Author Archives: Nicole

I hope this is the only time he sits in a Police car

This week’s I heart faces challenge is “vroom vroom” and so I immediately thought about this photo I took a few weeks ago at our Neighborhood Association block party/meeting. The police dropped by to fill us in on the happenings in the neighborhood and let the boys take turns sitting in the police car. He stopped short of putting on the siren, but allowed them to push a few buttons and hold the steering wheel. It was very exciting moment for them (ok, and I may have been a little interested as well).

Here’s an unsolicited tip – don’t go to a neighborhood association meeting unless you want to know all about every single crime that could potentially affect you or your home – especially when you live in an urban area like we do. Now, for better or for worse, I know about every burglary, shooting and petty crime in the neighborhood and have been obsessively checjking the locks on all our doors and windows. Sometimes too much information is not necessarily a good thing.

Five.

There was a feeling of coming full circle when we found ourselves returning to the place where it all began today. Well, the doctor’s office right next to the hospital where it all began anyway. I can’t believe it was five years ago today that we first laid eyes on our teeny tiny little 6lb 8oz baby. And it seemed fitting that five years after he first gave us a scare with his dramatic entrance into the world, Thomas would scare us again by falling out of a tree. As a side note, on Saturday night at the emergency room Kei asked Thomas how it happened. With tears in his eyes, Thomas looked at Kei and said “It was because you weren’t watching me.” Now that’s a guilt trip. Here’s the boy in his new black plaster cast. He chose the color himself although of course I fully support anything that shows less dirt. As Thomas’ turns five, it’s a good time to reflect on a few things that have changed – and some that have stayed the same – over the past year:

  • Star Wars went from casual interest to full blown obsession. Star Wars lego is taking over the house and the Wii game is a regular opportunity for father/son bonding.

  • Brothers became friends – and then hated each other – and then became friends again (on a daily basis).
  • Thomas was in his first wedding and almost walked down the aisle on his own.
  • A lot of trees were climbed – some adventures more successful than others, of course.

  • We all learned how to sing “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” in Japanese, although only Thomas knows every word.
  • The cobwebs finally came off the skuut. (Razor scooter still sits in the shed).

  • We have apparently outgrown cutesy clothing (at least that’s what I’m told).
  • We started to see a little attitude.

  • Although I’m pretty sure I know where is comes from.

  • Favorite foods are Rice, Natto, Nori, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit snacks and chicken tenders (the last one is influenced by cousin Cameron).
  • Favorite things to watch have changed through the year but stand outs are Sid The Science Kid, Dinosaur Train and anything related to Star Wars that is NOT the movie. I am sticking to my guns on that last point, although parodies by Weird Al and Dancing Chewbacca’s on YouTube are OK.
  • We spent a number of Saturdays playing Soccer AND Baseball (with lots of running)

  • George is still his very best friend which proves that there’s still a baby in there – and I am holding on for dear life.

Happy birthday to our littlest Jedi. May the force be with you.

It’s All Fun and Games Until…

We went to the coast for a couple of days of camping fun with friends. The morning started with hazy skies.

And continued with blue skies…

And hanging with friends…

And climbing trees…

And then…

So now we adjust to fitting a broken arm into our plans for a new school year and a five year old birthday party.

Wordless Wednesday: Goodbye Summer

More words coming soon. For now I bid a fond (hopefully premature) adieu to Summer as the Portland rain moves in.

All photos taken on the iphone with hipstamatic – it’s an addiction.

Saturday Captions

“Don’t. Take. My. Picture!”

“See? Sometimes we do play well together…”

“And then the moment passes.”

“OK – you’ve got 5 seconds and then I want to see the picture on your camera and we’re not all going to look at once so you’d better get used to it.”

Beach Scene

Today’s I Heart Faces challenge reminded me of how I haven’t yet posted the rest of the photos from when the Kellers came to visit.

I chose this photo (with much difficulty) from the hundreds I took that day for a few reasons:

  • It’s black and white – not what you would expect from one of MY beach pictures (usually full, bright colour).
  • It shows Samuel taking his time, doing his own thing and enjoying the water – key aspects of his personality that he’s shown us over the past few months.
  • I love how everything seems so peaceful and quiet, even for just a few moments.

We had a wonderful weekend filled with extended childcare options that allowed us to see a movie, a 40th birthday celebration with a view of Mt Hood, a family hike/carry to a beautiful hidden waterfall and a meeting with a 500 pound sturgeon named Herman.

This week promises work, work and more work – oh, and some golf for Kei.

Happy Monday.