Throwback

To three years ago, when all we had to chase around was this little squishy bundle (and we thought we were busy then!)

And then to four years ago when Adam and I used to go on epic mountain bike rides at the drop of a hat....

Lesson learned: never wish away ANY time whatsoever. I wish I could freeze time.

Emma Visits AGAIN! July 2013

Cousin Emma came to see us again, and we were so happy she did. I'm sure she was bored to tears much of the time, as living with a family with two small children can be cumbersome (naps, routine, needy 3.5 year olds who think everyone is there to play with them!). We tried to show her a good time. We love you Emma!

At Three Creeks Brewery in Sisters, OR. We hooked Emma up with a trail ride with an acquaintance we have in Sisters who owns property and boards horses. 

Second youngest and oldest grandchild on the Noelker's side

Funny story: I left to go for a run one rainy morning leaving Emma to bake cupcakes with Noella.  Guess what? Accidentally substituting salt for the sugar doesn't give you the yummy cupcakes you were hoping for :) Whoops!

Hiking up Pilot Butte one evening. Noella even got to go. 

She is kind of enamored with her....

See what I mean.... always wanted to be dressed like her!

Fire pit night. Even Zeb misses Emma!

Climbing Mt. Bachelor. Emma killed it!

Hanging out at Paulina Lake. Lakeside picnic. 

The adults had an adult beverage. Noella had a chocolate chip cookie

Wait a minute....

Paddling out on the lake. This was right before a gust of wind blew my hat off and we frantically back-paddled to get to it, only to watch it slowly sink.... Noella cried. 

We had FUN! Hattie decided to start sleeping through the night while Emma was here, so as far as I'm concerned - you can come whenever you like! :) We love and miss you, dearie!

Rolling With Her Homies

Hattie's been getting a few steps closer to being mobile. She's been getting good at rolling back to front, but.... there's a catch. She can't be wearing a diaper. Details.... I know.

Catch the video HERE.

We've been having a barrage of visitors, so there will be much posting on that - but that requires too much organization for today. Currently, Adam, his brother Alex and his girlfriend, Mary are all on their way down South Sister Mountain while I juggle the minions.

Later!

Hattie Tackles Semi-Solid Food

I mean, I know it's a little early, but she was born into a family that really values food - she could use the practice.

Here she is!

Noella-isms: Summer 2013 Edition

-After brushing her teeth, she rushes out to me and exclaims "Mom! Look at my peaceful teeth!"
-While narrating the letter she is "writing" she ends it with "UPS.... Please don't forget to bring treats"
-While rummaging through the basket containing all of Hattie's bottles and nipples she gets hopelessly frustrated and cries out for me to "PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS NIBBLE!" (In other news, Hattie won't have anything to do with those damn nibbles and bottles!)
-After a very, very, VERY trying day with her (Adam was gone for part of the week), she begins to pull even more crap at bedtime. I very exhaustedly say "Noella, come on.....!". She responds with "Mom, I don't mean to make you upset...."


** This is a pathetic list. She has done 100 even cuter, funnier things, but alas life gets in the way and I don't write them down, much less blog about them. This girl is something else. Daily, I have to be her "audience" that watches her dance recklessly while singing a made up song at the top of her lungs. She usually wants to wear her Ariel mermaid costume to places like CostCo and Michaels. She has to bring her dollar store fake flowers and purple parasol everywhere we go. I hope she never loses her spirit and flair.

I just don't even know where this fascination came from

Even if she's mostly naked, we are NEVER without accessories

Watching "The Sound of Music", her new fav. She strives to be Liesl most days.

Her new favorite accessory 

And always silly

Cuppa Tea?!

When I was out for a MTB ride sunday morning, Adam had the chill'uns. Noella wanted to have a tea party. Hattie was "most obliged". He said she grabbed the cup and automatically put it to her mouth, which was hilarious. These pictures are so funny to me. 

In somewhat related news, Noella's pretend play now incorporates a British accent (most likely from her obsession with Angelina Ballerina). It's very cute, until she makes me play along as the character "Alice" while we're in the grocery store (this means I must speak to her about all things ballet in a British accent while in a public place..... I know, she gets this from me). 

"Don't mind if I do"

"Indeed"

"It's delightful, thanks Madame"

Four Month Photo Shoot: The Many Faces of Hattie

 

I may be biased, but she's pretty damn cute if I do say so myself.