Remember the sun?

One might find it hard to believe, but not too long ago, we had sunshine! You wouldn't know it if you looked out the window today. It has been raining now for the last few days and I know it's just beginning. But, I actually love the rain. Long before I moved to Oregon, a rainy day was one of my most favorite things. You'll be glad to know it still it. I guess too much of a good thing can help you appreciate those days with sun, however.

While the sun was shining, we did so many great things. A couple of weeks ago we went to the beach. It was such a great day for our little family of three. Brooks couldn't have loved it more. He ran straight toward the water but then, he just kept running. Into the waves he went squealing along the entire way. It was freezing, but he didn't seem to notice. He was wet from head to toe in a matter of minutes. He loved it and would have stayed in the water all day. But, my legs were definitely numb and frostbite was beginning to set in. We had to introduce him to the fun to be had in the sand. We were eventually successful and finally, he realized all of the great fun the beach can bring. We had a blast running on the beach chasing a particular two-year-old, playing in the water, running on the beach, playing in the sand, running on the beach ... get the picture? Needless to say, Brooks was so sad when the day came to an end, many hours after arriving. He cried to the car and then, I think he had the best sleep of his life.

A wonderful day. One to remember always.

Time To Write

I realize that it has been a while since I have posted anything on the blog. I keep trying to think of something worth while to post, and nothing comes to mind. Maybe the gray weather, maybe the Oprah on autism, but today I am feeling a little sad.

It seems there has been only one thing on my mind, and I am reminded every time I come and go. It's the silly sign in front of our house. I am not as concerned as I probably should be that there isn't a sold sticker posted to the front. I am instead reminded that as each day passes, our time here gets inevitably shorter.

We have been so very blessed to have lived here for the past six years. We have truly lived in the most beautiful place. Maybe I am getting a little taste of what it must have been like for Eve to have left her lovely garden. And we have made tremendous relationships with the worlds most wonderful people (a saving grace to know they are relationships that will last a lifetime.)

Saving graces or not, I am sad to go. I know that a grand adventure awaits. An adventure that includes Amma and Papa (which Brooks says at least 27,000 times a day,) a great job, aunts uncles and cousins and more great friends, but still, today I am feeling a little sad.

So I have decided to list five things that are great about today. I'm done being a downer, my blog is titled My Sunshine after all.

1. Last night we got to talk to my brother Trent who is flying to serve in the Philippines. He was excited and nervous but sounded so great. I can't wait to hear from him. I love Trent! (I know it's last night, but I am counting it.)
2. Brooks has been an absolute charmer today. He just keeps chatting and chatting and using his hands to tell me all. I love him too!
3. Just got a new book to read, I Capture the Castle, so excited. Only on page 6, though.
4. We showed our house this afternoon so my house, for the minute, is really clean.
5. Brooks and I went to the store and I found a box of mini Charleston Chews. They are in the fridge for later (OK, I already snatched a few) I like 'em good and cold.

So there you have it. Lake Oswego, I love you all.

My Angel Boy, Brooks

This morning , I was in the living room on the phone with my mother. Brooks was in the kitchen and the longer I talked, the quieter he got. I realized something must be going on and called out, "Brooksie?" No answer, instead he came running to greet me prior to entering the kitchen. He kept pushing me back so that I wouldn't see what he'd been up to.

As soon as I stepped in the kitchen Brooks ran away faster than I could say, "an entire bag of marshmallows on the floor! How did this happen?" By now Brooks was nowhere to be found to answer my questions, so I did some investigating of my own. CSI has nothing on me. I grabbed my camera and was able to shoot one shot. It looked promising.





Those shoes look familiar, hmmmm. After getting the broom, I grabbed the camera again just in time...

AHA! The proof was in the pudding, or the marshmallows, if you will. And you will, of course!

Mommimird

We have a hummingbird that comes to eat nearly every time we do. We see it when we sit down for breakfast and we can count on another showing around dinner time. Yesterday morning at breakfast I said, "Brooks, look at the hummingbird." They converstation followed somthing like this:

Brooks: mommimird?

Erin: hummingbird.

Brooks: mommimird?

Erin: hummingbird.

Brooks, defiantly: mommimird!!!

So, mommimird it is, for today anyway.

P.S. Papa Ray, I hope you appreciate this as much as I think you will.

What a Gas, At the Zoo!

"Someone told me its all happening at the zoo.

I do believe it, I do believe its true."

I have sung that Simon and Garfunkel song as long as I can remember and cannot make a trip to the zoo without singing it secretly in my head, or sometimes loud for all to hear (only if you're lucky.) So ever since we visited the Portland zoo last Friday, that song has been running circles in my mind.

It was all happening at the zoo. We went with fun friends and it was great. Unfortunately it wasn't Brooks's best effort. I think he had been sprouting some teeth all week and was still a bit off his game. However, every so often I would hear a little roar coming up from the stroller right below me that let me know he was paying attention to the bears and tigers and such.

Unfortunately, in my frenzy to get out the door, I forgot my camera. Luckily Kristen brought hers and was kind enough to snap some shots. I think next time I'll leave it home on purpose. Thanks for the pics Kristen, I love them.

Kristen, Moses, Olivia and Bella. Jen, Max and Molly, and Brooks and I round out the bunch.

The highlight of the zoo for Brooks was the saloon-like section, sounds weird, I know, but it was a big old house with ducks and chickens around it, goats and sheep to pet and best of all, a huge porch that the kids could run on. Brooks loved it and the kids could have stayed there all day. They just giggled and giggled and when the zoo train went by, squeals galore! Then we were into a chugga-chugga choo-choo fit. It was darling. Brooks has been really into choo-chooing ever since. Who knew that's what we would learn at the zoo?

I think this is pretty darn sweet. Thanks again Kristen.

Just Bummin Around

So somehow Brooks got the worst diaper rash of his little 20-month life. It was breaking our hearts. He started sitting sideways on his hip to avoid having to sit on his bottom, and his walk had become more like a waddle, tippy toes too. It was really the saddest thing you've ever seen.

We had tried what seemed like everything to make his bottom better, but no cream, no amount of walking around the house naked, even three baking soda baths yesterday still wouldn't take care of it. At last, one suggestion we hadn't tried seemed to do the trick, and lift the spirits of a sad little boy (thank you, mom.) We went outside buck naked. Well, Brooks was naked, I just watched and laughed a little. I set up the kiddie pool on the deck and he spent time in the water and a lot of time just feeling the breeze!


He was hilarious and seemed to love every minute. He kept running around the deck, smelling the flowers and playing with his truck. I made some birdseed (Grandma Morgan's famous trail mix) and he loved it. He also loved the green popsicle, which is evidenced below. He was so disappointed when it was time to come inside. I think the sun did wonders for more than just his sore bottom. He seemed to forget all about it and had a great time in the backyard. I took some pictures just to remember our naked romp in the yard. Hopefully it will be the last. Or, at least the last time we have to.

Exactly why are you hiding behind those flowers?

Nice bum, where ya from?

Just stopping to smell the roses.

Brooks, we love you and your bottom. Glad you're feeling better.

It's a bird. It's a plane...

No. It's my husband trying to hurt himself.

We had a great day at the lake on Saturday. It was a surprise birthday party for our friend, Nancy who is turning 30, yikes! It's hard to believe we actually have friends that old. Anyway, after a wonderful lunch, a mint chocolate chip ice cream cake and some great gag gifts, a diving contest ensued. Not sure if Bryan was the winner, but we must applaud a fantastic effort. Have you ever seen such form? Don't worry, no one was hurt.

Brooks loves to run on the docks, so we do too!

Little known fact, Nancy's arms are taller than she is. This monkey seemed appropriate.

Happy Birthday Nancy, thanks for a great day.