Dispatches From Oregon

DeA and the boys are kicking it down in Medford for the next two weeks.  She's been keeping me up on their goings on with pics from her phone, so here is what they are up to down there:

We met Mama Zista and Papa Dave in Portland.  Rock was so excited that he hasn't stopped talking yet.

Rock let Mama Zista cut his hair, and as a reward they took him to get ice cream.  He picked out strawberry.

Mommy made sure that Ryker got some of the delicious ice cream.

It turns out that Mommy didn't have to give Ryker the ice cream, Rock would have shared with him on his own.

They've been playing pretty hard, and that means that they crash hard, too.

Rock likes to play with faucets, especially ones that you can pull the head off and spray everywhere with it.

Papa Dave took Rock to the store for an early Christmas present.  He let Rock pick out which pick he wanted, and Rock picked a pretty sweet bike.

So, now you all know as much as I know.  I'll post more when DeA sends me more pics.

You Don't Smell Like Santa!!

You smell like beef and cheese!!

Elf!!

After work last night I sat down with Rock on the couch and started watching Elf.  It's the epic tale of one boy's journey to find his father.  It's a very poignant and moving story, especially this scene:

I could tell that the movie really struck a cord with Rock, because later I heard this:

Phone Pic Catch Up

Well, it's about that time of the quarter when I clean out my phone's memory and find some forgotten pictures.  Here is a picture of Rock and Ryker enjoying my their protein shake before a run.

 Ryker wasn't cool with Rock bogarting the drink.

 Rock loves spending time with his cousins in Manson.  He really likes spending time with cousins when Tampa Dale is around, because then the popsicles flow like Otter Pops. 

 This was before dinner, and neither of them ate very many enchiladas.  But like Rock told me, "chill out, Daddyo".

 Rock loves watchinig "The Polar Express" even though it scares him the whole time and he wants someone to watch it with him.  So far we've only seen this movie about 87 bajillion times.

 Tampa Dale and Mama Rae came to visit the boys before they go to Oregon for Christmas (and to watch Harry Potter at the Imax.  How was it?  Well, I can't say for sure, but I bet that it's one of the best openings for the first part of a sixth sequel in movie history.)  Part of the trip was to meet Rock's many recent requests for a cupcake.

 Ryker's eyes were bright with excitement since Rock was sharing with him.

 Ryker is still growing up before our very eyes.  He's realized the importance of looking good and brushing his golden hair.

 "98...99...100"

 It's never too early to start brushing your chompers, even if they are still down in the gums.

 He's learned a lot about how to behave at church from the high priests in the ward.

 So, Rock loves Tostitos Restaurant Style Medium Salsa and chips.  He even took a drink of the salsa because it was so yummy...and because Gyker dared him to do it.

Christmas Decorations!!

Well, it's that time of year to pull out the Christmas ornaments and melted-faced creatures.  Rock found his old Santa hat and put it on to spread holiday cheer.

 He found the 'Night before Christmas' Santa that recites the whole story if you push his wrist.  Unfortunately Rock knows where the button on the wrist is, so we've already listened to it 87 bajillion times tonight.

 He was very helpful putting all the decorations on the fireplace, even a little too helpful.

 It's so adorable that he is getting so excited for Christmas and Santa's visit.

 Ryker wasn't so excited, and almost seemed a little concerned about all the new stuff and lights.

 He did like the looks of the Christmas tree, and crawled up to it and then finally reached out to touch it.  As soon as he felt the prickly needles he decided that he'd had enough of that sharp thing.

 We hung the stockings that Mary made us while the boys stuck by DeA wanting to help.

It wouldn't be Christmas for Rock without his favorite holiday video, and now Ryker's favorite, also:

Catch Up Time

Everytime Rock sees me put on a tie he asks to wear one, too.  I can't bring myself to putting a tie on such a young and innocent young man, but DeA went out and bought one for him.  He was pretty excited to put it on.

 If only he could get that pesky top button done...

 Come on!!  You stupid little button!!

 He finally got his stylin' tie on, and was all ready for church...

 or baseball, whichever happened to come first.

 Last Sunday was the coldest day in Renton, and it also happened to be the day that our furnace went out.  So thanks to our home teachers and Dr. Petett we acquired some firewood and hunkered down for the night.

 Ryker thought that the fire was super awesome, but he didn't understand why Mommy didn't want him playing in it.

 Rock loves to watch DeA get ready for bed at night, and he really loves the flavor of the new floss.

 I'm not sure that he's really using proper flossing technique, but he really likes to suck on it.

 We've also learned that he can show off his acting range.  Here is his happy face:

 His Blue Steel face:

 His surprised face:

It's almost like he enjoys attention.