Portland and Yard Projects

A couple of weekends ago we went up to Portland for my sister Mary's graduation from Portland State. We had such a nice, although quick, trip. Mary took us to this really cute amusement park in Selwood where she lives. Ella got to ride some rides. One of them took her up really high and she was all by herself but she just laughed through the whole thing! We loved seeing where Mary lives and hanging out in Portland. Her graduation ceremony was 3 hours long and with a 3 year old and me being 8 mo. pregnant we decided to forego the ceremony and just meet up with everyone after. While everyone else was at the ceremony I showed Steve some sights as this was his first trip to Portland.



Our first stop was Multnomah Falls. The weather was sunny and 75 degrees so it was beautiful. You can hike all the way up to the very top of the falls but we only went up as far as the little bridge you can see in the picture. While standing on the bridge the overspray from the falls gets you all wet! Hiking up the mile to the bridge I got some really funny looks. I think everyone was scared of me going into labor from the hike. It really wasn't a big deal though and I was somewhat tempted to go all the way up just so Steve could see the view. Maybe next time!



Our next stop was the Rose Gardens. Ella would go up to every rose and smell it. It was so beautiful and they have so many different kinds. I always try to pick out my favorite but have decided it is impossible to choose. But they do have some cool hybrids there that just turn out so interesting.



There was so much more to do that we just didn't have time for. We can't wait to go again and go to the zoo and the Children's museum!



On our way home we stopped at an event my dad needed to go to at Roloff Farms! Home to the show Little People, Big World. We saw the mom and dad on the show and looked around the farm for a little bit. It was so pretty out there. My mom and I were being silly tourists and made my dad stop the car so we could take a picture!




Steve had last week off of school so we decided it was the perfect time to do a little landscaping project. We have been wanting to do this since we moved in. On each side of our front door was just some dirt and a couple of plants but nothing special. So we (by we, I mean Steve and the Elders that live next to us) cleaned out the area and then layed the stone and planted some really pretty plants. We put in some day lilies, lavendar, dahlia's, daisies and some other stuff. My mom and I were in charge of picking up supplies and designing where everything needed to go! It makes such a difference and is so nice out there now.




Here is the complete finished project! Now we need some chairs on our front porch so we can sit and relax out there! We have decided our house looks like an idealic country cottage. It has such character. We are just grateful for some nice weather. It was such a wet spring and finally we have some sun.



P.S. ONLY 5 MORE WEEKS TO GO UNTIL BABY JIMMY IS BORN!

Counting Down!!!

So I only have 8 more weeks to go! I have a doctor's appt. in just a little bit which is always fun. Little Jimmy and Ella's rooms are all done! My crib that I used for Ella just got recalled so I had to take it all apart and take it back then order a new one online. Definitely liking my new one! I feel so much better having their rooms all done. I feel so much more organized. I promised pictures so here they are:











Here is the little outfit we picked out to bring Jimmy home in. I remember when we had Ella all of the newborn stuff just swam on her. Even though she was pretty good sized we had to go to the store and get a couple of premie things! So I bought one premie outfit for Jimmy. I think it is so cute and can't believe he will be that small.


Here is Ella's room! She loves her big girl bed and does really well in it. She also has a trundle bed underneath but we still need to get the mattress for that. But we figure it will come in handy for guests and sleepovers!



With Jimmy taking Ella's toy room we put her tv in her room. It is so nice to have her in her room during quiet time or early in the morning. She is still upstairs and close to me so I can lay down or be taking care of Jimmy without her being too far away.



Everything is going pretty well. Jimmy dropped last weekend which has helped my heartburn but not my bladder. It feels so weird now everytime he moves! Still having a lot of contractions so we will see what the doctor says today. Can't believe it is June. Next month James will be here! So excited!