Hillsboro Hops!

This weekend we FINALLY made it out to a Hillsboro Hops baseball game with the girls!  Being kind of a last minute thing, we had trouble finding four seats together, so we said "What the heck!" and purchased four of the "cheap seats" out on the grass in far left field.  It was actually a fun atmosphere, with lots of families with kids running around.  The girls had a blast, and didn't want to leave when it was time to go.  Next time, we will plan ahead a bit, and reserve some good seats to get a better view of the game.  Nothing better than a warm summer evening at the ballpark!  ;)

Checking out the stadium

How to eat peanuts in the shell...

Trying to find her "favorite player," Yogey Something-or-Other.  He tossed a ball back to a kid who accidentally dropped it over the fence during the game, and received huge cheers from the hill crowd.  Aubrey thought that was pretty cool.  :)

Nature hike

On our "last day" of summer, the girls and I were hoping to go somewhere and play in the water, but the weather had other things in mind...

Since it was plenty warm to be outside (just not be wet), we headed instead to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge; a place we had driven by a thousand times, but had never been to.  There, we took a two mile hike, while watching for wildlife.  The girls even brought their binoculars!  ;) 

They were very good about staying on the path, and remaining quiet, so as not to disturb the wildlife.  We saw and heard lots of birds, but the girls were most excited about the three huge blue herons they saw in a giant tree. 

The "big find" of the day though?  Nutria!   (Blech.)  A whole family of them were swimming around in the river, then hopping out to dig up weeds for lunch, and take them back to the river to nibble.  They were not afraid of us at all, and at one point we even found ourselves surrounded, with several critters on either side of us on the trail.  Eek!  The girls loved it, and even thought they were "cute."  Definitely a fun (and free!) outing.  :)

Blast from the past!

This week, Julie and I took the kids to the Enchanted Forest.  If you've never been there, it's a little difficult to explain.  It's a storybook village, themed after famous nursery rhymes and fairy tales, and it's been around for ages, apparently.  The last time I went, I was in second grade, and let's just say not much (if anything) has changed!  ;)  The place is a *bit* weathered, and a *bit* hokey, but the kids loved it! 

Welcome, Bailey Marie

Monday was finally the day!  We finally got the word around noon that she had arrived!  So after lunch and nap, we loaded up Big Sister Keira and two Very Excited Cousins and headed to the hospital to meet her. 

Keira was super excited at first to meet her sister, then quickly turned her attention to Mom.  She opened her Big Sis gifts, smiled for a few pics, and then was perfectly happy to just snuggle up with her mama in the hospital bed.  This allowed lots of time for Auntie and Cousins to hold and snuggle baby Bailey. 

We are thrilled to have her here to round out our Fab Five of girl cousins on the Borts side!  Welcome, sweet girl!!!

 

Drive In

This weekend, Brian and I attempted something brave.  Something very, very brave.  ;)

We surprised the girls with something they didn't even know existed...a trip to the Drive-In theater!  We got them into jammies early, and hit the road in Brian's truck, loaded down with treats, blankets, and pink bean bag chairs.  :)  

As a last minute addition, Cousin Keira joined us too.  This made us a little nervous, because most two year olds can't really handle that much sitting and watching, especially way after bedtime, but she was a champ!  She patiently played, ate her snacks, and when the movie started, cuddled up with me and watched.  All three girls actually made it through the WHOLE THING!  Impressive! 

"Despicable Me 2" was very funny, and the people watching was even funnier.  This is definitely a "must do again!" family fun night.  :)

 

Daddy/Daughter Backyard Campout 2013!

Brian and the girls camped out Friday night...in our backyard!  Camryn helped put up the tent this year, and the fire pit was a welcome addition for s'mores building!  :)  Even the girls' dolls got in on the action.  :)  Hooray for daddy/daughter traditions!