why do we have a stroller, again?

Earlier this year, we invested in part-ownership of an Oregon Zoo pass. We have been getting some pretty good use out of it, of which I am quite proud. Sometime this summer (do you appreciate the attention to detail?) Michaela and I went to the zoo with friends Sarah and Lily and Kalina and Isaiah. We also met a new friend of Sarah's and her son. So it was crazy day at the zoo. For case in point of craziness, see below:

Look at Lily's cute little face... you won't believe what comes next!

Lily is pooped on by a Zoo Bird!

So, the kids all started out the day in their strollers. And after placating them with snacks didn't work any more, they had to get out. Plus, when you're 3 feet tall, it's really hard to see the animal exhibits from that low vantage point.

But I was so relieved to see that the strollers did get some use throughout the day.

Michaela's doll "Tiny" riding in Lily's stroller

Lily's baby doll(s), riding in Michaela's stroller.

And if I remember correctly, I'm pretty sure one of the girls was trying to crawl into Isaiah's stroller at one point, because of course, he wasn't riding in his, either. Share and share alike, I guess!

Big Girl Room

For much of the month of July (prior to our vacation and then a little bit upon our return) we spent a lot of time working on creating a big girl bedroom for Michaela. I wanted to have her moved out of the crib and nursery for several months before her little brother arrives on the scene. So, after purchasing bunk beds for a stellar deal online, repurposing and repainting some other existing furniture, and lots of organizing and convincing Michaela this was a good idea, we had her moved into her Big Girl Room just before her second birthday. Here is the proof:

The sleeping bed, with rails

The reading bed, with room for all the stuffed animals

Adam used to use this dresser. One of several things he had to give up as a father.

My dad built this shelf in high school... repainted 50 years later...

And... what allows Michaela to climb in and out of bed "all by self"

good ol' summertime

August, in summary...

                Playtime at the park (not pictured, Adam and I enjoying our morning coffee)

Popsicles with Daddy in the back of the truck (taking a break from tricycling and shoveling gravel, respectively)

Enjoying fresh produce from our garden - look at the size of this green pepper!!

Playing with cousins Greyson and CJ- (please note the baby doll that shows up with Michaela in every subsequent picture)

 ......feeding the donkeys (and eating any leftover crackers)

...feeding the chickens while Grammy helps Greyson

  ...exploring the "jungle" with Genevieve-

Fun times!!!