Lawson turns 3!

Every time I asked Lawson what he wanted for his third birthday gave me the same answer: "A Thomas cake." Although his party was a low-key affair this year, he was overjoyed because his wish came true! The Cobb family joined us, and--also by Lawson's request--we had a picnic dinner in the yard.

SFO to PDX for Brianna's Graduation

This is always such a busy time of year, but this year there was something extra special on the calendar: My niece Brianna was graduating from high school. As soon as I could, I bought plane tickets, and I started counting down the days until I would see my entire family all in one place. As the weeks went by, it became clear that not everyone would be able to make the trip. Kirk couldn't get the time off from work, then Koen had two soccer games, then--just days before the trip-- Dillon's baseball team made the playoffs. It was just going to be the little guys and me. I ended up REALLY being on my own, because Dillon's baseball game was right over the top of our flight. Hayden, Lawson & I took BART from Pittsburg all the way to SFO, with luggage and giant car seats in tow.  That was a challenge, to say the absolute least. We made it in one piece, though, and we arrived at my sister Kate's house to find lots of hugs, good food, and the promise of fun. 

 Here are the boys, about to take their first plane ride!

And here we are at the airport waiting for our rental car. Hayden looks about how I felt at that point.

The next day, the fun began. We spent a lovely afternoon at Mt. Tabor Park, running up hills, rolling down hills, and picking tiny flowers. (My sisters, my brother & his fiancee, my mom, and all of my nieces & nephews were along too, but I'll be darned if I only took pictures of these two!) 

Hayden did a little gardening in Auntie Katie's yard, au natural. 

The hardest part about the trip was keeping these early birds from waking up the entire household at 5 A.M. We ended up going on little adventures each morning, just to be out making noise where we weren't bothering anyone. 

We found this amazing old slide at a park on NE Klickitat Street. (Yes, it's a real street! Remember the street Ramona Quimby & Beezus & Henry live on?)

 We had a great time running around the Rose Garden in Washington Park.

My brother, Kenny, suggested one of the best adventures of all, though. We all took the MAX (Portland's light rail) to the Portland Grand Floral Parade. Of course, the kids all loved it, but Hayden especially. He danced and clapped his hands for every float, and about halfway through he finally fell asleep in Kenn's arms.

And another afternoon, we took the kids to Multnomah Falls and the Vista House.

 But this, this, was the main event: Brianna's graduation! 

And my mom got to have all four of her children in the same place, at the same time, which is very rare. 

And we all got to share one last delicious meal. 

 Then, after five lovely days with ALMOST my entire family, we had to head home. Somehow we made it to the airport, returned our rental car, and got checked in on time for our 6:50 A.M. flight. Look at these adorable children. What wonderful fliers they are...

 And then, minutes from SFO, this happened:

 I only put this in here to remind you that traveling with toddlers isn't all parades, pretty waterfalls, and rose gardens. It's usually pretty poopy. Despite the poop, I love it. And I keep doing it. And I always will. Because it's worth it to be amazing places with amazing people. And because I hope you get a laugh out of it.