Flying

Ralph took me flying yesterday. We went to Mt. Jefferson, around the sisters & bachelor, did some low flying over our house and the mill district. It was so COOL. I had to share some pictures. I definitely had an imposter syndrome kicking; feeling like we should at least sneak around a little. I played it cool though; I walked out to the plane, (in plain view) didn't run, got in, did as Ralph told me, and sat calm and collected as we taxied down the runway. It certainly was strange and awesome going to the airport and flying away just the 2 of us and it being totally legit at that.
had to add something with Nora, since it is her blog. She's loving "teddy bear, teddy bear" especially the turning in circles part.

Reading, sledding, and new go go boots

It's never too early to practice your balance and improve your core strenth.

Nora found a pair of shades while we were cleaning out the front hall closet. They're a little too cool for either of us, but they worked for her.

She has grown fond of putting things on her head. We are fortunate enough that what she puts on her head is usually supposed to go there, however, a sock, a book, the remote, and the occasional grilled cheese will find it's way up there too.

We went sledding the other day....not a huge hit in Nora's eyes. She got a little too much snow in her face. We'll have to try again when she's in a better mood.

While sledding left a bad taste in her mouth, what has been a consistent source of contentment lately is reading. Ralph and I are amazed and LOVING it. For the past couple of weeks now, she will retreat to her bedroom, sometimes even closing the door, take all her books off the self, sit amongst them, and look them, one by one, independently. It's so cool.
Look at this.....she even looks bothered when I asked her to look for up for a picture.

Reading video and video of her walking in new boots from Casey.

Fall

Hunting for chantrelle mushrooms is the closest thing Nora has to an annual tradition thus far. Last year she was only a couple of weeks old; she had to ride around strapped to Ralph or I's chest, she pooped on the hood of the car (how embarrassing), and really had no idea she was hunting for anything. Ohhh how a year changes things.....while she did do a lot of riding in the backpack, she certainly was more participatory. She was very good at pointing out all the leaves, trees, sticks, moss, roots, etc. Lots of excited "ohhhhs" and "ewhhhhs" then got tired and rode around the rest of the afternoon on Ralph's back.

Nora proved more of a leaf hunter than a mushroom hunter.

We were quite a hive. Ralph was the bee keeper, Nora a baby bee, Bean was a worker bee, I was the queen bee, and Lynnda was a bouquet of flowers.

Bean tried on my crown

Roma and the hive cheering on Wally
x-rated....men riding in thongs.