Fun Memories

Per usual, I took a number of photos in Portland and for the sake of memories, I'd like to post them.

Aunt Julie teaching Lucas the art of self-portraits.

We made valentines.

Lots of time in the backyard.

Spent some quality time with these two! <3 br="">

Wrestling with Papa.

Grandparent Love

While In Oregon we spent a weekend with Dan and Lisa. As always, it's a time filled with good food, enriching conversation and good sleep! I don't know why, but Lucas sleeps like a rock at Grandpa Dan and Grandma Lisa's house!

 Dan bought Lucas his first T-Ball set, which is huge! It's such a special memory to have and Lucas was thrilled! These are the type of things that make family so meaningful... not the gifts, but the heart behind the gift. It's definitely one of Lucas' top favorite things to do... swing a bat!

Lots of time was spent outside... and thankfully the weather was divine! Dan was soooo patient with Lucas. He would graciously put Lucas' shoes back on, after being in the house only ten or fifteen minutes. Along with swinging a bat and playing T-Ball... Lucas blew bubbles with Thomas the Train! This was not only a bubble maker, but a train whistle... and just darling!

Our time with Grandpa and Grandma was precious... and I found myself wishing we could spend weekends in Salem more frequently. To see Lucas lavished in love and to feel supported in parenting was a heavy burden lifted off my chest... even if it was just a few days! I am a very fortunate daughter-in-law to feel so loved by my Father and Mother in law... and to have a little boy who is loved so well by his grandparents too.

Brooklynn Turns Five!!!

I cannot believe it, but our little Boo turned five last week!

Five years ago she entered this world, beautiful, strong and bald as ever! I loved her from the start and given everything she and her Mama have been through, my love is even deeper.

I am so grateful to have been able to celebrate Brooklynn's fifth birthday here with her...and talk about how amazing of a little girl she's becoming! She is smart, cunning, and incredibly lovable.

What a lucky Aunt I am to have a little Boo like her! I cannot imagine life without her!

Snuggling a Sweet One

Baby Isaac has been a blessing for our hearts while here in Portland. I couldn't be happier for Jacob and Rashelle, as they've been blessed with a sweet, precious, tender baby boy. He is perfect.

Now, to get as many snuggles as possible before heading back to Salt Lake!

Papa's Funtastic Fort

Lucas has spent a lot of his time playing on the fort Papa built.

Basically, it's a big hit.

The kids run, slide, hide and imagine stories while playing in the fort, and this warms my heart! It's a delight to see them be free to do these things and fill their days with good ol' fashioned fun!

Sitting Sweet

Couldn't pass this up...it's just too sweet of a moment.

Being "Home"

A few things I love about being "home" with my family:

• There is always cheese. And not just good ol' chedder... smoked gouda, brie... the good stuff. I have my sister to thank for that.
• There is always wine. Thanks to my sis for that too!
• My mom always turns the heater on the morning. Us Cates girls are total pansies when it comes to the cold and the hum of the heater brings back childhood warmth and memory that comforts and eases my senses.
• Lucas and Brooklynn... playing... together. It's the first time they've been able to play together, without fighting. I love eavesdropping on their conversations and overhearing their imaginary scenarios. 
• Coffee. And "bad" creamer... like the flavored stuff with a bunch of chemicals. It's like crack. Can't get enough of that stuff.
• Taking naps. Which I love anywhere, but again... there is nothing quite like taking a nap at "home" that brings comfort and rest to a person's soul.
• Cookies. My dad's cookies, to be specific. The man can whip out a batch in nothing flat, and their always creative, delicious and plentiful.

I'm noticing how much of this stuff is related to food... you'd think I have a problem.

• Toys. My parents (and Brooklynn) have a ton of fun, noisy toys. Lucas doesn't sit down for even a second, because there is a bountiful amount of toys!
• There is time to read... because the kiddo is playing, the house is quiet during the day and it's not my home to maintain... so I can sit down and enjoy a good book.
• There is someone to hang out with Lucas while I shower...which is a treat, for real!
• Someone else plans and makes dinner (although I like to take a night or two to help out!).
• And... there is always someone to talk to. My parents... do you know them?...they love to talk! And when both of them are home (my Dad normally works from home), they're always up for a chat. I love it!

Anyway... most of us can't imagine living with our parents again, but when we come home to visit, there is a comfort. As I've settled in the past twenty-four hours, I've come to realize there are a few things that are constant in this home... a few things that I've grown to appreciate now that I'm an adult.

Things like cheese...

A Little Fresh Air

I'm eager to breathe a little fresh air, that's for sure. The past couple weeks have been brutal in Salt Lake... the air quality has been just downright bad... and I have no doubt the fresh air of Portland will allow our skin, lungs and general health to improve a bit.

Here's to blue skies and fresh air... and realistically, some rain.

Salt Lake City... smog.

 

 

 

 

Portland... fresh!

Attached

Little Boo Bear

Tomorrow Lucas and I head to Portland. The main purpose for our trip was to see our little Brooklynn turn... wait for it... five!!! My heart aches at the sound of this... five! Ack. How is it possible our little Boo Bear is a kid now!? No more baby... not even a hint. Sigh...

Of course we'll see friends and some family, which will be wonderful. It's always so nice to connect with our loved ones! In fact, I can hardly wait to hold and snuggle our newest little loved one... baby Isaac. My heart can barely wait.

And then there is a wedding, which will be divine. It's so nice to celebrate life with those who live far away, and I'm so very fortunate Mandy's wedding happened to fall just a week after our originally planned trip... an extension allows me to see her tie the knot! Hooray!

Baby Isaac... presh.

It will be a sweet time where memories are made and relationships are solidified. That being said, I find myself more and more in love with Salt Lake City, which makes traveling a bittersweet endeavor. Being away just as Fall is setting in, and leaving the relationships here for three weeks makes me realize how attached I am. I have loved ones here too!

The three weeks in Portland will create an eagerness to return and upon doing so, it'll be wonderful to share stories and memories with those who are waiting for our return. Until then...

Cuties

Rashelle and I took a midday trip to see the Tulip Festival with the kiddos (again, this was while we were in Portland). We couldn't have asked for a prettier day!

Baby Bee Is On His Way

While in Portland, I was able to throw Rashelle a baby shower...which was such a treat! I am very sad to be missing her pregnancy and birth, but so very pleased to have been able to bring friends together in celebration of this upcoming arrival.

Here are some pics I thought I'd share with you:

Favorite Day

One of the greatest parts of a long trip are the days with nothing planned... days where you just hang out, join the routine of your hosts and see what the day will hold. Often great conversations take place, sweet moments take place and unexpected memories are made.

Fortunately, my folks live near a coffee shop that is within walking distance... so on the days with nothing planned, Julie and I would take the kiddos for a long walk, coffee (for us, of course) and a stop off at the park.

Delicious pastries were eaten, warm beverages were consumed and a little rowdy play at the playground made for a day that ended up being one of my favorite days of our entire trip!

Funny moments happen too!

Family Beach Trip

For the first time ever, I rented a house on the coast for a family weekend and it was a hit! It's officially been decided that this will become an annual "thing" we will do.

Mind you, the trip still came with it's quirks. The kiddos had their normal quibbles, I drank too much coffee and wine (not together) and mom managed to repeatedly use the word masturbate at the Aquarium. Mortifying. But overall, it was a trip full of laughter and love.

I am already looking forward to next year's trip!

Weirdo

Oh the fun things to do in the backyard!

Sunny Easter Sunday

As Christ followers, we gladly celebrate and honor Easter Sunday. It is a beautiful thing to believe in a self-sacrificing god and after this day, I am always left with a strong feeling of gratitude.

Being near family this year was a real treat, even of I did miss my friends and community in Salt Lake! Even still, Lucas was able to enjoy the holiday treats and festivities with his cousin Brooklynn and we've yet to do that till now.

It would have been a perfect day if we were with Matt, but I can't overlook all the fun we had in the beautiful sunshine, the meaningful church service and time well spent with those we love!

Grandpa Dan & Grandma Lisa

Lucas and I had a fun day in Salem yesterday!

Bacon!!!

In spite of the poor weather...rain, hail and wind...we ventured out during Kiddos nap for a little food cart lunch. There really isn't anything quite as delicious as a grilled cheese with bacon!

During visits to Portland I always enjoy one day downtown...at least one.

Today we started at Voodoo Doughnuts, made our way to Crafty Warehouse, spent some quality time at Powell's Bookstore, and refueled at the Five Guys Burgers.

It was a super fun morning with super fun girls...and one little boy.