Oh Brother

Whew... we've been determined to not let the summer end without a big old bang. It's been a little crazy around these parts and we've loved loved loved every minute of it -- even when Jack has been wailing in the back seat to get him the heck out of his throne, I know he secretly loves long car rides. I just know it. And speaking of second children who are male and drool a lot still (just kidding, Jack's getting much better), Greg came to visit us at the end of August. If you will permit me to say that I loved something one more time, I'll use that card up right now (until the next post anyway). It was a great visit and we are thankful for his lack of grumpiness even though he endured hellish travel (not even Irene-related), and it was also much, much too short a visit. Not only does he have more friends in Seattle than I do, so we got to meet lots of new people who also have some short stuffs running around, but he was game for whatever my slightly manic, very overtired children decided to subject him to. Now, you might say "but of course he did, that's what uncles are for" and I would agree with you... to a point. We have superb uncles in our family but I don't think it is in their job description to have a very large toddler/small bear/mini Michelin man using them for human trampolines. I know this because I've been bounced on and I don't allow it anymore because IT HURTS. Add a big sister into the mix and well, sorry Meg, but we're sending Greg slightly misshapen. And yes, I just stood there taking pictures instead of helping him out. Aside from the internal injuries, though, we really did have a super duper time.

Oops. Isn't everybody having fun?

 We went to see Mt. St. Helens. Maybe this a slightly more interesting trip for adults than kids (although there was a great ramp to run up and down on  in the visitor center so I'm sure they ultimately agreed that the three hour drive was worth it for them, too). 

The mountain men are excited for what I thought would be a short but not quite as short as it turned out to be hike. 

Molly was off and running quickly...

for about thirty seconds. And then she just liked the dirt. 

Then I made her move another four feet.

Jack, apparently, had sympathy fatigue and decided to join the chorus and let us know that he was all done, too. The boy can speak but he felt the need to sign that he was all done just to really get his point across. I get great enjoyment out of doing stuff to/with my kids that I just know  they will be so glad they did in twenty years. Thankfully, it wasn't all tortured marches around dusty (but really fascinating) places...

After being inspired by a very cool thingamajig that we saw one night, Molly helped Greg build Jack one for his birthday. She's super helpful running around like a crazy loon with a drill. Seriously, where is Captain Safety when you need him?

Oh, there he is... supervising (apparently). 

Molly did actually help... sort of. 

And watched in awe.

And then tackled her own project (in proper attire, of course).

But now, thanks to these two, we have a very cool ramp for Jack's cars. 

We know all you far away aunts and uncles have busy lives but thank you for seeing us whenever and wherever you can. Here, there, everywhere -- we love seeing you all on any coast, in any place. Eric and Mary, well, you're just stuck with us sneaking up on you weekly.

Next up: Our min-vacation to the Oregon coast.