Hello, my little friend

I was washing the big window in our dining room today when I realized I was being watched. I'll admit he startled me a little bit, but then I spent the next few minutes looking at the cutest little frog. Never have I looked so closely at a frog and he was so patient as I stuck my huge camera lens right in his face... I can only imagine what that looked like from his point of view!

Reagan and Ian are taking a nap and I can only hope he's still there when they wake up!

I think he needs a name. If he's still there when Reagan gets up, I'll ask her.

Edited to add: He was still there when Reagan and Ian woke up! And Reagan quickly named him "Big Jazzy". No idea where she got that. Anyhow, this frog (and one other-- much smaller one-- now named "baby Jazzy") have taken a liking to our window. Reagan often checks the window and there is almost always a frog there! If a frog isn't there, Reagan gives us the reason. For instance... last night, according to Reagan, baby Jazzy had hopped off the window to go home and take a bath and go to bed. Sounds like a clean, well-taken-care-of frog.

It's the craziest thing.... but so much fun for them! I'll admit, I'm glad they're on the outside of the window.

Summer fun...

Ian eating (and wearing) berries from our local farmer's market. They were SO good!!

A pool party at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Tatum was nice enough to share a bite of her Popsicle with Ian. And... there was a ton of splashing going on!

Really?

This morning, I scooped Reagan up and we had a great big bear hug moment. It was so great... she is the best hugger.

While we were hugging, she buried her face into my neck and I asked "Do I smell good?" (I just bought this new lotion, and I really, really like the smell...)

Her reply?

"Mom, you smell like pizza!"

What? Really? Do I smell like pizza? Maybe I need to check that new lotion I just bought again. Or go get my sniffer checked out. Or maybe get her sniffer checked out.

More pictures....

My sister and her family...

One of the funniest moments of the trip... seriously, I cannot explain how hard we were laughing. So hard that my dad choked on a cookie which forced him to point to his throat and say "cookie!!!" in a voice that sounded like a 5 year old girl. Oh my goodness.
Oh, and yes.... that is Sean wearing a swim diaper.

edited to add: check out my sister's blog-post about this moment.... I love the pictures she has of my dad cracking up!

More beach pictures...

We headed down to the beach on the 3rd of July to watch the Fireworks show from Boiler Bay. Grandpa built us a great fire and we enjoyed marshmallows and s'mores! We didn't, however, enjoy the dude setting off fireworks right in front of us. The first one was completely unexpected and really loud and from that moment on all 4 kids were done with the "big booms in the sky" type of fireworks. Thankfully we had some fun time on the beach at sunset before the booms began.

Pacific Sunset Progression

Good night...

Bella Beach 2007

We had an incredible time at the Oregon Coast... The weather was absolutely amazing and we have had a blast making some wonderful memories.
We are so blessed to have had this time together as a family, it is truly priceless... Thank you Dad & Mom!!!

I have a ton of favorite photos from the trip.... I think I'll spread them out into a couple of posts. Don't want to bombard you! :)

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Ian's first experience with sand.... he LOVED it! Good thing, since he consumed a little bit. Oops.

Here is the moment that Reagan discovered how cold the Pacific Ocean really is... She fell flat on her back while running out of an ankle deep "wave". Thankfully, she laughed really hard... all while Mommy was having a minor panic attack :)

Tatum had a real Love-Hate relationship with the sand. Here, she kinda loved it.

Asher enjoyed discovering many of the former sea creatures.... I love this picture.
Reagan and Daddy chillin' while flying a Princess kite.

Riding her new bike!

Waiting for all the fun surprises Grandma and Grandpa brought for all the kids... it was so cute watching them try so hard not to peek :)

Here comes a wave!! RUN!!!

Mommy and her little man...

A very serious sand-castle designer.

Sisters...

While Ian loved the sand, he DID NOT love the water. Too cold!

More to come...