My Ka-Chunk-a-Chunk

Colette Maria

I am very sensitive to the fact that my youngest baby could potentially fall victim to the "one who was not photographed" syndrome that befalls larger families.

If you looked up the definition of "certifiably insane ubermom" you would find a picture of my haggared self as the "e.g.". So every now and again, I try to remember to STOP, take in the moment in time of my baby and rejoice in how she is right now. I love extreme close ups so you can see the very shape of her eyes, her button nose, the curve of her plump lips and the perfection that is baby skin. Colette, though one of my more "high maintenance babies" is perfection in every way in my eyes, biased Momma and all. Though if you asked me that of any of my kids, I would proudly (and honestly) say the same thing about each and every one of them. :)

(Happily, my passion is photography and none of my children will likely ever complain of never being photgraphed.)

Autism Walkathon 2008

We participated in the Autism Society of Oregon's Annual Autism Walkathon this Sunday for the first time. Our team consisted of our brood: Mike, Cathy, Vanessa, Jack, Josie, Colette & Sassy; Grandmom & Pop, Eileen & Declan, Bern and Shawn. The walk was held at Oaks Park--a very nice setting, but the walk itself was a bit disorganized and chaotic. For a walk held for kids with Autism, the walk started late and all the kids were going crazy waiting around. All-in-all it was for a good cause, but we're hoping next year will be better!

Thank you to all who donated to our cause! Many of the donations were for Jack and in honor of Jack's late Grand-Uncle Ken whose birthday is in April.

Cannon Beach Getaway

Last weekend, we took some time out and went to Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast. It's under 2 hours away, but a world away from our busy suburban lives. Aunt Bern and Uncle Shawn took a break and came with us for some Q.T. with the kids. We rented a modest vacation home just north of the supercute downtown area.

Rainy Saturday
Saturday couldn't have been wetter, but we ventured out to the beach anyway. The kids loved sloshing around in the rain. They don't seem to care if they are cold and wet. Amazing!

Sassy got comfortable with Mike.

Josie & Uncle Shawn killed some time during the rain to do some much needed computer work.

Sunny Sunday at the Rock

Sunday's weather cooperated with us a lot more by granting us many sun breaks. As it always is at the Oregon coast, it was windy making it seem much colder than it really is. This time we ventured closer to Cannon Beach's most popular landmark, Haystack Rock.

I have to share this story about Mike. We were staring at the rock and he [seriously] said: "I wonder why they call it 'Haystack Rock'". I love you, Honey, but REALLY? We all got a chuckle out of that one.

The quintesential self-portrait. My sister and I are experts. Note the perfect placement of Haystack Rock.

We LOVED the trip even though the weather was only 50/50 for us. We can't wait to go back!

Oregon Zoo, Part II: Jack's Turn

Jack is on spring break this week, so it was his turn for Mom to take him to the zoo. Here are some shots from our trip yesterday. I tried to get different aninals from my post with Vanessa. Josie got a treat and got to go to the zoo 2 weeks in a row!

Jack at the Mountain Goats

Visit to the sea lions

The black sun bear was out!

Giddy-up!

Jack and the ducks

Jack and the turtles

Sleeping beavers!

Jack and Jos

Playful Polar Bears!

Orangatans close up

Really big male orangatan

Visiting the Chimps

Holy Hippos!

Josie and the kelp forest

Two sleeping leopards!

(I called them Jaguars last time, I stand corrected.)

And of course, the self portrait

Thanks to all the animals for a great time!