The B.'s Knees.. and other fine tales

Dad's day at the Village

2012-01-28T12:05:00.001-08:00

Justin was on cloud 9 after his morning with C at preschool. They made this work of art, sang (C encouraging dad "I can't hear your VOICE")and Justin boasts it was like starting his day with therapy.

Shorts and Sandal weather

2012-01-28T12:03:00.001-08:00

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Mickey needs a drum tech

2012-01-27T07:05:00.001-08:00

What an awesome time to be at Disney and have a special parade after the park was closed! Leo slept, J and Shelby pretended to be into cotton candy (secretly watching parade) and C was mesmerized by the whole thing. Real magic.

The lesser known highlights

2012-01-27T07:04:00.001-08:00

The first time we took J to Disney, we both teared up on the tram ride into the park because she thought "this" is Disneyland! So sweet! Leo was a little young to get it and slept through a lot of the fun.. But also, enjoyed the tram! Ha!

So glad I can be supportive of Campbell's interest in Star Wars at the happiest place on earth. Jeezz. He loved it.. But thankfully, still loves Mickey and the Teacup ride, too.

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D-land delight

2012-01-27T07:00:00.001-08:00

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And Washington, too

2012-01-16T19:26:00.001-08:00

Tripped across the river to visit Auntie Kate at her new job

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Making ourselves at home..

2012-01-16T19:20:00.001-08:00

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Getting cozy in Portland

2012-01-16T19:19:00.001-08:00

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Burrrrr

2012-01-16T16:36:00.001-08:00

And we JUST missed the snow!

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Feels like home...

2012-01-16T16:32:00.001-08:00

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January in the PNW

2012-01-16T08:58:00.001-08:00

A couple of Glee moments

2011-12-31T13:05:00.000-08:00

Both J & C's Christmas programs were a hoot... however, I pay the price for not being a gnarly mega-cam-tripod-outofmyway-front row mom and have shoddy video proof that we were there and that they sang, ages 4 and 10.5... this is the best of the bunch. Still hillarious. Also one of the only clips that C doesn't have his hands in his pants or finger up his nose. HA!

Leo closes down the year, 9 months old

2011-12-31T12:57:00.000-08:00

Hard not to laugh, right?? I think Campbell just grew out of this shirt last week. Leo is huge.. and messy.. and boyish. Growls, thinks it's super funny when he belches and farts, and is into everything. He's a wild man. Pulls up and show-boats one-handed as he stands up.. ready to run any minute. grrreeat. ha! He is a total flirt and will lower his eyes and lean in for a smooch from mom (dad doesn't understand why he's not into his facial hair) or big sis. His laughter is one of the best sounds on earth.

Ho-ho-holiday happs

2011-12-31T12:20:00.000-08:00

November 28, 8 months old

2011-12-31T12:14:00.000-08:00

crawling quickly and eating everything in his path... Leo James was so jolly getting ready for his first Christmas... all the while fighting ear infections and any cold that can be found on the floor. 20lb of baby. oy!

Training wheels are OFF

2011-12-31T12:13:00.000-08:00

video not my finest, but at least the moment was somewhat documented... and Justin's reluctance to let go.

And the holidays whirrred by...

2011-12-31T12:02:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving.. my first time hosting was a big success..
All in Civil War attire... poor Beavs.
Introducing baby Parker to the chaos:
Hazey looks bummed she didn't get the drumstick.

Fighting Irish

2011-12-01T11:27:00.001-08:00

for a group of girls who had never played volleyball before.. and lost every game... they always ended the games in smiles.

Turkey time

2011-11-15T13:15:00.000-08:00

chats with Hazey

2011-11-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

Leo wants to get a piece....Haze is unsure

swingers

2011-11-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

Skate camp

2011-11-15T13:09:00.001-08:00

Halloween '11

2011-11-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

Sweet times to kick off the day at the Village Halloween parade... C with his little buddy, TC (he remembers everyone's costumes and loves talking about it... ("wasn't TC CUTE as a baby penguin?? Bryn's hula girl was so great...") and a great sunny Halloween day followed by the fog rolling in just in time to trick or treat our new hood. Tons of awesome homemade costumes.. Finn's "Lightning Mc Queen" was so great.. I really need to step up my hand crafting! If Halloween is any indication, I am excited to see all of the Grizwold-esque Christmas decor on our block.

sometimes a little face paint goes a long way, as far as 'costumes' are concerned for Jbird. She was a "dead skateboarder"... and this is not the first time a skateboard has been involved in the costume.. when in doubt, add wheels!

Pony ride

2011-11-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

ye olde San Juan Capistrano has a fun petting-zoo (complete with crazy OC moms in high heels and birthday parties with huge tables full of presents...) but the pony (C wanted a tiny pony... the guy told him he had to take "Stardust".. thus the apprehension) rides are fun .. we had taken J when she was 3... not sure how it got to be 7 years later!

Rustic Reunion @ Ramos House

2011-11-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

We treated ourselves the the world famous bloody marys and brunch at Ramos House with Stef, Jordan and Hazel. The Heit boys LOVED getting their hands on her. .. Cam thought maybe reading her the paper would distract from Leo eating her hair clip.

Seven months old

2011-11-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

Army-crawling all over the place, happy as a clam.

Pumpkin time

2011-10-25T20:28:00.001-07:00

Tracy and the Heits.. (Nice shades, C.)..also... there's something about the distracting sign in back of them... I guess they really are trying to draw people in from the roadside.. The farm stand sells melons, too.

Dressing the part

2011-10-25T20:21:00.001-07:00

Only "eel" in cap, but serious swimmer pays no mind

Jolly

2011-10-25T20:20:00.001-07:00

Heit boys

2011-10-25T20:18:00.001-07:00

Three gens

Leo loves his cuzzie just as much as C & J do

Indian summer

2011-10-25T08:36:00.001-07:00

Lucky boys at the beach midweek virtually all by ourselves

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And dad turned..older

2011-10-25T08:30:00.001-07:00

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Location:Fancypants Four Seasons

Stroll through the safari park

2011-10-25T08:23:00.001-07:00

Both boys had the "cold" and we were house-cooped.. Threw them in the motorhome jogger for a trip to the safari park..misty weather brings out all of the animals

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Padre party

2011-10-25T08:01:00.001-07:00

.. Last month... It was a Fun first bday for Garrison Green! We seem to be Padres good luck as they won both times we attended during an overall lackluster season. We cannot believe you're 1, big guy!

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Location:Petco park

Little Gunn

2011-10-25T01:11:00.001-07:00

Campbell loves to have a little coffee and Project Runway with me in the mornings. He is super into the fact that all of the designers have "sleepover parties" and loves Tim Gunn. "he must live upstairs" .. Campbell picks the winner every epi, it's hillarious.

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and someone turned 1/2 year old..

2011-10-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

almost a month late with posting the ol' 6 month shot.. Leo weighing in at 18lb 3oz and tons of fun. A jolly guy, usually flirting with old ladies and smiling... until he's hungry. Totally channeling my Chris Farley moments I guess. He loves palm trees, the beach, any food we've given him, dad wearing him in the hippy front pack, and most of all, his siblings... he cracks up at anything Campbell does... and my little Isaac Mizrahi (?) loves dressing up his brother and teaching him to play all the boy stuff, too. He sits up by himself, already and is crawling more everyday... watch out.

I will make you like shopping, sons

2011-09-29T10:33:00.001-07:00

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Location:Targay

Big poppi and Wee

2011-09-26T19:15:00.001-07:00

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Welcome, Hazel!

2011-09-19T15:53:00.001-07:00

We are over the moon about our new cousin/ niece, Hazel Diane, born on Friday the 16th. She is so adorable I can't handle it. We are so excited to grow up with you, Hazel!!

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C's official first day

2011-09-13T12:45:00.001-07:00

Someone has been waiting on pins and needles all summer for his school year to begin. He is soo excited and had laid out a few different outfit choices over the weekend before. Also decided that Dad's cooler lunchbox would be better than his Star Wars box..."more grown up," he says. The yellow room (right across the hall from Nana's classroom) is his new home for the school days ahead!

(not tired at all on the ride home)

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Location:The Village Nursery School

Ducklings

2011-09-13T12:39:00.001-07:00

Toting brothers in the Radio Flyer to the beach

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First day of 5th grade!!

2011-09-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

A new house, a new school, we are all so thrilled and excited for Jbird as she kicks off this school year!

the cart prop..

2011-09-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Go Padres!

2011-09-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

Leo's first game.. broke some huge Pad's losing streak and was a great Labor day weekend date with the Kirbs. Highlight was the kids running the bases after the game. Just killed Dad to not be allowed to run, too. Sorry, they actually don't think you're a kid, Justin.

Wheels around the hood

2011-09-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

Fan-cee Four

2011-09-08T13:23:00.001-07:00

Still celebrating.. C got to choose dinner locale for his bday.... a little something for everyone @ fancy Islands. ha.

a fake moustache never gets old

2011-09-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

bird and I are outnumbered

2011-09-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

FOUR.

2011-09-08T06:01:00.001-07:00

Dear Campbell,

It is mind-blowing to me that you are now of the age where you will remember these birthdays, school days, beach days... until you are old and gray like me. However, you have an impressive memory already.. and are always shocking us with your Chris Farley "member when..." moments even now...sort of frightening, really. You love to talk and ask a million questions.... I love your curiousity for the way the world works. It is important to you to know how people are related, where they came from, names, locations, etc. You are always enthusiastic and love hearing what the day is going to bring as we have our "coffee" together most mornings... always an early bird, you still are.

You are not shy or intimidated by people (maybe dogs) and have many friends (and just as many imaginary ones).. but your best friends are Jbird, Leo, and Townsie. As I mentioned, you have an excellent imagination. You willingly play house and school Olivia and Kate.. just as easily as you play dinos, guns, and surf-contest-wipeout with T, and idolize Jake's ability to make Lego creations and his impressive quiver of nerf guns. Following Dad and your Poppis around is a favorite of yours... Dad could be driving to the dump and you are full of excitement to ride along (even if you have to hide your eyes so they "won't see you" in the car when the sign says "no children allowed")

You love counting off the family members when we are together... "1,2,3,4,.... someone is missing!!!" if it is early and your big sister is asleep... or dad is away at work. Since your brother has been born, you relish the chance to talk to anyone about him... you are so proudly the "big brudder" and tell everyone about him. You got to go to preschool with Nana when he was born and are so eagerly awaiting the official start of your school year right now. You love pretending to do homework, building things (even if it's really just jamming a screwdriver into an outlet..umm), swimming (you are now unofficial mayor of the neighborhood pool as you eagle-eye from your room), riding bikes and skateboards.

You are still careful and cautious.. hall monitoring everyone, looking both ways 9999 times before crossing the street (most of the time) and a notoriously finicky eater. You love helping me bake but do not always love to lick the bowl. Your favorites are still milk, chips/crackers/carbs, spaghetti and meatballs.. and random things like seaweed and beef jerky.. and of course, just to get my goat, you love cold cuts. You take care in what you are wearing and enjoy shopping (raised under the racks at Macy's while I "worked" .. my retail training has paid off... or bites me in the ass as you are also very picky about your clothes).

I always say this, but you lead the way and help me be more snuggly. You still love cramming your head under my chin, just like when you were born.. I know the time is not far away when you will be (even more) stinky and huge and hairy and won't want to climb onto my lap or into my bed and stick to me like a barnacle... you measure distances by hand-holding... "will you still be able to hold my hand if you are all the way over there??... can you reach my hand still to hold, mom??" ...so!! I just have to try hard to be present and remember all of these times... when you wake up and tell me "The sandman hit me in the face with a whole bag of sand last night" as you rub your eyes and join me for our coffee klatch.
Happy year ahead! xoxoxoxoxox

LJH, Five months

2011-09-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

large and in charge... squawking, eating, rolling, army scooting, almost sitting alone... already.

more scenes from pdx

2011-09-08T05:43:00.000-07:00

fancy feet

2011-09-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

Joe and Sara tie the knot

2011-09-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

A gorgeous wedding weekend for Joe and Sara in the filbert orchards of Oregon. Stefanie and Jordan were sorely missed but are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new neice or nephew. We tried to celebrate extra in their honor...

let us have a moment of silence for NanaB's cookie bar. It was insane. There is no bakery in the land to offer as many varietals of homespun goodness (nor sarajoe takeout boxes). yum.

laffs around the house

2011-09-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

such a slimeball
the pjs are Leo's. um....
thunder down undah

Beach days with the Graves

2011-09-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

Lucky us, we got to hang at the beach two different weekends with Jenna and Marshall.

and of course I am loving reliving all of the vintage Uncle Joe pieces with Leo... hello sunsuit!

Heit portrait

2011-09-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

by Mita-Brooke and the kids

Leo was 4 months old..

2011-09-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

now that school is starting and the summer seems to be quieting down.. I will catch up! July 28, Leo James weighing in at a husky 15lb 8oz and got the go-ahead for solid foods, even though Nana has been sneaking him bananas (and filet mignon, no doubt) for who knows how long ;) Obviously, the thighs don't lie... this guy is tons of fun.

Scenes from the move, 2011

2011-08-16T07:24:00.001-07:00

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Bones bros

2011-08-16T07:14:00.001-07:00

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Summer field trip

2011-08-12T11:05:00.001-07:00

Some procrastination while we were supposed to be packing up..

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Location:Children's museum

Cap'n chunk

2011-08-12T10:54:00.001-07:00

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Fourth by the sea.. In the rearview

2011-08-12T09:02:00.001-07:00

Patriotic camp-out with the Roses.. Baby's first Fourth and the first one in a few years spent entirely on the sand in the sun

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Location:Cardiff by the sea

Weeo

2011-07-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

'rocking' the uncle joe finger sucking technique.

Nana B and Big Poppi

2011-07-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

and the grandsons.

surf practice

2011-07-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

the future of our beach safety

2011-07-08T15:19:00.000-07:00

the junior lifeguards summer 2011...Emma toting brownies, in case anyone needs a treat.

Swim

2011-07-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

Campbell has a renewed love of swimming (after a traumatic swim school last year and a summer with no sun/ swimming.. ) he's been in the ocean, on the surfboard and loving his new swim school at the Y... and LOOOOVVVING his (loose) speedos and his robe (thanks, NanaB). Evidently all little "pikes" got the memo about garish printed terry robes as de rigeur for apres lessons attire.

3 months old

2011-07-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

The thunder thighs keep a' rolling and our "little" brother is really starting to smile and laugh at us. As we cross the quarter-year mark, we are realizing just what an easy baby he is. Goes with the flow and loves everything (from tv to the beach) that J and C do.

Oh, Baby DeVries!

2011-07-03T07:31:00.001-07:00

customized burp cloths brought by all of her friends
Leo's last time in the heirloom basinette! Already outgrown!
The best 'mother's helpers' Emma and Jbird

We are so excited to meet our new baby cousin, due to share (close to) a birthday with Campbell. Awesome to have Nana B down to help shower Stefanie and spend the afternoon with her sweet friends.

Fair!

2011-07-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

Campbell loved his trip to the SD county fair with his brother, auntie Julia and yours truly. I need to dig up the pic of Jbird riding this "same" pony when she was 3.

Ranch time.

2011-07-01T16:20:00.001-07:00

Leo's first visit with Shelby, Anthony, the dogs, mustang, donkey, pig, goats and Gator. Everyone loves a trip out to the ranch.

Father's day

2011-06-29T19:16:00.001-07:00

School's out bowling party!

2011-06-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

Looks like we need a couple more bowling jerseys in the family! Happy 4th grade and first-time-preschool end of year, J and C!

June!

2011-06-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

our favorite baggage

2011-06-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

matchy-matchy

2011-06-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

California!

2011-06-10T13:39:00.001-07:00

biggest little fan.. slept through everything.

The big 4th grade California history play, (I guess it's as much a part of 4th grade in California schools as learning the Oregon trail/ Lewis and Clark is in Oregon schools) .. J was able to wear the most awesome headdress and super cool outfit for her role as a Gabrielino Indian... Great songs and dancing! Truly cannot believe the year is almost over!

Palm Springs

2011-06-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

We love the desert...so close, yet a great getaway. Fun spent with Justin's siblings to celebrate Jeremy's bday.

The world's biggest dinos..

What's not to love about desert life? Leo was chillin' all weekend long..
Kelly won the fight with Julia to get a photo here.. ha.

busted out the hampster wheel! lots of laffs!

Jbird and her brothers.

2011-06-03T08:59:00.001-07:00

Announcing Leo.

2011-06-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

The Heits; ages 10, 3.5 and 1mo.

2011-06-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

Leo's 2 months, already!?

2011-06-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

r

I don't know where mid-April to the end of May went. My memories are fuzzy and I feel like I'm still in a fog... someone slow down time, please. I love the leg-rolls, by the way... official weigh-in at 2 month check up was 12lb 3 oz. Little chub.

backyard camping

2011-06-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

Jbird got invited on a camping trip... Campbell was so bummed that she was gone, Justin kicked off Memorial day weekend by pitching a tent (after looking up on youtube how to set it up) and spending the night in the Prism Drive outback.

more Leo

2011-06-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

he changes daily to me. everyday a little more alert, interacting.. realizing when he's been stuck in the swing with the neon fish mobile for one to many rotations..

"Hi guys!!"

2011-06-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

Probably the friendliest, huggiest friend we know, Finn.

sleepin in the rain

2011-06-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

All of the Heit kids sleep super in Portland... tempted to get humidifiers and rain music for each of them.. although I'm sure it wouldn't work here.

Firsts and lasts

2011-06-01T13:49:00.001-07:00

Leo loved being the ladies' man here at the quick get together with Katie, Nancy, Molly and Liz's ladies... we just had to get a photo. Missing are big brothers Owen, Kyle and Campbell and big sister Jbird. (L-R) Rey (4mo), Olivia (1yr), Ella (6), Leo (6weeks), Ruby (6mo), Lily (5) and Kate (4mo)

First time meeting Leo's great grandpa Benz before he joined two of his other great grandfathers in heaven.

First time at Nana B and Big Poppi's house..where he loved sleeping all night long and hanging out with his aunties and uncle as well as copious baths from Big P.

Leo's first plane ride to Portland.. he loved it, of course.

big man on campus

2011-05-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

couldn't be more opposite his brother. I already don't know where my newborn went... well, he reminds me at 2am....

Wide load

2011-05-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

Watch out! Our crew has doubled over the past year and you can't miss us hiking our (pre-happy-hour) hills with the Greens. If this beast doesn't kick me back into shape...

Woodbury University Graduate!

2011-05-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of Julia, the latest college grad. So exciting and emotional to see the caps and gowns and realize they're all official, jobless grown-ups now.. and to think, the next graduate in the family will be Jadyn? Is that right?? wow!! time is flying.

"Happy, Happy Mudder's Day"

2011-05-11T10:59:00.000-07:00

Campbell has joined right in at the Village Preschool in Nana's class and lucky me, I got to attend the Mother's Day Tea. They sang their songs (which, if he didn't know the words he hums them super loudly... however, he happens to have learned them all pretty quickly... oh, my little glee kid) and made us all tear up with "Thanks for being my mom".. This is as good as it got as far as 'dress up handsome' on that morning.. he ripped off two different selections that he wasn't into.. what have I done?? ugh!

on the playground, telling all of the 'guys' to, "BACK OFF MY BRUDDER"

long lost sister/ auntie/ wife

2011-05-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Jenna and Marshall. We miss you living nearby!

Go fly a..

2011-05-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

LJH, One month old

2011-05-04T06:29:00.000-07:00

And his very own fur rug for the monthly pix. No official weight, (8lb at two weeks) but Leo is eager to run around with the big guys, and is chunking right up. Everyone is settling into life with Leo, and he's growing right before our eyes. We all think he looks like a combo of Jbird and Campbell, and little brother's eyes definitely light up when he hears either of their voices.

awe, old man.

Easter!

2011-05-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

Poor documentation on our part.. but suffice to say, every egg found by Campbell was like the first... so exciting...lots of birthday / baby's first Easter fun was had (of course dress shirt was shed as soon as we got to Townzie's house... and Campbell never really knows when he might need to skate, thus helmet whilst hunting??)...and Grandma Mickie's bunny hat was rediscovered for Weeo.

baking bunny

2011-05-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

J baked her first batch of (the famous) Nana B sugar cookies all by herself this Easter... she even colored the dough green and pink, just like the Williams Sonoma deco kit (thanks, Aunt Terry). They were extremely edible... good job, Bird!

proud big brother

2011-05-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

Campbell's eggs

2011-05-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

costco

2011-05-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

strawberries as big as baby's face...photo orchestrated by Campbell

Birthday by the sea

2011-05-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Kudos to Dad for spending the night in a tent while Jbird, cousin Kaia and BF Emma spent the night in the trailer by the sea for her big 10th bday weekend. Obvi, the weather was awesome, and everyone had a great time celebrating with monster bunny pinata, surfer cake from VGs, good waves and great company.