What to do in 90+ Degree Weather?

I don't know about the rest of you, but here's what Anders and Jorja do.

Chew on drum sticks while standing on the drum.





Perfect rock-star facial expressions while pounding on the drum as HARD as possible.



Perfect rock-star hairdos while pounding on the drum as HARD as possible.



Dance on the dining room table.

Running on Dirt

Memorial Day weekend found the Perrin Clan in Portland for an extended visit with family and friends. Despite waking up at 5:30am, rarely napping, and refusing to eat vegetables and most fruit, the kiddos managed to enjoy several outings -- including a venture to Forest Park to manage my cheering squad as I (along with Annie, Denni, and Kari) participated in a 10k trail run. I'm not sure which I appreciated more -- the peacefulness of the forested trails or the stories about the kiddos zooming around (i.e. picking-up the course cones, climbing up and over picnic tables, engaging in "big kid" Frisbee play, etc.) while waiting for me to hurry up and finish.

Where's Mama?



Mama coming in First! (Alright, not first, but a close 33rd or whatever the website results claimed...)



Post-race weight lifting.

Beet Juice

I've been juicing vegetables for the past six months or so. I often prepare and consume these juices with the kiddos by my side. On a couple of occasions, one or both of them have suspiciously accepted a taste or two. And then, one afternoon with beet, beet green, cucumber, carrot, and lemon juice in hand, Jorja discovered a new favorite drink (and the joys of body painting).

Zoo Crew

I'm not sure who loves the zoo more -- me, Gailyn, Anders, Jorja, or the hoards of visitors that flood the zoo on sunny weekends -- but we find ourselves visiting nearly every week -- including this past weekend.

Anders and Jorja sitting in the stroller for a quick snack break outside the Tropical Rainforest Loop. The adults were able to enjoy a snack break as well at the Coffee and Chocolate Festival that happened to be in progress.

Stroller Snooze

After an afternoon of hanging out with Tyler and Scout followed by a non-sleeping "nap", I buckled the kiddos into the jogger for a spin around the neighborhood. Within a few minutes both were sound asleep. I'm still waiting for someone to zip me around in a jogger with suspended seats, a sunshade, reading material, snacks within hands-reach, and permission to snooze as I please. Anyone?

Apparently...

Anders and Jorja have learned to "smile" for the camera. Over the last several days, both kiddos have created these amazingly hilarious on-demand smiles whenever the camera makes an appearance.

I can't say that I've ever seen Anders "smile" quite like this.



Post-spaghetti dinner "smile".

Bunch O' Bunnies

In addition to the Easter Egg Hunt on tennis courts at our local community center, a trip to the library, and an Easter morning journey through the Children's Museum, there've been more bunny-centered developments this Easter weekend.

Anders turned into a bunny.



And Jorja feel in love with two by the names of Patsy and Cline. Nice, huh?

Ander's One True Love

Yes, yes, yes -- of course Anders loves the people and pets in his life, but the one thing that he loves, unconditionally, day in and day out, come rain or shine, is The School Bus. Fortunately, 1) we live across the street from an elementary school with handfuls of little students who ride The School Bus, 2) The School Bus usually makes it's appearance after Anders is up from his afternoon nap, 3) our house includes large, picture windows that look directly out at The School Bus, and 4) The School Bus not only passes by our windows, but comes to a complete stop, turns on it's red flashing lights, extends it's caution bar, and releases children from it's depths. How's that for entertainment?

If we happen to be outside when The School Bus appears, Anders heads straight for the front gate yelping "Dat! Dat! Dat!".



This is followed by a solid minute or two "chit-chatting" about The School Bus.

Calling All Ladies

Friends, family, womyn, womin, womon, and women -- any advice on raising a girl who likes, well, girly things? Like this headband (Thanks Cousin Alli!) that Jorja insists on wearing nearly EVERYDAY.



Don't get me wrong -- I enjoy make-up, shoes with a bit of a heel, purses that have the potential to pass as mini-messenger bags, and sparkly jewelry now and then, but when it comes to 19 month old girls insisting on sporting pink, floral headbands on a regular basis I start to wonder what's in store for the future.

Wednesday

The kiddos' newest discovery -- climbing into and hurling sliding out of their beloved jogger. This task provided a solid 45 minutes of unabated amusement for them and 45 minutes of unabated relief for me. Finally, a reason to celebrate our jogger being parked in the living room -- instant playground material.

A moment of stillness, just sitting, in the jogger.



Jorja enjoying the camera. Anders initiating his exit.



Jorja checking out the handlebar console (and all the goodies I stash in there). Anders looking (go ahead and select from the options provided) guilty? terrified? cunning? adorable? other?



Check out my lunch date this afternoon. Ain't she just the cutest little 3 month old thang?