure that the kids would be so exhausted that they would fall asleep on the way home, but they stayed wide-eyed, even Maia!



The mommy on the other hand, suffered a little more wear and tear. Luckily, Jenna lent me her jetted tub and I had a nice good soak. I expected to be really sore the next, espcially in the shoulders. I basically carried Maia on my shoulders the entire hike. But, it wasn't too bad, and the view from the top was definitely worth it. I actually had a great time. It was good for the kids to build some good memories together. I was glad that we didn't go to Disneyland this year, and you know how I feel about Disneyland!

Fall is my favorite season! While I do really miss fall in New York, with all it colors, Utah's fall has its own advantages. To begin with, it is October 26th and we are still having beautiful weather. Yesterday, I was working in the yard in short sleeves.

Granted, we have had snow already, but it never stayed on the ground. I just know it will get cold this week, but I will enjoy it while I can. It seems to stay nice until the day before Halloween, and then Mother Nature says "Ha! You will have to wear a coat over that costume after all!

The Greatest Show on Earth

We went to Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey's circus last Wednesday. It was the first time I have been to the circus since I was about ten or eleven and we got tickets through the "Teen Center." (Remember the Teen Center, Dave and Aly?) It was the first time for the rest of the fam, including Lowe.

When it first started, they turned down the lights which freaked Maia out. She spent the first 10 minutes crying. When the fireworks started, I thought she was going to lose it, but apparently it signaled to her that this was going to be interesting. So, she cocked her head and kind of watched while snuggling for a while and then THE HORSES CAME OUT. She was totally into it after that.

Emerson liked the tigers and the motorcycles driving upside down in the cage. Chloe loved everything, but I think her favorite part was before the circus started, we got to go down on the floor and see some of the performers and animals. It was really great and totally worth the ticket price. But I am glad that I waited until my kids were a little older to take them. They were just old enough to appreciate it all. I was just as disappointed as the kids were that we had to leave early because it was a school night. The kids asked if we could go again net year, but on a Friday night. I think we just might.

Sick-O Emerson

Well Emerson is home and recovering! He's not quite as a chipper as he appears in this photo. I made him smile. But he is doing great considering.

He had the titanium rods in his leg removed. For those not entirely in the loop, the rods were inserted in his leg (in the center, where the bone marrow goes) to stabilize his femur after he broke it in half last summer. He asked the doctor if he could have the rods once they were out! Some souvenir. I am amazed at how much stuff they do as out patient procedures these days. But I guess if the operation where they took Lowe's ear off and reattached it was outpatient, then why shouldn't this be?

So he is once again confined to bed and sentenced to a couple of days of Disney movies and video games. I can tell that this time around, he is not quite as content with his fate. He has a friend from school coming over tomorrow to help while away the time, so that should help. He should be walking again by Friday.

The hardest part this time is keeping Maia away from him. She loves him so much she wants to hang out. But that also means climbing all over him, stealing his drink (he gets the good stuff-Sprite), and bouncing on the futon. Last summer she barely mobile, so it wasn't a problem. Now, every time I turn around, she is on top of him!

Summer Playgroup at Mrs.Cavanaugh's

Today our summer playgroup went on a tour of Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolate Factory. They were slightly disappointed when I explained that this chocolate factory isn't QUITE the same as Willy Wonka's. Still, they had a blast. How could you not have fun when free Mindy Mints are involved?



We started in the lobby packed full of chocolate delights. Maia quickly found her favorite-chocolate covered pretzels. The older kids just wanted to sample everything! We got to peek in at the hand-dipping chocolate process. If any one remembers the old I Love Lucy sketch where she plays in the chocolate with her hands, it is pretty accurate. The kids thought that was the job to have!


We went upstairs where the kids (and grown-ups) got to try a sample of Mrs. Cavanaugh's famous chocolates.

Most popular, of course was, was the Mindy Mints, followed by Pecan and Caramel. I forget what they where called.







Next, we got an overview of the factory floor. Unfortunately, the enrobers, the machines that pour chocolate over the centers, weren't running today. But, the kids got to see a really fun video about how the process works. The guide says that during the fall and Christmas, the factory is much busier. So, if you want to see the place really hopping, I suggest going then.


Finally, the kids got to see a short video about cacao beans. I couldn't believe how big those pods are in real life! Then the kids were introduced to I Love Lucy. They were falling off their chairs, they were laughing so much. If anyone wants to look up the chocolate episode online, I think it is called "Job Switching." Anyway, we walked away fat and happy, which always makes for a good summer day. Definitely a 4 star experience as far as play groups go. I recommend it if you ever get the chance to stop in. They do tours 10-3 on Mon-Thurs!


Another exciting outcome was that Chloe has found a new vocation! She says that she wants to be a tour guide when she grows up. Honestly, I don't know where she gets it from. :)

Niagara Falls

We finally made it to Niagara Falls after spending a day in the JFK airport and another day waiting for our luggage. We also got to visit some LDS history sites at Palmyra NY. But alas no luggage meant no camera for that adventure.

I would try to describe Niagara Falls, but you really have to see it to believe it. The kids absolutely loved the Maid of the Mist boat tour that took us to the bottom of the falls. They want to go back again sometime to experience some of the other Falls attractions and to ride the Maid again. The few blocks before the Falls were like the cheesiest Midway attractions I have seen in my life-think Frankenstein's castle and Block World. But the kids were in sensory overload heaven. I think the hotel pool and in-room whirlpool tub also scored some extra points with the young ones.

The kids got to pick the destination for this summer's vacation. It was our little experiment in empowerment. I think it lived up to most of their expectations and I am glad.

Sunday at Temple Square

I don't know who I was trying to kid, thinking I would get some lovely spring photos at Temple Square. Check out this movie to see what happens when my fantasy meets reality.

What's Playing

After nearly two years of constant playing, the kids' favorite mix CD is finally wearing out. Grateful for a chance to introduce new tunes, I finally learned how to download songs from the Internet. So here is what as been playing at our house.

Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Joseph Williams
The Pink Panther-Dave Koz
Cinderella-The Cheetah Girls
Nobody's Perfect -Miley Cyrus
That's How You Know - Amy Adams
Hold On -Jonas Brothers
Funkytown -Alvin & The Chipmunks
Bubbly -Colbie Caillat
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic-The Police

The kids had loved the Lion King song when we checked out the CD from the library. So I was surprised when the kids asked to hear the Chipmunks song over again. "Oh, I thought you would like the Lion King best, " I said. "That's not rock, Mom,"said Emerson. Silly me.

Spring is here!!

Although Spring doesn't officially start until tomorrow, I think it has already hit our yard. For years, I have lamented the lack of crocuses and hyacinths in our yard. Last fall, I finally remembered to plant some. So, every day for the last week I have been on crocus watch and they finally opened today. Add some 50 degree weather, a swing set and some bikes and I think we can call it Spring.

Kiss Me I'm Irish

I am so glad that we live in an area that gives us so many opportunities to celebrate the many pieces of our heritage. Today we joined the Open Classroom in the St. Patrick's Day parade. Lowe has taken kids in years past, but today was my first experience. It was so fun!! Click below to see some pics. Towards the end is a clip of some people on stilts. Look closely at the float behind them-it got stuck under the walkway bridge! Also, right after I took that picture, one of the people on stilts actually fell on his back. Luckily he wasn't injured, but it was pretty scary to watch.

Michelle's Masterpiece

I started a basic cake decorating class last week and this week we actually got to decorate something. It took me almost two hours to decorate it and my hand is cramping, but I am so proud of myself!

If it wasn't so beautiful, I'd be tempted to throw it out. The last thing I need in this house is a cake after all the Girl Scout cookies we've been through on top of all the goodies we had this weekend. I think I gained ten pounds! But all the extra pounds were worth having our family around us.

I'm surprised that I had enough frosting to cover the cake, because most of it seemed to end up on my clothes and in my hair. Here is a picture AFTER I had already taken a bunch out. Oh, well, hopefully I'll get neater as the class goes on.

Pirate School

This month, it was my turn to teach a Kindergarten mini-course- four half-hour sessions with five kindergarteners. How much more fun can it get than that?! We made swords, ate pirate food (sans the bugs that real pirates enjoyed), picked pirate names, and went on a real treasure hunt. Thanks to Lowe for his awesome clues. My favorite comment came from Emerson when I told him we would be having pirate food: "Is it rum?" "No, " I replied. "Why not rum?" "Because you are five," I said.

I have to admit that my favorite research was conducted at Disneyland's Pirate's Cove. But, second to that, here are some of my favorite non-fiction pirate books. They are great for any age!

The pirate's handbook / Margarette Lincoln.

Pirate / written by Deborah Lock.

Life among the pirates / by Stuart A. Kallen.

Pirate / written by Richard Platt ; photographed by Tina Chambers.

Pirates / by Will Osborne And Mary Pope Osborne ; Illustrated By Sal Murdocca.

Disneyland

Emerson, Chloe, Maia and I left snow and Lowe behind last weekend to visit sunny So Cal. We were also accompanied by our neighbor Sarah Wagner, without whom I would have been lost. Or crazy. We spent the bulk of our time at Disneyland and by the pool. We had a great morning at Dana Point on Tuesday. The kids and I spent time and the beach and the wharf while Sarah fulfilled a dream of riding the ocean blue.

One thing I discovered on this trip is that I take really bad video and pictures when I am weighed down with three kids, a video camera and a backpack. So, here are the best of the lot. I apologize in advance to Maia, who was usually in my left arm while I was taking pictures with my right. So she got left out of most.

It was one of the most enjoyable trips I have had with the kids in recent years. They are starting to entertain themselves on the airplane. Plus, we got to ride a few new rides at California Adventure that they have grown into. Chloe found a new roller coaster that is just her speed. Emerson was finally brave enough to admit that bumpy rides make him sick. We found some new cheap eats and we still like each other after spending three days in the same hotel room.
And Maia set a personal record of twenty steps on her own.

Well, my wallet is a bit lighter and my hips are a bit heavier, but the trip was great for my cabin fever. Thanks to this trip and an early spring break due to an early Easter, I just might make it through the winter. It was really hard to leave 70 degree weather and a nice hot tub to come back in the middle of one of the worst snow storms of the year. I wish I had the stamina of my children-the first thing they asked when we landed was "Can we go sledding?"

I am looking forward to a nice relaxing President's Day at home. Everyday that I don't have to shoo children out the door is a good one in my book. Tonight, we are going to see "Enchanted" with our ward. Tomorrow, the kids (and Lowe) hope to finish reading Treasure Island. I hope the weekend finds you all well!

Chloe is Famous!!

Chloe's class was on the news last night. The class voted on who they thought their teacher should vote for in the primary election. Here is a link to the story:
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=2610452
HINT: To view the video, click on the picture of the teacher, NOT the option that says "View this Story."

Maia Learns to Walk

Today our smallest princess took her very first steps. She was cheered on by a crowd of her supporters, including Mom, Dad, Emerson, and Chloe. Look out world-this one is going to be fast! She continues to be a ham and thinks all the attention she is getting from this whole walking thing is pretty cool!! Look for video of this event to be added soon.

Chloe sold over 200 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to help pay for her summer camp. I was really impressed with how she set a goal for herself and struck out to achieve it. She had her first camp experience last weekend. Snowshoeing, yoga, manicures and WHITE BREAD-it was all very exciting.

Emerson had such a great time at swimming lessons last summer that he couldn't wait to start again. So, he and Chloe started lessons yesterday. Emerson is turning into a regular little fish. It's amazing how well he does when he can actually use both legs. (Last summer, he got to take lessons with a broken femur. It was actually great therapy.)

Have a great week and good luck to all you Super Tuesday voters.

January So Far

Maia helped us start off the month with a bang and her first birthday. I can't believe an entire year has gone by! She loved the chocolate cake we let her attack. She kept looking at us as if to ask "Are you sure this is okay?" Her favorite new toy is a pink scooter she received from Grammie and Papou for Christmas. She is learning to navigate it quite well and can even go backwards. She has also learned to say "Amen" after a prayer, which sounds a lot like "Ha-dah" but it happens at the right time and she seems so proud of herself when she says it.


Emerson lost his first tooth a few weeks ago. His adult tooth had grown in right behind his baby tooth and we hadn't even noticed. It was a struggle to pull the baby tooth because it was still well-rooted, but Emerson was very brave. He definitely earned that dollar that the tooth fairy left him. He is doing very well in school, especially with reading. His teacher is having a hard time finding books to challenge him. Right now he is enjoying Curious George books. Thanks to Grandpa Rudd for the new book!

Chloe is keeping her calendar full, as always. When she is not practicing spelling or multiplication tables, she is flitting between Brownies, Activity Days, birthday parties and play dates. She has just started selling Girl Scout cookies and she has set a lofty goal for herself. She moved into Senior Primary this January, which makes her walk a little taller at church. She is learning to play a lot of new board games and Lowe and I are having fun playing with someone other than just each other.



Lowe is just as busy as ever. He just started the church basketball season. The first game was a disappointing loss, but Lowe scored 6 points. Hopefully, there'll be better news next week. We really enjoyed a visit from his Mom and Dad this weekend. Good games and good food are always a great combination.



We have had a great winter, which even Michelle has enjoyed. Normally, I am counting down the days until spring. Of course, I still plan on escaping to Disneyland one of these days. But, the winter has had its great moments, too. Click below to see some winter magic.