As Summer comes to an end...

...I wanted to post a few more pictures of our trip to Portland and mention some of the other activities we've been up to lately.

This is a picture of Jace and Bianca in the back of the Yukon on our way to Portland. Jace, of course, is CONSTANTLY picking at his face (especially his nose). Thankfully, his little nose is finally almost healed. He has a huge scar starting on the bridge of his nose between his eyes and goes all the way down to the very tip of his nose. Now he only has a small scab left and it seems to be healing--and he isn't picking as agressively at it now.

Dallon is not impressed with having his picture taken these days, but I caught him with his guard down (distracted by the movie playing).

Chris is also not enthusiastic about having his picture taken.

Conner in his favorite position--upright and almost free of any assistance! This can't be good. But darn it, he sure is adorable.

Yes, I bought him this shirt.

Dallon playing with Grandma and Grandpa's "old school" little people toys. They still have lots of their kids' old toys, and the kids love them!

Hello?

After Chris and I left for the reception (and after a lesson or two on service dog handling) Grandma and Grandpa took the boys to the park.

They actually stopped at a couple of parks, and then they saw a blow-up Spider Man bounce house set up for a birthday party. The birthday girl invited them to play, and they were worned completely down and ready to relax when they got back to the house.

On our way home the next day, we stopped at Chris' Grandma Dottie and Grandpa Bill's house. This is the first chance they've had to meet Conner, and he was in good form with the smiling and cooing and all the charm that goes with it.

Dallon and Jace watering the plants and themselves and anything else (like filling the bird bath to overflowing).

Dallon was "angry" and I decided to join him. He has been struggling to get out of his "angry" attitude lately, but we try to make the best of it.

Grandma and Grandpa enjoying great-grandson #7.

Grandpa with great-grandson #1--giving hugs good-bye.

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We headed home shortly afterward, but had a good day or so visiting in Portland.

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Since then, we have gone to a "free movie" in Washington (it was Monsters vs Aliens--and it was much better than I expected). We went with some friends, and the boys had a great time (except for the tantrum that Jace threw in the lobby on our way out). We also went to the Umatilla County Fair last week. We looked at the animals, had some cotton candy, rode a few rides (which surprisingly Jace didn't like) and headed home. Jace got stung by a bee (probably because of the sticky cotton candy on his hands) and he was ready to head out when we left. I think Dallon would have stayed for hours.

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This week we are going to a birthday party at the beach by the river, and I think we might head up to another free movie on Thursday. Chris is in Caldwell for work, and will be home on Friday this week, YAY!

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Next week is the last week before school starts! I can't believe how fast this summer went. It was rough, and I was mostly a single-parent, but we made it! We'll be moved into our place in Baker soon, and I won't know what to do with myself all day. Dallon will be at school from 8-1:30 M-Th, and Jace will have school 3 days a week, too. Round-up is coming up, and Dallon is going to 'perform' in the Children's Rodeo--it should be great fun!

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We'll that's it so far...I'll be better about posting when we're all moved and I finally have some quiet time (at least until Conner is crawling!).