The Beaver State

I have reached a new level of motherhood. One that I have made extensive efforts to never achieve. My time, however, has come. I could not avoid it any longer. I have flown on an airplane alone with my children. (Can you believe I've made it this far without ever doing that?? I'm such a wimpy mama! I also make strenuous efforts to not go on long shopping trips with them. To all you capable moms out there--am I alone in this?) Turns out, flying alone with children is just as hard as it looks, but is, in fact, manageable. I did at least get a good laugh out of the fact that I spent almost the whole plane trip explaining and re-explaining the difference between a "pilot" and a "pirate" to Elijah. We had some serious confusion about that.

Anyhow, the trip to Oregon was blissful. We were there for two weeks. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so...

Two of the greatest parts of having a three-year-old. Fantastic artwork, and a never-ending supply of dandelions, sweetly picked just for me. Love it.
My dad and Elijah watching a tiger special on the animal channel. They had a good time, and I laughed as my dad had to do some fast-talking when the tiger suddenly killed a deer. Oops!
I participated in a Portland-to-Coast speed-walkathon while I was home. This is one of my greatest friends from high school, whose team I was on. The walkathon was a part of the Hood to Coast relay--17,000 participants from 44 countries and all 50 states. I walked two legs of the race--this picture was taken right after my 4:30am shift. It was a blast, but I'm still sore...

(I now know that speed walking demands a little more respect than I used to give it!)
First true pigtails! They lasted a whole 6 minutes!
We went to a funky hat store. This is Haven in the hot dog hat. She had the most hilarious, unamused picture in every hat we tried on her.
Elijah on the Seaside carousel.
Elijah driving the riding lawnmower. We did this a LOT, all up and down my parents' street. Am I from a small town or what?
Haven loves to much ice, and she loves my sister Kelsie. Does anyone else think Haven looks like she's half Kelsie, half Dave??

Elijah and my mom roasting marshmallows on their back porch.
Haven thought this pot full of ice-cold hose water was just perfect for sitting in. Who wouldn't?
Running down sand-dunes at the beach. Ahhh, the beach. The kids were crazy about it, although Eli was a little disappointed that he didn't get to see any whales.
Don't you just want to spend all day kissing those lips??