The Smith Family Adventures

Today we headed down to Woodburn for our 4th annual visit to the tulip fields. Every year I go it is as beautiful as ever, and I am always in awe. I don’t think I could ever go too many times! The boys had a lot of fun looking at the tulips as well. The weather held up pretty well for us, and the sun even showed its face at times. Since it rained the night before, though, we had to slog through a lot of mud, and the boys were pretty much completely brown by the end.

When we first reached the tulip fields, Elias raced to this row of bright reds, and immediately began smelling them.

So it was no surprise to see what Simon just had to do:

Actually, it was kind of funny because Simon was blowing on the flowers like candles instead of sniffing them. Close enough, right?

After walking a few rows we came across this awesome tractor, and each of the boys took a turn driving it. Simon kept saying, “I need a push!” Sorry bud…that thing is not moving!

Next we had a lot of fun in some rows of yellow. The boys each sniffed (or blew on) a lot of flowers.

We also tried to get some posed shots, but getting those is tougher than trying to dress an octopus. Here was the best I could do:

It’s fun to see how the sheer amount of flowers along with the beauty of it all even entrances the little ones. They loved exploring the rows.

A brief sun spot!

This was my favorite this year. Maybe I’ll have to order some bulbs for our garden!

This proves Nathan and I were there too!

After walking through all those rows and colors (and mud) we let the boys play around for a bit.

The wind was pretty chilly, though, so the boys started complaining of the cold. Before we left, we decided to take them on the cow train for fun.

After the ride, Elias stood up and said to me, “That was the best thing I’ve ever done!”

Well…I’m sure glad we spent the $6 for it then!

It was a great time at the tulip fields!

Late in the afternoon, Nathan returned home from his consultation about his shoulder, and Elias announced that he wanted to go to the adventure park. We decided to start our family night a little early and got in the car. I’m not sure why he named the park on the corner of 158th and Walker Rd the adventure park, but both boys have a lot of fun every time we go there.

Today they had a lot of fun in the “chair swing” as we call it.

The proudest achievement of the afternoon, though, was Elias learning how to do the monkey bars. I’ve tried teach him many times, but with Simon running around, climbing, and teetering on the edge of the play structure, I am just too nervous and don’t have the time to devote to it. With Nathan there today, he was able to spend a little time with Elias, and in no time he was working those monkey bars like a pro. He was very proud, and when I whipped out the camera, he happily crossed them over and over so I could take pictures. I will spare you the vast multitude, and just post two of them.

I’m not sure who was more proud…Elias for finally being able to do it, or Nathan for being the one to teach him.

Simon had to show his daring as well, and showed off his climbing skills on the big structure.

Unfortunately, after about an hour the rain started coming down pretty hard, and even with the structures being undercover, we decided to head home. Besides, it was time for dinner!

After dinner, our family night continued with the boys’ first viewing of The Sound of Music. I have to say, it was one of the most magical moments I’ve experienced in a long time, all lined up on the couch with the boys. The show came on….Julie Andrews belted out “The Hills Are Alive…” amongst the stunning backdrop of green…and the boys were riveted.

Elias actually said, “Beautiful!” Just that one word. And he really meant it. That’s my boy!

We only made it 53 minutes in before bedtime, but the boys enjoyed many laughs, and Elias was particularly delighted to hear “These are a Few of My Favorite Things,” which his Ama taught him years ago.

Another great family night in the books!

Nathan and I were lucky enough to go see the Oregon Ballet Theater’s Cinderella tonight on their closing performance. I had really wanted to see the ballet so my dad got me tickets for Christmas!

As we walked around the lobby and saw all of the little girls in dresses, and the booths selling tiaras and tutus, I said to Nathan:

“Wouldn’t it be fun to have a little girl some day?”

His response?

“Actually…it’s kind of terrifying. I can barely dress the boys.”

This evening we got to go to the hospital to visit baby James. The boys were very excited, and when we got to the hospital, Simon kept saying “doctor”. I told him that actually, we were there to visit baby James, and he yelled “Baby James!” and practically ran the entire way to the room.

The boys were pretty full of energy while we were there climbing on the couch and other such escapades. However, they were very careful around their cousin. I could tell Elias really wanted to get closer, but wasn’t sure what to do. I explained that he couldn’t touch James’ face, but he could kiss him on the head. He did so once, twice, and kept coming back for more. This prompted Simon to want to do so as well. It was quite cute.

It was fun watching the boys starting to bond with their cousin. For my part, it felt good to hold a baby. Especially one that I love so dearly already! It’s great to have a baby in the family again. Nathan said I hogged him, but I did eventually give Nathan a turn.

We have a new family member! At 10:10 this morning our nephew, James Kealoha was born to my brother and sister’s waiting arms. The Bartle name lives on for another generation! (and hopefully many more!)

The boys and I were running around like crazy this morning trying to beat the clock (or beat the labor I guess you would say). Simon had his 2 year well check, and then we had to go to a number of stores in order to get some last minute things for Simon’s birthday party tomorrow. While we were at Winco, I got the text that he had been born. We left before I had gotten everything I needed…I didn’t even realize it until much later, though! I see a very late night trip to Winco in my future.

Anyway, I raced the boys home, packed a lunch, changed a diaper, and headed off to the hospital waiting room. Here were all of James’ cousins in the waiting room.

After James got his first bath, it was our turn to go and see him. Just Nathan and I went first, then the boys came a little later. I was so proud of my brother getting right in there learning how to change diapers.

Look at how cute he is! Just perfect! And look at that hair!

My brother picked up a comb and started combing James’ hair as he was warming up after the bath. James really seemed to love it.

After he was warm enough then we got to wrap him up all comfy and take a turn holding him. Proud Daddy!

Proud Auntie!

Proud Uncle! (Nathan just happened to need to drive a van out the data center west to pick up some equipment so he stopped by the hospital. What luck on the timing!)

And the boys got to meet him too! Simon had absolutely zero interest. Well…I think he did point at James once and say “baby.” Elias was a little nervous, but was whispering to James things like “Hi James” and “I’m Elias” and “I’m your cousin” These were things I prompted him to say, but it was a huge step up from two years ago when Simon was born!

Elias talked about James most of the way home in the car. He is very excited and kept saying “I have three cousins now!”