Today, Yesterday, and the Day Before That

Today we went to Salt Water State Park for our play group. We had a lot of fun finding little crabs like the one pictured above.

And Liv had a lot of fun holding hands with her friend Nalu.
Nalu rode in the car with us on the way over, because his Mom's car was in the shop. They were giggling and laughing really hard and I wanted to know what was going on. When I tilted my rear view mirror down it perfectly framed their little, fat, hands reaching across the car, from car seat to car seat, outstretched and clasped in each others hands. I was pretty sure I had another 12 years before this sort of thing started happening! :)

Yesterday after family night and just before Olivia went down for bed, we were watching her organize (or un-organize) her toys in her room. She is always the happiest when Mom and Dad are both there watching her play. I decided to take some pictures of Liv, just because I haven't in a while.

And here's my belly starting to poke out and show evidence that I am indeed pregnant. In a little over a week we get to find out what the gender is. I'm pretty excited. Any guesses?

This picture was taken a few weeks ago, just after a long day at church. While I was rocking her and singing her some pre-nap time songs, she fell peacefully asleep. I love these moments.

About a month ago (I know I've been slacking on my blogs) a neighbor friend and I took our kids down to the Children's Museum in the Seattle Center.
Here's Liv playing fire-lady.

This was a few days after we had gone camping in Oregon and as you can tell the Mosquitoes couldn't get enough of Olivia's sweet blood. The poor girl.

Olivia's favorite part of the museum was the art section where she got to paint and create things out of clay. She was very into it.

Jacques Cousteau Called

You would think with the economic meltdown, the upcoming election for the most powerful position in the world, the war in Iraq, etc... the news would have enough material to make it through an hour with out resorting to this, but you'd be wrong. Apparently, none of the above are more important here in Seattle than yours truly swimming with a jellyfish. Too bad my 5 minutes of fame are marred by the goofy commentary. That and my awkward hand flapping.

Gem

I've already done two posts today, I figure three times the charm right?

I was going through some old emails today on my hotmail account, which I never use anymore, and I found this little gem from my little sister Jenny. Note: I believe when she wrote this she was living with Kelly in Wisconsin, and Jenny dictated while Kelly typed.

dear jessica
baby girl niece
hold fat picture
mom and dad
to jennifer hoopse
from jessica
love you

Ahhhhh so precious!

Look What Jessica Made!! :)

I'm way to proud of myself not to post this little craft that I made at our "Simply Doing Something" (i.e. every month all of the girls in our ward and friends get together to. . . well simply do something) last night.

The only reason I am so unabashed with publicly stating my pride, is because I am simply and honestly the most un-crafty person that I know. Even the most basic craft skills which most women possess, I do not. I have never been upset by this, and really have never had the desire to even be crafty, but I have to admit in a very non-committal way, that being around crafty people has rubbed off on me just a little bit. There is just something about creating things that is very satisfying. I talk like I have done more than just make some measly marble magnets and this here Christmas Countdown. . . Nonetheless I really had fun creating this little craft.

Holding on to a Memory

Last summer while I was with my family in Utah. My little nephew James started singing this song. When he started singing it it brought back a memory of my dad that I had never remembered before. Then he told me that his dad (my brother Drew) would sing it to him, and he said that Drew had told him that his dad (my dad) had sung it to him when he was a little boy. I was so excited to have this little piece of my dad that I could have and remember, so, I asked James to teach me the song. Although I have the tune down, I have somewhat forgotten and mumbled the words that he taught me. So, today I Google searched the song and only one thing came up for it. Song artists Sarita and Schroeder sing "Terio Day" on an album made for children. After listening to her version of the song it didn't sound quite like I remembered it, maybe you Hoopes siblings could help me out. Are these lyrics the right ones for the song "Sing Terio Day"?

Oh once I had a little dog, its color it was brown.
I taught him how to whistle, singin down san drawl?
His legs they were 14 yards long, his ears so very wide,
around the world in half a day upon him I could ride
Sing terio day, sing autumn to may.

Oh once I had a little frog, he wore a vest of red.
He leaned upon a silver cane, top head on his head
and he speak of far off places, things to see and do.
All the kings and queens he met were sailing in a shoe.
Sing terio day sing autumn to may.

I don't know why this is so important to me, but I really want to remember this song. I was so little when my dad passed away, I have to cling on to the few memories I get here and there of him. Does anyone else know this song??

Oregon Coast Trip Two weeks ago

We have been to the Oregon Coast two times now, including Labor Day weekend, and I think it is quickly becoming one of our favorite vacation places. There is so much beauty and fun to be had in Oregon. From hiking, to surfing, to exploring beautiful coast lines with gorgeous black rocks, and cool light houses; I think its safe to say that we are hooked on Oregon, (No offense faithful Seattle). Last Labor Day weekend we joined our friends, Shawn and Tracy, and camped out at a place called Nahalem Bay.
I really enjoy camping. I don't know if its just the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, not having to worry about getting ready for the day (which I also do at home, but when I'm camping I at least have an excuse), sitting around the camp fire eating hot dogs and smores, enjoying the fun conversation of good friends and family, or just knowing I'm doing something adventuresome. Either way I think the Brown family future will hold many fun and memorable camping adventures.

This particular camp out was one of my favorites. For one, Olivia had so much fun and slept through the whole night, both nights (which by the way I cancel everything said in previous paragraph when said Olivia is sick, tired, and or choosing not to sleep, luckily this is a rare occasion. . . sorry Pepper and Archie).
The first morning we woke up to drive to a cool hike and there was this majestic looking mist all over the mountains. This place where (from left to right) Shawn, Tracy, and I are standing is a look out to the Oregon coast. It is a beautiful view of a black cliff that cascades down to the ocean below.
With nice gradual inclines and declines, and millions of trees that seem to be shouting "Please breathe my oxygen", hiking in Oregon is very enjoyable. Towards the end of this particular hike that we embarked on we came to this maze of vegetation. It started out this wide (picture above) and ended so narrow that we were squeezing our selves through head high plants (See picture below).
It reminded me of hiking in Hawaii. At one point I lost my way and came to a fork in the natural maze of a trail, and was shouting for Jaron. Unfortunately, he has not yet taught me to do his loud whistle, and I was a little lost. It was kind of fun though. We finally bumped into each other and this was the end view:
The picture doesn't do it justice.
This day that we hiked was a little overcast. Saturday the weather cleared up and we got some sunnier shots of the coast:



If your wondering why I'm posting a picture of this lovely little rat-fish that has had its eyes pecked out by a seagull, well it is because I feel it is of worth to note how my husband takes joy in life. He brought this fish home from one of his dawn patrol surf sessions, and exclaimed that he had bravely rescued it from a seagull. I'm not sure what exactly he meant by the word "rescue" as it still in fact ended up dead in his care. Nonetheless, just as proud as a little cat who has just brought the dead bird he has caught to his care-takers door step, Jaron triumphantly exhibited this fish to us wives back at the camp and Olivia, who he was so excited to let hold and caress this fishy creature. I don't know what quite else to say about that little story other than that to my luck Jaron did not want to bring it home with us as a souvenir.
Let us not end on such a morbid picture. Here I think is one of the best pictures of the trip. And it of course is featuring the lovely Olivia, after a fun day at the beach.
I can't wait for our next adventure to the Oregon coast! Anyone else wanna come?

NINE ELEVEN

Jaron has been in Oregon doing field work since Monday! He has been putting in about 12 hours of hard work a day, and working his little fanny off. And guess what? Today is his BIRTHDAY! The poor boy has to work all day long only to come back to celebrate his birthday by himself in a lonely hotel room! :( So, I post this at the small chance that he might have access to an internet!

Five (out of a million) Reasons That Jaron is Such a Lovable Guy:

Number 1:
He's the Cutest Guy I know
(Mostly I just said that to embarrass him, picture included, but it really is true) :)
Number 2:
He's always looking for ways to enjoy this beautiful earth, or the lava coming out of the earth. . . either one.
Number 3:
He's not afraid of learning new things at the expense of scratching a knee or two. And inevitably he ends up learning and conquering whatever it was he put his mind to on his second or third try. (Note this can be very frustrating to those who do not learn quite as quickly, eh hem).
Number 4:
He's extremely patient with certain persons (we won't name names) who like to pounce on him, poke their fingers in his ears, and just generally waste him.
Number 5: (Last but not least, in fact best)
He's the best papa I know! Happy Birthday Sweetie. I love you.

Funny Moments with a Toddler on a Wednsday Morning

Today Olivia and I were on our usual morning walk, when she happened to notice a group of women walking towards us. As they got within ten feet of us, Olivia, in the sweetest voice she could possibly manage to break out, looked up at them and said "Hallow" (hello). I wouldn't be surprised if she was batting her eyelashes at the same time. This little girl of mine knows how to get someones attention when she wants it. Well, to her dismay, none of the ladies walking by paid any attention to her. I guess she decided the sweetness just wasn't doing the trick so just as they passed her in the stroller she screamed at the top of her lungs: "HALLLOOWW"!! I think that did it.

A few hours later. . .

Home from the walk now, and just playing and cleaning up the house. I realize Olivia needs a diaper change. When I inform Olivia of the issue and ask her to come to me so that I can take care of the problem, she gives me a coy smile and of coarse takes off running in the opposite direction. This is a very normal, everyday occurance.

The funny part was when I started to pursue her she ran even faster, began flailing her arms in the air, and started yelling "Hep me. Hep me!!" (Help me Help me). As if some friendly, nearby nieghbor was going to save her from the aweful villan of a mom who was trying to change her child's diaper. I was laughing histerically.

What color are you??

You Are a Green Crayon

Your world is colored in harmonious, peaceful, natural colors. While some may associate green with money, you are one of the least materialistic people around. Comfort is important to you. You like to feel as relaxed as possible - and you try to make others feel at ease. You're very happy with who you are, and it certainly shows! Your color wheel opposite is red. Every time you feel grounded, a red person does their best to shake you. WHAT COLOR OF CRAYON ARE YOU?? Thanks for the idea Steph!

Sneak Preview of Labor Day Weekend Fun for the Brown's