JJ, your backpacking trip sounds amazing. I wish I could come! The "Keep Portland Wierd" stories are hilarious! It sounds a little bit like the people in Manitou, only exponentially wierder. Sounds fun! How many odd-ball things do you see in the hospital, Em? How many times have you asked, "How did THAT get THERE?"

We really enjoyed the reunion, even though it's always a little crazy with kids. The boys were happiest when swimming--big surprise. We went to the cliff dwellings on Monday with Tina and Todd's families and then played at the fossil beds. Mom had invited Clint's, Jackie and Bruce and Nonie over Monday evening and since it was Liam's 2nd birthday, we did an impromptu party also. Thanks, Mom! It was nice to not have to plan! =] Liam knew exactly what to do with the cake and he has been oh, so two ever since. He is in the testing phase--his abilities, all the boundaries, Tyler's nerves. . . . We now have a rule that if Tyler's door is closed, Liam stays out. He is saying, "Hee-go"= Here you go; "Ahh-bin"=wagon; "EEE-AAHH!" = Yee-Haw as he tries to ride the ever-so-patient Enzo. Today at Mom's he had a Little Pony he stuck between his fat legs and jumped up and down yelling "EEE-AAHH!" He's just funny to watch.

Tyler has discovered yard sales, "Treasure Sales" as he calls them, because he is allowed to take his quarters and get toys (treasure). I found him a housecoat at one, so he and Liam wore them all afternoon one day. Today I found a rubbermaid bin FULL of Legos--probably $300 worth--and bought the whole lot for $3. Clay was as excited as Tyler! So, Tyler has Lego carpeting in his room now. Tyler was in the backyard the other day and yelled out, "Holy crap!" I told him he was still to little to use that word--even though Logan at church does.

Never a dull moment! JJ & Em, I hope you guys don't buy a house, because that means you won't be moving back anytime soon . . . . But it is a fantastic time to buy and it sounds like an amazing area to be living in. It gives you the ability to throw the $8000 back into the principle or to make improvements right away. Hopefully we can come visit in 2010. Love ya!