Life seems to be going 10x the regular speed these days. Whatever that is.

While packing, the boys came across this treasure. You wouldn't believe how long it kept them occupied.

 However, our boys seem to have a tendency to only put up with so much packing and planning for Oregon. So when that happens, we do this:

Enjoy the rewards of the Library's Summer Reading.

Find a local Botanical Garden that we have somehow missed the last 5 years.

Go on a Sunday family walk.

And find the frogs.

Attend a friend's 1st birthday party.

The monumental part is that Cian actually wore the hat....after we left the party.

Feed the missionaries that so happen to include my sister-in-law's cousin!

Find this beauty!

So...I have a favorite umbrella stroller. It's a Chicco. Sturdy. Drives perfect. Tall handles. Carrying Strap. Great wheels. Cushioned back seat that reclines just a tad (I dislike the cheap flimsy umbrella strollers, they are convenient and better than nothing. But I prefer a bit more comfort for both myself and the rider) and folds up like all umbrella strollers, not taking up much room at all. I found it second hand and it was without a canopy, years ago.I tried to buy a canopy but for the specific style of stroller I had, it was no longer being made. Almost everything I love, turns out this way.  Ever since then, I have looked and looked for a stroller just like it but with a canopy. Yes, you can buy them for $80 brand new but I'm cheap and also, believe it or not, some strollers aren't built like they used to (yes, I consider myself an expert on the matter). The wheels and canopies can be quite a bit different and not nearly as durable or functional. BUT finally after what seemed like forever, I found the ^ exact stroller that I have and LOVE but with a canopy (the old school kind that are SO much better! Not necessarily look wise, but practically wise) and was barely used. For my "the sun is too bright! need shade!" kiddo, it has been beyond perfect!! Especially these last two weeks of Brycen's daily swimming lessons. Extra bonus: it was $20 at a local children's consignment store. One happy lady here. I love good finds. And Brycen still likes Daddy pushing him in the old one.

Brycen loses sleep over swimming lessons. He LOVES it so much.

Make our yearly freezer strawberry jam from our U Picks. SO good.

With our friends. We will miss them!!

Run through the campus fountains on a hot hot day!

One issue: I have ^ this child. Who loves anything and everything we could possibly do out of the house. Especially if it includes water.

And then, this one ^.  When he heard water, he ran for his rain boots.

And wouldn't go near the fountain.

Even though they are SO different from each other, I'm blessed that my two boys get along. They have been troopers through all the packing, simply playing and taking care of each other. Quick story: Brycen was playing a game with Cian and wanted Cian to say the "special word: Abracadabra!" in order for Brycen to then do it. Brycen would say, "Say Abracadabra!" Cian: "Abracadabra!!!" Brycen: (the next time) "Okay, say the magic word!" Cian: "Magic word!!!!" Brycen: "No the magic word is Abracadabra. Say, Abracadabra!" Cian: "Abracadabra!!!" Brycen: (again) "Okay, say the magic word". Cian: "Magic word!!!" Thus it repeated and repeated. I found Brycen's frustration (although he was laughing) and Cian's brilliance, simply hilarious.

Oh and Cian loves to have all 6 cereals. Combined. Just thought I would pass on that disturbing random fact.

4 1/2 years and it is complete.

 The day after our ultrasound in May and the day that we decided to move to Oregon--family started arriving in town for graduation. Phew! It was quite the week. 

First to arrive was Grandma Shields and Uncle Dallin (my youngest brother), who also happen to arrive on his birthday. So after opening the best gift in the world announcing that he would be an uncle again, we celebrated the rest of the day, perfectly planned by Brycen. Basically he wanted to re-live his birthday that he celebrated just the week before. Because it was awesome. We had Mary Lou donuts and went to Chuck E Cheese to use up the rest of the 125 tokens that we had purchased with a coupon for Brycen's birthday. 

Grandma and I went to do some birthday shopping while the boys played and when we came back, the "older" boys (Bryce and Dallin) insisted on Grandma and I doing one of the games. "The boys tickets depended on it" blah blah. It basically vibrates to great degrees and you have to hold on. We did. For 6 lousy tickets.6?!! Not. worth. it. The older boys loved every minute.

Dinner at Texas Roadhouse never disappoints.

Then we changed it a tad and hit up Jump It, since after all, it was a rainy (cold!) day.

We have a bittersweet relationship with Jump it. No parents are allowed on the slides (they used to be, it was awesome). Brycen does great. He is tall enough that he can do it all, but just small enough, not to be able to provide much assistance to Cian. Cian, on the other hand, wants to do it all but is not quite big or brave enough to be able to do by himself. Even though Dallin was technically too old to be on it, they allowed an exception since it was his birthday. It was the best two hours for Mommy, Daddy, Brycen, and Cian. ^ Look at Cian's face!

Brycen LOVES this place. And requests to be in charge of planning everyone's birthday.

 

A very tiring few hours for the birthday boy.

For the next day, my Mom had given me the gift of Dream Dinners for my birthday. Ever heard of it? It's basically, you go to their shop and put together meals (or in my case, freezer meals). They provide all the ingredients, recipes, bowls, and clean up. You give them money and walk away with complete meals that can be saved for a few months and cooked up within 15-30 minutes whenever you want! So Bryce and I went to do that. We loved it and are still enjoying it. I have been using one of the meals once a week (she gave me 6). It is so nice to have them all assembled, with instructions, and be a complete meal that is different from the 'usual'.

That same day, my mom and Dallin watched the boys so Bryce and I could drive to Chicago to attend the temple and then pick up my dad and Bryce's graduation present from the airport (his parents!). I nearly gave it all away while we were sitting in the temple, but alas, it all worked out!

The rest of the weekend and visitor stay went something like this:

Campus exploring.

Grandma tried to the use, "fine. I want a frown!" to get them to smile. It worked like a charm.

Graduation was on Sunday and I was impressed. They had a prayer and an all men's choir that sang hymns and it was outstanding. I also loved that everyone in our party was able to attend. There were a few scares that we would only be given 3 tickets (I was freaking out. Bryce had no idea his parents were coming.) But a miracle happened and we were able to get 6 and then Bryce's co-worker gave us her extra.

Classic. The boys really did well. It was about an hour and a half, just perfect. ^ Cian is still going strong with the whole Crocs and socks idea.

Grandpa tickles.

There he is!

So, I was following the program and the 2 people before Bryce were no-shows so I ended up being completely unprepared!

And that is about all I got...

Cian is going to do just fine in Oregon. He hates the bright sun. And Brycen somehow escaped out of the house with his slippers on. Oh, my boys!

My baby bump has proven to be the perfect ledge for Cian to perch upon.

The weather was perfect.

What a great day.

Trip to the local zoo. The last time we took the Walker Grandparents, it inspired them to raise chickens (and now, they do!).

Can you spot the Joey?

Dallin was taking a drawing class at school and has really loved it!

Triple XXX treat from Grandma and Grandpa (as featured on the Food Network!). They do have some amazing root beer.

Grandma tickles.

Okay, one of the best stories of the week. Grandma Shields arrived with PJs for the boys. After Brycen opened his, I read what it said on it, "'Beach Bum'". Brycen: "Mom! Bum is a naughty word!" (Grandma and Dallin roll on the floor laughing). Cian then opens his and I read, "Little Dude". Brycen: "How come his says little dude and mine says little bum?" Mom: "It's beach bum and it's because Grandma gave you the shirt with the naughty word". We had some good laughs and now, Brycen wears it all the time and he will gladly tell you what it says. Repeatedly.

 

Grandpa must've missed the blue memo.

After all the visitors were gone, minion art became the new thing.