Emily

About two weeks ago we met a little girl named Emily and her mom, Katherine. They are here for her husband to do an internship. He is an MBA student at the University of Chicago. It was just by chance we met them. They were walking the same direction as we were on our way to a kids concert by our house. They happen to live in the building next to ours.

Basically it was instant friendship and instant infatuation for Calder. He LOVES Emily. We've had quite a few playdates since we met and Calder always gets excited when I tell him we're going to hang out with them. We've been swimming, gone to dance class, played at the fountain near our house and gone to DC. On Friday we met at the National Museum of American History. It was so fun! They have a great kid science area where Calder & Emily got out some energy. Then we were free to walk around and see some of the other things.

Calder really enjoys riding the train. He likes to people watch and wave and flirt with those around us. He often brings a book or toy and always stays in his stroller. Thus far we've been able to keep up with my plan to go to DC at least once a week. It's been nice to see so many things in such a short time.

Yesterday was so hot (101 degrees that felt like 110). We spent the afternoon at Ikea playing in the kid section. Calder loves it and we were able to get out and play without being outside. It's weird to go to Ikea and not buy anything. It is about 15 minutes away, which is just perfect.

DC At Last

We've been here for two weeks and we have been busy. I haven't spent a day at home since we moved in because we've been having so much fun. I'm trying to get as much in as possible because I'm not sure whether we'll be here a year or longer. Calder has been an awesome sight seeing buddy. He loves riding the Metro and even has fun at the museums. It's going to be a great year!

At the Portrait Gallery.

Jason's mom drove with Jason from Oregon to DC. I am so thankful. She stayed for a week and a half, helped us move in and saw some sights. It was great!

Oregon, The Final Chapter

Calder hording his candy at the Umatilla Landing Days Parade.

Calder & Anessa watching the parade. Thankfully this was Calder's first parade since it is small and mostly trailers pulled by pickup trucks holding soccer teams and the like. There weren't any real floats or marching bands.

My sister and I ran a 5k. It was my first and her second. We beat our goal time. I don't know that I would call it fun or addictive but I would do it again.

My cousin Kirt is a volunteer firefighter in the town we grew up in. He was kind enough to give us a private tour of the firehouse. He showed us all the trucks and ambulances, the living quarters, kitchen and offices.

The kids got to spray the hose.

And sit in the ambulance jump seat.

This last picture is Calder's face when you tell him to smile. I love it.

There you have it. Our month in Oregon was wonderful. We loved spending more time with family and it was fun to see Calder grow closer to his grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. Thanks to all of our family who hosted us and spent time with us. We love you!

Oregon Part 2

Hold tight while I catch up on the last few months. I promise I'll eventually tell you what we're doing these days.

We spent a few days with Jason's dad in White Salmon, Washington. We had a lot of fun and as always I didn't take enough pictures. We went to Mt. Hood, where people were still skiing in the middle of June. We also went to this awesome seafood buffet at Skamania lodge. Calder ate just about as much as the rest of us. Sushi was by far his favorite and he has asked for it many times since.

Calder helped Grandpa John with some yard work.

These are all pictures I took from John's deck. He has a marvelous view of the Columbia River gorge and Mt. Hood.

Still Alive

I know some of you are thinking we moved to DC and disappeared. We're still alive but don't have internet set up in our apartment yet. There have been 3 guys out to look at it over the last 9 days but we still don't have any. It's the pits. I've been told they are redoing the internet lines on the whole floor tomorrow. Cross your fingers for us.

We're loving DC and I can't wait to tell you all about the last month once I don't have to use the internet from our lobby.

Sunset and View

My mother-in-law's house is right along the Columbia river. It has amazing views and Jason was able to capture a few as well as a beautiful sunset the other day.

Oregon June 2010

We have had a fantastic vacation so far. I haven't taken nearly enough pictures, but here are a few that I did manage to get.

Jason's dad, John, holding Calder

Jason's niece Sierra who just graduated from high school.

Jason's aunt Molli and Grandma Joyce.

Awesome pictures of Calder playing with the sprinkler taken by Dinesh.

Calder playing with his cousin Miranda.

Calder's cousin Ella and Jason sister Karen.

Goodbye Deebo

The day before we left to come to Oregon we gave Deebo to a new and loving family. There were a lot of factors that played into this decision and ultimately we decided it was really what was best for him.

We all love Deebo very much and hope he loves his new family. They are so kind and gentle I know he'll be happy with them.

Our last family picture with Deebo.

Deebo's new family.

Cleaning House

Along with moving comes deep cleaning the house one last time. Calder is always a great helper and he certainly didn't let me down. He was my spray guy. Anything that needed sprayed, he did it. He was also my wipe guy. He liked to use baby wipes to clean random things.

20 Months

Calder is 20 months old today. It has been a life altering month. He has adjusted so well to moving and vacationing thus far. Hopefully he continues to be this flexible as we continue our vacation and move.

This month Calder has been copying just about anything we say. He often pauses for a long time if he is about to say a hard word. If you ask what he wants for his birthday he will say "bike". He is very social once he knows other people but starts out a bit shy. He likes me to hold him, a lot. Only he says "hold you" instead of "hold me". He likes to sleep and will ask to go night night when he's tired. He is so gentle. He likes to stroke my hair and play with my earrings.

My favorite words that he says are:
park (pakkk)
backhoe (aphoe)
basketball hoop (babeball hooooop?)
Calder (Dalder)

Our Columbus Friends

Even though we knew we wouldn't be in Columbus very long we made some really close friendships. I love how easy it was to make friends and feel comfortable with these kids and their moms. We miss you all tons! Calder asks about his friends a lot and we frequently look at pictures of them.

These cute little girls are Grace and Alexis. I love their moms. They were the best visiting teachers and we sure had a lot of fun together. Anna (Grace's mom) helped me line out a running schedule so I can do a 5k at the end of June. She was also great at giving advice and just listening if I were having a problem or concern. She is so smart and genuinely kind. Daiane (Alexis' mom) made us homemade black beans from Argentina and is such a fun girl to talk to. She also throws AMAZING parties. I'm going to miss you ladies.

This is Amy and her son Will. They were our first Columbus friends and we have many great memories. Amy is such a relaxed mom (in a good way). She taught me that it is okay to chill and let your kid be independent sometimes. She was always willing to meet us at COSI or wherever we felt like going. Calder LOVES Amy and would often ask to hang out with her. I miss our weekly outings and I miss Amy.

This is Archer. His mom (Cassie) was my sewing buddy. We made the cutest stuff. She was also my shopping buddy. We bought the cutest stuff. Our boys were just starting to play well together when we moved. I'm really going to miss them.