hugs gone bad

more pics just for fun

The Curtis family (Catherine's older sister) at Smith Rock in Oregon. Scott, Leslie, Spencer, Mitchell and Paige. We all decided to hike... in August...at 2 in the afternoon...with small kids...in 95 degree weather! Next time we'll try it first thing in the morning. Sweet Madeleine. She picks the most interesting times to suck her thumb; like just before going down the slide.
One of the few shots we have of both girls this summer. Yes, imagine herding cats. Keeps a parent real busy!
Gene resting at the playground. A short-lived, peaceful moment.
Madeleine in the big pool!

House remodel update

2008 will go down in the history of our family as one crazy year. On January 21st, a 32 foot travel trailer arrived in our driveway. Huge thanks to my sister Libby and brother-in-law Marc who loaned it to us a lot longer than any of us planned. In late March, the kitchen came out and our life in the trailer began. We survived that time by taking breaks from the trailer at several friend's houses, which was critical to saving our marriage! The trailer was finally pulled away in late August, complete with firecrackers and amens.

The remodel part 2 will start up again soon, but for now we are enjoying a completely refinished upstairs! Here are a few highlights.

New exterior. Not quite finished, but definitely helping people catch that modern vision we've been going for. Hang in there. It will all make sense one day.
The girls were sad about the trailer leaving until we reminded them that they'll have a lot more room to ride their bikes.
This was taken within the first few days of being back in the house. It may be hard to note all of the differences, but the most significant difference is the elimination of the big red wall. Light and bright.
Firecrackers, scared kids and one big trailer pulling away. Oh, and very happy parents!

summer fun in Redmond, OR

Claire and Catherine after a trip down the big slide
Cousin Paige and Madeleine, poolside.
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Claire at Smith Rock
Claire and Uncle Kyle on the big slide

first ballet class

I was a gushing parent on the first day of ballet class. Snapping pictures, with a big, proud smile on my face. I was so impressed by the teacher's ability to get all 11 little 3 year olds moving in the same direction. The girls are super excited for the next class and like to try on their ballet shoes at least twice a day!