First stop...

Tunisia, North Africa.
I'm back!!! This will be the first post of many. My family was generous enough to take us on a vacation back to Italy and North Africa. My father-in-law was born in Tunisia to an Italian family. So, we started there.... here are a few pictures to give you a taste. As I add to the blog, you'll see all the fun we had in Italy.

Here's just the start.. and first... let me thank my family for truly the trip of a lifetime.







Hammam Lif is where my Father-in-law was born, and we stayed near this small town. I was nervous about our time there, but I am humbled at the kindness and generosity we found there. While visiting, we were put in a few sticky situations, and because of some amazing kindness and maybe a little good will from their Ramadan, I feel ashamed that I was so afraid of them. These faithful people should be admired for their devotion and commitment, and I am happy to say they were extremely kind and some of the most misinterpreted people. I hope to pay it forward someday with the kindness they showed us.

Family Night

(Enlarge this picture by clicking to get the full effect... hehhehe)

This picture makes me cry laughing every time I look at it! So, we NEEDED a family night tonight, and I am so grateful we took the time. As you can see we had a blast. This "roller" slide they are on goes faster the heavier you are, so when we saw Trenton going slow, we had no idea it would take off like a jet. Emile is terrified here, and Trenton is loving it.

I hope you enjoy this half as much as I do. Thanks for making me laugh so hard!

Happy Birthday Little Man!

Happy Happy Birthday! 2 years and it gets better everyday!

The best part about birthdays are gifts, family, and celebrating grandma's birthday too! Happy Birthday Grandma!

Union Station

So, we LOVE trains. Cho cho trains to be exact. We kept hearing the horn of a train in the distance from our house, so we decide to hurry downtown like crazy people to Union Station and see some cho cho trains up close and personal. Little did we know that we would have the pleasure of meeting a real train conductor, and hear the whistles blow right after "final boarding call!"

Of course, my camera ran out of juice right when we got to meet the conductor, which of course was just as we were going INSIDE the old historic station. We'll be back soon, but here's a little of what I caught. Now, we just can't stop talking about the trains.

I can't stop myself...

Here are MORE pictures that go with the previous post. I was having so much fun with my camera... I just can't help but share a few more cute pictures. My favorite picture is the one with the goat trying to beg for more food.

At the farm with friends

Ahhh... what a great day!!! My friend Jessica and her little girl introduced us to the cutest farm in Canby. It was so relaxing and just what I needed. I managed to get a few shots that made me smile, and it starts with the two best friends sitting on some haystacks.


Avery looking cute as ever blowing the... weed (?)












There were 7 baby goats that couldn't wait to fed.















I'm certain these two are meant to be friends forever. Look at them holding hands as they walk into the field. :D









This picture is Trenton sprawled out in the "nut house" laying with all the acorns.


Bye bye!!! Thanks for a great day.

Happy 80th

This here is my Grandmother. She makes me laugh and we had so much fun giving her a smaller 80th birthday party this weekend.

This picture is kinda goofy, but I can't help but smile when I look at it with her birthday hat on.

We love you Grandma/GG! We look forward to many many more years to celebrate with you.

Zoo day

We couldn't have asked for a better day. It seemed as though all the animals were having fun out and about on the cloudy, cooler day. Except the african animals.
These little monkey's were too cute playing together. Thanks for taking the pictures Jess. They turned out adorable!

Drumroll please.....

So, here it is... with no further delay......



Judging from this picture, you might think we are having a BLACK baby BOY! But, we're just having a baby BOY! Although I think that black babies are the cutest, with Emile and I as husband and wife, that could never be possible. Although... Emile does claim to be African American most of the time (if you don't know why.... just ask sometime).

In the meanwhile... the baby looks healthy, strong, weighs 12 oz (I was sure it was going to be more than that...hehehe), and... so far the profile looks identical to his big brother.

Almost 20 weeks

I'm not one to post pictures of myself, but a friend asked! :D So, here I am, in all my pregnant glory. I find out the sex VERY SOON, so stay tuned! Hopefully this little peanut is happy, healthy and ready to visit us no sooner than January!

Greatest show on Earth!

So, We ran off to the circus on Saturday night! I have always been a little freaked by clowns and the painted smiles that they have, but fortunately, they weren't the scary ones, and Trenton went crazy for them. It was probably the trains that they drove that he liked. He also liked the dancing and confetti. We liked the tigers and the Elephants. Greatest show on earth??? Pretty good, but I have to say I like Cirque better.

Go Timbers!

Portland Timers soccer team had their last home game, and thanks to our friends Tyler & Cassidy we had the privilege of attending this awesome game!

This is our cousin Sandra from California! We think she's too fun, and wish she lived up here! We miss you already!

Emile... thinking he's pretty cool with his slushy that only made his teeth blue.

Tyler won a jersey with a signature of the soccer players! Thanks again Tyler & Cassidy!

Bocce Tournament

This week was the annual Italian Festival in Portland. And, what is an Italian Festival without a Bocce Tournament? Emile, his brother Lee, his Dad, and a relative from California all played this year, and didn't do too bad. There are some pretty mean Italians fighting for the trophy, so we'll practice and smoke 'em next year. Emile's form in the picture below is proof to show that he's "got game".

Gymnastics class

We has been loving gymnastics class! Unfortunately all good things must eventually come to an end. We'll join up again after the next season. But, we had fun trying to jump, hang, roll, and be patient. Our favorite part was always the foam pit! I wish I was his size and could be tossed into something soft and colorful!

Weekend at the Coast

Uncle David came home

After 2 long years, Uncle David came home and got to meet Trenton. It has been fun and we are thrilled to have him home. We took David out and rode the new Tram up to OHSU. It was fun and we got to see some views that are just perfect.


After the fun tram ride, we went to dinner and just tried to catch up. It is hard to catch up when you're talking years, but the good news is, David is still the same and he fits in like he never left.