Fun at Fort Rock Park

Drake Park tradition

As a young family, we are just beginning to form our own traditions that we share as a family. For us, traditions seem to form on their own, without intention. For us, taking pictures at this particular spot in Drake Park is one of those traditions. Now, with two, it's a little more challenging, but I did manage to get a few good shots.

July 7, 2005

August 24, 2007

"Hi mama!"

Although Franny's main focus while in Sunriver was playing with Megan, she did occasionally take a moment to stop and say hello to us, albeit only briefly.

Jumping part 2

She always seems to find a way...

The dog days of summer

Before leaving on vacation, Franny enjoyed a playdate with her first and best friend, Caden. In the 90 degree heat, the Bethany Fountain provided a cool oasis where the two could play, chase each other, and enjoy the water. Friends for over two years now, Franny and Caden have been been inseparable since they have recognized the ability to play together. Fortunately, they live very close to each other and see each other at least once a week. Besides being friends, the two also have baby brothers in common. So, after a long day (or week) of mothers attempting to balance the demanding needs of both a toddler and a baby; toddlers dealing with the emotions of adjusting to their siblings; and babies coping with the stress of being constantly hugged, kissed, grabbed, and poked; an afternoon playdate provides the perfect break for everyone--mothers, toddlers, and babies. This was one of those days, and it was wonderful for all!

Happiness is a new friend

This year, we chose to share our vacation with friends who also have a daughter Franny's age. This was tremendous fun for Franny, as the two became fast friends. Everything became more fun and when they weren't together, they were asking about the other and wondering when they would be together again. It was sad to see them have to say goodbye after sharing their lives for a week, but it will be sweet to see them reunite in the future.

Initially, I was a bit sad to see that I was no longer the one she has the most fun with. But since, I've come to realize that it is just a different kind of fun. I've seen similar relationships with her playgroup friends, just not for an entire week. As she continues to grow up, my relationship with her also continues to change. I have to balance fun with limits and social skills--a mix that is not always fun for a toddler. But, we still have our fun, and I do look forward to our first week back home, getting back into our routine, and having our one-on-one time together, again.

Ring around the rosy

Fun in Fort Rock Park

Dinner at Deschutes Brewery

Bedtime books

Walking in the Village

Pool jumping

Little daredevil

The adventurous nature of Franny never ceases to amaze me. I knew she would enjoy the rides at the fair, but they didn't have any of the tame rides I'd expected they would have for little kids. She was actually just a couple of inches shorter than she needed to be to go on any of the rides, but not wanting her to be disappointed, when I held her up to the measuring line, I helped her gain her missing height. But then, when I tried to go with her on one of the roller coasters, we were told that adults were not allowed on the rides with the kids. Since our ride card was already scanned, I asked her if she wanted to go without me. Although she (of course) answered "yes", I really thought that she would end up getting back off before the ride started. To my astonishment, she climbed right in the car on off it went, with Franny laughing and smiling the whole way. It's hard to choose just a few of the pictures we took of her, but here are a few. (Well, more than a few!) Franny is the little head with the big smile in the middle car.


The Dragon Wagon

And they're off!

Waiting in line (not so patiently) while it was closed for maintenance

Fair day

Once again, Franny had an incredible adventure at the Clackamas County Fair with her Auntie. As with last year, we checked out the animals--rabbits; chickens (not impressed with these); goats; sheep; cows; pigs. But, this year, instead of ending our day with lunch, we forewent the nap schedule and added the rides to our agenda, and finished up with ice cream. Franny had been asking for ice cream all week, so this finale was a big, unexpected treat for her. But once again, it was all about spending time with Auntie. Franny fell asleep on the way home, but woke up midway through a Portland traffic jam. The rest of ride home it was Auntie...Auntie's house... Auntie...Goldfish crackers...Auntie... (and not in her "happy voice"!) The two have such a special relationship, and I love being able to see them together as that grows. But, I am bracing myself for the day that she asks me to stay home! Mama's days are numbered, of that I am sure.

Checking out the rabbits


Nose to nose with a goat


Mmmmm, a real corn dog--not one of those soy dogs!


Fun on the rides


Ice cream time--Auntie is her hero

Summer of adjustment

Adjusting to life with Cole isn't always the easiest for Franny. There has been a lot of tears and frustration. And, it has been hard for me, as well, learning to divide and balance the attention between the two. Sometimes it seems that neither of them get the focus and attention they both deserve and need. Beyond what is apparent to us, I have no doubt that Franny has a lot of emotions and frustrations that she faces and manages on a day to day basis that we will never know. Because we try so hard to temper those difficult feelings for her, it makes the sweet moments the two have together all the more heart-felt, and makes me hope they grow up together with a happy and close bond. Here are my two wonderful and amazing children together.

Franny's magic carpet made of steel

In addition to Franny's fun morning on Sunday, Auntie treated Franny to a great adventure at the Molalla Train Park. It is operated by the Pacific Northwest Live Steamers, who built and now maintain several 1.5 scale steam engines and cars. The train route runs through the shady, forested area of the park's two acres. Franny had a wonderful time! Don't let the serious face fool you--she talked constantly about the train and Auntie until she went to bed and then, into Monday, as well!!


At the station

The Shady Dell Pacific Railroad

Riding the rails

Sunday in the park with Auntie

Fashion statement

I can almost hear her thinking: Well, if I have to wear something...