Santa Cruz with the Hunters

Mia and I picked Dan up from work on Friday and headed to the beach for a weekend getaway. We were lucky enough to have the Hunters join us on Saturday. Although it was overcast and a little chilly, we went down to the beach so the kids could play in the sand. As always, Mia and Dylan had a great time playing together. After dinner, Mia laughed hysterically as she chased Dylan around the family room...they are so cute together! We were very excited to get our first look at the new beach house! The old house has been torn down and the lot is being leveled...very exciting!!

Mia's New Milestones

For the past 6 weeks, Mia has been scooting around the house and she is getting quicker by the day! She has also started to scoot up onto us if we are lying on the ground playing with her. Yesterday, Mia surprised us by standing up on her knees and then pulling herself up to stand next to the ottoman! Luckily, I happened to be holding my camera at the time. Look at the photos below to see the series of events! Today, we took a trip to Babies R Us to invest in a baby gate for the bottom of the stairs. We have totally put off getting a baby gate because they are a hassle and an eyesore, but after seeing Mia start climbing the stairs today, it is now a must!

Oregon

Early Friday morning, we flew to Oregon to visit "The Thomas Five" of Portland. Along with Doc and Gram, the three of us had a wonderfully short and easy flight to Portland, especially when compared to the last flights we took to visit them when we flew halfway around the world to their home in Singapore! We were so excited to spend time with Roger, Mika, Ellie, Nisa, and Maile! In keeping with her tradition of giving Mia nicknames, Nisa's name for Mia this weekend was "Fuzzy Head"...so far that one has stuck pretty well! After we arrived on Friday, we headed to Mt. Angel for the big Oktoberfest celebration. Mia was lucky enough to be able to borrow an Oktoberfest dress so she was definitely in proper attire! We had a great time eating sausage with sauerkraut and drinking German beers while listening to the Polka bands. Mia was politely asked to leave the festivities at 9pm as no one under 21 years of age are allowed after that time. Unfortunatly, Mommy and Mia had to leave, but Dan was able to stay with Doc and Roger until closing! On Sunday, we were honored to serve as Maile's Godparents as she was baptised. The ceremony was really nice and Mai Mai did a great job! Mia was lucky enough to have Doc hold her and take her for walks during the service...thanks Doc!!
We were very sad to leave on Monday, especially when seeing Nisa's face at the airport when she dropped us off. Although we will see them again at Thanksgiving, we agree with Nisa when she sadly stated, "Thanksgiving is too many weeks away!" We can't wait for Thanksgiving!
Thanks Roger, Mika, and Girls for the great hospitality!