Our Hotrum Family Story: The DNDA Chronicles

I have a 5 year old!

2009-06-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

This year we celebrated Dylan's 5th birthday by breaking the day up a little bit. We had a "friends" party from 2-4, which included 3 kiddie pools, a slip and slide, a water table, and a sandbox. It was a blast! With the help of one of my best friends, McKenzie, we made up about 4 dozen cake batter cookies and served them up along with Freezer Pops and juice boxes. The kids had a great time just running around and playing, breaking briefly to watch the present opening. We wrapped this party up around 4:30 and then got into high gear for the family dinner starting at 5. I really enjoyed his party this year, it was so much more relaxed and it gave Dylan time to spend with his friends and a separate time to spend with family. This may have to become my new tradition! Here are some pictures from the day, mostly taken by my father.

Swimming Lessons Week 2

2009-06-26T21:59:00.000-07:00

The kids finished up swimming lessons today, thankfully. It was good for them, but man was it a L-O-N-G 2 weeks! Neither of them passed onto the next level but I really did not expect that. I am just so happy because now they have gained confidence in the water and really enjoy it. I am looking forward to swimming lessons next summer! Here is one more "movie mix" of them swimming!

Dylan's Generous Heart

2009-06-20T11:15:00.001-07:00

Last night we went to a Corvallis Knights game with the Hotrum clan, since Uncle Brian is in town! On this particular night they were doing the $1000 Dash for Cash. It was for kids 12 and under so I got the waivers and got Dylan and Ally signed up. The time came and I took them down to the field, not having ANY idea of what to expect. We were standing around all all of a sudden there was a countdown and then money flying everywhere! The kids scrambled and tried not to get squashed by the millions of other people scrambling. Dylan ended up getting $2 dollars and Ally ended up with $1. We got off the field and started walking back to our seats, on the way Dylan holds up one of his dollars and says, "I don't want to keep this one." I think he was feeling a little bad that he had gotten more than his sister. So I told him if he wanted to he could give one of his dollars to his cousin Grace who had come to the game with us. He absolutely lit up at the idea and decided that is what he wanted to do. So when we got up to the seats he shyly but very happily went over to Grace to give her one of the dollars he had "dashed" for. My throat got tight and tears threatened at this generous and selfless act. This is what being a Mom is all about!

Swimming Lessons: Week 1

2009-06-19T16:47:00.001-07:00

Here is a "movie mix" from this week of swim lessons! They have already made lots of progress! Plus they are having fun and that's what really matters! At the end of next week I will update with their progress one more time!

Picking Strawberries!

2009-06-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

Today we headed out to pick some strawberry's. I was determined to make some Freezer jam this year. So Poppa, Grandma Jo and Uncle Eric met us at our house after swim lessons today and we headed out. As we were driving towards Lebanon to the field we drove right into a rain storm. Luckily by the time we were walking out to the field the rain had stopped and it started to get a little muggy, gotta love this weird Oregon weather! So we headed out and got picking!

The kids were not too sure about it at first but after a little bit really got going!

We filled 2 buckets full, which at the time did not seem like that much, it turned out to be 11.25 pounds!

We got the berry's transferred to the bowls I brought and loaded them in the car. Poppa wanted to get a picture of the kids with them, and at first Dylan didn't want to but Ally jumps up and says, "Where do you want me?"

Finally Dylan leaned over the seat and we got a picture with the both of them.

It was such a fun relaxing thing to do! I can't wait to go next year!

Enchanted Forest!

2009-06-12T15:38:00.001-07:00

Today Daddy took the day off and we headed off to Enchanted Forest. It was a fabulous day to relax and hang out. Darrin had never been so we took time exploring the path and letting the kids run free. We took a break at lunchtime and heading over to Paddington's, then right back at it. Here are a few shots from the day of the kids having fun!

Zoo!!!

2009-06-09T19:28:00.001-07:00

Today we headed up for our favorite day at the zoo, $2.00 Tuesday! I knew that most public schools were not out for the summer yet so I was thinking this will be a great day to go, busy, but not too busy. WOW, was I wrong! There were countless numbers of schools on end of the year fields trips. It was INSANE! After we got through the long line and in there was more room to breathe and move as people dispersed in different directions. So we headed down our usual path, making our way through The Great Northwest, passing by the Mountain Goat, Bobcats and Black Bears, then winding our way down towards Eagle Canyon. My kids posed as baby Eagles for me!

As we continued on the trail I snapped a picture of my slave labor, aka, my brother.

The kids paused to take in the faux fish swimming up-stream, being silly like usual.

Next up was the hollowed out log you can climb through, one of the kids favorite things to do.

We continued on down through the fish tanks,

past the turtles,

and also had a little peek at a snake, eek!

At the bottom of Eagle Canyon we tried to see the cougar but he was hiding. On our way to see the Black Bears again the kids found a little "nature path" and decided to meander over the hill.

We went over to look at the Black Bears again and EVERYTIME we have gone they are pacing over to the window and then back, and again, and again, and again!

The kids love to watch them and it is always cool when you get to see the animals about and moving around.

Next came the Trillium Creek Family Farm,

this time when we went, there were calves

and a baby pig! It was getting closer to lunch so we decided we would try and head through the Bears and then over to the big field by the Elephants for lunch. What a disappointment, we didn't see any bears!! So off we went to have some lunch. We grabbed a nice piece of grass right in the middle of the field and met up with some great friends, Jessica and her family and Jen and her girls. As we were finishing up lunch they were starting the Birds of Prey show so we watched as birds flew overhead entranced by their beauty. One of the birds we saw was a Turkey Vulture. Well, he decided that he wasn't particularly in the mood to fly over and land on the platform behind us, so instead he landed on the grass, right behind us!

It was awesome! After finishing up with lunch and bidding good-bye to friends, we headed up to see the baby elephant. It was rather anti-climactic. Since there were so many people around the kids got about a 2 second peek each as we lifted them up so they could peer over the heads of all the other people straining to catch a glimpse. We backed out of there and made our way down to Africa! The first stop was the Rhino's. They were no where to be seen. Okay, moving on. Next along the path was the Hippo's, they were laying out sunbathing and napping, using rocks for pillows.

Next came the zebra's

followed by the giraffe.

One last stop along this path had us peering at Bat's.

Ally had hit her wall and had climbed up in the stroller pushed by Uncle but Dylan was fascinated with the bats, "Why are they upside down?" So I tried to explain with my limited Mommy knowledge, hopefully some of what I said was right?? We decided to try and cram one more stop in, even though Ally was done, so we headed over to Pacific Shores. There the Sea Lions were! Swimming in their circle pattern making little adjustments here and there each lap, so as not to run into each other. They swam right past the glass tummies to the window.

Dylan loved it! Ally was grouchy in the stroller.

Finally we headed towards the exit pausing once to see the Tiger and one last time to see the train take off. Then it was up the hill. We got one last peek at the Mountain Goats,

then went to squish our souvenir penny's. Finally out to the car and onto home. It is always an adventure when we go to the zoo, this time it was a zoo at the zoo!

Dizzy

2009-06-08T20:38:00.001-07:00

This picture makes me feel dizzy!

A Beautiful Bird

2009-06-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the Duck Park, not to be confused with the Brown Park, The Far Park, Mrs McKenzie's Park, or Mrs Jennifer's park. We originally went to feed the ducks the old bread we had been saving. Then out of no where there was a Blue Heron. He was beautiful! Dylan really enjoyed watching him as much as I did, Ally not so much. I convinced the kids to run home and get the camera praying all the way he would still be there when we got back! HE WAS!!! He had just moved down the creek to a quieter place. So we went over to watch him as he intently stared into the water looking for some lunch.

We didn't get to see him get anything though. He was nice enough to stay in the background for a picture with the kids though!

Dylan could have watched him longer but Ally really wanted to head over to the playground. After playing though we did stop by one more time to tell him goodbye!

Lebanon Strawberry Festival Parade

2009-06-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Today we got to be in the Lebanon Strawberry Festival Parade. Grandpa Hotrum was driving his Model T pulling a trailer, this year he drove for Jennifer Meltzer from State Farm Insurance. We got over to the staging area and get situated and ready to go.

We got some cute pictures of the kids

and got them each a Tootsie Roll (can you see them all chewing on them??)

Then I actually got in a picture, the two boys are Jennifer's.

Finally after only about a half an hour it was time to go, we were moving!

This parade was shorter than the last parade we were in, but the kids still had fun waving plus it was a different experience getting to ride on a trailer pulled by the Model T. Finally a little over halfway through the parade we saw our fans Daddy, Poppa Mike, Grandma Jo, Uncle Eric, Aunt Cagney, Uncle Nate, Aunt Kaydi and Jude! The kids were so excited and I was lucky enough that Grandma Jo was taking pictures as we passed so she got a few from her vantage point.

We finally finished up the parade and rode on the float all the was back to Grandma and Grandpa Hotrum's house, the perk of living in a small town! We had a fabulous BBQ lunch then Grandpa Hotrum gave out rides on the Model T. Up first was Cagney,

followed by Poppa and Dylan,

then Grandma Jo and Ally,

next came my VERY brave SIL Kaydi with both her kids Grace and Jude,

and last was Eric.

Lots of good old-fashioned fun!

Got Bees??

2009-05-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

Apparently one of our neighbors does....ugh! Thank heavens its on the other side of the neighborhood!

Bowling Anyone???

2009-05-25T22:39:00.001-07:00

We decided to have my family down for dinner tonight since my brother and sister in law are here for a visit and it is Memorial Day. After a fabulous dinner of burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob we decided to bust out the "We" for a little "We" Bowling. After creating "Me's" of everyone we got started! It was a blast watching every one's technique on throwing the ball. Lots of laughter and fun! Here are pictures of each person bowling next to their "Me".

Also here is the DNDA Crew!

(Another) Day at the Beach!

2009-05-24T18:27:00.001-07:00

Today we decided to head on down to Newport for the day. Finally we were on our way at 9:30. We twisted and wound our way down the road to Newport. Finally the ocean is in view! That is probably one of our favorite moments, when you can finally see the ocean! We made our way through town down to South Beach State Park. After parking we loaded ourselves up with all the trappings of a fun beach day and headed onto the beach. Not only was it windy it was blustery, gusty, and brisk! We got the kite up for a little bit

and managed to make it through most of a quick lunch before decided to pack it in and head over the the Hatfield Marine Science Center for a while. With the thought that we would head back to the beach in a couple hours, when it, hopefully, warmed up some. So we walked around the Science Center checking out the octopus, fish,

and various other displays.

There is this one tank that has a "cave" on the backside where you can peek through the fish tank, I was able to snap a picture of each kid peeking through the fish tank at me!

We also spent a little time watching part of a documentary on Blue Whales. We visited the Bullfrog and Turtle again, finishing up by browsing the gift shop. We found each kid a small little marine animal to take home. Dylan got a shark and Ally got a Seahorse. We had finally exhausted Hatfield and decided to try and give the back another go. This time we wrapped ourselves up in layers of sweatshirts and coats and headed down again. It was definitely warmer and so we crashed into the sand and let the kids go nuts building,

digging,

and getting buried!

Wow were they sandy! While they were playing we got to see some horses go by

and also a couple of guys kite-boarding!

We played for about an hour the decided it was time to head on back. After changing into less sandy clothes we got settled and heading back to reality.

Riding in a "Cherriot"

2009-05-16T18:02:00.001-07:00

Today we went down to Keizer to ride in the Cherriot's bus that Poppa Mike was driving in the Iris Festival Parade. The kids were REALLY excited we got to Poppa and Grandma's then walked the rest of the way down to where the bus was parked. We got there and the kids went crazy running around the bus and practicing their parade waves. We got pictures of them posed in the drivers seat (and me too!!)

and being silly running around the bus.

Then we sat...

and waited.....

and waited some more.

Finally after sitting on an inanimate bus for almost an hour and a half we got to get moving! The kids were so excited to get to wave to people and were constantly moving to different seats for a different view and to wave to different people!

The parade lasted about 45 minutes or so, then Poppa expertly maneuvered us back to the corner across from their apartment so we could head back and out to get some lunch. It was such a fun day and the kids had a blast. Plus in a few weeks they will get to be in another parade...stay tuned for the fun!

Shaggy goes Short!

2009-05-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Today I chopped Dylan's hair. I was a nervous wreck....I have never in the past had a problem cutting his hair but about 8 months or so ago he decided he wanted to grow it longer. So I have been taking him in to get it cut. Well I think he was fed up with it and didn't want to deal with it anymore and he REALLY wanted Mommy to cut it. So I got out the clippers....I cut off about 2.5 inches.....but it turned out cute on him....he is so versatile. And its a great cut for the summer! Before

What 2.5 inches of hair looks like in a pile!

After

Walking in the Clouds.....

2009-05-09T21:37:00.001-07:00

My parents invited us to take a hike up to Mary's Peak today so about 9:30 we headed out. It was as pretty quick drive until you get to the turnoff to go up the mountain. So we slowly twisted and turned our way up up up up the road. About 1/3 of the way up there was a waterfall runoff so we pulled over to let the kids stretch their legs and to take some pictures. They posed very nicely in front of the waterfall

then they were off climbing, throwing rocks, exploring what they could.

We hung out here for about 15 minutes or so then loaded back up and headed back up the winding twisting road. Just before we got the the top there was one more waterfall so Grandma Jo and I hopped out and took a couple shots.

Finally we reached the top! We got the can parked, Poppa got our day parking pass, got our coats on, and cameras ready to go. We took picture of the kids in the snow drifts that still dotted the hillside

then it was time to hike! We hiked up the first part, which got a little steep at times but the kids just plowed right on.

We reached the first plateau and took time to look around and see how far we could see.

We then continued across the field and started up the less steep, partially snow covered, gravel road all the way to the top...

right before we got to the top the kids discovered this "cave."

After some tears and cries from Ally about how her legs are "too short," we finally made it all the way to the top. You could see so much! Off in the far west the waves of the ocean were just visible,

green to the south and the east,

but unfortunately it was a bit too hazy to see any of the mountains. After hanging out at the top and snapping a picture with the 5 of us courtesy of the faux gorilla.podd

we made our way back down to have a late lunch. we had a leisurely lunch in the car then decided to head on home. We stopped one last time at the waterfall on the way out at the request of the kids. It was a beautiful relaxing fun day!

Firemen Day Open House!

2009-05-02T19:50:00.001-07:00

I noticed the last couple times I ventured into Lebanon that the Firehouse on Oak was going to be have a Fireman's Day Open House today. We decided what the heck lets go check it out. I was not entirely sure what it was going to be, but it turned out to be TONS of fun! We got there and they had all the trucks out and on display. Inside the station they had lots of tables set up with coloring sheets, stickers, tattoos, and pencils for the kids to fill a bag with to take home. Also inside there was actual firefighting gear for the kids to try on. The only way I could get Dylan to try was to tell him how much Daddy would love to see the pictures of him. He got to try on boots with the pants and a real fireman's helmet, which he informed me was, "really heavy!" Next we headed outside to check out some of the fire trucks. I got the kids to pose in front of one, then we noticed there was a line of people waiting to get a ride on a fire truck!!! We hopped right in line and luckily it stopped raining while we waited for our turn to ride. In all honesty I was probably at least as excited if not more so then the kids!! As we were waiting they were starting to get stuff put away, the kids got to see them lower the HUGE ladder on the ladder truck. Then we realized how close we were to the front and I told Dylan to give me his excited smile.....Finally it was our turn and we were very first in line so we got to ride in the front seat! I got the kids all settled on my lap and wrapped the seat belt around us. Then we were off! We drove around a big loop and as we were coming back up to the fire station the firefighter turned on the outside lights and flipped the sirens. Before we got out I asked the fireman to take a picture of us, I look like a TOTAL dork because I was trying to explain how to take the picture....then SNAP! We hopped down out of the truck and it was really starting to rain so we decided to pack it up and head over to hang out with the cousins. What a blast!

Tulips!

2009-04-30T21:25:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful day to spend surrounded by flowers! Today we journeyed up the freeway to Woodburn to one of the last few days of the tulip festival. It was warm and breezy and perfect for a day spent outdoors. After getting there and getting the car parked we headed on over to let the kids run around in the hay bale stack,

swings,

and pipe slide.

The cow train was running and we didn't ride it last year so we thought we would give it a go this year. Ally and I sat in the "caboose,"

while Dylan sat by himself right in front of us.

Hmmm....now I understand why most parents let their kids ride by themselves! Not so comfortable, but it was a really fun ride besides the discomfort. The driver looped in lots of circles and wove back and forth but also drove us down the aisles of tulips. It was a blast and absolutely worth the 2 bucks each!!

After the ride we let the kids play some more trying out the duck races

and the hay bales some more! Also along the way there were lots of signs that the kids could pop their heads through, they were not as cool as all the other stuff but I convinced them to pose for a couple.

By now hunger is taking over so we decide to take a quick break for some lunch. After lunch we decide to walk over to the tulip fields and climb on the old tractors they have on display.

The kids had so much fun "driving" the tractors.

Another of Ally's favorite things to do in the fields was "hug" the flowers.

Dylan wanted me to take a million pictures of him admiring the flowers or sniffing the flowers.

We walked all the way down to the far end of the field where they had old steam tractors on display to climb on and "drive" as well.

After thoroughly examining the tractors we headed over for on last look at the flowers and a photo op in the Wooden Shoes.

As you can see the kids were D.O.N.E. Crabby and tired. So we caught the tram back let them play on the hay and the pipe slide a little longer then onto home. I can't wait until next year!

Easter

2009-04-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Easter at our church this year. If you are looking for a church in Albany, OR check us out at Eastside Christian Church. After attending first service and helping out second service we ran by home and then off to Grandma and Grandpa Hotrum's house for an Easter egg hunt followed by a wonderful dinner. Hope your Easter was filled with lots of wonderful family time as well!

A Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

I have said it before and I will say it again, WE HAVE THE BEST NEIGHBORS!!! We had a blast at a neighborhood organized Easter Egg Hunt. The kids were so excited while we waited outside until it was time to head down to the park with everyone.

Then we got everyone separated into two groups and set them off and running!

After making sure all the eggs were found the kids compared their stash and played for awhile to burn off some of their energy. Then it was off to home for dinner and sorting through all that candy! I cannot wait for all the fun this summer is going to bring with all the friends to play and have fun with....and to wear each other out day after day!

Living Lord's Supper and Happy Birthday Grandma Winnie!

2009-04-10T20:36:00.001-07:00

Palm Sunday found us attending church at my parents church, Northgate Wesleyan Church. Every year they do a portrayal of the Living Lord's Supper. This year was one of the best performances I have ever seen! Here are a few shots from the show!

After the service the kids got Easter baskets from Poppa and Grandma Jo and Grandma Winnie and Uncle Roger, filled with puzzles, candy, stuffed animals, and a couple other toys. The kids loved them! We also tried to get a family picture. This is the best one....

Then we headed on over to The Great Wall buffet in Salem to celebrate Grandma Winnie's Birthday. The kids helped me pick out a couple of puzzles for her and she was so happy, here's to another wonderful year. We love you Grandma Winnie!!!

Photo Friday

2009-03-27T08:38:00.002-07:00

A day in Newport

2009-03-27T08:38:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we spent a family day in Newport. Our first stop was the Hatfield Marine Science Center. As soon as you walk in there is a tank that has an octopus. He was really cute, but he has just been introduced to this new tank and so you could not take pictures of him. There was a really cool globe display and you could change the views with a touch screen computer. Dylan was changing it from the Sun, to Jupiter, to the Moon, and also different views of the earth. It was really cool.

Right outside the door of the globe room was a tank with a turtle in it. The kids were talking to him and saying, "Hi Mr Turtle, how are you today?"

Next we made our way across the room to touch tank. It was full of sea stars, sea cucumbers, anemones, and even a stingray!!! Dylan touched a few things but Ally was not all that into it she only touched a display rock and a Sea Star.

We then made our way around the rest of the building looking at various tanks with fish and other sea creatures and other various displays.

After wrapping around the whole building we decided to talk a walk along the bay on the nature path.

There was a short sandy stretch where the kids found lots of shells.

Ally loves shells! We continued along the path and Ally started to get a little tired, along comes the Daddy mobile. She happily rode the rest of the path on Daddy's shoulders.

We made our way back to the car, buckled in, and headed off to find some lunch. After a quick lunch at Arctic Circle we headed down to our new favorite beach, South Beach. the kids kicked off their boots after climbing up the hill

and settled into digging,

running,

and relaxing on the beach.

They loved walking along the top of the dune and back, their endless energy was exhausting! We spent a couple hours just wearing them out. Finally it was time to head back, we got them changed into less sandy clothes and settled in with pillows and blankets and headed back to dinner, showers, and a warm cozy bed.

A day at...

2009-03-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

Silver Creek Falls!...wait...that's not right. That was the plan but our plan was rudely interrupted by the rain. We decided to head on over to Gilbert House Children's Museum instead. Poppa and Grandma Jo came along with us. The kids had a blast! We started out in the bubble room, lots of bubble wands and fun things to do with bubbles!

Next we spent a little time in the stomach,

then made out way upstairs to the shadow room, arts and craft room,

dress up in the jungle room,

and Ally's favorite the submarine.

If she could have one in her room she would live in it! It was just a little closet sized space with a joystick and all kinds of other little buttons to push and flip. When we went back to it later I was in there with her and she exclaimed, "We just ran into a sleeping whale!" What a great imagination! After hanging out and getting dressed up as birds and flowers, we made our way outside to play on the giant playground structure.

There was a break in the rain and so they kids played and climbed for awhile until rain threatened again. We headed into another building and while the kids were engrossed with the train

Poppa's eye was caught by a huge dinosaur skeleton puzzle. After browsing some other stuff with Ally, Poppa and I decided to tackle the dino puzzle, after a false start we finally got it.

Took about 20 minutes or so to get it all together. But we did it! By that time the kids had moved back outside to run around on the playground with Daddy. We joined them and by then the sun had broken through and so the kids ran and ran, up and down, around and around the tall very dizzying slide. Luckily I only had to go down a few times with Ally before she was ready to tackle it herself. But man did it make my head spin! We still had one building to go and so we herded up the kids and made our way in. Upstairs was a Japanese cultural room, some ecological teaching stuff, and a projection room. The kids loved pretending to sit down and eat in the Japanese room,

and the projections room was a BIG hit with Dylan, when he moved it projected up on the screen with lots of colors and shadowy lines.

Downstairs was a "grocery store." The kids never wanted to leave the grocery store. They walked around with their carts thinking through their grocery list in there head and filling their carts to overflowing.

Then it was time to check out. Darrin and I helped by playing checker, then it was time to put stuff back. The kids were very good about returning the stuff to the shelves without complaining. We wrapped up the day by playing outside awhile longer then making a sweep back through the buildings to revisit the kids favorites. It was a successful tiring day when all was said and done.

Bokeh!

2009-03-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ever since I saw the post on PW Photography about Bokeh by Miz Booshay I have wanted to figure it out. Here is a few pictures where I think I got it. I don't have the sparkly glimmering light in the background, but I think I still got some good bokeh. Opinions???