4th of July

I thought I would be so much better about blogging during the summer because I would have so much more time. As it turns out, I am way too busy having fun with the kids (which is actually a lot of work even though it is very fun), so I don't have any extra blogging time. My point is that I'm way behind, but here's a short recap of 4th of July along with some pictures.

Grandma Dawni came from Portland to spend the day and night with us. Grandpa Stan worked hard and made a wonderful float for Corvallis' annual Fabulous Fantastic All American Anyone-Can-Join 4th of July Parade. He made the wagon into Jean Lafitte's patriotic pirate ship (can't remember who Jean Lafitte is? Consult your 5th grade social studies book and look up the Battle of New Orleans). Owen's friend Maggie joined him in the ship, so First Mate Quincy made his way through the parade via his Aunt Madi's arms.
Later, we hosted a BBQ for some of Brady's coworkers. It was fun. The kids especially loved all of the attention from all of the Brass people. We played table tennis, ate yummy food, had our own little fireworks display, and then gathered in the back yard to watch the Corvallis fireworks show. It has always been a pretty impressive show lasting 30 minutes. We were pretty disappointed when it was all over after 10 this year. Luckily we hadn't made the trek to watch them downtown.

What's more American than football?

and Spiderman riding a tricycle?

New Mexico Trip Part 2 (Albuquerque)

After my conference ended in Santa Fe, we headed to Albuquerque and spent the weekend with my dear friend Jane and her husband Todd. It was great to be back in one of my old home towns. I got to eat at some favorite restaurants and take the kids to some of my favorite places.

Jane and I took the kids to the zoo and aquarium on Saturday and spent 7 hours there. Owen would have happily stayed longer, but the zoo was closing. The Rio Grande zoo is really great. I have wonderful memories of it as a kid, and they've made some great updates to it over the years. Owen is really into animals--and especially the food chain. He loves big cats, and the zoo in Albuquerque has a huge collection of big wild cats.

Quincy looking at Red Kangaroos

Owen climbed all up and through this wonderful play structure. It has multiple levels and obstacles. Owen got himself up into a tower where he could watch the giraffes. To get out, you go down a big slide. So fun!
Meanwhile, Quincy toddled around eating lunch and playing on this Komodo Dragon sculpture.

One of the many highlights of the zoo trip was this baby chimp. It was so fun to watch, and it was interesting to see that the mama chimp interacted with her baby much like we humans do. Here is Owen watching the mama chimp tickle her baby under its chin.We spent most of Sunday with my mom before she headed to Alamogordo to do a locum tenens job for the rest of the summer. We went up the tram and had so much fun! The tram that goes from the base of the mountain up to Sandia Crest is the longest tram in the world, and rises from 6,900 feet at the base to a little over 10,000 feet at the top. Owen was in awe.

Owen looking down at Albuquerque
Quincy on the deck outside the High Finance restaurant, where we had lunch.Hiking part of the Crest Trail

Owen found a nice natural chair to rest on.

Hiking at 10,000 feet is such hard work!
Looking down the mountainOwen in the tram car on the way down the mountain
Approaching the base of the mountain

We were sad to say good-bye to Annanne for the rest of the summer. We had so much fun in New Mexico, but we were ready to get home to daddy after being gone for a week. Once again, the boys were the world's best travelers!