Forest Grove's Corn Roast

Hooray!! After living in Forest Grove for several years, we finally made it to the Annual Corn Roast. Well, as the pictures display, we most definitely had our fill of corn on the cob. Carson enjoyed it quite a lot.

Carson and I posing right before he and Mason went for a ride in the City's cherry picker.

Mason and Carson with their harnesses. So cute!

The cherry picker actually went up pretty high; I think Mason had to think of "happy thoughts" while he was up there! :)

We had a fun time together in spite of a little Northwest rain. And, let me just say, I am so thrilled that we finally made it to the corn roast and got a fill of DELICIOUS corn on the cob.

Happy Birthday, Bubba!

Well, Carson is another year older and much cuter too. It is crazy to think that it has already been two years since I was pregnant with him but on the other hand it feels like he has always been in our lives and so knowing that it has only been two years is strange. Either way, Mason and I couldn't be happier. We love Carson so much and everyday thank God that he is in our family. He means more to us than we can adequately express and we would do anything to see him smile. Happy Birthday. We love you, Bubba.

The little ones of Garden Grove

These are most of the kids that Carson sees and plays with nearly everyday. These kids do so much together....they play together, share together, and sometimes even eat together. As you can imagine sometimes there is fighting, tears, broken toys, and hurt feelings...but mostly laughter, learning, and exploring together.

...And this is how I found him!

Luckily Carson is still taking naps (the idea that his naps could stop at anytime is ever present in my mind). One day back in June (I think) I went upstairs to retrieve him from his crib after a decent nap and this is how I found him.....

HILARIOUS!!! :)

A day in the sun

We are blessed to have family so close to us during our time here in Oregon. Mason's family lives so close and it has been so fun to spend time with them. On most occasions, if the weather is nice, you would find us out on the boat. And on this day, it was a day full of fun, family, and sun.

This is a historical picture showing the four generations of Schneiders.

We love you, Great Grandpa Bill!

A walk along the river

Awhile back we decided to spend the day in Portland. We enjoyed a beautiful day and some good time together. We love walking along the Willamette River and that is where I realized how content Carson seemed and the cute way he was inter-locking his fingers.

Happy Father's Day

For Father's Day this year, I decided to make my boys matching ties. I had already made two ties for Carson and discovered later that Mason secretly wanted matching ones. So is an attempt to become a better seamstress and be considerate of my husband, that is exactly what Mason got.

My first DAK

Since I can remember, my parents have been taking me and my siblings on DAKs or MAKs. You probably are wondering what a DAK or a MAK is. Well, let me tell you. While growing up in a house hold of seven children, my parents felt it was very important to make sure each of their children had some one on one time with them. This time would not only by good in building relationships with our parents but it was also a way to keep "tabs" on each of us spiritually, academically, physically, etc. My parents decided that they couldn't afford expensive outings with each of us and so the DAKs and MAKs were anywhere from $5 to $10 and it usually involved some delicious treat or snack. However, my parents made it clear that we (the kids) got to determine how the time and money was spent. Thus, DAK stands for Dad and Kid and MAK would mean Mom and Kid. Even when I was little, I can remember these times being very special and I looked forward to my DAKs/MAKs weeks in advance. Many good, heartfelt conversations came out of these "dates" and I will always be grateful to my parents for taking the time to grow closer to me and for their diligence in teaching righteous principles through their example and constant guidance.

Well, to get back on track...these pictures document Carson's first DAK. I might add that Carson had been looking forward to this DAK for several days and shook with anticipation when they were finally on their way. His DAK consisted of a brand new Matchbox Monster Truck and his very own box of delicious animal crackers. He had a blast...they both did!

Just hanging out with Daddy

Carson loves his Daddy so much. As soon as Mason walks in the door from work/school, Carson is calling after him saying, "Daddy, get you." and "Daddy let's play." When Mason leaves the room Carson cries out, "Daddy, come back." or "Where you going, Daddy?" I love seeing the two of them together and am so happy that they're buds.

Woodland Park Zoo

Earlier this summer/spring, we made a trip up to Seattle where we got to spend some time with Aunt Lauren and J.P. We all loaded up in our car and went to Woodland Park Zoo. First of all, I thought that this zoo was beautiful; you feel like you are in a forest and with all the trees there was plenty of shade around if needed. Second, the zoo is huge. I definately found myself turned around on more than one occasion, I guess that is why I like traveling with Mason...he's a natural when it comes to direction. We had a great time and loved being with Lauren and J.P. Thanks for being so amazing and fun. We love spending time with the two of you and can't wait to hang out again.

P.S. Carson still talks about going to the zoo with you guys.

One Happy Kid!

I believe it was back in May (see this is what happens when you don't blog regularly...you forgot when things happened) that all of the 3rd years, soon to be 4th years, decided to have a big get- together (hosted by the amazing Ashly). We went to her parents beautiful home in Hillsboro. We had so much fun with everyone. We enjoyed delicious food (as always), we played games, took lots of group photos, and tried to soak each other up before we all went our ways. Right before we needed to leave, we noticed some of the kids taking rides on a four-wheeler. Of course, we just had to wait in line for our turn. I would never forgive myself if I denied Carson his first opportunity to ride on a four-wheeler with Daddy. It was pretty cool.

The Latest Night in this Little Guy's Life...

This picture is here to show Carson with Uncle Brandon at our first Blue Jays game. Thanks again for the tickets, Brandon.

Several months ago, we went up to Seattle to visit family and decided to meet soon-to-be Uncle Brandon at a yummy pizza place in the downtown area called Serious Pie. When we got to the restaurant it was already past Carson's bedtime and then upon entering we discovered that we would then need to wait to be seated which was about an hour away. We stayed because we were with family (you know how it is) and finally got seated. We ordered the most delicious, unique pizzas ever and enjoyed some good conversation. Needless to say, by the time we got home that night it was after 11pm. It was surely the latest night in this little guy's life but as you can see he didn't mind...he enjoyed ALMOST every minute of it.

Our first ever Portland Children's Museum visit!

All this time living in Forest Grove and we just barely made it to the amazing Portland Children's Museum (back in May....I am kinda of a delayed blogger). Can I say...it was awesome. Carson absolutely loved it and Mason and I had a pretty good time too. Carson was all over the place and loved to be able to touch and play with whatever he saw fit....cause that is definately not the case normally! What fun memories.

We all know Carson loves EVERYTHING TRANSPORTATION...so this father son picture was pretty special
When I saw this, I just about died! I couldn't help myself, I had to have a picture. My cute little son was snuggling with a dolly inside the dolly's crib! Oh, soooo CUTE!

The grocery store was fun....Carson loved pushing the grocery cart around.

The water section was definately a favorite....the entire time Carson kept saying, "Whooooaa, whooooaaa" with as much excitment he could muster in his voice.

This was the last stop at the Children's Museum and let's just say we were there for awhile. Man, he loved those dump trucks, shovels, buckets, etc.