RV Trip!

About a week and a half after we returned from Massachusetts, we set off for our next adventure of the summer: a road trip to the Oregon Coast in a rental RV.  The main impetus for going to the Oregon Coast was that KLC's mom wanted to have some of her ashes scattered along a particular stretch of beach where they would often vacation as a family when KLC was younger.

Of course, we wanted to honor her wishes, and we decided to do it in a way that we thought she would approve.  Rather than just drive straight there and rent a house or hotel, we chose to rent an RV in Portland and then drive to three different campgrounds along the coast before ending up in Lincoln City where we would meet other family for the scattering.

It was our first (and probably last) time renting an RV.  Especially a 30-ft one.  Somehow we managed to avoid hitting anything or anyone while driving this enormous house on wheels.  We were also able to give the twins a taste of 'real' (aka, tent) camping by using the new tent that my parents got the twins for their birthday last month. Along the way, we went to a maritime museum in Astoria (see the pic of J in the Coast Guard survival ship), explored a shipwreck, visited the Tilamook Cheese factory, and saw some spectacular scenery.

The morning we scattered her mom's ashes, it was clear and blue -- not a given on the Oregon Coast at any time of the year.  There are a group of seals that sun themselves across the bay on a spit of sand at this particular spot.  One of them was bobbing around in the water not far from where we gathered.  I got the feeling it was Ruth giving a wave to say hello and glad we could make it.

Vacation in MA

Last week, we traveled back to Massachusetts to visit with family and friends.  Our goal is to get back East every summer, but with pregnancies and very small babies, this is a little tricky.  Since we didn't make it last summer, we were very excited to get there this year.

There were lots of cousins and new friends to play with and so the twins had a blast.  Iver was his happy self and was thrilled to be held by so many new people.  We (meaning KLC) took a ton of photos on the trip, which hopefully we'll get organized and uploaded soon.  In the meantime, I thought I'd share a couple that I took with my iPhone, which is probably the right vehicle for my photo-taking ability (which is not very high).

Note to self: consider buying the extra seat once the babies get to be about, say, 10+ months old.  Iver was a trooper with the flights, but he's just a little too big to sit on our laps for 6 hours.  And, unlike the twins, we can't give him a video or books to entertain him.  The good news is that he was entranced with the airplane safety card.  I think that kid knows more about how to exit a plane than anyone!

Iver and his Animals

I've written before about Iver's love of Comet.  I may have failed to mention that his obsession also extends to Zeke, our 13-year-old semi-ornery cat.  We do have to remind Iver to be "gentle" with both of the animals because he just wants to grab onto both of them so tightly.  It's a credit to Comet and Zeke that there are very tolerant of this -- even if we don't stop Iver quickly enough before he grabs a tuft of fur ...

Anyhow, I think this video is a good example of Iver's focus and interest when it comes to his pet-siblings ("piblings"?)  http://youtu.be/MFVd6TNJyxw

Super Siblings

It's hard to believe, but the twins are almost 6 years old.  I feel like this past year has been one of such change for them.  They are readers and writers now.  They have friends that they like to spend time with more than their parents (at least sometimes.)  They make up stories and are often really funny.

Perhaps the greatest thing is watching how the twins interact with and love Iver.  The other day, A said to me: "I didn't realize how great it is to have a little brother.  If I knew I would have told you to have one a long time ago."

The two of them are truly fantastic older siblings.  We never worry about Iver not having enough stimulation.  Whenever they are around, the twins want to play with him, read to him, or just make him laugh.  They might not always listen to us or each other, but I know they are always looking out for their little brother. He's really a lucky kid, and we are very lucky parents.

My Four Front Teeth

A few weeks ago, we noticed a couple of little white protrusions coming out of Iver's bottom gum.  We figured this explained the extra wakings at night and occasional crankiness.  Before we knew it, however, those two bottom teeth had found a couple of friends on top.  That's right, our little baby is freaking me out by growing four teeth.

Every time I try to take a picture of said teeth, he moves his tongue over them.  When I try to move his tongue, well, let's just say it's not very productive as far as getting a photo.  Sometimes you can see a couple of them at least when he laughs -- or just looks a little quizzical -- so here's proof that Iver is getting to be a very big boy.

Godspeed, Ruth

The twins and Iver lost a grandmother this morning.  KLC was able to be with her and it was peaceful. For someone with as gentle a soul as Ruth, that makes me very glad.  I am firm believer that we are reunited with those that we love on the other side.  So while we will miss her very much, we look forward to seeing you again one day, Ruth.  Meanwhile, the kids as well as KLC and I will try to live life the way you wanted us to.

Life's Down Side

People get sick.  And people die.  That's part of life and every adult knows this -- even if we don't always want to face it.  Sometimes it just seems like some people are just taken far too early, no matter how much time we've had with them.

KLC's mom is in her final stages of her battle with breast cancer.  I don't use the word 'battle' lightly.  She has done everything she can to fight this terrible disease and be there for everyone, especially her kids and grandkids.  I can't imagine anyone being any braver than she has been, while maintaining her dignity and humor every step of the way.

It's hard because the twins know and love her so much, and Iver is just getting a chance to do the same. Thankfully, we were able to get down to PDX for a quick visit last weekend and it was great.  KLC's mom was able to see them swim at the hotel and watch them run around the park.  I try to be grateful for what we have had, but I just wish that the twins and Iver (and everyone else in her life) would have more time with her.

As things run their course in the upcoming days and weeks, I just want to say that we love you, Ruth.  We are sending you many, many love waves.

Here's a video of Ruth and Iver at Grant Park in Portland last month before we all set out for a few days on the Oregon coast: http://youtu.be/PtZwuL4wUKI