To Oregon We Go!

We had a fabulous time jet setting to Oregon for a long weekend!

Nikolai did great on his first plane ride, despite having just entered his fourth developmental leap.  He has been extremely clingy since the leap began, but as long as I am snuggling him, feeding him, or talking to him, he is his usual smiley self.  He just does not find solo play very entertaining right now.

Alexander, of course, made friends in the airport and on the plane.  I was very grateful because we had to stand in line at security for just over an hour, with me carrying ALL of our bags and the baby.  Luckily the two people in front of us, who I believe were from France, were extremely helpful in getting my bags through the checkpoint.

We were so excited to see Papa waiting for us at the airport in Portland.  Alexander literally threw his tablet to the ground, took off at a sprint yelling, "Papa!!!" and jumped into his arms.  I think this was the best birthday present we could have possibly offered my dad.

When we got to Papa and Grandma Jay's house, Alexander was amazed by his set up!  He had a polar bear sleeping bag that was about the softest thing ever, a game pack with markers and chalk to draw in the garage with.  Nikolai and Alexander were especially crazy about the sleeping bag!

Checking things out with Papa

Despite the cold, wet Oregon winter, we found lots to do, including a swim

Trying out the kickboard and flippers

Snuggles with Grandma Jay

One year old lab, Duncan, wasn't quite sure what to think of Alexander with his spastic movements and high volume.  He was extremely gentle and curious, and enjoyed spending time with Alexander so long as his mama was there, too.

Duncan loved Nikolai!  When Grandma Jay and Nikolai were at the house alone with Duncan, the sweet pup brought his toys over to our baby, squeaking them and then giving baby kisses.  Whenever Nikolai was away from his crazy older brother, Duncan would come over to say hello.

One of the highlights of our trip was Papa's birthday dinner.  Jay thought to take us to the Old Spaghetti Factory.  The one in Atlanta closed down, but was my favorite as a kid!  The restaurant feels fancy with its fixtures from all over the world, and yet is a very family friendly environment.  Plus, any meal that ends in ice cream is a win in my book!

We had a fabulous time celebrating Papa's birthday!

As long as this guy is snuggled, he is a happy baby!

Alexander had so much fun with his activity pack

Pictures cannot do this rainbow justice.  The colors were so bright, they shone over the trees.  The color spectrum actually started over underneath the rainbow, and there was a separate rainbow above this one, for a double rainbow.  It was the most vibrant rainbow I have ever seen.

Our big guy was not going to go without his share of Papa snuggles

Grandma Jay gave us a quick tour of the courthouse before heading into court.

She is like a real life super hero, taking bad guys off the streets!

We are excited for future visits to Oregon, especially when the weather is warmer and dryer.  We had a great time and I was so proud of both boys on the plane trips.

Happy Birthday, Papa!  We sure love you!