The day of departure

Last night Marilyn and Dave invited us up to their home for dinner and we said our goodbye's to Chelsea & Ethan prior to their journey/flight back to Georgia.

Ethan was very active, which the hope was that he would wear himself out and then sleep on the red-eye flight home...the downside being that he would be full of energy when Chelsea is ready to go to bed.

(I would add pictures from this visit, however I am having technical problems, and fear that I have lost my pictures from the last couple of days - which includes the only pictures of Ethan with Grama's and Papa's...)


Brent, Randi, and Brennalyn flew home to Sierra Vista, Arizona yesterday from Spokane. They too welcomed being back home after a month of vacationing and all were excited to sleep in their own beds!

We have really enjoyed the visits with family and the many adventures they shared with us. We appreciate all the time together and we hope that it won't be long before we see our little ones again.

A nice mix of family & friends

Some of these might be repeats from the email updates.

During the bbq, we were able to visit with Kari & Hillarie. I was able to meet Lilly & Wyatt (their latest additions). Ethan has loved going to different parks that are new to him. He's also liking the Jensen's backyard as you've seen. He never gets over watching airplanes either. We're close to the airport both here, and at home, not to mention the base.

He's been spoiled with both new toys, clothes & different bubble sets. Both Grandma's were nice enough to entertain and appease Ethan while we were out this morning. I didn't find exactly what I was after, but am very happy with a couple things I found. He was not impressed with Red Robin--and the balloon didn't serve it's purpose to make him happier either. He was able to take a couple of walks and loved his freedom. After going from carseat, to stroller to highchair you can imagine how lovely his mood became. He was happier once we left for home & even managed to pass out from the DeRoest's to about the halfway point. Oh, our cute little man.

Our newest granddaughter

I do believe we have been blessed throughout our lives with 5 healthy happy children. And now to watch our family expand with bringing these wonderful little spirits into this world that extend the branches of our family tree is so amazing.
Yesterday July 15th, Alexandra Malaika Owuor was born weighing in at 9 lbs. & 19 " tall, at 1:25pm. I think she looks a lot like Savannah did just 16 months ago. Other than the fact that Savannah had very little hair.
Naomi and Michael can truly say they now have a family! It has been a very rewarding past few years as we now have 1 grandson and 3 granddaughters.

We love Portland!

We are really enjoying being with family & friends. I've missed the northwest a lot. We miss Anthony like crazy and I've been bless to talk to him a few times this last week. These pics aren't super organized and I'll have to do another post later since I'm nowhere near ready to leave and we're taking off shortly! I took a couple pics at Enrichment. Erilee is a good friend from my ysa (Gresham) days. Ethan was entertained with Savannah Jamison--who was also the only other 'little' person at the activity that evening. It was nice to see some familiar faces & have a nice spiritual activity.

My dad & I had fun taking Ethan to the zoo. It was like sardines with the people there but great weather which helps. He saw the northwest, some farm animals, fish, ducks and other exhibits. After a certain point my dad & I just took turns taking him up close. It's easier than using the stroller to fight people off. haha He, of course, acquired a new shirt & toy before we left. He and grandpa got some pressed pennies for his great Auntie & Uncle Walker.

Monday night we had a nice bbq at my parent's house. I took quite a few pics here, at the zoo as well as just playing (inside & outside) at both houses. I will have to add a few more pics to another post later. We love & miss you. Be safe & happy

Chelsea

sleep over with Ethan

Friday night we had the opportunity for a sleepover with Ethan so his momma could have time with her sister and friends. Now some would think that would be a challenge to entertain a two year old, or even to get him to bed, but not this little man. He plays hard and fast, so when it is nap time, or bed time its a piece of cake to lay him down and not hear a peep from him. The easiest job I have ever had.
Prior to his nap, Ethan and I went outside in the yard for him to enjoy playing with the animals and he got to see his great grandma, who was out in the driveway.










He ended up picking her the dandy lions from the yard, which made her day. Each time he would say "flower" as he handed it to her.

Part of our adventure timewith grama and papa was to go to the "Imagination Station" located out in Gresham.
It was a bit overwhelming at first, since there were allot of older children running around playing.





Ethan chose to walk around at first just looking to take it all in.


Then his little legs started running from place to place,





with me running to keep up with him.











One would wonder at times what he was looking at until we would hear the roar of a jet in the sky, and with much enthusiasm he would yell "airplane".










He has such a big fascination for them and would point out each one as it flew over. Needless to say he spent allot of time looking up with being right under the flight path. It was entertaining for all those close by to hear. How simple it was for him to be in augh. One of those things that as an adult I feel we take for granted. The miracle of flight, and gravity.

If only we would all step back more often to see things through the eyes of a child, and be fascinated on how far we have come in this world with things that can either simplify our lives, or I guess complicate them as well. Instead of get so caught up with the fast pace of life to even recognize all that is passing us by.








After returning back home it was play time with papa. Of course he was now the jungle gym.

Then a bath, and bed.



The time did slip away a bit, so his bed time ended up at 10:00 rather than 9:00, and he was ready to go.
Fascinated with the stars on the ceiling in the bedroom, which I had forgotten about until I turned out the light, he said "Stars" with such excitement.

Saturday morning we didn't have much time together since he woke up at 9:00 and Chelsea was coming with the other papa to take him to get new Nike shoes at 10:00. He enjoyed his pancakes that I made in the shapes of bears, hearts, and stars.
You can only guess which one was his favorite. Yep, it was the stars. That and the honey due melon were both a big hit.


There was little time for reading stories, however we did our best to squeeze in as much as we could.

Best part of Georgia here in Portland

Chelsea and Ethan arrived here in Portland on Wednesday tired from the long journey that began at 4:00 am and did the scenic travel from Valdosta to Atlanta, to Los Angeles, then to Portland. Ethan seemed to do good other than not sleeping the entire trip. They had gotten some rest by Thursday when we enjoyed there visit that evening.



I was so grateful Ethan remembered us and our home. He came right in and wanted to play with the blocks rather than eat, so his dinner came later. Before to long of his playing he had us all sitting on the floor playing with him taking our turn to help build a tower. He would tell us grama turn, papa turn,or momma's turn.


He even would congratulate me "with good job grama" when I put the block in place.









Brio even allowed Ethan to brush her for a time. Which was a thrill to a little boy who loves animals.





When it came time for cleanup you can tell just how effective that was. The buckets for the toys were used as hats, which was fine. With the toys left out I know there is little ones still close around. Something I don't have very often.