pun-ka-nin patch

 Yesterday we went to the pun-ka-nin patch (as Elle calls it).

The patch is about a five minute drive from our house, which is one thing we love about living where we do- farmland is not far away! This patch had a bunch of fun stuff to do, which we enjoyed despite the fact that everything was soaked.

There was a very short hay maze (this was Judah's favorite):

James was in heaven practicing his lassoing skills:

There were even some donkeys and floppy-eared goats to check out:

We forgot it was a check/cash-only stand (we usually frequent another nearby stand for our produce), so we only picked out a couple small pumpkins to paint, but we will be back later in the week to play and get some big ol' carving pumpkins!

Happy autumn friends!

PS- a couple year ago- adjusting to life with three kids
five years ago- a comfort-food snack

(another) PS- Judah calls them "punkies" and talks about the "punky pass" all the time, sweet little guy

mother's day 2016 : all up in da hood

Yesterday, we spent another fabulous mother's day in Hood River.

We started out with Pine Street Bakery, of course.


Then we walked from the Bakery down to a school play ground and hung out there for awhile.

                          

We finally bribed the kids to leave with the promise of fro-yo.

Then off to the play ground on the river where we played in the sand and water and all the fun play equipment.

We were so hungry and tired by the time we dragged ourselves across the street to Pfriem that I did not document all the amazing food and beer we consumed because I was too busy consuming it.

After dinner the kids had one last burst of energy, so we headed back to the park and played a bit more before getting the kids into pjs so they could pass out on the drive home.
Which they did.

It was such a perfect day.

PS the hood last mother's day, the hood the year before that, and a post from a year before that with pictures taken in the hood

powell butte nature park

Yesterday, we went for a family hike at Powell Butte Nature Park, which, we discovered, is about ten minutes from our house. How we have lived here for almost four years and not explored this little gem, I have no idea.

 (classic)

It hardly felt like we were within the city limits as we walked up the hill and enjoyed the views.

 (Above: that's my life right there. Thank you Jesus.)

Before we arrived, we were afraid our kids might not make it to the summit, but the elevation gain from the parking lot is not significant, and the trails slop up very gradually. It was the perfect little loop for the older two, although by the end Eleanor was (apparently): hungry, had to go potty, and wanted to go bed.

She made it back to the car just fine and even became distracted from her supposed discomfort climbing around near the visitor center.

If you are on the East side, I highly recommend taking a walk up the butte. And, for entertainment purposes, definitely bring small children with you.