Trip--Fleet Week

As part of Portland's Rose Festival, the Navy and Coast Guard bring ships into port for tours. We were lucky to be in town at the same time and decided to check it out. After waiting in line for TOO long, or rather Justin waiting in line for us while we let the kids play in the fountain, we were able to tour the US Navy Cruiser, Battle Hill. By the time we made it to the front of the line it was afternoon nap time--Gwen had fallen asleep in Jake's arms and Ira was wailing his guts out, begging to go "ni-night." I'm sure everyone around us was hoping to go in our group.

We went on the big cruiser that's cut off on the right.

I love this picture because you can see Nate in the back of cautious Ira having a blast. Nate was soaked from top to bottom at the end, but still was able to dry off in time for tour because it was such a warm day.

Those square things behind Jake and the kids are missile launchers.

It was a hot day and the main deck offered little shade, but I managed to shade little Gwenny right next a big cannon and...

right next to the missile blast area.

Trip--Hangin' with the cousins

We recently got back from a trip to Ann and Justin's house. Actually Ann and Justin came out to visit us and then we caravanned back to their house. The trip back to was pretty painful--the combination of Gwen, and her cousins Ella, and 2-month-old Milla (pronounced Mee-ah, in case you were wondering), turned a 6-hour drive into a 9.5-hour drive, but overall we had a great time.

Ira refused to ride in the stroller at the Oregon Zoo, so Nate gladly took his place.

One of the few times Gwen and Ella got along. Actually, at closer examination, Ella has her fist in Gwen's eye, so even in sleep they were at odds with each other.

Okay, so they are getting along here.

Ballet

Gwen took a pre-ballet class these last few months and recently had her first concert. It was pretty hilarious and I wish that everyone could have seen it. Gwen completely ignored her teacher who was off-stage cuing them and spun in a circle pretty much the whole time. Unfortunately, we couldn't take any flash photagraphy or record the dance, but her are some pictures from before the show.

Gwen and her BFF discussing technical ballet moves.

The crew warming up for rehearsal.