It happened!

As promised, Kip the fireman picked up Barker and 3 friends

this morning before school. They made a lap to down town

Hood River, then pulled up right in front at May

Street School. You could say they felt pretty

darn special as all their fellow classmates stared in

awe when these 4 rascals popped out of the fire engine!

Kip told Barker he was 'in charge' this morning and had him sit

in front in the 'Captain's Chair' - Barker could hardly

contain himself!

Such a magical moment for these dudes, we are forever

thankful to Kip and the entire Hood River fire crew!

(Right to left: Charlie, Ivar, Barker, Kip & Kingston)

Season's first

The boys got their feet wet for the season today,

and took a few laps on the ballroom carpet!

They were back at it like champs -

just like riding a bike!

mid-day turkey naps

Kingston & mommy could get used to this...

you fill your tummy with turkey, then take a nap

in the middle of the day...and it's allowed!

We are THANKFUL for Thanksgiving.

and of course for our family (and friends that feel

like family) whom make our lives special

everyday!

movie & cuddle session

Poor Kingston zonked out before movie time commenced.

Prepping for Turkey day is tough work!

Paper airplane races

making a few last minute aerodynamic adjustments...

on your marks...get set...

GO!

Kingston learned the hard way...

...when your hamster is crawling on your neck and it

tickles and your reflex/reaction squishes said hamster

between your neck and shoulder...the hamster will bite :(

It's the first time either hamster has ever shown

any sort of aggressive/biting tendencies. Guess we all

have our limits. Good thing Kingston is one tough cookie!

There were a few initial tears and while cleaning the

wound, but by the next morning (it happened right after

dinner) I asked him how his ear was feeling and if I

could take a look...he said sure.

But, then proceeded to show me his other (unscathed) ear!

one...two...

three!

Probably should've mentioned the possibility of Spike poop before

this went down...not sure it would've changed their mind!

Barker won!

A ride to school in a fire engine!

He submitted a poster about FIRE SAFETY to our local

fire department and it was one of the final

winners of the contest!! He gets to pick 3 friends/family

members to ride along with him. Obviously there

will be a follow-up post ;)

(Can't believe we didn't get a picture of the poster

before submitting it (Mom fail). When/if we get it back,

I'll be sure to include it as well)!

selfie Sunday

Kingston, Aspen & Barker in full silly-selfie-mode at Aspen's

house this weekend!

Kingston showing off

his cherished 'World's tiniest, but fully ripe' apple.

He got it at school as a trick'r'treating treat, and

decided today was the day he was to enjoy it.

And enjoy it he did!

post-tubby, pre-beddies

family snuggle session!

2 heads are better than 1

Especially when trying to beat a video game level...

Eavesdropping on their teamwork tactics is one of

my most favorite pastimes :)

Skater boys

or peanut gallery boys, rather.

We had several really beautiful, warm days in a row last

week, so we took full advantage. We went across the river to

our favorite skate park and there were a couple pretty good

skaters there. The boys plopped down on top of one of the ramps

and took it all in. So cute up there in all of their curiousness

and naivety.

(I put a fun/funky filter on the pic - so it looks a little cartoonish...)

Lunch Date w/Barker at school

Kingston & Mommy got to have lunch with Barker at

his school today! It was so fun getting a peek into his new world

there at May Street Elementary. He really enjoyed showing us

all around and how to do the lunch thing. And then of course

we had to stay for recess too!

(Barker, Charlie, Lucas, & Matteo)

Halloween 2016

We were the ninja family this year.

1-Ninjago (Lego Man Ninja)

1-Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Leo)

2-Kung Fu Master Ninjas (Black belts, obviously)

Down town Hood River businesses all close early, and

the streets are all blocked off so families can 'Trick'r'Treat'

in a fun, safe, social atmosphere! Many of the shop owners

dress up too. So as they hand out treats, it makes it all the more fun!

Here we are with our favorite pals, the Halseth Family headed

down town to make the rounds.

Carmen & Rowan were owls. Tom a sloth. And Brody was

a Ninjago like Kingston.

And of course we had to get our annual photo at

Sheila & Eddie's with Mr. Pumpkin head!!

Such a fun night!