Brom Passed Away (we think)

We came back from vacation to find the new black snail for Lowden's aquarium, Brom, was not in his shell anymore. We think he just passed away. Or maybe the fish ate him. Or really...who knows? I hope he didn't crawl away or something. (bleck) Honestly, we are not sure. It is a bit of a mystery. But, Lowden was very upset as he doesn't like "when my animals get sick or die".

Oregon Coast

We got back this weekend from a trip to the Oregon Coast. We stayed in this small beach house called "Angelic Abode". Wondering about how the house got that name? Well, turns out there is two to six angels everywhere you look! A whole lot of them. Everywhere. Made us smile though. Plus the price was right.

We had a great time with our friends, the Robertsons. We did some hiking, crabbing, and spent lots of time on the beach.


Parker enjoyed this pink sea star that one of the crab catchers caught (how's that for a tongue twister) by accident.


Here is a picture of the first crab we caught. A red rock crab of the female variety. The kids were very excited! Lowden got brave enough to hold it. Reminds me of the first story, he ever dictated to me which was titled "How we caught the crabs". Which always makes me laugh!


The kids saw these sea gulls and couldn't resist trying to sneak up on them. Made us laugh! The sea gulls flew away one by one. Not impressed.


We found this fun blowhole in Yachats. So, of course, the kids got very wet. We are learning to not go to the beach without the kid's swimsuits on....because even if you are not planning on it...they will still end up wet. Hope you are having a fun summer!

Give the girl a break!

On Lauren's door last night, "Do not come in. I am sleeping. Or I else you will make me mad. Real mad. Yes you will!" I laughed out loud when I saw this. Guess the girl needs some space?!

Introducing....

Introducing...the other members of our family! This picture is of Lowden's first aquarium. He got this set from Grandpa Bob for Christmas. He's been doing his "research" for the day when he will own his very own aquarium (his long term dream). So, here they are...The dalmation mollies are Dark Knight and White Knight (both male). The striped danios are Dart and Dash (Again both are male...Dash is little and often hides behind the filter which is why he isn't in the picture). The snails joined us on Tuesday to help with the algae issue. They are named Eragon (gold one) and Brom (black one)...named after the movie Eragon that we saw the other day.


Also, Lowden won a beta fish at cub scouts a few months ago. He gave it to Parker. Parker calls him Betahead. Here is a picture...


They are all very well behaved! And make little mess! (smile)

Quiz # 16

Here is some snippets from Quiz #16 from the book Scrapbook Shortcuts with Quizzes and Questions. Makes me laugh! Hope you enjoy them too!

If you could have one superpower what would it be?
parker: eating 35 billion pumpkin pies at a time.
lowden: to use magic in stuff as in "real" magic.
lauren: stretchable.

What do you like to eat for lunch?
parker: dessert! chocolate fudge cake with chocolate chocolate chip cookies with extra chocolate chip brownies on top.
lowden: pizza.
lauren: sandwiches and bagels and cereal.

What's the nicest thing you've done for someone in your family?
parker: when mom said she wanted to ask me some questions, I came right away.
lowden: (thinking) i can't remember anything but I know I have done something before. my memory is not very good about that stuff.
lauren: when parker got hurt, I asked if he was all right and I said I'd get mom and dad.

What makes you mad?
parker: at night when bennett yells and screams for mommy cause he feels sick, wants a bowl, and has to go potty. (they share a room.)
lowden: parker trying to bug me.. not getting to do stuff I like to do.
lauren: when parker teases me and says I'm coo coo...like he did today.

Parker's Summer Discoveries

Parker has a love for finding things that crawl, move, and slither. He's spent a lot of time in the field across from our house looking for snakes, bugs, and anthills. The other day he and a friend had filled a mason jar with grasshoppers, a praying mantis, and a strange looking white worm (maggot?). So, I've included a list of Parker's summer discoveries on the right hand column. Funny thing is that he and his friend tried to catch a bumble bee the other day with a mason jar. Basically, there was a lot of hopping around and the mason jar shattered all over the sidewalk. But, I think they learned their lesson!

Why I shouldn't leave Bennett alone when the phone rings!

Some Pictures from Ireland

Here are some pictures from my trip to Ireland in May. Between my dad and I, we took over 500 pictures. So here are just a few! It really is as beautiful as everyone says! Hope to go back with Greg someday!

Brice Creek and Upper Trestle Creek Falls

Today we (me--Greg, Bob Nash, Lowden, Lauren, Parker) took a short but fun hike on the Brice Creek Trail. Four miles turned out to be just right for the young hikers--and the old ones too ;-). Its amazing that such wonderful scenery is so close to home. Here are a couple of photographs from our hike:


Approaching upper Trestle Creek Falls


Me & the kids at the falls


Ferns growing behind the waterfall


Three very impatient fishermen. It was three casts and then...


...Into the water! This lovely spot just below the upper trailhead may well be the best swimming hole in the world.

On the way home Lowden said: "Dad, that is the most fun I've had in a long, long, long while."
--Greg

Happy 4th of July

Hope you all had a happy 4th of July! We had a great time at the beach with our friends, the Robertsons. Parker found a bunch of tiny frogs and some tadpoles too! He spent hours trying to catch them. We all got a little too much sun for our white bodies. But, it was worth it!!!

Welcome Akemi

Welcome to our newest Hansen niece, Akemi Hansen. So happy to have you in our family!!!

Little Excitement

We had a little excitement tonight. Parker found a garden snake on our back patio. EEK! The kids were all fascinated! They all wanted to touch it. Lauren was especially brave...running around after it trying to touch it (yikes). Parker kept asking if it would bite him but then he got braver with dad's encouragement. Thankfully for mom's nerves it was small and harmless. phew. They wanted to keep it in our backyard. I exercised my veto power and it was given a better life in the field across from our house.

Strummin' Lowden

Lowden started learning how to play the guitar last Tuesday. He was surprised and a little frustrated by how hard it was to hold his fingers on the strings. But, he's slowing learning. His book came with a DVD that demonstrates the skills. He is still doing piano but wanted to try something else too.