Summer pic's

This summer Brooke had us picking every type of fruit in the area. In Eugene they have u-pick fruit farms, where we got to pick blueberry's, strawberry's, and raspberry's. We have a freezer full of freezer jam and have vowed to never buy jam from the store again. Brooke will also be picking peaches and apples soon.

When you gotta-go you gotta-go, even if you are picking blueberry's.

Liam and Avery have loved picking fruit and vegetables from our little garden in the backyard. Liam especially likes the strawberry's and peas.

Avery and Liam enjoyed running through the sprinklers.

The family got to go to the Oakway Center to listen to a local jazz band play in the court yard.

We have had a great summer hanging at the house, going to the library, running through sprinklers, playing in the club house, and going to the park. Brooke has been taking the kids to the park for the different activities, such as the local artist that came to teach the kids how to paint. Brooke takes the kids to the library where they hear stories and sing songs. They always come back with stacks of books, and of course, Thomas the Train movies.

One of "those" parents

I never thought I would be one of "those" parents. You know, the parent that lets their child wear the rain boots with shorts to such places as the grocery store or the mall. Yes, I have to admit I am now one of "those" parents. Liam got some owl rain boots for his birthday in March and he can't go anywhere without them. He loves them! It is funny all the things you promised your kids would never do, but they do.

Avery's 10th Birthday

Avery and friends opening presents.

Getting ready for their "beauty treatments."

Avery and her 10th birthday cake.

Avery finally had her 10th birthday! She had been planning it for weeks, and driving Brooke and I a little crazy with all the birthday talk. Avery invited a few friends over for a "spa party" and sleepover. Under Avery's orders Dad and Liam were not invited. The girls made sleep masks, put avocado on their face, cucumbers on their eyes, and painted their nails. Avery was in heaven! Of course they ended up the night by staying up late to watch a movie, Jump In, and talk. Avery had a great time and got some awesome presents.

MMC Flashback!

The other day I was having an MMC flashback. Yes, an MMC flashback. The flashback is more of a sequence of events that took place throughout the day. It all started (don't you love stories that start like that) when Liam wanted me to read him a Baby Mickey Mouse book. We read through the story of Mickey putting on different clothes for the different seasons, it was quite entertaining. He liked it so much that later that day when I asked him what book he wanted to read he said, "Mickey Mouse! Mickey Mouse!" It sounded like he was singing the opening song for the Mickey Mouse Club. Next thing I know I am singing the theme song to the Mickey Mouse Club and naming all the "club members."

But wait the flashback gets even more exciting! Later that evening Brooke and I started to remember the musical group The Party (aka: Damon, Tiffany, Albert, DeeDee, and Chase). I wasn't content with just talking about them, I searched for them on the Internet. In my search I came upon a great website that has all their songs. Let's just say we had a family rock out session in our bedroom listening to "That's Why" and "I Found Love." It was amazing to know I still knew all the words. What was even more amazing was that it all started from Liam wanting to read a book. This just goes to show that you should always read to your child, you never know what it will lead to.

For those interested here is the link: http://thepartymp3s.50megs.com/

Hope you all have as much fun rocking out to it as we did!

McCall Pictures

Brooke and I at McCall, Id.
The Cottle family.
The whole crew, except Sam.
The two pregnant ladies showing their bellies.


The two pregnant women taking it easy on the tube.

The boys: Ben, Austin, and Tommy.
Feeding the trout in the fish farm.


Of course we had to go to My Father's Place for ice cream. Liam loved his, but Avery didn't like her pineapple shake too well.

Our little family had the chance to go to McCall Id. for a couple of days with Brooke's family. It was nice to see them. We got to boat and have fun. I am feeling pretty old and beat up after the trip (I guess that's what happens when you get pulled around on a tube, ski, and wakeboard). Brooke was loving every minute of being in the social circle.

Good News for the Cottle's

Just to let you all know - if you haven't heard. We are expecting number 3 at the end of November. We don't know what it is, but we probably won't find out what it is on this one. Avery is pretty excited about the whole thing. We will keep you posted.

Grandma & Grandpa Visit

My dad and I got to do lots of riding while he was here. We both agree it is one of the prettiest places to ride.
This is me doing an uphill TT and you can tell I was feeling th burn.
Cleaning bikes.

It wouldn't be Oregon without ducks!
This is at Alton Baker Park.
Avery and Liam at Spencer's Butte Park.

Only in Eugene do you find a whale that is hand painted.

It was very nice to have my parents come and visit for a week. We got to do a lot of fun things with them. My dad and I got to go to the NCAA western divisional track meet. We spent all day Friday and Saturday watching some great athletes, including many from Weber State. Brooke got to see her old coaches and talk with them. Grandma got to take the kids to the park and Avery to the pottery store (her favorite thing to do when Grandma visits).

Grandpa's 57 B-day

While my parents were visiting my dad had his 57th birthday. It was nice to be able to celebrate that with them. We miss out on those things being away.

Avery's track meet

Of course we had to throw one in of Liam!

Avery joined her school track club (not to suprised by that one) and is following in her mother's footsteps. She even got to do the high jump. She commented that some of them were not doing it correctly. Here are some pictures from her meet.

Funny Pictures

These are some funny pictures we took this month. Liam likes dad's glasses because they are "lello!" Also, I came home from work the other day and Liam had on one of Avery's old dresses. He liked to twirl it around and wouldn't take it off. Avery was just being funny and taking pictures of herself - she is pretty cute though.