New Creature

Austin discovered a new creature today while we explored the back yard. I guess this is what valley children play with :) He thought they were really cool. He has slugs!
We also took some old bread down to the park to feed the ducks. He rode in the stroller while I jogged/walked. Dakota came with us for some much needed exercise too.

Busy weekend in Bend

We headed out Friday after work for a weekend trip to Bend. I had a baby shower on Saturday to host, church on Sunday, working in Sisters for MMP on Monday & multiple play dates and catching up to do on Tuesday. Austin & I drove back this morning in a blizzard. The Santiam pass was not fun. It was 25 mph most of the way on top and numerous cars, trucks, and semi's were off the road or stuck because of the slippery conditions. The big red dodge drove us safely across and I wasn't trying to break any speed records either. I brought back a washing machine for Chris to fix & a bunch of Austin's old baby clothes and such that was in our Bend attic. We have to get the rest of the stuff at some point, but the truck was full and I could only bring back a few things.

My very dear friend Michaela

"BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS" in Bend. A very fun place for kids (& parents) to play. The Adults get to go on the blow up slides too :)

Austin going down the BIG slide.

Austin & Dylan eating caramel corn

Lazy Tuesday

Austin chatting on the phone with his cousin Isaiah and really wanting to eat his baking creation. German Chocolate cupcakes with chocolate sprinkles! He made these yesterday.

Dakota having an exciting day at home.

This flock of birds keeps coming and going from our yard.

First Day of Preschool

Austin was so excited for his first day of preschool. He only went for 2 hours today but seemed to love every minute. When I told him I'd come and pick him up later he said "okay Mom, bye" and went off with the other kids. I am very happy to see him so comfortable in a school environment & hope tomorrows almost 10 hour day will be just as positive.

I start at Good Samaritan hospital tomorrow and had a joyous new employee health screening today. I had to have a TB test, a tetanus booster & blood drawn because I didn't have my immunization record with me. Now my left arm is sore :) Oh well. Austin got lots of stickers today for watching. Where's my stickers????

At home in Albany

We have arrived as a family to Albany, OR. Chris has been here for almost a year now, but we finally decided that the family needed to be together even though the Bend house is not sold yet. I hope a buyer comes SOON! Anyway, our new home is in NE Albany, 3 bedroom/2 bath and only 1200 sq feet. It reminds me a lot of the Madras house, but on a smaller lot. We have strict CC&R's here too and have already gotten reported for garbage cans out on the curb. They are not ours, just old ones from the previous renters so I'll have to call for those to get removed tomorrow before we get another letter. Yikes, we haven't even been here for 3 days yet.

Chris's brother Andy and his wife Becky live within a 5 minute walk, so it will be nice having family so close. We've also already met some of the neighbors & they are friendly :) Our neighborhood in Bend was not very social and it felt strange to not know who was living next door. I hope this neighborhood is different and so far it is! Austin met a little boy just 4 houses down named Noah. He's just 3 months older than Austin and they already played on the bark chip hill next to our house. Austin also has his first day at Preschool on Wednesday and then 2 full day's Thur/Fri. I hope he enjoys himself because I'll be at work in Corvallis and will not be able to just run over and pick him up.

I will have to post a picture of the front of the house tomorrow, but if you want to see one now, go to my sister-in-laws blog at Country Chronicles (linked from mine). She took some good pictures today.

Chester looking for something in the fire place??? Maybe a spider. I have killed a few around here already.

My Helper

Chester decides moving isn't so bad, the house has a play structure now :) I packed almost the entire house today. There are a few odds and ends but for the most part it is done. Austin was with Grandma all day which helped a lot. He doesn't have much interest in packing & walks around asking me to play with him. Tomorrow I tackle the garage. Scary thought!