Glass Blowing

A big thank you to Great Aunt Kathy! Her and Ray watched Samantha on Saturday so Josh and I could have some kid free fun. We had a class scheduled to blow glass at the "new" glass studio in Tigard. We had done a glass fusion class there a few months back and did not enjoy the experience, but knew this was something we really wanted to do and got a great deal where it was free for one of us. Josh surprised me a few years ago with a glass blowing deal at the coast where I did it for the first time and loved it. This time we both got to try it. Our instructor, Jeff, was great and really helpful at explaining everything, helping out, but not being too hands on. We really got to do most of it ourselves with his guidance. We made one float for our house and one for my dad and step-mom since they gave us a gift card last fall. I created the one for our house since the other one had more intricate steps with the colors which included the use of a blow torch. Josh got to use the torch and I was just fine not doing so on mine! Just 3 days later we picked up our pieces and go to see what we created. They look so different when you're making them since they're being created at a range of 900-2400 degrees... when the glass cools its almost a completely different color. We love them both!

After the class we headed out for a drink at Thirsty Lion and then off to dinner before heading back to find Samantha cuddling with Kathy. She was worn out from her day at the Orlaske home with their gator and dog she slept in Sunday morning, and mom and dad enjoyed the extra quiet!

Finished Projects (The pictures aren't the best and don't do them justice!)

The one Josh made, mostly yellow with some metallic and greens

 The one I made, shocking blues and little greens

Consignment Fun!

Spring is here (according to the calendar, not the weather map last week) and with that comes the first of two yearly consignment sales in Hillsboro from Pass It On Sales. It's great fun and Lacey and I have sort of made it tradition to meet up and shop together. It's great since the kids are just 6 months apart and the sales are 6 months apart we're not really looking at the same stuff at the same time, and Sam is so much bigger than Keira anyway clothes don't really matter! Kaye also met up with us and Sam got some fun toys for Grandma and Grandpa Baldwin's house.
I of course wasn't looking for anything specific this time around since we were past all the baby gear stuff and really didn't need anything. Which then leaves the door wide open for the fun stuff that I found. There's a reason Josh doesn't go with me. I first went on Thursday morning one hour after they opened, and after an hour of shopping and an hour and 10 minutes in line we finally checked out. Then of course Sunday a lot of items are marked half price so Dan, Lacey, & I went back. I got way more clothes on Sunday, partly because they were so cheap, but also because there were less to fight through so they were easier to find with so much already sold.

Needless to say, Sam got some great stuff and should be good as the weather gets warmer. I even had to rearrange to make more room in her closet for her ever expanding wardrobe...

Very big dollhouse, probably 4 1/2 ft tall... at least.

Elevator in the dollhouse

Hopefully we can get her to wear her shoes this summer

New dresses

Waking up to see her new dollhouse

Finally getting to play with it

Bogue Family Reunion

A few weeks ago Pat's side of the family had the first family reunion in who knows how long. It was to the point where no one there knew everyone. It was great to see so much family. I was the official/unofficial photographer for the event and got to meet a lot of really great people.

Love this shot of Grandpa and Uncle Phil. Uncle Phil made me take another one, but I prefer this one.

Recreating a photo from more than 50 years ago... I'm guessing on time there.

Adding in spouses and Grandpa & Uncle Phil

The whole family! Glad I had the remote for the camera

Don was in charge of ice cream. I think he did a great job. Who needs 2 gallons of vanilla when you can have a dozen Ben and Jerry's?!

Wayne

It was one year ago this month that the world lost a great man and our family lost a great father, father-in-law, and grandfather. I think about Wayne every day, without even trying. I miss him more than words can say and wish we all had more time with him. He was the kind of person that touched your life without you even knowing it... and especially without him knowing it! Haha. I couldn't imagine a better father-in-law and I'm glad I got to know him and feel his love, I definitely did. I'm glad I have some of the best parts of him living in my home in Josh and Samantha.

On March 7th, the one year anniversary of his death Josh and I wanted to go to his grave site after work. We wanted to bring something for him, but flowers just didn't sound right... not from us. Josh had the brilliant idea of bring sawdust. Luckily my office is in a warehouse with a shop and I have great co-workers who got me a cupful of sawdust. Samantha and I met Josh there and as we paid our respects we sprinkled his headstone in a way we think he would have appreciated.

Samantha

Samantha sure is growing up fast! I know I haven't posted anything for a while so here's a few pics from the last few weeks.

She got this turtle at Christmas and her feet wouldn't touch the floor... now she's ready to rock and roll.

Oh Roman, you're so funny

Photos with Raina

Last weekend my cousin Raina came over to take some photos of Samantha and us, to build her portfolio as she becomes a great photographer. We started with just Sam by herself but that didn't last long as the bubble gun noise freaked her out and she would not sit by herself from that moment on. We're going to be doing photos about every 2 months with Raina to watch her grow. We're excited to have some family photos since I usually do all her photography, I'm often not in many shots. Thanks Raina! Here is a preview of the shoot. We're excited to see the rest.