US Trip: Maryland

And then we went to Maryland, to visit my Grandfather, uncles and aunts (loads of pictures below). While we were there, we also took a trip to the Maryland Zoo and a farm, that had loads of promise, but not much to see.

At the Maryland zoo...


























































And yes, there were more goats...





























And a very big kitty...










































Back at the house, we spent lots of time with Uncle Mike















And Grandpa!





























We had a chance to play with Auntie Elizabeth





























And spent more time with Uncle Mike and Aunt Janet











































Gave Uncle Shawnee and Aunt Elizabeth lots of love











































The next day, we went to a farm, that didn't have many animals, but it did have goats! Yes, more goats. We saw so many goats. But the farm didn't have much going on, so the girls played for a long time at a playground near the farm.





























That night, Auntie Michelle came by for dinner





























And then we said our good-byes ...


































We love you guys!

US Trip: Portland

Two weeks. Two kids. Ten planes. Thirteen time zones. Three coasts. Crazy? Yes. Will we do it again? Absolutely.

While we were in Portland, we tried to get outside and enjoy the fresh air as much as possible. One day, we visited a farm (can't remember what it's called) - but it was great!











































They actually had goats that will climb up into a tree to retrieve food.














Chase in the corn maze




















The nut house (A log cabin filled with hazelnuts! Only in Oregon...)




























Horse racing














A huge slide



















We even managed to catch up with some friends (although sadly I didn't always bring my camera, so Jody and Michael are the lucky ones! So sorry I didn't catch more of my friends and their families - next time!)
















We tried to get the girls out as much as possible.
Here we are at the Children's Museum...






















































































We also spent a lot of time a Grampa Mark's house, although for some reason (I blame jet lag), I didn't get pictures of the cookies that took 3 days to make. Or the playing in his beautiful garden. Or the toys on the floor. Or the lunches. I'm sorry, Dad!!!

We stayed with Auntie Lockett, who was kind enough to host us - Thank you so much! We loved, loved, loved seeing our little nephew, Ajax, who is absolutely adorable (but for some reason I didn't get a picture of him, either). I totally blame the jet lag!

A little rest before heading to the East Coast.

Nee Nee (Hub's mom) & Chase















Nana (my mom) & Madoc





























Auntie Lockett & Madoc














Nana & Chase

Beautiful Girls

This is Chase getting ready for ballet ... it was raining outside, so she needed boots. She is so beautiful.




















And the second photo - Chase came home one day and told me she wanted to make a dragon boat. So we did. Oars and water, too.

Dear Sweet Chase

Chase told me on the way home from school that she was planning to live with me when I became a little old lady, and that I would probably look a little funny, but that would be okay. She told me she would be my little old lady mommy (I have no idea where this came from, as we've never talked about it before) and take care of me. She said Madoc would live with us too, in a little old lady house.

Halloween Costume

Chase wants to dress up as a book for Halloween. Take that, Barbie!

I hope she always wants to dress up as a book.

The Hood

This is our neighborhood.

Sizes And Such

Just a quick update on sizes and such...

Chase:
Wearing US size 6/7 - growing quickly
Shoes - size 10.5/11
Loves: All things barbie. Princesses and mermaids are a close second. Also loves books. Puzzles are still a good bet, as are all arts/crafts things.

Madoc:
Wearing US size 4/5 - catching up to Chase!
Bottoms - 4 T is a safe bet
Shoes - size 8
Loves: All baby doll things. Loves her carrier, her stroller, her baby's bath tub. Loves taking her baby in the bath tub. Loves painting and getting really dirty. Also water play.

Such A Big Girl

Chase, my love, when did you get to be such a big girl? You are so sweet and a pleasure to spend time with. It makes me sad you are getting so big, but I am also happy you are finding your independence.

I know the last 20 months have been the hardest - all that growing you've been doing - and getting used to that little sister who keeps pulling mommy in directions other than toward Barbies.

It is hard for me to do things with you when Madoc is pulling me the other way, but my dear girl, it is a good time for this - for you to become more self-sufficient. Please know that even though I don't spend every waking moment with you, I love you with all my heart. I love you so deeply.

I need to give Madoc time so that she can also grow into a lovely girl, just like you. But I will always be with you, no matter what. No matter where you go or what you do. I am so proud of all that you do, all that you are, and all you will be.

Mads At School

So I decided to take pictures from an afternoon at Madoc's school. For family members living far away - and also for my dearest Hubs, who doesn't get to spend afternoons getting hot and sweaty and covered with paint.

First thing you do when you get to school is wash your hands...














Then you pick a baby doll to keep track of for the next two hours...













Then you might enjoy a little time indoors (with A/C!) ...



















But really it is all about water play ...













And being outside.













I look forward to it cooling off a bit. But isn't Mads just so darn cute? I love this age.