Today is one of THOSE days

I love my boys.  They are absolutely wonderful. But sometimes, there are tough days. Today is one of those days.
It all started when Joel fell in his bed while playing this morning. He's got a nice black eye.
We had an uneventful trip to Neufeld farms (thankfully).
Followed by a trip to GranGrans and a mini meltdown. Joel did NOT want to be there. So we went home.
Surround sound in the car as both boys cried. Micah was simply hungry, Joel tired.
So we got home and I put Joel to bed. Fed Micah and put him to bed.
Then I went to eat lunch. Apparently, the pear crisp (which smelled like pear wine) has gone bad. Discover this AFTER eating half of it. Promptly puke some of it up. Live with upset stomach the rest of the afternoon.
Joel is not sleeping. In fact, he is crying. A LOT. Let him out to eat lunch instead. Put him back to bed (he went willingly).  An hour later, he is still talking away, on and off crying. Finally let him out. He is now sitting on my lap, having mini fits cuz he's so tired. Micah woke up and is sitting in his chair whining. He wants to eat, but if I put Joel down it'll be epic meltdown time. So, PVR Ellen is on, both boys crying. And its only 1:30.

                                                          Send help. And bring coffee.

Rolling Over

Micah has learnt a new skill! Rolling over.

Okay, okay. Joel has actually learnt a new skill. Rolling Micah over. They both seem to enjoy it.

Sunset

The last two vacation shots (I promise!)

But I couldn't resist these gorgeous shots of the sun setting on the beach in Oregon.

Good Morning

Mmmmm.....morning coffee.

Good to the last drop.

Super cute Micah, squealing in delight

I think the wind was blowing in his face, but its such a cute little face.

Where's Joel?

Bulaga! There he is!

Peek a boo???

Devil's Punch Bowl (Depoe Bay)

The Devil's Punch bowl is basically a bit blow hole that happens to spray water during the incoming tide.

Unfortunately, we came at high tide and missed the spectacular blow hole.

Fortunately, we did get to see whales and their blow holes!

It was super windy and cold, but amazing to see real whales.

Depoe Bay and the Devil's Punch bowl were a hit!

 

Overheard Conversation

While we were in Oregon, we overheard this conversation while we were on the promenade.

A forty something year old lady said this: "I don't understand how Canada could be a country while they still have British currency. They don't deserve to be their own country until they get their own money."

Dan and I were flabbergasted. How could they be so ignorant? We wanted to go up to them and set the record straight. But in true Canadian fashion were too polite to do so. It makes us wonder what else they don't know.

Oh well, better get out my igloo and drive my polar bear to work eh?

A Revelation

Do you know what we miss the most about our friends being half way around the world?
No, its not their smiling faces (sorry)
           It's not their cute kids (pictures/email stories make up for this)
                      Or the deep thought provoking conversations we used to have (and still do via skype)

Its the fact that my grand scheme to make everyone in the world fatter than me is being thwarting by their disappearance. I can no longer call them at a moments notice to feed them dinner. I can no longer make an entire chicken and know there won't be any leftovers. I can no longer make them my Guinea pigs and make them try out a new recipe. They are too far away to feed. And that makes me sad.


                                                       ......anyone wanna come for dinner? We're having chicken.

Oregon Aquarium

We went to both the Oregon Aquarium and the Undersea Gardens. The Aquarium was AMAZING! The Undersea Gardens (similar to the one in Victoria) was super disappointing and super expensive.

Joel liked the touch tank at the Undersea Gardens, mostly for the water, not for the fish.

At the Aquarium, there was an underwater walkway where you could walk through and see the fish.

There was even sharks inside the tunnel.

We spent literally an hour in there watching the fish swim around and taking photos.

Can you find the sharks?

Joel LOVED watching the fish swim by. Micah even got in on the action, staring at the fish.

 

AHHHHH!!!! A SHARK!

They had a puffin exhibit as well. We also saw Auks (similar to a penguin) in that exhibit.

Joel did eventually touch an actual starfish....rather than just playing in the water.

 

 

 

 

 

Joel caught his first fish! Yes, it was fake..but at least he practised catch and release!

Giant Sitka Sprucs

Another one of Dan's infamous GIANT roadside attractions.

This was one of the largest trees in Oregon, until a windstorm took it out of the running.

Now, its the biggest stump in Oregon.

Tillamook County Smoker

Home of the Two Foot long pepperoni. We tried three flavours: beef, hunter and teriyaki. By far the best pepperoni we have EVER eaten!