Busy Day!

Sunday 4.27 (Gary’s Birthday!)

It’s a busy morning around here today! We are busy packing up our things (mostly Annika’s) to head to the valley for 6 weeks. It is back to work for me Monday morning and I am SOOOOO excited to see my students.

Gary is taking the next 2 weeks off to help me transition back to work. Unfortunately, I am not sure with going back to my classroom how often I will be able to “blog.” Something tells me that Gary won’t be too interested in updating it.

Last night Annika had her first babysitter (other than family). Sisters Schools Foundation put on an annual concert and last night Rodney Crowell and Chely Write performed. So little Miss Annika stayed with Kristy, Drew and Emily Rawls ( I was Emily’s first babysitter!). I am happy to report that she was on her best behavior—well at least that is what we were told. So hopefully since she was such a good little girl she will be invited back! :-)

I am also excited to report that Annika has slept through the night for 2 nights in a row! Although I am kind of torn…part of me is thrilled…and the other….knows she’s ornery like her dad and I just KNEW the week I went back to work and it was Gary’s turn to get in the middle of the night she would for sure be sleeping through the night. Yep, that’s our girl.

Well we must get back to packing and get things loaded up.

Emily & Annika

Road Trip to the Valley

Annika and I made a trip home for a long day weekend to see many family and friends. We left Thursday afternoon and headed over the mountain after making a quick stop at Gary's work to say goodbye. Friday morning Annika got to hang out with her big cousin Isabella and then it was off to start a busy day! Lunch with G'ma Patty and a visit to her office, a visit with G'ma Hedin, to Gaston to pick up Aunt Linda and Justin and then off to pay visit to Annika's new little friend Cecily and her mommy Arielle in Hillsboro, back to Gaston for Annika to visit with her Aunt Marcie and Uncle Mark and get a tour of their new house and meet her Cousin Cody. Yes--A LONG DAY. We were exhausted. Saturday she got to spend lots of time with her G'ma's while I joined my best friend Amber for her her Bachelorette Party--a day of wine tasting and an evening of cooking. Sunday morning Annika got a visit from Missy and Kadence and Shelly and Taylor and then it was time to pack up and head back over the mountain. A busy weekend indeed...but Dad got lots done. He finished putting together Annika's dresser, crib and jumperoo! Way to go Dad!

This week will be a busy one. It is my last week before I go back to work. I have a lot of things to wrap up and pack up to head back to the valley for 6 weeks. Gary is looking forward to it for he is taking the next 2 weeks off to be with Annika and I and to help me transition back to work.

Well it is off to bed for a good nights rest (yeah right!) :-)

Play time with Isabella

Annika meets Cecily

Hangin' with Cousins Cody and Marissa

Annika's Nursery

Just about complete...just needs the crib and changing table (and that's Gary's job!) :-)

A Beautiful Day

It is a gorgeous day here in Central Oregon....the sun is shining and not a cloud in the sky.





Yesterday we drove into Gary's school to watch him compete in "Dancing with the Staff." The high schools spoof of "Dancing with the Stars." It was quite hysterical. He danced with a girl from the Tennis Team to Dirty Dancing's, I've had the Time of my Life--complete with jumps and lifts. I know I am partial but I think he actually won, however he was beat by the male teacher and student wearing a tu tus and tiaras--NOW WHO CAN COMPLETE WITH THAT! :-)





We are one step closer with Annika's room. I have the painting part ALL DONE, with the exception of inside the closet. So the next step is to get the border up and then her crib and dresser/changing table put together. I only have 2 more weeks off work and would like to have it done before I leave to go back to the valley to finish out the school year. I am hoping that when we come back she will be able to sleep in her own room at night.





She slept through the night on Monday night. I am sure it was just a fluke as she hasn't done it since! :-) She is becoming quite the talker and will have moments when she carries on for quite awhile. She is also getting into a routine during the day as far as naps. She is very predictable at night, but during the day she has never really had a routine.





Well we must get some things done today--like applying for jobs!

I found her this mini stick horse at the dollar store--couldn't resist!

The room phase 2---on the home stretch!

Vroom, Vroom

The 99 show car was in town for the Best Western's Re-Grand Opening. You can't really tell but just as I pulled Annika outside it started SNOWING! We are getting really tired of the "snow showers." :-)

PIcs from the Weekend

Here's a few pics from the weekend. Helping daddy with computer work.

Sleeping and patiently waiting to go to church.

Phase I of the Nursery - Just have lavender and border to go!

A Busy Few Days

I have been getting a lot of emails that I haven't "blogged" in awhile so I thought I better get on and let you all know what we have been up to.

Last Saturday we left and went home to the valley for a few days. It seems like every time we make the trip we have a ton of things to fit in in a very short amount of time. Annika got to meet her Aunt Kelly and Cousins Kimberly and Sarah, go to Addison Almero's FIRST birthday party, have dinner with Auntie AmberD and Justin, meet her Great-Grandpa Claussen and spend a couple days alone with her grandmas and grandpas while Gary and I headed to the coast for some R & R.

Last week I started Annika's room. If I ever want to paint ANYTHING again--STOP ME. I am horrible at it! I am hoping another coat or two and it will look a little better! :-) I only have 3 more weeks home so I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can get her room finished and for the most part put together. Just in time for us to move to the valley for 6 weeks to finish out the school year. I figure by then she will be able to sleep her in own room so I would like to get it done.

Gary's school district gets 2 weeks for spring break so that is why we were able to get away for a few days. He is busy this morning cleaning the garage and this afternoon we are working on the ever dreaded TAXES..YUCK!

Well...I think the little one is up from her morning nap and demanding to be fed! :-) WHOA! Bad Hair Day

Getting Ready for Addison's B-day Party

Meeting Cousin Sarah

Let's Get this Show on the Road and Get to the Party!