The first week of July we headed down to the Portland area to visit the Floyds for Olivia's baptism and the 4th of July. We had a fantastic time. The kids were in cousin heaven and we were in adult heaven. Love those guys. It takes us about 11 hours to get there which in itself is a huge adventure. On the road there we laughed, we cried, we puked....and that was all before Merritt! We were even rear ended in Tacoma where the traffic is always delightful. The drive is ALWAYS worth it. It's such a great place to visit.

After a lovely baptism, the ladies look some pictures outside Jess's beautiful house.

Jess and I were pregnant with these girls at the same time and they were born three weeks apart. It was so great to be pregnant with Jess while we both lived in Texas. It's hard to believe that they are both 8. Mom, dad, Zach and Anne were all there too, a total party.

This picture from the children's museum is terribly out of order. Me and blogger have not been getting along lately. Love these girls.

One morning I woke up to this: Lucy outside driving with a little neighbour girl! They met that morning. I LOVE jess's neighbourhood, it's jam-packed FULL of kids.

It turns out Lucy is an incredible little driver. This was a really sweet ride.

Oh, 4th of July at the Floyds. Where to even begin. First thing in the morning, the kids set up the driveway as parade headquarters and the entire neighbourhood gets started decorating their bikes, scooters, strollers, hair etc. Even little Ollie got in on the action.

Rani was the ring leader.

Yup, that's Jared right in the middle. We are Canadian thru and thru, but sure love the USA. Jordan, who actually is a dual citizen LOVED celebrating the 4th of July.

Thanks Jess for pulling Lucy!

The Floyds house was 4th of July central, so fun.

Sweet Nate and Benny.The big kids set up a face painting station and got busy right away.

I can't believe that Nathan let Jordan paint his face, he's a brave brother.

That night the fun began. After a barbeque in the streets with families, neighbours and friends, the three hour firework show began...........and all in their cul de sac. Jared had fun setting off some fireworks and we both couldn't believe that this was legal! It was insane! The kids had fun with roman candles but mostly just loved playing with the cousins and watching the show.

We stayed the whole week and had a blast. The weather was great so kids slipped and slided, went to parks, went for hikes and also went to the Portland children's museum. This is an amazing interactive museum that our kids adore. How could they not?

Lucy was in heaven.

Lucy showed great promise as a cashier.

Ollie got a check up at the animal hospital.

Our kids dominated the stage for about an hour. The show could have used some fine tuning but they sure had fun.

Here's Ollie at five months! I know what you are thinking: "How can this be Ollie? Your baby isn't bald!" I know, I know. He lost his beautiful red curls. But now he's a stunning blonde and oh so cute...and chunky!

We went downtown P-town after the children's museum for fun and frolic in the fountain. Very refreshing.

Jared here! So after dancing in the downtown fountains for an hour we decided to make our way home, but not before stopping at a Portland doughnut shop called Voodoo Doughnuts that was featured on the Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food". This place was awesome! They make amazing doughnuts and give them creative (and raunchy/inappropriate) names such as the Memphis Mafia, the Tex-Ass, and the Maple Bacon Bar. As we walked into this quirky establishment we noticed that there was a camera crew filming customers and asking questions. Bravely, we approached the counter and readied ourselves to order for all ten of us when the cameraman sticks the camera in our faces and starts asking questions like, "What did you think when you first walked into here?" and "What sets this place apart from other doughnut shops you have been in?" (Side note -- While at the Children's Museum the kids used their faces as canvases and smeared face paint all over. This paint was then smudged all over while they froliked in the fountains resulting in our children looking like homeless circus performers.) We answered the questions like pros and left with our delectables in hand. As we exited a gal asked us to sign some waivers and we found out that they were from the Food Network and they were filming a piece for a new show coming out in the fall called "Extreme Restaurants". So watch for us this fall!!