Hawaii-- October 2011

Shortly after Luke came back from St. Louis, we went on a family vacation to Hawaii, The Big Island. The picture below was taken just before we went on a submarine ride. I love this picture because it encapsulates just how Luke was on the trip-- moody and anti-social.

But we still had a great time. How can you not have a great time in Hawaii? The island spirit just gets into your soul and even as we were leaving we were planning and scheming to go back again.

We went to attend a wedding, and we were lucky enough to stay at a beautiful resort, The Fairmont Orchid. We spent most of our time in the pool with the bride and groom and their families.

Luke loves to swim and got really brave at the end, trying to swim without a life vest. He doesn't even mind when he goes under and takes in water.

But most of the time he spent in the same life vest,
just in case he needed to jump in the water again.

Lounging by the pool with Dad on our last day.

The resort also had a beautiful swimming bay, but we didn't spend any time in the ocean. Luke didn't like the salt water and didn't seem to have any interest in going in.

The wedding was gorgeous, the kind of setting you would see in a movie.
Here is Luke waiting for the ceremony to start.

Walking on the beach at night with Dad.

Checking out the souvenir program we got on our submarine ride.

Any time you go to Hawaii is a special time, and we can't wait to go back.
Although Luke was a challenge, now that it's over we have lots of family memories to carry us through until the next time.

Luke in St. Louis

Luke has been in St. Louis for the past two weeks, making memories with Grandma and Grandpa Siorek. Daddy is bringing him home today. Here are a ton of photos from his trip of some of the fun things he did.

The weather in St. Louis was great, so Luke got to spend
time outside playing in the dirt.

Sometimes he painted outside, too.

When it was warm enough, he went swimming.

He tended to pumpkins.

He slept in a biiiig bed.

Sometimes with Miss Kitty.

And he ate.

He played with Uncle Andy's dog, Perry.

And loved spending time with Uncle Mark.

Bowling was a big hit. We'll have to try that one in Portland this winter.

We'll need some indoor activities.

And he even wore a baseball hat, something he refuses to do at home.

One day, Luke and Grandpa took a train ride, just for fun.

He also played the electric guitar.

Slugger

Luke suddenly got pretty good at hitting a totball from the tee. Call in the scouts!

Busy Labor Day Weekend

September in Oregon this year has been great so far. We got a nice stretch of the hot, sunny weather we were missing in the early part of the summer.

On the Friday of Labor Day weekend Luke was off of pre-school, so we hung out in Lake Oswego for an hour before going to get his haircut in West Linn. The town of Lake Oswego is beautiful and dotted with sculptures. Luke had a great time finding and exploring the sculptures.

Then on Saturday we went to a vintage British race car show at the Portland International Raceway. It was great! Luke loved the races, even though it was super loud and he made us put our hands over his ears.

So many beautiful cars on display.

We spent at least an hour watching slot car races. Huge hit. I was glad Luke did not want to try this year. He would have gotten too frustrated and cried.

Hanging out by the starting line, watching the cars line up for the slalom.

Then on Sunday we went to a birthday party in a park.
Luke's friend Henry from day care was having a pirate party!

Waiting for turns to hit the pinata.