Go Ducks! Mommy and Uncle Dave's Bdays

We had a BBQ later on on Labor Day at my Mom's for my brother's birthday and my birthday. My Uncle Tom, my Mom's brother, came too. We had our traditional chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. He has M&Ms on his half and I have Reese's Pieces on my half. My mom got Abby some Duck wear. So cute!!

Oregon State Fair

We enjoyed Labor Day at the fair. I was bummed because I was totally looking forward to Abby being able to ride on the rides. I didn't even think about the fact that she wasn't big enough! They have to be 36 inches. There is always next year. We did get to see lots of animals though.

Portland Zoo

At the end of August we met up with my friends Andy and Amber at the Portland Zoo. They have Ashlynn and Drew and just recently had twin boys, Braden and Tanner!! It was our first time meeting the twins. It was a lot of fun. The birds that ate nectar out of your hand and also nibbled on Dan's ear were my favorite!

Riverfront Carousel with Mackenzie

After being gone so long it was nice to hang out with my friend Cheryl and her daughter Mackenzie. Now that Abby could walk they could play a little more. Abby always rides on the Abby horse. It was a fun relaxing morning!

Chara and Chris

While we were on our trip to Kansas my friend Chara and her husband Chris and family stayed at our house. They were in town from Virgina for Chara's sister's wedding. They stayed a few days after we got home and we got to meet each other's daughters for the first time!! They have Caleb and Daniel who we had seen while they were living Germany in August 2007 but Anika was born in October 2008. The girls got along great!! Chara and I met in 3rd grade and we have stayed in touch even though we haven't lived near each other for many years.

Road Trip to Kansas Part 8 -The Trip Home

Inbetween Kansas, and Arizona and California we got to do and see a few other fun things in Texas. We saw the largest cross in the northern hemisphere. It was pretty amazing. We ate at the Big Texan which we have seen on TV on Man vs. Food. Then we also got to visit the Cadillac Ranch which we had also seen on TV. The funny thing was we saw and went to them all by accident. We just sort of ran across them one after the other. It was pretty fun. Who knew there was so much to do and see in Texas!! Abby did find 1,001 things to do when you are strapped in a carseat! :) It was great to be home. Abby had been walking with us holding her hands for several months and the night we got home she started walking by herself!! Yea!!

Road Trip to Kansas Part 7 -Uncle Gary and Aunt Mary

On our way up through California we stopped for lunch at my Uncle Gary and Aunt Mary's in San Leandro. My cousin Elizabeth was also there. It was nice to relax and enjoy a great meal with family. In the 4th picture my uncle is putting an apple on his head and Abby is watching it fall off. Gary is my Dad's brother so it is always fun to see him as it reminds me of my Dad. Again, Abby got to be spoiled by another "Grandpa" and "Grandma". :) My mom was not feeling very well despite her smile in the first picture. We later realized that she had a ruptured appendix and she had surgery the day after we got home. Poor Grammy!! :(