Happy birthday to...me?

Today is my birthday. Which is kind of funny, because Camryn is the one who seems to have gotten all of the special attention today. :)

This morning, she joined me in her first ever pedicure. Now don't get me wrong, I do not condone this extraneous expenditure for myself more than a few times a year, let alone for my four year old. And though there certainly isn't much the girl does without, she is not some pampered princess who holds a weekly appointment at the salon. This was a special, mother-daughter birthday outing, and Camryn was thrilled to partake. The girls who worked at the nail salon thought she was so cute as she chatted them up, asking questions about every step of the process. She especially enjoyed the bubbles on her feet, and the dozens of sparkly polishes she was able to choose from.

Enjoying the bubbles

Treated to a lollipop by the staff, and propped up with pillows...ahhh...what a life!

Our beautiful toes. Note the sparkly polish and artistic flowers on Camryn's toes. Much more "oooh la la" than my plain red!

The best part? When Camryn told someone, "Today is my mom's birthday. She's 22!"
32 or 22? What's one digit, right???

Family reunion

Last weekend, we attended the second annual Semke Family Reunion, hosted by my aunt and uncle on their property in Carlton. The whole family, which includes my grandparents, their six children and spouses, most of their 18 children and some spouses, a few misc girlfriends and boyfriends, and some of their (our) eight kids. It's a big family, folks! Even the dogs are invited.

We have a blast, heading out to the country, where we have a big BBQ feast, talk, play, get dirty, and just basically have a good time spending time together. Much of the family brought their tents and camped out too, though we headed home this year. We all had a great time, but none of us more than Camryn. She had so much fun playing and exploring so many outdoorsy things that we don't have here in the 'burbs. When we left, she was filthy, exhausted, and so, so happy. :) Lucky for us, my dad captured some great photos of all the fun. Enjoy!

Relaxing in the hammock

Camryn and her cousin Zoee decided to share their ice cream with each other.
Don't they look like an ad for Dreyer's? Or maybe handi wipes?

Sweet baby

Aunt Kathy took Camryn for a ride on the tractor!

Another example of Aubrey's love for hats...

Who's ticklish?

Hug!

So happy!

Indi, the wonder dog!

Charlie needs a hug...(P.S. Can you believe how big that dog is???)

Now who's ticklish?

Visiting Aunt Kathy's horse, Angel

Kisses!

Why do these two always look so cute together?

Finally, a photo of the photographer! Thanks Dad, for all the great pics!

Happy 4th of July!

We had a very busy, but super fun day today! First, we got up extra early to make it to Hillsboro's 4th of July parade with my family, a tradition that dates back to my own early childhood. My parents live near the beginning of the parade route on a dead-end street, so we always have to get there early before we're blocked out by police preparing the parade route!

Good morning!

It's not even too hot (yet!)

After cinnamon rolls at Grandma's, we walked down to watch the parade. We had great seats (thanks, Grandma!) and saw so many fun things. Aubrey wasn't the least bit bothered by the loud noises, and Camryn worked with Uncle Dan to collect a TON of candy!

All decked out in full parade gear, plus SPF 50 sunblock!

Watching the parade, and waving at everyone! :) Aubrey even added a "Bye, bye!" as they marched past.

After playing, lounging, napping, and playing some more at Grandma and Grandpa's, we headed to my sister's house for a neighborhood BBQ. The neighbors on her block have an annual tradition of blocking off the street, pulling out the lawn chairs, and sharing a BBQ dinner with everyone's friends and families. It was a fun tradition to take part in, and was one I wish our neighborhood would adopt!

After a long day of sun, fun, BBQ and treats, we headed home. Both girls (and both of us) were totally tuckered out. We lit a few fireworks in the culdesac, and called it a night. We can't wait to celebrate again next year! Happy Fourth!

Summer Playgroup

It is summertime, and that means time with our playgroup friends! We love visiting all sorts of fun locations with them, and can hardly believe this is our fourth summer together. What a special memory it will be some day...playtime and adventures with the same group of kids each summer...

Today we went to the Murase Plaza fountains at Wilsonville's Memorial Park. It was so fun on such a hot day, and jam packed with people! We all had a blast!

Hey, this place is cool!

Yeah, I like this!

Camryn and her good buddy, Maren

Starting to get pruny and cold after so much water play...

Even though Aubrey and Hayden are the "babies" of the group, I think they look more like a couple of little old ladies...

Dinner Conversation

Camryn has been thinking a lot about babies lately. Enough to begin to ask some questions. So far, we've been able to get ourselves off the hook without answering anything directly, but I know it's coming. Here are a few recent examples:

Conversation #1:
Camryn: What's your belly button for?
Mom: It's for tiny babies in their mommies' tummies to get food.
Camryn: Is that where they come out? Did Aubrey come out of your belly button?
Mom: Um, no.
Camryn (walking away and mumbling to herself in a befuddled sort of way, while shrugging shoulders): Then where's the hole...?

Conversation #2 (at dinner):
Camryn: How does a baby grow in your body?
Dad: It just does.
Camryn: Does it get there because you eat a lot of food?
Mom: Uh, no.
Camryn: Well, how does it get in there?
Mom: Do you want some more chicken...?

My daughter is cooler than me

I have come to the conclusion that Aubrey is light years ahead of me on the coolness scale. At 16 months old, she already has a fascination with fashion (namely shoes and hats) and has figured out that when we leave the house, it is important to have both sunglasses and cell phone handy. Lord help me when she becomes a teenager!

Tuesday market

Tuesday evening, we met up with our longtime friend, Jen, and her two boys for a picnic and some wandering through Hillsboro's Tuesday market. It was great to spend some time with them, and enjoy a warm summer evening.

Camryn and Gabe did lots of exploring in the nearby bushes and trees, and found all sorts of things!

Baby Alex was so mellow and sweet!

Camryn visited the "balloon guy"

To end our evening, we treated ourselves to some yummy gelato. Even one-handed, Gabe was able to enjoy his, though later I felt bad for offering, as I saw lots of Spray 'N Wash and stain sticks in Jen's future. Thanks, Flores family! We can't wait to play again soon!